Breast Implant Illness: A Deep Dive into the Emerging Science & Herbal Support Options
By Roy Work
Why I Chose to Write This Blog
The idea for this article came unexpectedly during a conversation at my store. The other afternoon, a customer walked in and asked if I had ever heard of Breast Implant Illness, or BII. At the time, I hadn’t. She began to explain the condition, the symptoms, and the growing concern among women experiencing unexplained health issues after receiving breast implants. As I listened, my mind immediately connected it to something I was more familiar with — concerns surrounding certain chemical coatings used on cookware, such as non-stick frying pans, and their potential long-term health effects. Both involve foreign materials introduced into the body or environment, and both raise important questions about how these substances may affect long-term health. That conversation sparked my interest to dig deeper, review the science, and provide an educational resource for others who may be asking the same questions.
Over recent years, a growing number of women have reported debilitating symptoms they associate with their silicone breast implants. This collection of symptoms is often called Breast Implant Illness (BII). While not yet fully recognized as a formal medical diagnosis, scientific research, patient advocacy, and evolving medical awareness have brought increased attention to this complex issue. As an herbal practitioner and educator, I believe it is important to explore the facts, acknowledge emerging science, and offer wellness strategies that support the body's natural healing processes.
What Is Breast Implant Illness (BII)? Breast Implant Illness refers to a group of systemic symptoms that may occur after receiving breast implants, especially silicone gel-filled implants. Women often report these symptoms developing months or even years after implantation.
Common Symptoms Include:
Severe fatigue
Brain fog and cognitive difficulties
Muscle and joint pain
Anxiety, depression, and mood disturbances
Sleep disruption
Digestive complaints (bloating, nausea, IBS-like symptoms)
Skin rashes and sensitivity
Hair loss
Dry eyes and dry mouth
Hormonal imbalances
Autoimmune symptoms such as thyroid dysfunction
Because symptoms are broad and overlap with other conditions, many women experience difficulty receiving a proper diagnosis.
The Emerging Science: What May Cause BII? While research is ongoing, scientists have identified several biological mechanisms that may explain why some individuals react negatively to breast implants:
Silicone Gel Bleed & Leakage Even when implants are intact, microscopic silicone particles can diffuse ("gel bleed") through the implant shell and migrate to surrounding tissue and lymph nodes.
Immune System Activation & Autoimmunity Silicone may act as an adjuvant — a substance that can stimulate the immune system — potentially leading to chronic inflammation, autoimmune-like syndromes, or what some researchers call Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA).
Chronic Biofilm Infections Some studies have found low-grade bacterial biofilms forming on implant surfaces. These hidden infections may trigger chronic immune reactions and systemic symptoms.
Heavy Metal Exposure Platinum and other metals are used during the manufacturing of implants. Trace amounts may migrate into the body over time, contributing to toxicity concerns.
The FDA's Position: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has publicly acknowledged that some women experience systemic symptoms related to breast implants. In 2020, the FDA strengthened its warnings and now requires manufacturers to provide detailed patient information that includes potential systemic symptoms such as:
Fatigue
Joint pain
Cognitive issues
Anxiety and depression
In some women, removal of implants (explant surgery) has led to significant symptom improvement.
Medical Evaluation & Second Opinions: Where Should Concerned Patients Start? Because BII involves multiple body systems, patients should consider a multi-disciplinary approach:
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons Seek surgeons experienced in explant procedures, especially those who perform total capsulectomy or en bloc removal. These are typically members of:
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
The Aesthetic Society
Not all plastic surgeons recognize BII. Multiple consultations may be needed.
Rheumatologists: To evaluate for autoimmune markers or inflammatory conditions that may overlap with BII symptoms.
Endocrinologists: To assess thyroid, adrenal, and hormonal function, which may be impacted.
Environmental Medicine Specialists: To test for heavy metals, chemical exposure, or detoxification impairments.
Functional or Integrative Medicine Physicians: To coordinate whole-body assessments, gut health, and nutritional deficiencies.
Legal and Liability Considerations Insurance Coverage:
Explant surgery is not always covered by insurance.
Coverage is more likely if rupture, capsular contracture, or documented complications are present.
Patients should secure surgical and implant records for insurance and medical purposes.
Legal Cases:
Lawsuits related to breast implant complications have been filed in recent years.
The FDA issued “boxed” warnings in October 2021 requiring stronger patient disclosures prior to implantation.
Here’s a condensed version of the warning:
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices.
The risk of complications increases over time.
Risks include implant rupture, capsular contracture, pain, infection, scarring, and systemic symptoms.
Some patients report developing autoimmune-like symptoms.
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) may occur.
Removal may become necessary.
Medical Device Records:
Patients are strongly encouraged to request:
Implant manufacturer
Lot number and serial number
Implant type (saline or silicone)
Surgical notes
Advocacy Resources:
FDA Breast Implant Information Center
Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA)
National Center for Health Research (NCHR)
Herbal Support Options: As an herbalist, my role is not to treat, cure, or diagnose illness. Instead, I focus on supporting natural body systems that may become overburdened during chronic inflammation or detoxification.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any herbal protocol.
Lymphatic Support Herbs
Cleavers (Galium aparine)
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Burdock Root (Arctium lappa)
Liver & Detoxification Support
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) — best absorbed when combined with black pepper.
Immune Modulation & Inflammation Balance
Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Turkey Tail Mushroom (Trametes versicolor)
Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus)
Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)
Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris)
Nervous System & Cognitive Support
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)
Gut & Digestive Support
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)
Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Probiotics
A Final Note on Healing Recovery from Breast Implant Illness is often described by patients as a journey, not an event.
Some report significant improvement within months of explant.
Others may take longer due to underlying autoimmune activation or toxic load.
Herbal support works best when combined with lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, and medical supervision.
Final Thoughts
Breast Implant Illness remains a complex and evolving subject that deserves careful attention, ongoing research, and compassionate care. While not every woman with implants will experience these symptoms, the growing body of science highlights the importance of fully informed decisions and access to supportive care options.
At Morning Song Orchard & Nursery, our goal is never to diagnose or replace medical advice, but rather to provide trusted education and natural wellness support that works in partnership with your healthcare providers. As always, we encourage open dialogue, research-based understanding, and individualized care as the best path forward for long-term health.
References
Cohen Tervaert JW, Kappel RM. Silicone implant incompatibility syndrome (SIIS): a frequent cause of breast implant illness (BII). Immunol Res. 2020;68(4):312–320.
FDA Breast Implants - Gel Bleed. U.S. Food & Drug Administration, 2020.
Watad A, Rosenberg V, Tiosano S, et al. Silicone breast implants and the risk of autoimmune/rheumatic disorders: a real-world analysis. Int J Epidemiol. 2018;47(6):1846-1854.
Tamboto H, Vickery K, Deva AK. The role of biofilm in breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Pathology. 2017;49(6):695-704.
Lykissa ED, Maharaj SV. Total platinum concentration and platinum oxidation states in body fluids, tissue, and explants from women exposed to silicone and saline breast implants by IC-ICPMS. Anal Chem. 2006;78(9):2925-2933.
FDA Medical Device Safety Communication. Breast Implants: Information for Patients, 2020.
Colaris MJL, de Boer M, van der Hulst RRWJ, Cohen Tervaert JW. Two hundred cases of ASIA syndrome following silicone implants: a comparative study of 30 explants. Immunol Res. 2017;65(1):120-128.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/
The Aesthetic Society: https://www.theaestheticsociety.org/
Shoenfeld Y, Agmon-Levin N. 'ASIA'–Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants. J Autoimmun. 2011;36(1):4-8.
Bloomberg Law. J&J, Allergan Hit With First Suits Over Breast Implant Illness. 2019.
National Center for Health Research. Breast Implant Illness: Research and Patient Resources. https://www.center4research.org/
