I Believe My Breast Implants Are Making Me Unwell, and They’re Being Removed ASAP

A few weeks before my mastectomy, a friend suggested considering going flat instead of opting for breast reconstruction. She had come across numerous accounts from women who experienced health issues related to their implants. At the time, I was firm in my decision to proceed with a direct-to-implant mastectomy, believing it would help me move past my cancer journey while giving me a new figure.

However, about a year ago, I began to feel increasingly unwell. It started with joint pain and stiffness, which escalated to issues like temperature sensitivity, food intolerances, sleep disturbances, dehydration, dry eyes, ear ringing, skin problems, and heightened anxiety. The situation worsened when I ended up in the ER with heart palpitations and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. At just 39 years old, and despite my commitment to daily exercise and a healthy diet, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being unwell. Could breast implant illness be a factor?

Although my silicone implants appeared aesthetically pleasing and had a natural feel, I experienced persistent shoulder pain immediately after surgery—a discomfort that persisted despite various treatments, including physical therapy and chiropractic care. An MRI revealed no underlying issues.

I can’t definitively attribute all my health concerns to my implants, as I have a complex medical history that includes being a type 1 diabetic and a breast cancer survivor recently diagnosed with lupus. This has been a journey of trial and error. I never wanted to be the woman in her thirties opting to have her implants removed and going flat, but here I am.

Understanding Breast Implant Illness

How can implants, deemed safe by many, be linked to such a range of issues? There’s no established test for breast implant illness (BII), and it isn’t recognized as an official medical diagnosis. Nevertheless, credible institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center and Harvard Health Publishing acknowledge that breast implants can lead to health complications in certain individuals. Unfortunately, BII has not been extensively studied.

To gain more insight, I consulted Dr. Mark Thompson, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and Nicole Parker, who oversees a large social media support group for BII. Many women experiencing symptoms related to their implants often find it challenging to have their concerns validated. When I asked Dr. Thompson if he believes in the existence of breast implant illness, he pointed out that women are statistically more prone to autoimmune diseases than men, suggesting a more aggressive immune response. He explained that while silicone is regarded as the standard for biocompatibility, it can still provoke inflammation.

Although BII lacks an official classification, Dr. Thompson noted that it’s plausible that the chemicals in implants may lead to an autoimmune reaction. He emphasized the importance for women suspecting their implants might be impacting their health to consult their general practitioner for proper imaging and lab tests. If they wish to have their implants removed, they should seek a board-certified surgeon who believes in their experience.

Dr. Thompson reassured me that while millions of women have implants without issues, he carefully discusses immune system risks with patients who have autoimmune diseases. Since implants are foreign objects, they can trigger a rejection response in some individuals. He also reminded patients that implants are not lifetime devices and may require future surgeries due to potential complications.

Community Support and Shared Experiences

Nicole Parker, founder of Healing Breast Implant Illness, runs a Facebook group with over 135,000 members, many of whom are not medical professionals but rather women sharing their experiences with BII. Many members, once healthy, attribute their declining health to their implants after reading similar stories.

BII symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain, insomnia, slow healing, and various organ issues, among others. However, Dr. Thompson cautioned that many of these symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions, making it essential to rule them out first.

The concern with breast implants can often stem from their chemical composition. Parker explained that silicone contains toxic substances known to disrupt endocrine function and cause inflammation. She clarified that BII is not dependent on the brand or type of implant, as reactions can vary based on genetics and individual immune response.

For those who feel unwell but lack a definitive diagnosis, Parker advises that the symptoms are still valid. The next step is to find a qualified doctor for explantation, which involves removing the implants and capsules.

Having read numerous testimonies from women who believe they have experienced BII, I am particularly moved by their before-and-after photos. Many show a remarkable transformation, with visible improvements in their health and appearance post-explant.

Reflecting on My Decision

When friends inquire if I regret my decision to get breast implants, I find it hard to answer. At the time, I was still processing my cancer diagnosis and wanted to feel whole again. While I anticipate a grieving period when my implants are removed, I refuse to dwell on regret. I made a choice back then, and now it’s time for a change. I hope to finally feel better once my implants are gone.

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In summary, while my journey with breast implants has been complicated by health issues, I am taking steps to prioritize my well-being. The conversation around breast implant illness is evolving, and it’s crucial for women to seek support and information.