Recently, while browsing my social media, I came across an advertisement for bras featuring models with obvious breast implants. Their sultry glances and confident smiles suggested sex appeal, but I wasn’t convinced. After nearly four years of experience, I’ve found no allure in breast implants.
This year, I made the decision to remove my breast implants, and it has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made. Although my implants were aesthetically pleasing—symmetrical, perky, and round—they took a significant toll on my health. I previously shared how they made me feel like a mere spectator in my life, stuck in a foggy haze, rather than an active participant. Instead of empowering me to flaunt a cute bikini or rock a flattering V-neck, I was engulfed in misery, wishing for an end to my suffering.
When I see women with breast implants, I don’t feel envy. The so-called “perfect” breasts they possess—whatever that may mean—are either the natural breasts they had before or could have had without implants. I don’t envy the chronic pain they endure in their back, neck, and shoulders, nor the headaches, dry eyes, mouth, hormonal issues, brain fog, or any other symptoms associated with breast implant illness (BII).
Several women have told me they have implants and feel “totally fine.” Yet, many later come back to me realizing that the strange symptoms they’ve experienced since getting implants don’t align with their doctors’ explanations. If their lab results are normal, then why do they feel unwell?
There are even cases where women received mammograms, only to have the machine rupture their implants. Yes, you read that correctly. Moreover, intact breast implants can obscure cancerous growths, rendering them undetectable during imaging. Women aiming to ensure their breast health may inadvertently jeopardize it by having implants during a mammogram. Irony at its finest.
Countless women are suffering due to these foreign objects (which I refer to as toxic bags) placed in their bodies, located near crucial organs like the heart, thyroid, and lungs. The saying holds true: beauty can be deceiving.
What I’ve learned is that those of us affected by implants are not going to remain silent or disappear. Public figures like Clara Johnson, Emily Carter, and Sarah Lee have bravely opened up about their decisions to remove their implants. I appreciate their willingness to share their journeys, as they have a considerable influence.
I don’t aim to shame women with implants; rather, I feel pity for them. Unethical plastic surgeons exploit women’s insecurities and desire for improvement to promote a false sense of well-being. Implants are frequently marketed as entirely safe, yet the FDA recommends a black box warning due to potential risks, including BIA-ALCL, a type of lymphoma.
The idea of inserting poison-filled bags into our bodies, with the risk of leaks or ruptures, is alarming. Additionally, since BII isn’t an officially recognized medical diagnosis, women often find themselves doubted. Just because BII isn’t listed in medical manuals doesn’t invalidate the experiences of those who suffer from it.
Diagnosing BII is challenging because many of its symptoms overlap with various medical conditions, and there’s no singular test for it. Women may experience a few symptoms or many; I had twenty-nine, and twenty-five of them vanished after I had my implants and the surrounding scar tissue removed. For me, the results speak for themselves.
Sadly, many women suffering from BII are dismissed as having issues that are “all in their heads,” leading to their experiences being invalidated. However, I’ve read numerous testimonials from women who have undergone explant surgery, and their symptoms have significantly improved, if not completely resolved.
I believe that if more people were aware of the dangers associated with implants and their potential to compromise health, the financial interests behind them would dwindle. Women who choose not to get implants won’t be funding implant manufacturers or plastic surgeons. The minimal disclosures, lack of a formal diagnosis, and enticing marketing can lure women into making potentially life-altering decisions.
I genuinely empathize with women who have implants, particularly those who are clearly suffering from them. This situation is not what we anticipated. Our inquiries were twisted, and our insecurities were exacerbated. We truly had no idea what we were getting into until it was too late. When we seek help for our ailments, we’re often told we’re mentally unstable, leading us to spend thousands of dollars searching for answers, which are rarely found.
What frightens me most is that when women finally realize their implants are detrimental to their health, the explant process can be prohibitively expensive. I’ve read accounts of women desperate to remove their implants but unable to afford the costs. The price of implant removal can reach around $10,000, forcing some to borrow against their homes or even fundraise. The urgency is palpable as their health declines.
And here’s the kicker: even if you can afford the explant surgery, you must find a doctor who believes you and possesses the skills required for a safe procedure, all while navigating a medical system that may be overwhelmed. Then comes the recovery period, where you’re restricted from activities like driving or lifting your children. Ultimately, it seems that only the privileged have the means to undergo explantation.
When asked how I can live without breasts, I respond honestly: I wasn’t going to live with them. My body was inflamed, and every day felt like it could be my last. I had never felt so ill, trapped in my own skin, pleading with God for relief. If sharing my story can help even one woman avoid a similar nightmare, then it’s worth it.
For further insights, check out this resource on body art or learn more about options at Make a Mom. Additionally, explore March of Dimes for valuable information on fertility treatments.
Search Queries:
- Breast implant illness symptoms
- Effects of breast implants on health
- Explant surgery experiences
- How to find a surgeon for explant
- Breast implant safety concerns
In summary, my journey with breast implants led me to discover their potential dangers and health risks. I have compassion for women who choose this path, but I hope to raise awareness about the realities of breast implant illness and the challenges many face in the quest for better health.
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