Breast implant illness

Breast implant illness is a term used to describe various symptoms or diseases that people with breast implants have experienced. In some cases, the symptoms may affect more than 1 area of the body (known as systemic symptoms).

There have also been reports of autoimmune diseases, which is when the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells, tissues or organs. There have been published reports of diseases in people with breast implants since the early 1980s.

Examples of symptoms reported by people with breast implants include:

• fatigue
• joint pain or stiffness
• problems with memory or concentration

Examples of autoimmune diseases reported by people with breast implants include:

• rheumatoid arthritis
  • inflammation, swelling, pain and stiffness in joints
• Sjogren's syndrome
  • dry mouth and eyes
• Hashimoto's disease
  • drowsiness, weight gain, muscle weakness

As summarized in the Summary Safety Review, Health Canada received 530 reports of symptoms or diseases experienced by people with breast implants (breast implant illness). About 1 report of breast implant illness has been received for every 1,200 breast implants sold in Canada.

People reported experiencing the following (in order from most to least reported):

• fatigue
• mood changes
• cognitive changes
  • brain fog, memory problems
• gastrointestinal symptoms
  • bloating, irritable bowel
• headaches
• joint pain or stiffness
• chronic infection or illness
• muscle pain or weakness and abnormal skin sensations
  • tingling, prickling, numbness
• autoimmune diseases
• sleep disturbance
• hair loss
• inflammation
• cardiac symptoms
  • chest discomfort, heart palpitations

The symptoms or diseases were reported in people with all types of breast implants regardless of:

• implant size
• implant shape
• fill type (silicone or saline) or
• surface texture type (smooth, micro-textured or macro-textured)

The symptoms and diseases experienced by people with breast implants can have an impact on their overall health and well-being.

Many reports included more than 1 symptom or disease. However, based on information available in the reports and scientific literature, it's not possible to determine whether breast implants cause the various symptoms and diseases. This is partly because the various symptoms and diseases can be caused by a wide range of factors that are unrelated to breast implants. Examples of factors include a person's medical history or environment.

Some people have reported that their symptoms or diseases have improved after their breast implants were removed. However, it's not recommended that people with breast implants have them removed to prevent the possible development of breast implant illness. There are risks associated with surgery to remove or replace breast implants. People should discuss the risks and benefits of implant removal with their health care provider if they have concerns.

The labelling for all breast implants sold in Canada includes a checklist for people who are considering breast implants. The checklist has information on symptoms and diseases that a person with breast implants may experience.

Learn more about breast implant illness:

• Summary Safety Review

What you should do

If you're considering breast implants or have breast implants, our recommendations remain the same.

• If you're considering breast implants:
  • Get information about the risks and benefits of breast implants.
  • Discuss the risks and benefits with a health care provider.
• If you have breast implants:
  • Check your breasts regularly for any unusual changes.
  • Discuss any signs or symptoms with your health care provider.

If you're a health care provider:

• Report problems or adverse effects of breast implants.

Related links

• Breast implants: Things to consider