Long-Term Pain After Silicone Breast Implant and Capsule Removal: Causes and Functional Medicine Approaches

Abstract Silicone breast implants have become increasingly popular for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. However, some individuals experience persistent musculoskeletal pain after implant placement and subsequent removal. This article explores the potential causes of long-term pain associated with silicone breast implants and discusses successful functional medicine approaches for managing these symptoms.

Introduction Breast implant illness (BII) refers to a collection of symptoms that may occur after breast implant surgery. While not yet officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, BII is gaining attention within the medical community. Symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and skin rashes1. The exact cause remains unclear, but potential factors include autoimmune or inflammatory responses to the implant materials or surgical procedures¹.

Causes of Long-Term Pain

1. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Responses: Some researchers suspect that BII may result from an autoimmune or inflammatory reaction to components of the breast implant, such as silicone¹. Immune markers in women with breast implants have shown alterations in T-helper/T-suppressor ratios, decreased natural killer cell activity, and antibodies to tissue proteins².
2. Biofilm Infection: Bacteria can grow on the implant surface, leading to chronic infection and inflammation¹. Capsule formation around the implant may exacerbate this process.
3. Silicone Hypersensitivity: Silicone breast implants have been associated with local and systemic reactions. Silicone-induced symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, are collectively referred to as BII².

Functional Medicine Approaches

1. Nutrition and Gut Health:
   – Anti-inflammatory nutrition can support optimal immune function and detoxification.
   – Address food sensitivities and optimize gut health to reduce inflammation.
2. Detoxification:
   – Infrared saunas and hyperbaric oxygen chambers can aid toxin removal.
   – Heat, exercise, and sweating help mobilize stored toxins³.
3. Supplements and Herbs:
   – Consult with a healthcare provider before implant removal.
   – Consider supplements that support detoxification and immune function.
   – CellCore Biotoxin Binder is one of the gentle binders that can be used².
4. Lifestyle Modifications:
   – Engage in moderate exercise to improve circulation and lymphatic flow.
   – Spend time outdoors for fresh air and sunlight.
5. Functional Medicine Testing:
   – Assess nutrient status, inflammation, autoimmune reactions, and hormone levels.
   – Tailor testing based on individual cases².
   – Functional testing YOU can order:
   1. Gut Study: The Gut Zoomer assesses bacteria, yeast, viruses, and parasites in the gut microbiome, alongside relevant digestive and inflammatory markers. The panel measures hundreds of species of microbes at once, providing the most comprehensive digestive health test on the market.  
   2. Total Toxicity Burden, includes mycotoxin (mold) testing: This test measures the levels of 20 heavy metals, 31 mycotoxins, and 39 environmental toxins present in your body. Knowing your total toxin burden is the first step to removing those toxins and feeling better.
   3. Neural Zoomer Plus: The Neural Zoomer Plus measures immune reactivity to structures, tissues, cells, and chemicals in the brain and peripheral nervous system. This test can detect underlying inflammatory responses that may be causing symptoms related to mood, memory, aging, balance, nervous function, movement, pain, and more.
   4. Autoimmunity Testing: Discover the subtle connections within your body and assess your disease risk for autoimmunity.

In Conclusion 

While the exact cause of long-term pain after silicone breast implant and capsule removal remains elusive, functional medicine offers promising strategies for symptom management. A comprehensive approach that considers nutrition, detoxification, and individualized testing can help improve the quality of life for affected individuals

Are you ready to address the actual cause of your symptoms and
stop taking a bunch of drugs that only offer side effects?

Then I want to encourage you to schedule an introductory call with us…

Source(s):

1. Link¹: Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Breast Implant Illness (BII): What It Is, Symptoms & Treatment.
2.  Link ²: Rupa Health. (2022). A Functional Medicine Approach to Breast Implant Illness: BII. 
3. Link ³: Breast Implant Illness. (n.d.). Detoxification.