- In 2019, the FDA heard from dozens of women describing physical symptoms they experienced after getting breast implants. On October 27, 2021, the FDA released new guidelines for plastic surgeons regarding breast implant illness (“BII”). Surgeons are required to disclose the risks of breast implants to their patients.
- As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Dave Lee at PURE Cosmetic Center follows the FDA’s guidelines on best practices for breast implants and offers treatment options for patients who suffer from BII symptoms. The safety of our patients is at the core of PURE Cosmetic Center, and your well-being is of the utmost importance to Dr. Lee. If you are worried that you might be suffering from BII, call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee today.
FDA releases new guidelines on Breast Implant Illness
Your safety and well-being is our most important goal
Your privacy and confidentiality are of the utmost importance to us at PURE Cosmetic Center.
Many of our high-profile patients prefer to be private with their cosmetic procedures and prefer that their photographs not be placed online. At your consultation, you will be shown photographs of patients who have given us permission to display their before and after pictures.
What is Breast Implant Illness?
Wide range of symptoms that can be debilitating
Breast Implant Illness refers to a wide range of symptoms that develop after getting implants. Some patients may notice symptoms soon after surgery, while others do not experience any symptoms for years after receiving their implants. Although the vast majority of patients in Chelmsford do very well after breast implant surgery and experience no side effects, a small subset of patients may experience the following symptoms:
- Chronic fatigue and headaches
- Difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
- Trouble sleeping
- Depression and anxiety
- Persistent joint and muscle pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Digestive issues
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Hair loss
- Skin rashes
What causes BII?
What we know so far
While much progress has been made in understanding the negative effects of BII, more research is still needed. Experts have yet to make a strong causal connection as to the causes of BII. The prevailing theory is that it is an “autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome,” where the immune system is reacting to the implants.
AM I AT RISK
FOR BII?
FDA identifies high-risk groups. The new checklist from the FDA identifies groups of patients who are at a higher risk for developing BII after surgery. This includes breast cancer patients who have had or plan to have chemotherapy or radiation. Additionally, patients with diabetes or lupus are also at a higher risk of developing BII. The FDA warns that patients with active infections and women who are pregnant or are nursing should not undergo breast implant surgery. Smokers are also advised not to undergo surgery.
Do you think you might have Breast Implant Illness?
Don’t suffer in silence. If you suspect you have BII, don’t wait any longer to schedule a consultation at PURE Cosmetic Center, as symptoms of BII can be misunderstood. During your consultation regarding breast implant illness in Chelmsford, Dr. David Lee will review your medical history and develop a surgical plan with your specific needs in mind to give you results that feel and look good.
What are the treatment options for BII?
You can only look your best if you feel your best
Many patients report alleviation of symptoms following breast implant removal. While this treatment is not a guarantee that symptoms will go away, it is the most common treatment for persistent BII symptoms. PURE Cosmetic Center offers different procedures to help you feel better while preserving the look you want, even after the implants are removed.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
During this procedure, Dr. Lee removes your implant and scar tissue together, preventing any leakage from the implants into the body.
En Bloc with Fat Grafting
Fat Grafting is quickly becoming an alternative for many who still want to maintain volume after the implants are gone. This combination surgery uses liposuction to remove fat from a donor location on your body, processes the fat, and uses it to replace the volume lost from the implant removal. Fat Grafting cannot replace the entire volume of the implant, but it can create beautiful, symmetrical breasts with more volume than en bloc capsulectomy alone.
En Bloc with Breast Lift
After removing the breast implant, Dr. Lee will reshape the breast tissue and skin with a breast lift. This procedure will give you a lifted look, ensuring that your breasts are symmetrical and in a more youthful position. This can be helpful to correct sagging or ptotic breasts where the nipples are pointed towards the ground.
En Bloc with Breast Lift and Fat Grafting
The main reasons for getting breast implants are usually to increase volume and prevent sagging. Using a combination of both a breast lift and fat grafting, Dr. Lee can add shape, firmness, and size to your breasts. While implants typically have to be replaced every 10-15 years, this combination procedure uses your body’s own natural tissues and will be less likely to require revisional surgeries over the long term.
Schedule your Chelmsford Breast Implant Illness consultation with Dr. Lee today
Dr. Lee is a strong believer that you can only look your best when you feel your best.
If you suspect you are suffering from breast implant illness or are concerned that you might be at risk, contact PURE Cosmetic Center today to schedule your consultation. Dr. Lee and his team will answer all of your questions and develop a surgical plan to alleviate your symptoms while achieving the aesthetic results that you want.
REQUEST YOUR CONSULTATION
Your beauty is a symphony. Don’t trust it to anyone less than a true performer and a master at his craft. Chelmsford plastic surgeon, Dr. Dave Lee brings the virtuosity of a concert pianist and the artistry of a renowned plastic surgeon to each procedure. Schedule a consultation today to discover why patients across New England are singing the praises of Dr. Lee and his staff at PURE Cosmetic Center.
(978) 800-1680
15 Village Square Chelmsford, MA 01824