Breast Implant Illness (BII) refers to a collection of systemic symptoms that some patients report experiencing following breast augmentation with implants. These symptoms are not currently recognized as a formal medical diagnosis, but the topic has gained increasing attention in both patient communities and clinical discussions. The goal of this segment is to provide an evidence-based, balanced conversation about what is currently known, what remains under investigation, and how physicians are approaching patients who present with these concerns.
Selected Podcast
EP 1,280B - Surgeon Explains Breast Implant Illness: What Women Need to Know!
Featured Speaker:
Dr. Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS
Dr. Andrew T. Cohen is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of surgical experience in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, breast, and body. As one of Los Angeles’ most trusted names in plastic surgery, Dr. Cohen is known for his meticulous technique, natural results, and compassionate, patient-centered approach.
A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Cohen has earned a national reputation for surgical excellence and academic leadership. He twice formerly served as Clinical Chief and Attending Surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, one of the nation’s premier centers for plastic surgery. His additional faculty appointments include Assistant Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where he trains residents and fellows in advanced reconstructive and aesthetic techniques.
Dr. Cohen’s educational foundation is rooted in some of the country’s most respected medical institutions. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, followed by a six-year residency in Plastic and General Surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He then completed an elite Aesthetic and Oculoplastic Fellowship at PACES Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia, where he refined his expertise in cosmetic surgery of the face, eyes, and body. Dr. Cohen has been in private practice in Los Angeles since 2001, offering a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Throughout his career, Dr. Cohen has been a featured presenter at national and international conferences, including the Pan Pacific Surgical Association, the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. His presentations and panel leadership have covered topics such as advanced breast revision, body contouring, midface rejuvenation, and breast reduction surgery.
His published research and peer-reviewed contributions appear in leading medical journals such as Clinics of Plastic Surgery, focusing on breast augmentation, implant capsular contracture, and cheek anatomy. Dr. Cohen’s academic contributions also include outcome studies on midface rejuvenation techniques, fibrous dysplasia, and innovative suture applications in aesthetic surgery. Dr. Cohen’s professional affiliations include the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Aesthetic Society, the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Los Angeles Society of Plastic Surgeons, where he serves as a board member. His continued commitment to education, research, and mentorship reflects his belief that the art of plastic surgery is rooted equally in technical precision and patient trust. With a career defined by innovation, teaching, and clinical mastery, Dr. Andrew T. Cohen represents the highest standard of excellence in modern plastic surgery—where artistry meets experience, and outcomes are as enduring as they are beautiful.