Breast Implant Illness

Breast implant illness (BII) is a complex condition that presents differently in every patient. While uncommon, it can seriously impact your quality of life after breast augmentation surgery, creating whole-body symptoms that affect your overall well-being.

What Is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness refers to a collection of symptoms that can be traced back to your breast implants. No two patients experience BII the same way, and research on this condition is incredibly limited. Dr. Teitelbaum is committed to ensuring that patients dealing with BII feel heard and supported during treatment.

Everyone’s health journey is unique, and navigating potential implant-related issues demands careful consideration of science and compassionate patient care. With Dr. Teitelbaum, you’ll have a thorough evaluation and receive a customized treatment plan to address your exact symptoms.

Common Symptoms to Monitor

While every patient’s combination of symptoms is unique, many BII patients report the following symptoms:

Persistent fatigue and low energy
Brain fog or memory challenges
Joint or muscle pain
Skin rashes or unexplained irritation
Changes in hair or nail health
Mood disturbances, such as anxiety or depression

It’s important to note that many of these symptoms overlap with other medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases. Receiving a thorough, purposeful consultation from Dr. Teitelbaum is the key to determining the root cause of your symptoms.

How to Know If You Have Breast Implant Illness

There is no single definitive test for BII. Instead, diagnosis involves a careful, targeted exclusion of related conditions. Tests such as blood panels, imaging studies, and physical exams can help rule out potential autoimmune or hormonal conditions and identify key inflammatory markers.

You may consider being evaluated for breast implant illness if you experience the following:

Development of unexplained or unusual symptoms after breast augmentation surgery
Persistent symptoms despite at-home remedies or over-the-counter medications
Changes in overall health after receiving breast implants

Careful evaluation by a licensed physician, like Dr. Teitelbaum, is required to properly diagnose breast implant illness.

Why Choose Dr. Teitelbaum?

Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine, has devoted his career to advancing the field of plastic surgery, protecting patient well-being, and educating colleagues worldwide. By combining evidence-backed surgical principles with open communication, he helps ensure that each patient’s health, comfort, and peace of mind remain the highest priorities when treating BII.

An Elite Education

Dr. Teitelbaum received his doctorate from the UCLA School of Medicine and completed his residency at Harvard University, earning him two board certifications in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. Since opening his private practice in 1995, he has given lectures on five continents and has completed breast implant research with the FDA. As a past President of the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, he’s demonstrated leadership in aesthetic surgery and an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, earning him a reputation for excellence. He’s published his research in peer-reviewed journals like Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, cementing his status as a preeminent plastic surgeon worldwide.

A Patient-First Philosophy

At his private practice, Dr. Teitelbaum works with a long-term, licensed team, including a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist. He holds his team to the highest safety and quality standards in the industry and operates in his own accredited surgical center. There, the focus is on delivering beautiful, natural-looking results that align with your unique features, sidestepping unnecessary procedures, trendy treatments, and gimmicks.

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Your Private Consultation

Your BII treatment journey will begin with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Teitelbaum at his Los Angeles office. There, you’ll discuss your symptoms and review your medical history, and Dr. Teitelbaum will complete a physical examination and order relevant testing to help confirm your diagnosis. He’ll take the time to listen to all of your concerns and will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your body’s needs.

How Dr. Teitelbaum Treats Breast Implant Illness

Because BII has such a broad range of symptoms, treatment depends on each patient’s situation and health status. Dr. Teitelbaum combines medical evaluations, lifestyle and nutritional support, and implant removal or replacement to treat patients. Most often, patients treat their breast implant illness by fully removing their implants, then adjusting their diet and exercise routines to support their overall wellness. When treating BII, Dr. Teitelbaum’s philosophy centers on patient well-being, transparency, and personalized care. His approach is built on the following four pillars:

Evidence-Based Insight: He draws on the most up-to-date research to guide clinical recommendations and select tests to rule out other unrelated conditions.
Individualized Evaluations: Your consultation will be tailored to your needs, focusing on your medical history, symptoms, and goals before deciding the best path forward.
Surgical Expertise: Whether you opt for implant replacement or removal, your surgery will be performed by Dr. Teitelbaum, ensuring a precise, balanced, and natural-looking result that feels like you.
Ongoing Support: Because BII is such a complex condition, you’ll receive comprehensive follow-up care to monitor your progress, address questions, and support your long-term recovery.

Gentle, Patient-Driven Recovery

Treatment for breast implant illness typically involves either replacing or totally removing your existing implants. After this procedure, patients typically experience minor swelling, tenderness, or tightness along the breasts, which should resolve within one week. You’ll likely be able to resume light movement, including walking and desk work, within a few days, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities for up to two months to allow your tissues to heal.

Many women report a gradual improvement in their symptoms after removing their implants, though outcomes do vary. Every patient is different, and ongoing medical support from Dr. Teitelbaum and his team is necessary to further treat BII. You’ll return to his Los Angeles office several times over the coming months for additional testing and physical examinations to address your symptoms and track your progress.

Breast Implant Illness FAQs

Does removing implants always relieve BII symptoms?

No. Some patients report relief after implant removal, while others do not experience any change in their symptoms until well after their surgery. Dr. Teitelbaum will work with you through your recovery to determine the best course of action for your body.

Can I replace my implants if I have BII?

Yes. Implant replacement is possible with BII, but it will depend on your individual circumstances, health condition, and preferences. Dr. Teitelbaum will discuss the potential benefits and risks during your consultation so you’re fully informed and confident in your decision.

How soon after a breast augmentation can BII develop?

Breast implant illness can develop at any point after receiving implants, and many patients do not report symptoms until years after their surgery. Dr. Teitelbaum emphasizes thorough medical evaluations, including a complete health and surgical history, to help determine when implants may contribute to new or lingering health issues.

Do certain implant materials or textures pose a higher risk of BII?

Research on this topic is still evolving, and there is currently no definitive consensus on whether silicone, saline, smooth, or textured implants pose a higher risk of BII. Dr. Teitelbaum stays current with ongoing research and will pass all relevant information to you during your consultation.

References

Magnusson et al., 2021. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum
Roberts et al., 2022. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
FDA, 2020. Breast Implants - Certain Labeling Recommendations to Improve Patient Communication
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2021. Breast Implant Illness and BIA-ALCL: Emerging Information
NBIR (2021). National Breast Implant Registry Annual Report

Schedule Your Consultation to Treat Breast Implant Illness

When you’re not feeling your best, you deserve answers. Contact Dr. Teitelbaum’s Los Angeles office today to learn more about breast implant illness treatment, including implant removals, and schedule a confidential consultation.