Dr. Christopher Hess Talks with NBC4 About Breast Implant Illness

Washington NBC4 recently covered the growing number of women who report experiencing inflammatory symptoms they associate with their breast implants—also known as Breast Implant Illness (BII). They asked Dr. Hess to weigh in on the condition as well as options for breast implant removal (explantation surgery).

Dr. Hess understands how frustrating it can be to experience health issues without knowing the cause and has helped many women with BII concerns.

If you are experiencing unexplained symptoms you believe may be tied to your breast implants, your first course of action is to alert your primary care physician. Breast implant illness is difficult to directly diagnose (short of removing your implants as a test), but your doctor can run diagnostic tests to rule out illnesses with similar symptoms. The process requires patience, but it is worthwhile if you want to avoid surgery or enjoy the shape your implants provide and hope to keep them.

As long as you choose an experienced plastic surgeon who confirms explantation can be safely performed, breast implant removal is a viable option and your personal choice.

Some women simply prefer to have their implants removed when dealing with health issues—regardless of the root cause—while others seek explantation because their implants no longer suit their lifestyle. Ultimately, the choice is yours. As long as you choose an experienced plastic surgeon, explantation can be safely performed, and you understand what to expect along the way, breast implant removal is a viable option.

As a board certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in breast implant removal surgery, Dr. Hess’s primary concern is your safety and happiness. He is available to discuss your breast implant removal options during a private consultation at his plastic surgery practice in Fairfax, VA. Please contact us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation.