Recently, while scrolling through my social media, I encountered an advertisement for bras featuring models with obvious breast implants. Their sultry looks and confident smiles suggested allure, but I wasn’t captivated. After nearly four years of having breast implants, I find no appeal in them.
This year, I chose to have my breast implants removed, and I have never felt more liberated. Although my implants appeared flawless—symmetrical, lifted, and perfectly rounded—they made me extremely unwell. I’ve previously shared that they left me feeling like a zombie, merely observing life instead of fully participating in it. Instead of the freedom to wear a cute swim top or flaunt a flattering neckline, I was trapped in misery, longing for relief from my suffering.
When I hear about women with breast implants, I don’t feel envy. Their so-called perfect breasts—whatever that entails—were either the breasts they originally had or could have achieved without implants. I certainly don’t envy the physical discomforts like back, neck, and shoulder pain, nor the headaches, dry eyes, hormone issues, brain fog, or any other symptoms linked to breast implant illness (BII).
Several women have told me they have implants and feel “totally fine.” However, I’ve also had some come back, realizing that the peculiar and seemingly unrelated symptoms appearing since their implants do not correlate with their doctor’s findings. If their lab tests and scans come back normal, why do they still feel sick?
Some women have even experienced ruptured implants during mammograms. That’s right—mammography equipment has been known to damage implants. Furthermore, even if the implants remain intact, they can obscure cancerous growths, rendering them undetectable through imaging. So, women seeking to ensure their breast health may inadvertently jeopardize it by having implants during mammograms. Ironic, isn’t it?
Numerous women are suffering from the toxic materials contained in these implants, which can settle near vital organs like lymph nodes, the heart, thyroid, and lungs. The cliché holds true: beauty can be deceptive.
I know that those of us who have suffered from implant-related illnesses will continue to speak out. Public figures like Sarah Thompson, Emma Lee, and Jessica Hart have shared their journeys of explantation, and I’m grateful for their openness, as they have significant influence.
I’m not here to criticize women who choose to have implants; rather, I genuinely feel for them. Unscrupulous plastic surgeons exploit women’s insecurities and the desire to enhance their appearance in hopes of boosting their mental and emotional well-being. While breast implants are generally marketed as safe, the FDA has recommended a safety warning due to potential risks, including a type of lymphoma known as BIA-ALCL.
Surgically inserting these “toxic bags” into our bodies is concerning enough, but since BII isn’t officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, many women are led to believe their symptoms lack legitimacy. Just because a condition isn’t listed in medical manuals doesn’t invalidate the experiences of those who endure it.
BII is challenging to pinpoint because it shares symptoms with numerous other medical conditions. There’s no definitive test for BII; women may experience few or many symptoms. Personally, I had twenty-nine symptoms, twenty-five of which vanished after I had my implants and the surrounding scar tissue removed. For me, the evidence speaks for itself.
Sadly, many women suffering from BII are dismissed as “imagining” their issues. We’re often labeled as mentally unstable and not believed. Yet, I’ve read countless stories from women who have undergone explantation, reporting significant improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms.
I believe that if the dangers of implants—potentially ruining a person’s health—were more widely known, it wouldn’t be profitable. Women who avoid implants don’t contribute financially to implant manufacturers or plastic surgeons. The minimal disclosure, absence of a recognized diagnosis, and flashy medical practices lure women into what may be a regrettable choice.
I hold deep empathy for women with implants, especially those visibly suffering from them. This isn’t the experience we anticipated. Our concerns were twisted, and insecurities heightened. We had no idea what we were signing up for, and often only realize the truth when it’s too late. When we seek medical help, we’re often dismissed as irrational, spending thousands in search of answers that remain elusive.
What frightens me is that once women recognize their implants are causing health issues, the cost of explantation can be exorbitant. I’ve heard of women who desperately want to remove their implants but cannot afford the procedure, which might cost around $10,000. Some resort to borrowing against their homes or retirement funds, while others turn to fundraising. Time is of the essence as their health deteriorates.
Here’s the catch: even if you can pay for the removal, you need a doctor who believes you and possesses the skills to safely extract the implants. Plus, you must find a medical facility willing to perform elective surgeries, especially during a pandemic. Then comes the recovery period, which can limit your daily activities. Ultimately, only those with privilege can easily access explantation.
When people ask how I manage without breasts, I tell them I chose to live without the pain and inflammation that plagued me. I felt trapped in my own body, praying for relief. If sharing my story can prevent even one woman from experiencing this torment, it’s worth it.
For more insights, check out this related blog post here. If you’re considering options for starting a family, this authority on the topic is a great resource. Additionally, for information on fertility treatments, this link provides excellent resources: NHS IVF Information.
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Summary:
The article discusses the author’s experience with breast implants, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges they posed. After having them removed, the author emphasizes the health risks associated with implants, including symptoms of breast implant illness (BII) and the difficulties of finding medical support. The piece aims to raise awareness about the potential dangers of implants while expressing empathy for women who currently have them.
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