Breast implants in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery: Studies on self-reported health complaints and quality of life

Breast implant surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures by plastic surgeons worldwide. Breast implants are used for both cosmetic breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Questions about the safety of silicone breast implants have existed since they were first used. Some women report general physical complaints, such as fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain and cognitive complaints, which they relate to the implants. This pattern of complaints, also known as breast implant illness (BII), has received considerable media attention. This dissertation aimed to provide scientific evidence surrounding this topic so that plastic surgeons can provide their patients with appropriate information. Several studies examined how often these physical complaints occur in women with breast implants, what factors influence the development of these complaints and what the effect of removing the implants is. Furthermore, the complaints and quality of life in women with breast reconstruction were investigated.