Breast Implant Illness (BIl)

The level of discomfort after implant removal varies depending on the technique used, particularly whether a full capsulectomy is performed. Patients commonly experience soreness, tightness, and swelling in the chest area during the first few days. If drains are placed, there may also be mild discomfort associated with them. Pain is manageable with prescribed medication and tends to improve steadily within the first week.

This process often involves more detailed follow-up than a standard cosmetic procedure due to the nature of symptoms and surgical complexity. It begins with your initial consultation, followed by a pre-operative visit to finalize your plan. After surgery, multiple follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, manage drains if necessary, and assess your progress. Some patients may require additional check-ins depending on their recovery or symptom history.

Changes in breast size and contour are immediately noticeable after implant removal; however, the final aesthetic result develops over time. Swelling and tissue adjustment can temporarily affect the appearance in the early weeks. If a lift or fat transfer is performed, those results will also evolve gradually. Most patients see a clearer picture of their outcome within one to two months, with continued refinement over three to six months.

In cases related to BII, symptom improvement timelines can vary significantly from patient to patient.

Travel recommendations depend on the extent of your procedure and whether drains are in place. For simpler removals, short-distance travel may be possible within about a week. Flights and longer trips should generally be postponed for at least one to two weeks to reduce the risk of complications. Patients with drains may need to delay travel slightly longer.

As with any surgical procedure, implant removal and capsulectomy carry potential risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, fluid accumulation, and changes in breast contour. More complex procedures, such as en bloc capsulectomy, may involve additional considerations depending on the capsule’s thickness and location. There may also be aesthetic changes following implant removal, such as loss of volume or skin laxity.

While there is still great debate in the scientific community about breast implant illness and the potential relation of reported symptoms to the breast implants themselves, a large number of women have recently been speaking out on social media regarding their belief that they suffer from the condition. If you are suffering from unexplained symptoms that you believe are associated with breast implants, please contact our practice.

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, commonly referred to as BIA-ALCL, is an extremely rare type of cancer that researchers have discovered may have a possible association with particular kinds of breast implants. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer—it is actually a cancer of the immune system. When detected in early stages, the chances of being cured may increase dramatically if the implants and the surrounding capsule are removed.

Although it is still a very rare phenomenon, most of those afflicted with BIA-ALCL seem to be individuals who had textured, silicone implants; however, it is still possible that it could occur in a smaller percentage of patients with smooth, silicone implants or even saline breast implants.

Whether or not you are considering breast implant removal, it is always vital to ensure you receive the recommended number of mammograms and check-ups, and to perform routine self-examinations so that any swelling, lumps, pain, breast asymmetry, or other irregularities can be quickly examined and identified.

Please view this BIA-ALCL Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and feel free to contact our practice with any additional questions you may have.