Can Breast Implant Illness Be Cured Without Explant Surgery?

Breast implant illness (BII), marked by a variety of symptoms thought to be associated with breast implants, presents a multifaceted hurdle for individuals aiming to find a remedy without resorting to the removal of the implants. The wide range of symptoms experienced by patients underscores the intricate nature of the challenge, necessitating a holistic approach to addressing these concerns while retaining the implants in place.

This episode aims to shed light on the intricate and often puzzling world of symptoms associated with breast implants, and whether there's a possibility of finding relief without opting for explantation surgery. This is to equip more people with the insights necessary to make well-informed choices concerning their health and overall wellness.

Can breast implant illness be cured without explantation?

Breast implant illness is characterized by a range of symptoms thought to stem from breast implants, creating a complicated dilemma for individuals looking for a remedy without undergoing explantation surgery. Delving deeper, it becomes evident that if the implant substantially fuels inflammation within the body, efforts to mitigate persistent inflammation without removing the implant are likely to prove ineffective. And so, the short answer is no; breast implant illness cannot be cured without explant surgery.

Regardless of the type of implant (hip, knee, breast, dental, cardiac, neurologic), if it serves as a stimulus to the immune system, complete resolution of chronic inflammation symptoms is unlikely without explant surgery. There are discussions regarding different approaches to explant surgery, such as on-block capsule ectomy, partial capsulectomy, or total capsulectomy.

However, caution is exercised to avoid creating new problems for the patient, especially concerning lymphoma associated with breast implants, which has a low incidence. The approach to surgery depends on factors like capsule thickness, patient history, and implant placement.

Chronic inflammation in surgical implants

Drawing upon my extensive experience in the realm of plastic surgery, I have performed numerous explant surgeries, allowing me to accumulate a wealth of knowledge and expertise in this field. This includes a substantial number of oncologic procedures, further enhancing my grasp of the intricacies involved.

In fact, my focus during explant surgeries is on thoroughly removing all materials. This focus stems from a dedication to minimizing the likelihood of any potential immune responses that might arise post-surgery, ensuring the best possible outcome for each patient.

One significant thing I found from our study was that about 30% of cases showed a bacterial biofilm, specifically Cutibacterium acnes, present in various areas of the body. The presence of biofilm in implants, regardless of the type, highlights the potential for chronic inflammation. In such cases, complete resolution of chronic inflammation requires the removal of the implant, reinforcing that chronic inflammation won't be fully resolved if the implant remains, irrespective of its type.

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