Dr. Christine Kelley has practiced in the Indianapolis area since 1999, currently as an associate with Meridian Plastic Surgeons. She specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries for the full body, with a particular interest in breast and torso surgery. She draws upon her extensive experience in clinical wound healing and reconstructive surgery to also address the cosmetic surgery needs of many of her patients. As technologies and patient preferences have changed over the years, she has developed an interest in minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments to improve aging concerns on the face and body with less downtime and recovery. When surgery is required, she has made an effort to learn about new techniques to reduce bruising, swelling, pain and scarring. In December of 2015, she treated her first patient for complaints of breast implant illness (BII). Hundreds of others followed, and explant surgery has become a significant and fulfilling part of her practice. In September of 2019, she was privileged to begin collaboration with Dr. Mithun Sinha and others at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Together, they are trying to better understand the mechanisms responsible for a pathologic host immune response related to breast implants.
We’re welcoming Dr. Kelley today to share her groundbreaking work on BII. We examine the frustrating absence of a specific ICD-10 code for BII and the ramifications it holds for those seeking explant surgery. Dr. Kelley explains the intersection of functional medicine and aesthetics, discussing the cautiousness needed when considering implants for patients with autoimmune conditions. We’ll also hear about the potential of advanced implant engineering and integrated functional medicine approaches that may offer new treatment regimens, allowing patients to maintain their implants without compromising their health.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
- Why BII lacks the recognition that it deserves.
- How social media plays a role in raising awareness about BII and women's health.
- Why patient autonomy is crucial when addressing misunderstood health conditions like BII.
- How insurance coverage complexities affect patients seeking explant surgery.
- Why functional medicine's role is significant in considering implants for autoimmune conditions.
- How Dr. Kelley navigates the challenges of diagnosing BII without specific tests.
- What observations and recommendations are made for post-operative care in BII patients.
- How advanced implant engineering might offer hope for future treatments without health compromise.
- Why ongoing research is vital for developing effective management strategies for BII.
- How the medical industry's demand for objective evidence impacts BII recognition.
- Why understanding genetic predisposition is important for autoimmune conditions in women's wellness.
- How innovative strategies can lead to improved patient care and health outcomes.
- How Dr. Kelly's optimism is shaped by her journey of advocacy in women's health.
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Dr. Christine Kelley: https://www.drchristinekelley.com/
Breast Implant Illness and Healing by Nicole: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Healingbreastimplantillness/
BreastCancer.org: https://www.breastcancer.org/
NavWellRx: https://navwellrx.com/
