I recently penned an article about my journey with breast implant illness (BII), and I genuinely empathize with those grappling with breast implants. Many of us have been misled or coerced into obtaining and retaining them, despite numerous women suffering severe health issues that led them to have their implants removed. The feedback I received from some women with implants was astonishingly dismissive—pure gaslighting.
I understand that confronting the reality of breast implant illness can be a tough pill to swallow. I, too, faced skepticism before I opted for implants following my breast cancer diagnosis. A friend urged me to do thorough research, but I ignored her warning, resulting in three and a half years of debilitating symptoms. My intent in sharing my story isn’t to shame anyone, but rather to inform and educate. Nonetheless, the gaslighting from both women and the medical community persists.
Those of us who recount our painful experiences with breast implant illness do so out of a desire to prevent others from enduring similar struggles. Raising awareness about the risks associated with breast implants is not glamorous; it’s often met with resistance. People would rather admire perfect breasts on social media than confront the harsh realities of breast cancer, implant complications, and explantation—the process of removing breast implants.
Discussions around these topics can be uncomfortable. I often feel like I’m facing a wave of judgment every time I share my experience of living with the debilitating effects of implants. But let’s be clear: the reality of having two toxic bags implanted in your body, affecting your heart, lungs, and lymph nodes, is far more distressing than discussing the potential dangers of implants.
It is disheartening to see fellow women quickly dismiss the experiences of others. Each of our stories is valid. We share our truths because we believe deeply in the importance of women’s health and the right to a fulfilling, healthy life. When our personal experiences suggest that breast implants do not provide the benefits they promise, we feel an obligation to share our insights.
Facing skepticism from others can be discouraging, especially given the challenges we’ve already encountered within the medical system. Many who consider explantation have endured years of doubt, shame, and victim-blaming. When we approach our doctors with symptoms like food intolerances, rapid heart rates, insomnia, rashes, and an array of over fifty other symptoms associated with BII, we often find ourselves subjected to extensive tests—CT scans, ultrasounds, blood work—all of which can be costly and exhausting.
Unfortunately, many of these tests yield no definitive diagnosis. The reason? Breast implant illness isn’t recognized as a formal medical diagnosis, and there’s no specific test for it. It presents as a collection of symptoms that can mimic various other conditions, making diagnosis incredibly challenging.
Since BII lacks official recognition, those suffering must become their own advocates at medical appointments. Many physicians are unaware of BII, and when we try to educate them, we are sometimes met with skepticism, being told it’s all in our heads. After all, breast implants are FDA approved—but they also come with a black box warning, which speaks volumes.
Some women who opt for explantation request their implants back post-surgery. After all, we paid for them. Occasionally, doctors comply, but often they claim the implants are classified as “medical, hazardous waste.” If they are too dangerous to return, how can they be safe enough to implant in the first place?
When I share my experiences, some women with implants insist they feel “perfectly fine.” I can’t dispute their reality, but I’ve also had conversations with some of them where they’ve admitted to experiencing unexplained symptoms—heartburn, intermittent rashes, joint swelling, headaches, and infertility, to name a few. If I gently suggest that these might be linked to their implants, they often shut down.
I understand that the topic of breasts is complex. Many of us cling to our implants, even if they weren’t truly ours to begin with. I loved how my implants looked in a swimsuit; they brought me a sense of confidence I had never felt before. Yet, the toll on my health was undeniable. I experienced a myriad of symptoms that left me feeling like I was in my eighties, struggling with basic daily tasks.
When other women dismiss my story, particularly those who have also been through similar experiences, it’s infuriating. I share my truth to help others who are contemplating implants, dealing with health issues, or have chosen to explant and need reassurance. I’m not seeking any accolades for my choice; I’m simply motivated by genuine concern.
I truly believe that in the future, breast implant illness will gain formal recognition as a legitimate medical diagnosis, and those of us who have endured its effects will be validated and believed. Until that day comes, I won’t stop sharing my story, even if it makes some uncomfortable.
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Summary
Women experiencing breast implant illness (BII) often face dismissal and gaslighting from peers and the medical community. Despite the challenges and skepticism, many women share their experiences to warn others about the potential health risks associated with breast implants. Their stories highlight the importance of advocating for women’s health and recognizing the reality of BII, which lacks formal medical acknowledgment.
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