Breast Implant Illness
by
Kathie Gonzales, ARNP-BC
Breast augmentation continues to
be one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. despite
its history of controversy. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported
313,000 women underwent breast augmentation surgery in 2018, with 88 percent
being silicone implants and 12 percent saline implants, both being enclosed in
a silicone capsule. Since 1964 there have been claims by women that their
implants have made them systemically ill and reports of autoimmune diseases.
In 1988 the FDA’s Advisory
Panel was made aware of possible risks related to breast implants,
including contractures, leakage, immune disorders and cancer. Studies over a 20-year-period
of surveillance of women with breast implants documented autoimmune or connective
tissue disorders in 22 percent and an increase in Sjogren’s syndrome, multiple
sclerosis and sarcoidosis in 60 percent of women.
Treatment for breast implant illness
starts with finding an experienced surgeon who will perform a full en bloc
explant and capsulectomy. After the surgery, drains will need to be in place
for up to 14 days to remove fluids from the surgical site. The second most
important thing is to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet for at least six
months post-explant. Remove all white, wheat and sweet foods, which means
eating only organic whole foods and drinking lots of alkaline water to help the
body heal. For detox, it’s important that the gut is in good working order, having
two good bowel movements per day. Consider a coffee enema weekly to help
stimulate thorough evacuation and liver detox. Glutathione also provides a
great liver cleanse. Methyl B12 facilitates MTHFR methylation detox pathways.
If illness or autoimmune symptoms
persist, a thorough cleaning of the blood with biophotonic IV therapy and
ozone can be used. This treatment also provides the additional benefit of
immune modulation.
St.
Petersburg Health & Wellness offers both biophotonic IV therapy and ozone. Located
at 2100 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg. For more information, call 727-202-6807.