Can Breast Implants Make You Sick?

In her recent Guardian article published on October 23, 2024, "Can Breast Implants Make You Sick?" Adrienne Matei explores the painful journey of Britney Pollock, a woman who once felt empowered by her implants but soon faced a mysterious cascade of health issues. From joint pain and migraines to intense brain fog and rashes, Pollock’s story sheds light on what’s often referred to by patients as Breast Implant Illness (BII) – a condition that’s lacking formal recognition from much of the medical community.

Pollock’s experience echoes what many with BII describe: a seemingly random collection of symptoms that come and go, leaving them grappling for answers. Specialists have different theories, from immune reactions to silicone and low-grade bacterial infections to heavy metals in the implants themselves. One doctor cited in The Guardian piece, highlights that implants can trigger “chronic, low-level inflammation” – the kind that wears you down but is easy for doctors to overlook.

While some find relief through explant surgery, as Pollock did, it’s not always an instant fix, and symptoms can linger. For Pollock, removing her implants brought physical and mental relief, even though some symptoms persist. Her journey underlines the urgency for more research and awareness about BII and its impact.

Matei’s article makes one thing clear: BII isn’t just about physical symptoms; it’s about patients feeling unseen and dismissed by the very system they turned to for answers.

At Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA), we believe in listening to patients in their search for better health, and pressing for change in the medical community's response to systemic symptoms experienced by breast implant patients.

Read Adrienne Matei’s full article in The Guardian.

Have you experienced these symptoms with breast implants? We want to hear from you. Share your breast implant story with us. #breastimplantstories

Recommended Reading

What All Women Should Know About Breast Implants
FDA: What to Know About Breast Implants
FDA: Medical Device Reports for Systemic Symptoms in Women with Breast Implants
Breast Implant Safety Alerts & Updates
Breast Implant Iatrogenics: Challenging the Safety Narrative

Disclaimer: The information provided by the Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. BISA encourages all patients to consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personal medical guidance, diagnosis, and treatment options specific to their health concerns.


About Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA)

The Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) is the largest organization of board-certified patient advocates and subject matter experts in the world dedicated to patient and consumer safety relating to breast implants. Representing the millions of individuals worldwide that currently have, had, or are considering breast implants, the alliance is a non-industry funded leading authority dedicated to providing balanced, evidence-based information for informed decision making about breast implant surgery and related issues. Founded in 2019 by women, BISA is a grassroots nonprofit organization led by volunteers who do not receive a salary for their work. 

Contact: Maria Gmitro, President | maria@bisanonprofit.org

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