Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that some individuals experience after receiving breast implants—whether for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
While not yet officially recognized as a medical diagnosis by all conventional standards, thousands of women report similar experiences, and functional medicine practitioners take these concerns seriously.
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
BII is a collection of symptoms that can appear months—or even years—after implant surgery. These symptoms can affect multiple systems in the body and often include:
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Joint and muscle pain
- Anxiety or depression
- Hair loss
- Digestive issues
- Chronic inflammation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Autoimmune-like symptoms
- Skin rashes or sensitivities
Many people with BII feel dismissed or told their symptoms are “in their head.” Functional medicine approaches this differently—your experience is valid, and there’s a reason your body is reacting this way.
How Functional Medicine Views BII
From a functional medicine perspective, breast implants may act as a chronic immune trigger. Whether due to the materials used (silicone, saline, or heavy metals), biofilm formation, or the body’s immune response to a foreign object, implants can contribute to:
- Systemic inflammation
- Immune system dysregulation
- Toxic burden
- Hormonal imbalances
- Gut permeability (“leaky gut”)
Each person’s response is unique, but when the body perceives implants as a long-term stressor, it can disrupt multiple systems over time.
The Functional Medicine Approach to BII
We focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of your symptoms—not just managing them. This might involve:
- Comprehensive Testing
- Inflammation and immune markers
- Hormone and adrenal panels
- Gut health analysis
- Heavy metal and toxin screening
- Detox + Drainage Support
If explant surgery is planned (or already done), we help support the body’s detox pathways before and after:
- Liver, lymph, and kidney support
- Binders and antioxidants
- Nutritional and mitochondrial repair
- Restoring Balance
We work to rebalance the body through:
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition
- Hormone and gut healing protocols
- Nervous system support
- Supplementation tailored to your needs
