Breast Implant Associated Complications

There 3.3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States who have undergone breast implants augmentation surgery. Worldwide, more than 10 million are living with breast implants. In recent years, many complications have been attributed to these implants.

Some women experience implant illness, for which symptoms may include chronic fatigue and other symptoms associated with an autoimmune disease. Other women may have implants that develop a rate type of T-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma around the breast implant. As of 2019, 656 cases of this rare type of lymphoma have been reported, but the actual numbers are believed to be higher. Additionally, 17 deaths have been associated with this condition. In March 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration held a meeting specifically to address the rising concern for breast implant associated complications.

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A gift to the Breast Implant Associated Complication Fund will support research associated with breast implant complications at the IU School of Medicine

Research on Breast Implant Complication

A.) Breast implant isolated from patient in IU clinic. B.) Capsules surrounding the implant. C.) Bacterial biofilm in capsules of implant

Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine are investigating breast implant complications. Most of the scientific literature is focused on the implant material. Although Silicone - the material used in implants - has been proven to be safe in multiple studies. Thus, research on other confounding factors related to breast implant is required to address the emerging complications of augmentations.

With physician partnerships through the community, IU School of Medicine researchers are investigating the role bacterial infection as an underlying cause of problem associated with breast implants. the goal of the research is to devise ways to make the existing silicone-based implants safer and provide increased quality of life of breast cancer survivors and women with cosmetic surgeries.

If breast implant complications are not addressed, they could lead to restrictions on implant based surgeries nationwide. Without access to breast implants augmentation, many cancer survivors would not fell they have returned to a full, complete life when they return to health.