Breast Implant-Associated Immunological Disorders

May 2022 in “ Journal of immunology research ”

Lily Suh, Imran Khan, Christine Kelley-Patteson, Ganesh Mohan, Aladdin H. Hassanein, Mithun Sinha

hair loss autoimmune symptoms Sjogren's syndrome rheumatoid arthritis silicone bacterial biofilm

TLDR Breast implants are linked to autoimmune symptoms, with over half of patients feeling better after removal, but the exact cause is unclear and may involve bacterial biofilm.

Breast implant illness (BII) is a systemic complication that manifests with autoimmune symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, and depression, and is associated with breast implants used in post-cancer reconstruction, cosmetic augmentation, and gender-affirming surgery. A literature review of epidemiological studies from 2010 to 2020 has shown an association between breast implants and autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Over 50% of patients experienced symptom relief after implant removal, suggesting a link between implants and BII. However, silicone, a common implant material, is biologically inert and not likely the direct cause of these symptoms, as similar risks were observed with other types of implants. Recent studies suggest bacterial biofilm might play a role in BII, indicating a need for further research to understand the pathophysiology and develop treatments beyond implant removal. This research has implications for a range of implantable biomaterials, not just breast implants.

View this study on downloads.hindawi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community Pattern hair loss could be due to gut bacteria

48 upvotes 4 years ago

Feeding bacteria-free mice with Lactobacillus murinus worsened hair loss, but a regular diet with biotin stopped it. The conversation suggests gut bacteria and diet may influence hair loss, with some skepticism and discussion about other factors like DHT and genetics.

community WOMEN on Spironolactone - experiences?

6 upvotes 9 years ago

Hair loss treatments discussed: Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, and Spironolactone. Woman with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata shares experience using Spironolactone.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community I’m 14 years old and I’m losing more hair than my dad. I’ve gone to the doctor 2 times because of this and I’ve received no help. I’m starting to feel like It’s worthless and my hairs gonna look like this forever. I don’t know how anyone could help me but it’s always worth a shot.

in Treatment 4 years ago

A 14 year old who is experiencing hair loss and has not received any help from the doctor, with advice being given to try different doctors, get tested for underlying conditions and intolerances, buzz it short as an option and treatments that could slow down or reverse the hair loss such as minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841 and addressing the cause of the hair loss.

community Just found out I am Vitamin D deficient

in Treatment 58 upvotes 3 years ago

A user found out they are vitamin D deficient and was prescribed high-dose vitamin D supplements, asking if others had similar experiences and if it improved their hair. Some shared improved mood and testosterone levels after treatment, while another combined vitamin D supplements with finasteride due to family history of baldness.

community The Worst Hair Loss Condition You (MAY) have: LPP

in Research/Science 43 upvotes 3 months ago

Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is an autoimmune condition causing permanent hair loss and fibrosis, often misdiagnosed. Treatments include pioglitazone, topical corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medication, and Jak inhibitors.