The Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Findings Consistent With a Breast Implant Associated–Somatic Symptom Disorder (BIA-SSD)

Plastic surgeons are in a unique position to identify self-reported BII patients with signs of BIA-SSD and offer help in navigating treatment options. In addition to providing information to patients about somatic symptoms and breast implants, surgeons should refer patients for a medical workup to rule out medical causes of symptoms. For patients with symptoms and a desire to maintain breast implants, referral to a qualified mental health professional trained in SSD therapy may be beneficial. For patients desiring removal of their implants for BII symptoms, explantation with the most conservative possible procedure is recommended.