Seeking Relief: How Breast Explantation is Helping Women Reverse Chronic Health Issues

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., March 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A growing number of women – from A-list celebrities to your next-door neighbor – are undergoing surgical explant procedures to combat a constellation of chronic, often severe symptoms that have come to be known as Breast Implant Illness (BII).

The relief can be immediate, and life-changing.

"As awareness grows, more women are empowering themselves to make informed health decisions – which in many cases means explant surgery to address suffering from unexplained symptoms impacting their mental and physical well-being," said Dr. Kevin Brenner, noted Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. "It can be transformational."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month released an updated report on the safety of breast implants, adding to a growing body of medical and anecdotal discussion about the suspected linkage between a range of systemic symptoms associated with BII. These can include (but are not limited to) fatigue, issues with memory or concentration ("brain fog"), joint and muscle pain, inflammation, endocrine dysfunction, autoimmune phenomena, hair loss, fluctuations in weight, anxiety and depression.

With National Breast Implant Awareness Month in full swing, sharing news and critical information is front and center. Irrespective of filling, shape or surface characteristic, breast implants can trigger illness at any point – from immediately post-surgery to decades after a woman undergoes breast augmentation or reconstruction. 

What women need to know? When it comes to advocating for their own health, they have options.

"I've been astonished by the immediate relief experienced by patients following a Total Capsulectomy, a procedure that removes both the implant and surrounding scar tissue in one piece," said Dr. Brenner, who also hosts  Beyond the O.R.,"I have seen incredible rebounds from women who have in some cases struggled for years with mysterious, persistent and often debilitating health challenges."

The first step for women who suspect they might have Breast Implant Illness is to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon familiar with the condition. With the right expertise, explant surgery can offer compelling benefits – from a reduction of inflammatory conditions to improved immune function to the elimination of future health risks such as implant rupture.

"Let's talk real-life symptoms: hair falling out, brain fog, tingling fingers, joint pain--you name it, I had it. My integrative doctor suspected Breast Implant Illness (BII) and recommended removal. I hesitated, thinking, 'Isn't this just aging?' But Dr. Brenner gave me hope," said Vanda Watson, who underwent explant surgery last fall. "He doesn't even do implants anymore because he's seen too many problems. Not only did he remove my rock hard implants and capsules with precision, but … My scars? Beautifully neat. My healing? Smooth sailing. And the best part? My symptoms started melting away the moment I woke up".

Women's health advocates as well as plastic surgeons on the front lines are pushing for increased research and a formal medical diagnosis (with ICD-10 code). At the same time, a call has gone out to raise awareness among practitioners of all kinds: If your patient is struggling with a mix of unexplained symptoms, consider whether breast implants may be the root cause of their symptoms.

Further contacts are available below for those with questions or concerns, including about the management of women with Allergan's textured Biocell implants (which were removed from the market in 2019 due to a heightened risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, BIA-ALCL). The FDA has also reported concerns about rare cases of squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) and various other lymphomas in the scar tissue that forms around breast implants. To read the federal agency's full statement please use the link below:

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/update-reports-squamous-cell-carcinoma-scc-capsule-around-breast-implants-fda-safety-communication

ABOUT KEVIN BRENNER, M.D.
Dr. Kevin Brenner is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon giving him qualifications to deliver some of the most complex reconstructive procedures. His specialty lies in breast explant and breast lift surgery using his expertise to emphasize integrity, artistry, and the pursuit of healthy beauty. Since relinquishing his breast implant practice years ago, Dr. Brenner has shifted toward specializing in caring for women experiencing systemic symptoms from their breast implants becoming an internationally recognized surgeon and Breast Implant Illness specialist.

For more information about explant surgery and Breast Implant Illness, visit: https://www.kevinbrennermd.com/procedures/breast/breast-explant-surgery/

Contact Dr. Kevin Brenner: 
Tel: 310.777.5400 | Email: [email protected] |

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SOURCE Kevin Brenner MD