Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Conveniently located to serve Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tucson
What Is It?
There has been a lot of information and speculation in the regular media and on social media about what’s being called “Breast Implant Illness” While silicone gel and saline implants have been in use and studied extensively for over 50 years, it is extremely difficult to prove that a device doesn’t cause “anything”. Millions of women have had breast augmentation without significant issues, but it makes sense that a certain number of women might not do well with foreign objects in their bodies, especially over decades of life. There is a current effort to try to study this more thoroughly, but so far there are so many different symptoms that can be vague and difficult to confirm with any known lab tests. That many of the symptoms overlap those that are common to many women without implants (fatigue, weight issues, sleep issues, joint issues), makes it even more difficult to isolate a cause.
What Can Be Done?
Many women are concerned or frightened about their implants due to Breast Implant Illness. Dr. White’s office recognizes the serious nature of this condition, and we offer implant removal services. We obviously can’t promise a cure, but often removal can help these symptoms. It certainly can help women to at least stop wondering if their implants are contributing to their health problems. While total “en bloc” capsulectomies (removal of the scar tissue around every implant) has not been studied as to its effectiveness or even necessity, Dr. White is happy to do this as long as it can be done safely. Capsules in front of the muscle are usually relatively easy to dissect off of the muscle, while capsules behind the muscle can be very thin and densely adherent to the underlying ribs. It can be likened to removing wallpaper. Capsules behind the muscle can also extend well into the armpit, where extremely important nerves, blood vessels and lymphatics are located. Dr. White will discuss with you your concerns and goals in your implant removal surgery. If the patient has saline implants with transparent filmy capsules, you might elect to leave the capsule after discussing the risks and benefits, as we know from going back into breasts with deflated saline implants that the capsule shrinks way down on its own and is gradually resorbed. With an older ruptured gel implant, the capsule likely contains gel and is more important to remove. Again, this is something Dr. White will discuss with you after looking at your particular situation and desires.
The Breast Implant Removal Process
Breast implant removal will start with administration of anesthesia. Incisions will be made once the anesthesia has taken effect. The incisions used will typically be the same ones utilized for the primary breast augmentation.
Next, the breast implants will be carefully removed through the incisions. This may also include removal of the scar-tissue capsules, depending on the requirements of the patient.
Once the procedure is complete, the incisions will be closed using sutures. Small drains may be inserted to help carry out excess fluid.
Click HERE to learn more about breast implant removal/exchange.
Recovery After Breast Implant Illness
The recovery process from BII after removing the breast implants varies from patient to patient. The healing process for each patient depends on factors like the symptoms that were displayed and the patient’s physiology.
A post-surgical follow-up appointment will be scheduled so that Dr. White can evaluate the results of the procedure. This will be an opportunity to discuss the ways in which symptoms have improved.
How Much Does Treatment Cost?
The cost of breast implant removal to treat BII will depend on the exact techniques used to achieve the goals of the patient. Factors like anesthesia fees and total surgical time may also affect price.
Set Up Your Appointment
To find out more about treatment options for breast implant illness (BII) in Scottsdale, contact the office of Dr. Deborah White. Schedule your consultation today to get started.
Testimonial
Your Breast Implant Illness (BII) procedure will be performed in Dr. White’s surgery center located in Scottsdale, AZ, just outside of Phoenix and Tucson