A Case Report on Breast Implant Illness

Abstract

In this case report, we discuss the case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with an unusual complaint of a chronic cough associated with pleuritic chest pain of 15 years following a saline-filled breast implant surgery. Initially, these were minimally abated by acid reflux medications. However, her cough worsened despite other interventions.In the work-up to determine the etiology of her complaints, the most common causes of a chronic cough were considered. The history ruled out post-nasal drip, and pulmonary function tests excluded asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), although she had a family history. An IgE allergy panel and an Aspergillus antibody test were also normal. However, an esophagram revealed a significant finding of mild to moderate Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Ultimately, the subsequent removal of the implants led to a dramatic resolution of her symptoms. It is worth noting that breast implants, like any other medical device, carry certain risks. Complications such as infections, implant rupture, capsular contracture, and changes in breast sensations are known risks associated with breast augmentation surgery.

Breast Augmentation Patient Satisfaction in an Appalachian Region

“…Despite the documented benefits, breast augmentation, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications. These can range from early post-operative issues such as hematoma and infection to late complications like capsular contracture and implant rupture [ 4 ]. Given the rising demand for breast augmentation and its associated risks, there has been a paradigm shift in plastic surgery research towards understanding patient perceptions, satisfaction, and quality of life outcomes following surgery [ 5 ].…”