Although rare, a small percentage of implant patients experience breast implant illness. For those going through this illness, it can be a debilitating and scary time – but it doesn’t have to be! If you believe you're experiencing breast implant illness in Nashville, our expert plastic surgeon Dr. Michael R. Burgdorf can help.

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Why Choose Music City Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Burgdorf is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon who understands that breast surgery is not only a technical procedure demanding the utmost precision and artistry, but it is also an emotional journey that requires support and compassion. In fact, Dr. Burgdorf is a four-time winner of the country’s Most Compassionate Doctors award on Vitals.com, a nationally recognized medical website. His calm, gentle bedside manner instantly sets patients at ease, and he believes in empowering patients with education and knowledge so that they might be full, active partners in curating their unique treatment plan. Dr. Burgdorf cares deeply that each patient is made to feel comfortable, safe, and valued throughout their transformation. For this reason, he never rushes but gives each individual his full attention, answering both asked and unasked questions in depth. For those who have been disappointed with their care or results in the past, Dr. Burgdorf and his friendly team at Music City Plastic Surgery are truly a breath of fresh air.

What is Breast Implant Illness?

While breast implants have been used safely and successfully for decades and complications are rare, a small group of patients may experience a collection of symptoms known as Breast Implant Illness, or BII. Symptoms of BII include headaches, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, cognitive impairment, insomnia, rashes, and depression or anxiety. These symptoms are considered an autoimmune response to foreign entities in the body.

Treatment for BII

Dr. Burgdorf will take his time to get to the root of the issues concerning your implants. First, he will investigate the condition of your implants, checking for ruptures, leakage, and signs of capsular contracture, or hardening of the scar tissue surrounding the implants. Dr. Burgdorf can perform implant removal, which in some cases has been shown to provide patients experiencing BII with much-needed relief. Once the implants are removed, patients are faced with aesthetic issues that need to be addressed. Dr. Burgdorf can perform the following to ensure a final result that is balanced, symmetrical, elegant, and aesthetically pleasing.

Breast lift

A breast lift (mastopexy) can help elevate sagging breasts, removing excess tissue and repositioning the nipple in a more advantageous and youthful-looking position. After implant removal, breast lift surgery helps to restore a natural appearance to the chest, maximizing self-confidence.

Fat transfer

After implant removal, fat transfer can help create a more natural look, adding subtle volume using only the patient’s autologous fat cells. The fat is harvested via liposuction from another area, typically the stomach, thighs, hips, or flanks. Once the fat has been sterilized and purified, it is strategically injected into the chest for rounder, more shapely breasts.

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Undergoing a Capsulectomy

When the scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens (capsular contracture), a capsulectomy may be required to remove all or portions of the implant capsule. Capsulectomy is also performed to address implant complications such as BII and BIA-ALCL. There are several types of capsulectomies, outlined below.

Total 

A total capsulectomy involves the removal of the capsule material after the implant has been extracted. Dr. Burgdorf dissects the capsule surface and then painstakingly removes the rest of the pocket, making sure no material is left behind.

Partial 

With a partial capsulectomy, the implant is extracted, and then only a portion of the pocket is removed. The remaining sections of the capsule are left behind to be naturally reabsorbed by the body over time. This is the least invasive approach to capsulectomy.

En bloc 

During an en bloc capsulectomy, the implants and the surrounding capsule are removed as a single unit, allowing the surgeon to minimize symptoms of BII and restore quality of life. While this approach is the most technical and demanding, Dr. Burgdorf effortlessly excels at it, delivering lasting relief.

What is breast implant illness?

What is breast implant illness?

Dr. Michael Burgdorf was recently quoted in The Week magazine talking about Breast Implant Illness.

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Concerned About Breast Implant Illness in Nashville, TN? Contact Our Office

Come experience Music City Plastic Surgery and receive the compassionate care you deserve. Whichever procedure you choose, Dr. Burgdorf will accompany you along the journey. Discover the Dr. Burgdorf difference and get ready for an unparalleled plastic surgery experience! You can schedule your consultation with Dr. Burgdorf today by calling 1-615-205-5155.

You may also click here to schedule your in-person or virtual consultation. During your consultation, Dr. Burgdorf will take the time to listen to your needs, answer all your questions regarding your unique aesthetic goals, and ensure that you are comfortable and confident with your treatment plan. We look forward to meeting you!

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Is Explant Surgery Necessary? We Listen. Let’s Discuss.

If you are experiencing issues with your breast implants, please don’t delay in seeking help. Instead, contact our award-winning team today for an in-depth evaluation. Learn the risks and benefits of explant surgery, the difference between en bloc capsulectomy and total capsulectomy, and the latest research on BII from a compassionate surgeon who understands. Let’s make an informed decision together.

For your convenience, we have put together this simple quiz to help determine if you could be suffering from Breast Implant Illness. Take the quiz below and a member of our team will reach out to you to discuss your options and how we can help.

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