Episode 40: What Are the Treatment Options for Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness continues to be a condition struggling for recognition within the medical community. While this condition entails various symptoms that can be as diverse as chronic fatigue, joint pain, cognitive issues, and even autoimmune reactions, making it a complex and often perplexing condition to diagnose and treat, the approach to treating breast implant illness has evolved significantly over the years.

In this episode, we delve into the treatment options for breast implant illness, exploring the journey from surgical removal to a more personalized and holistic approach aimed at addressing the root causes of this condition and restoring patients' health and well-being.

Genetic factors contributing to chronic inflammation in breast implant illness

In my experience, I began working with patients who had breast implant illness sometime around 2016. Surgery was then the primary treatment option for those with breast implant infections, which eventually evolved into what we now refer to as breast implant illness (BII). However, by 2023, our approach has transformed significantly as we have developed a holistic accelerated recovery program (HARP) that precedes surgery, and it is focused on identifying underlying factors outside of the implants that contribute to chronic inflammation.

I firmly believe that chronic inflammation is at the core of breast implant illness, as I have discussed in various interviews and on my show. That is why in our holistic accelerated recovery program, we consider each individual's genetics as certain genetic profiles can make them more prone to inflammation-related issues. Factors such as poor vitamin D metabolism, compromised methylation pathways, limited glutathione binding in the liver, and weak antioxidant pathways can all increase susceptibility to chronic inflammation.

Understanding this genetic basis helps us make sense of the diverse symptoms that patients present with, which often perplex healthcare providers unfamiliar with breast implant illness. It's not about categorizing it as a specific disease entity, but rather comprehending the genetic factors that lead to chronic inflammation and tailoring treatments accordingly. This personalized approach allows us to address the root causes and provide more effective care to individuals struggling with breast implant illness.

Reducing inflammation through diet and supplements

As an innovator in the cosmetic surgery field, my goal is to create products that offer the best possible outcomes and promote rapid health restoration for my patients. One vital aspect of this is actively addressing inflammation in our bodies and we can achieve this through a combination of dietary adjustments and supplementation.

I've developed a specialized inflammation support bundle that has been tremendously effective for my patients. To tackle the challenge of "pill fatigue" among my patients who find it impractical to take numerous daily pills for inflammation, I've incorporated liposomal versions of essential vitamins and minerals in the bundle. These liposomal supplements are designed for direct absorption in the mouth, eliminating the necessity for them to pass through the digestive system.

Addressing root causes through inflammation reduction for illness recovery

To identify the underlying factors contributing to a patient's condition, we examine various aspects of their life. This includes assessing their environmental exposures, dietary choices, air and water quality, and stress levels in both their work and home life. We also investigate their hormone metabolism and assess whether estrogen is causing toxicity.

Before surgery, we conduct thorough preoperative assessments in my clinic, employing functional and genetic testing. We address these factors by utilizing supplements designed to reduce inflammation, such as my Inflammatory Support Bundle. The ultimate goal is to reduce inflammation because it is at the core of most organ diseases. Whether it's kidney failure, liver disease, heart disease, or lung disease, chronic inflammation is a common denominator.

I often emphasize that you can't escape the consequences of a poor diet, and you can't choose your genetics. It's essential to understand your genetic predispositions and take proactive steps to control and minimize inflammatory triggers in your environment, your diet, and your overall lifestyle. By effectively reducing inflammation through various measures, you can create a more favorable environment for addressing symptomatic breast implant illness.

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