A few weeks prior to my mastectomy, a friend suggested I consider going flat rather than opting for breast reconstruction. She had come across several accounts of women experiencing health issues related to their breast implants. At the time, I was resolute in my decision to proceed with a direct-to-implant mastectomy, believing this one-step surgery would allow me to leave the cancer journey behind and regain control of my life.
However, a year ago, I began to feel increasingly unwell. It started with joint pain and stiffness, which escalated to temperature sensitivity, food intolerances, sleep disturbances, dehydration, dry eyes, ear ringing, skin issues, and heightened anxiety. My condition worsened to the point where I ended up in the ER with heart palpitations, resulting in a diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism. At just 39 years old, with a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise, I found myself questioning: could breast implant illness be the culprit behind my ongoing sickness?
Although my silicone implants look appealing, and despite a lack of sensation in my chest, they have the softness of natural breasts, making them suitable for filling out a swimsuit or v-neck top. However, I experienced persistent shoulder pain immediately after surgery, which did not alleviate despite numerous physical therapy sessions, massages, yoga classes, and chiropractic visits. An MRI showed no abnormalities.
While I cannot definitively attribute all my health issues to my breast implants, I have faced numerous medical challenges throughout my life. I am a type 1 diabetic and a breast cancer survivor who was recently diagnosed with lupus. This journey has been filled with trial and error, and believe me, I never wanted to be the woman in her thirties getting her breast implants removed and going flat. Yet here I am.
How can implants potentially cause such a wide array of problems if they are deemed safe? There is no concrete test for breast implant illness (BII), and surprisingly, it is not even classified as an official medical diagnosis. Nevertheless, reputable sources, including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Harvard Health Publishing, acknowledge the possibility that breast implants can lead to significant health issues for some individuals. The reality is that BII has not been extensively researched.
To seek clarity, I consulted Dr. Mark Johnson, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and Nicole Stevens, who operates a thriving breast implant illness support group on social media.
A common struggle for women experiencing symptoms from implants is finding validation. I asked Dr. Johnson directly whether he believes breast implant illness is real. He explained that women are three times more likely than men to develop autoimmune diseases throughout their lives, indicating that women tend to have more active immune systems. He acknowledged that breast implants, encased in silicone shells and filled with either silicone gel or saline, can still trigger inflammatory responses.
While BII isn’t an official diagnosis, he noted that the chemicals in implants could potentially provoke an aggressive autoimmune response. He emphasized the importance of women who suspect their implants are making them ill to consult their general practitioners for imaging and lab tests to rule out underlying conditions. If they choose to have their implants removed, they should seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who listens to their concerns.
Dr. Johnson reassured me that, in general, breast implants are safe for millions of women. However, he cautioned that women with autoimmune conditions should have thorough discussions about the risks associated with implants, as they can be perceived as foreign objects by the immune system, which may lead to complications. It’s crucial to understand that implants are not lifetime solutions and will likely require future surgeries.
Nicole Stevens shared her experiences as the founder of the Healing Breast Implant Illness group, which has 135,000 members. Many women in her community come to realize their health has deteriorated since getting implants, often referring to them as “toxic bags.” The group’s members frequently post before-and-after photos illustrating their transformation post-explantation.
You may be curious about the symptoms associated with BII. Stevens’ website outlines over fifty potential symptoms, though many overlap with other conditions, making it essential to rule out other medical issues. Symptoms may include fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, insomnia, and mental health challenges, among others.
Why are breast implants often problematic? Stevens, who has experienced BII herself, explained that silicone contains toxic chemicals and heavy metals known to disrupt endocrine function and cause inflammation. She emphasized that the issues are not brand-specific; there is no such thing as a completely safe breast implant. Reactions can vary significantly based on genetics and individual health.
Many find themselves suspecting they have BII, even if it’s not officially recognized. Stevens believes that the symptoms are valid, and the next step is to find a qualified doctor for proper explantation.
Having read numerous accounts from women who believe they have BII, I am particularly moved by their before-and-after photos, showcasing their transformations after the removal of their implants. The changes are striking, with many reporting improved energy levels and overall well-being.
When friends ask if I regret my decision to get breast implants, I find myself uncertain. I made that choice during a challenging time, wanting to avoid being breast-less at 35. While I know I will go through a grieving process after the implants are removed, I refuse to dwell in regret. I made a decision in the past, and now I am moving forward. I look forward to the relief I hope to feel once my breast implants are gone.
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Summary
In this article, I share my personal experience with breast implants and the health issues I believe they have caused. Despite the implants appearing aesthetically pleasing, I have faced various health challenges that led me to question their safety. Conversations with medical professionals reveal a lack of definitive answers regarding breast implant illness, but many women, like myself, experience symptoms that warrant attention. As I prepare for the removal of my implants, I reflect on my past decisions and look forward to healing.
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