It was a brisk day in October, and I found myself feeling unwell, just as I had for the past six months. My fingers and toes were stiff and sore, and my eyes felt parched despite using top-notch prescription eye drops. Even after a full night’s sleep, I drifted through the day, managing household tasks, assisting my children with online learning, preparing meals, and writing, all while feeling like a mere shadow of myself. I took my daily blood thinner, a necessity due to a blood clot discovered during a recent emergency room visit. My family noticed that I often struggled to finish my thoughts mid-sentence, leading me to worry about the possibility of breast cancer returning, though a recent checkup ruled that out.
It was clear that something had to change. Despite my efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle—eating well, exercising regularly, and getting adequate rest—I felt like a fatigued zombie. I had invested thousands in physical therapy, chiropractic care, consultations with a registered dietitian, and numerous medical tests and scans, yet I remained in the dark about my condition. The only option I had left was to remove my breast implants. While I had seen many celebrities take this step, I questioned if it was the right choice for me.
Three years earlier, I had been diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a painful lump. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy, followed by direct-to-implant reconstruction, which meant I went from having my natural breasts to receiving implants in the same surgery. I went to sleep with my own breasts and woke up with perfectly symmetrical D-cup implants. However, the implants were uncomfortable, and I frequently experienced intense shoulder pain that no MRI could explain. I endured two rounds of physical therapy, which provided only temporary relief.
While my implants looked great—leading me to joke about being the most attractive grandma in the nursing home—the pain was persistent. I initially thought I just needed to practice more yoga. However, when increasingly troubling symptoms began to surface, I knew I had to dig deeper. After only a few days in a breast implant illness social media group, I realized that to attain genuine, lasting relief, I needed to remove the implants and go flat.
I scheduled my surgery for a complete capsulectomy and implant removal, commonly referred to as explant surgery, while continuing my research. I came across countless testimonials from women who had felt on the verge of death before choosing to explant. Their before-and-after photos were compelling, and their motivations were not tied to any commercial interests; I believed their experiences.
I learned I was not alone in this journey. Dr. Jason Carter, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the chief of plastic surgery at a prominent medical center, has performed numerous explant surgeries, helping patients, including some celebrities. He made the decision three years ago to stop performing breast augmentations, recognizing the need to specialize in explant procedures. His patients often report significant health improvements post-surgery, with about 85-90% experiencing relief from their symptoms.
While Breast Implant Illness (BII) is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis, many women attribute their health issues to their implants. The evidence is clear: following explant surgery, many patients find profound relief. Dr. Carter noted that some women choose to explant for reasons unrelated to BII, such as dissatisfaction with the size of their implants. Common complaints linked to breast implants include back pain, shoulder discomfort, headaches, and even ruptures.
If someone opts to remove their implants, it is crucial to find the right surgeon. Dr. Carter emphasizes that patients should thoroughly research potential surgeons, read reviews, and speak with previous patients. It’s vital that the surgeon listens to the woman’s concerns, especially when she describes feeling unwell due to her implants. Surgeons like Dr. Carter are becoming vital allies for women seeking relief from their struggles.
Almost six weeks post-explant, I’ve noticed a remarkable transformation, particularly in terms of inflammation. I shared a side-by-side comparison of my pre- and post-surgery appearance on social media, highlighting the striking difference in my face. While my story is just one among many, there are numerous testimonials from women on Dr. Carter’s social media who have experienced similar and astonishing results.
My chronic rib and shoulder pain has vanished. Perhaps the most significant change is the surge in my energy levels. I no longer wake up feeling drained, and I can actively engage with my four children and my job, exercise with enthusiasm, and no longer rely on endless cups of coffee.
I am incredibly grateful to the doctor who believed in my need to have my implants removed. I am also in awe of the many courageous women who have shared their stories online, providing encouragement to others to seek their truth. I am reclaiming my life, rediscovering myself, and doing so without implants and with newfound freedom.
For more insights on similar topics, check out this related blog post. If you’re interested in home insemination, this resource is excellent for understanding the process. Additionally, MedlinePlus offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
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- What is explant surgery?
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In summary, my journey through explant surgery has led to a significant improvement in my health and well-being. The decision to remove my breast implants has transformed my life, allowing me to regain my energy and freedom.
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