Breast implants have been marketed for decades as a safe and long-lasting cosmetic procedure. However, many women around the world report developing a cluster of chronic and often debilitating symptoms after receiving implants. This collection of symptoms has become known as Breast Implant Illness (BII).
Although BII is not yet formally recognised by all medical institutions, growing patient reports, clinical observations, and emerging research are bringing increasing attention to the condition.
Women across the world have shared their experiences online and through social media, describing how their health changed after receiving implants – often saying they have “never felt the same since.”
For some women, symptoms appear soon after surgery. For others, they develop many years later.
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast Implant Illness refers to a collection of symptoms experienced by some individuals after receiving breast implants.
These symptoms can affect multiple systems in the body including:
- Immune
- Neurological
- Hormonal
- Digestive
- Musculoskeletal
BII can develop with both saline and silicone implants. Symptoms may begin immediately after surgery or appear years later.
In many cases symptoms worsen when the body experiences additional stressors such as:
- Mould exposure
- Chronic stress
- Autoimmune conditions
- Heavy metal toxicity
- Viral reactivation (such as Epstein Barr Virus or CMV)
- Genetic vulnerabilities affecting detoxification
One proposed explanation is that any foreign object implanted into the body may trigger an immune response, leading to chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation in susceptible individuals.
How Is Breast Implant Illness Diagnosed?
Diagnosing BII can be challenging because the condition is not yet universally recognised within conventional medicine.
In many cases, diagnosis occurs through a process of exclusion, whereby other medical causes of symptoms are ruled out.
Investigations may include:
- MRI or ultrasound to assess implant integrity
- Blood tests for inflammatory markers
- Autoimmune screening
- Infection markers
- Full medical history and symptom review
Many women report a clear pattern in which their health declined after implant surgery.
Common Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
Symptoms vary widely but commonly include a combination of neurological, hormonal, immune and digestive issues.
Neurological symptoms
- Brain fog
- Headaches or migraines
- Tinnitus
- Memory problems
- Anxiety and depression
Systemic symptoms
- Chronic fatigue
- Insomnia
- Night sweats
- Heart palpitations
- Low libido
Hormonal issues
- PMS
- Painful periods
- Irregular cycles
- Oestrogen dominance
Skin & hair changes
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Perioral dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Rashes
Digestive issues
- IBS
- SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
- Bloating
- Food intolerances
- Leaky gut
Autoimmune & inflammatory conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Chronic viral reactivation (EBV or CMV)
- Connective tissue diseases
- Lyme-like symptoms
Biofilm and Chronic Inflammation
An emerging area of research into Breast Implant Illness involves examining impact of biofilm formation on implant surfaces.
Biofilms are protective layers created by bacteria that allow them to evade the immune system.
Bacteria commonly found in implant biofilms include:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Propionibacterium acnes
Once established, biofilms are extremely difficult to eliminate and may contribute to chronic immune activation. Biofilms can also be comprised of fungal species.
Signs that biofilm may be present include:
- Capsular contracture (hardening around the implant)
- Breast pain
- Changes in breast shape
- Chronic systemic inflammation
- Joint and muscle pain
- Cognitive issues
Biofilm infections are often only confirmed after implant removal when the capsule is swabbed during surgery.
Toxins Found in Breast Implants
All breast implants contain a silicone outer shell, even saline implants. Research has identified a variety of potentially toxic substances within implant shells.
Substances found in implants may include:
- Silicone rubber (polysiloxanes)
- Silica
- Tin and platinum
- Toluene
- Xylene
- Benzene
- Formaldehyde
- Ethyl acetate
- Cyclohexanone
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Some of these substances are known to be neurotoxic, endocrine-disrupting, and even carcinogenic.
In cases where implants rupture, silicone can migrate into surrounding tissues and lymph nodes.
Signs of Implant Rupture
Saline implant rupture
A rupture usually becomes obvious because the implant collapses. Signs may include:
- Changes in breast shape
- Loss of fullness
- Visible implant edges
- Rippling
Silicone implant rupture
Silicone ruptures may remain undetected for some time. Possible symptoms include:
- Breast pain
- Thickening or lumps
- Changes in breast shape
Surgeons often recommend revision surgery after 10–15 years. If rupture is suspected, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended.
Explanting
Some women decide to remove their implants through a procedure known as explant surgery. This decision can be complex and deeply personal.
Women may need to consider:
- Cosmetic concerns
- Cost
- Recovery time
- Whether symptoms will improve
For best outcomes, many surgeons recommend en bloc capsulectomy, where the implant and surrounding capsule are removed together. The decision to remove or retain implants is often a very difficult one to make and it should be respected by others.
How Naturopathy Can Support Women with Breast Implant Illness
Healing from Breast Implant Illness involves more than simply removing implants. And in fact, not all women decide to undergo explant surgery.
Many women have experienced years of immune activation, inflammation, and toxic burden. Naturopathic medicine focuses on supporting the body’s ability to restore balance and recover.
Support may include:
- Supporting liver detoxification pathways & methylation
- Reducing systemic inflammation
- Restoring gut health
- Rebalancing hormones
- Supporting immune function
- Replenishing key nutrients
- Providing nervous system support
Functional testing may be recommended for some patients to assess some aspects in more detail such as:
- Gut microbiome health
- Hormonal balance
- Heavy metal burden
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Genetic variations affecting detoxification
Can You Work With a Naturopath Before Explant Surgery?
Yes – Many women begin naturopathic care before implant removal to help prepare their body. This may help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve detoxification capacity
- Strengthen nutrient status
- Improve resilience before surgery
Naturopathic care can also support recovery after explant surgery.
And for women who wish to retain their implants, naturopathic care may focus on supporting various body systems to help reduce symptoms and improve future health outcomes.
Healing from Breast Implant Illness
Healing from Breast Implant Illness is a gradual process. Every woman’s experience is unique, and treatment should always be individualised.
With the right guidance and a whole-body approach, many women experience significant improvements in their health and wellbeing through naturopathic care.
Start Your Path Towards Better Health
If you are experiencing symptoms of Breast Implant Illness and would like to explore naturopathic treatment, I offer online consultations Australia-wide, or in-person consultations in Lennox Head NSW.