Three Months After My Breast Implant Removal: Here’s How I’m Feeling Now

At the age of twenty-nine, I experienced a staggering twenty-nine symptoms linked to what many refer to as breast implant illness (BII), an unofficial yet very real condition affecting individuals with breast implants. I can confidently say “experienced” because three months ago, I made the decision to have my breast implants, along with the capsules surrounding them, removed.

I’ve gone from being a part of the “itty bitty titty committee” to having nothing but three significant scars on my chest. After undergoing a direct-to-implant mastectomy four summers ago due to a stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis, I lived with implants for three and a half years. It wasn’t until I recognized that these implants were not only causing me immense pain but also contributing to my declining health that I decided to take action. Now, three months post-removal, I feel like I am finally reclaiming my true self.

Understanding Breast Implant Illness (BII)

You may have heard of Breast Implant Illness (BII). While it’s not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, those of us affected know it’s very real. BII encompasses over 50 potential symptoms, such as sudden food intolerances, anxiety, digestive issues, joint pain, chronic fatigue, and a host of others. The list is not only extensive but quite alarming.

You might ask how we can ascertain that health problems are implant-related rather than stemming from other conditions. Many women I’ve spoken to who suspect they have BII have undergone numerous medical evaluations, including costly tests, in search of a diagnosis—often without success. I am among them. Throughout my time with implants, I underwent a CT scan, an MRI, two rounds of physical therapy, consultations with a chiropractor and general practitioner, a visit to a rheumatologist, and numerous lab tests. Despite spending thousands on these evaluations, the root cause of my symptoms remained elusive. There were moments when I questioned whether my struggles were all in my mind.

Sadly, many individuals with breast implants are told that they are safe, and that their health issues are psychological. Some are diagnosed with anxiety or depression and suggested counseling, while the implants—situated next to vital organs—continue to disrupt their well-being.

The FDA’s Stance

What about the FDA? Currently, they acknowledge risks associated with breast implants, such as the need for additional surgeries, BIA-ALCL (a lymphoma linked to textured implants), systemic symptoms, capsular contracture, and more. While they have mentioned BII, they state that there isn’t enough evidence to support a connection between breast implants and certain diagnoses, despite acknowledging that patients report joint pain, muscle aches, and other chronic health issues.

My Journey to Explantation

During the final months of having my implants, I felt as though I was withering away. I spent countless days in bed, unable to engage with life. Simple triggers seemed to set off what I was told were autoimmune flares. I struggled to articulate my thoughts and often woke up with swollen, stiff joints, too fatigued to care for my children or fulfill my work commitments. The persistent pain in my shoulder, breast, and ribcage felt unbearable, and none of the yoga, physical therapy, or chiropractic treatments provided lasting relief.

One day, I woke up and resolved to remove my implants. I was determined that even a slight improvement in my health would be worth it. After extensive research on BII, I was convinced that I was affected. Looking good in a swimsuit was no longer a priority when it meant sacrificing my ability to function. Although breast cancer had taken my natural breasts, the implants were not the solution; they were a burden that drained my vitality.

Dr. Alex Bennett, a renowned plastic surgeon specializing in BII, has helped countless patients reclaim their health by removing their implants. When I asked him about recovery timelines, he mentioned that some patients experience immediate relief, while others take over a year to fully heal. He estimated that between eighty-five and ninety percent of his patients report feeling better after explantation.

Reflections on My Experience

No one should feel ashamed of their past decisions or be dismissed as merely imagining their health struggles. The lack of thorough pre-surgery education regarding what is in implants is staggering. We are often reassured that implants are safe and complications are rare, yet many women find that their health deteriorates after surgery. For me, the evidence is clear: once the implants were removed, I began to heal.

Now, three months post-surgery, I’m pleased to share that 25 of my 29 symptoms have disappeared. My experience has taught me a valuable lesson: choosing to have foreign objects placed in my body was a misguided decision that cost me precious years. I lost time with my family, career opportunities, and, most importantly, a life free from pain and illness. The pursuit of ideal breasts came at a steep cost, far beyond medical bills. I am grateful for my decision to remove the implants and am on the path to rediscovering my true self.

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In summary, after three months of living without breast implants, I have experienced significant health improvements and am reclaiming my life. This journey has underscored the importance of making informed choices about our bodies and health.

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