I Underwent Explant Surgery to Enhance My Health — and It Made a Difference

It was a brisk October day, and I felt unwell, just as I had for the preceding six months. I woke up with stiff, aching joints in my fingers and toes, and my eyes felt parched despite using high-quality prescription eye drops. Even after a full night’s sleep, I spent the day moving from one task to another—juggling my kids’ remote learning, preparing meals, and trying to write. I was taking my daily blood thinner due to a blood clot found during a recent emergency room visit. My family noticed how I often struggled to complete my thoughts mid-sentence, and I worried I might be facing breast cancer again, but thankfully, a checkup ruled that out.

It became clear that something needed to change. Despite maintaining a healthy diet, exercising daily, and getting ample rest, I felt like a walking zombie. I had exhausted all options to improve my health, spending thousands on physical therapy, chiropractic care, consultations with a registered dietitian, and numerous lab tests and scans. What could possibly be wrong? The one option I hadn’t yet considered was removing my breast implants. While many celebrities have chosen this path, I questioned whether it was the right decision for me.

My Breast Cancer Journey

Three years earlier, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a painful lump. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy, and during the same procedure, I underwent direct-to-implant reconstruction, which meant my breast tissue was removed and replaced with implants in one surgery. I went to sleep with my natural breasts and woke up with perfectly symmetrical D-cup implants.

However, the implants never felt comfortable; my right shoulder was always in pain. An MRI showed nothing abnormal, but I suffered from intercostal muscle strain, resulting in excruciating pain along my ribcage. Two rounds of physical therapy provided only temporary relief, and I often carried a muscle-cooling roll-on for some comfort.

While my implants looked great, and I joked about being the most glamorous grandma at the nursing home, the discomfort persisted. I wondered if more yoga would help, but as strange symptoms began to mount, I knew it was time to investigate further. Within days of joining a breast implant illness support group online, I realized I needed to take action. If I wanted to experience genuine relief, it was time to remove the implants and embrace being flat-chested.

Taking the Leap: Explant Surgery

I scheduled my surgery for a complete capsulectomy and implant removal—commonly known as explant surgery—and continued my research. I came across numerous testimonials from women who described feeling like they were on the brink of death before their explant procedures. Their before-and-after photos were compelling, and they had no ulterior motives for sharing their experiences. I found their stories to be credible.

I learned I wasn’t alone in my journey. Dr. Alex Carter, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Carter Plastic Surgery in Miami, has facilitated explant surgeries for many women, including well-known personalities. He recently decided to stop performing breast augmentations to focus solely on explant procedures, having witnessed the significant health improvements his patients experienced post-op.

Though Breast Implant Illness (BII) is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis, countless women believe their symptoms are linked to their implants. The evidence often surfaces after surgery—many patients report substantial relief once their implants are removed. Dr. Carter noted that “85-90% of my patients experience an improvement in their health after explanting.” Yes, that’s correct—85-90%.

Not every woman chooses to explant due to BII; some do so because their implants are excessively large. Dr. Carter explained that many women with implants experience back, shoulder, and rib pain, headaches, ruptures, and other chronic discomfort. There are alternatives available, such as breast lifts or fat transfer procedures to enhance natural breasts post-explant.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

When considering implant removal, it’s crucial to choose the right surgeon. Dr. Carter emphasizes the importance of researching potential surgeons, reading reviews, and speaking with former patients. It’s vital that the surgeon listens to and believes the woman who claims to be suffering from her implants, even if BII is not an officially recognized condition. This makes surgeons like Dr. Carter invaluable to women seeking relief and understanding.

My Transformation Post-Surgery

It has been nearly six weeks since my explant surgery, and I’ve noticed a significant difference, including reduced inflammation. I shared a side-by-side photo on social media showcasing the transformation in my face since the implants were removed. While my experience is just one of many, numerous posts on Dr. Carter’s social media highlight women who have undergone the same procedure with similar astonishing results.

My chronic rib and shoulder pain have disappeared. Perhaps the most striking change is my newfound energy. I no longer wake up feeling exhausted; instead, I can keep up with my four children, tackle my job with enthusiasm, and exercise without relying on caffeine.

I am incredibly grateful to the doctor who listened to my concerns about needing my implants removed. I am also inspired by the courageous women who have shared their stories online, encouraging others to explore their truths. I am reclaiming my life, rediscovering myself, and doing so without implants and with a sense of freedom.

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In summary, my journey to better health led me to undergo explant surgery, resulting in a remarkable transformation in my well-being. With renewed energy and a sense of freedom, I’m grateful for the support and stories shared by others. This decision has been life-changing, proving that sometimes, letting go is the best way to reclaim your health.