Surgeon Removes Her Own Implants After Learning About Breast Implant Illness

In a transformative decision, a plastic surgeon named Dr. Lisa Bennett opted to have her breast implants taken out after suffering from persistent pain and illness for over three years. A year prior to her explantation, Dr. Bennett began experiencing a myriad of health issues, ultimately identifying 29 symptoms linked to breast implant illness (BII). Fortunately, most of these symptoms have improved following her surgery.

The conversation surrounding breast implant illness has gained significant traction, particularly in light of new warnings issued by the FDA regarding the risks associated with breast implants. Dr. Bennett is not the only one who has chosen to explant; she recently made headlines for her decision as a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

A Personal Journey

In a candid interview, Dr. Bennett recounted that she received breast implants a decade ago. As an avid runner with minimal breast tissue, she eagerly accepted the offer of implants to enhance her figure. However, six years later, she began to see patients in her practice seeking explantation due to various ailments. Dr. Bennett found herself resonating with their experiences. Initially, she attributed her own symptoms—like fatigue, joint pain, and hair loss—to her busy life as a mother and her age, until the situation became too severe to ignore.

As her implants neared their ten-year mark, the combination of worsening symptoms and persistent pain led Dr. Bennett to make the decision to explant. With her dual perspective as both a surgeon and a patient, she faced the emotional challenges of the process. Despite her extensive experience performing explant surgeries, she still found it to be a significant emotional journey. Dr. Bennett selected Dr. Mark Johnson, an expert in explant procedures, to ensure she was in capable hands.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Post-surgery, Dr. Bennett adhered to the necessary recovery protocols, including managing drains and wearing compression garments. The most challenging moment came when she first viewed her chest after the operation. In the months that followed, she entered the “fluffing stage,” witnessing the settling of her breasts after surgery.

Since her explantation, Dr. Bennett reports feeling a renewed sense of mental and physical well-being. She has noticed improvements in symptoms she hadn’t even realized were related to her implants, such as back pain. While some women may believe that “no pain, no gain,” living with numerous chronic symptoms can be overwhelming. Dr. Bennett has observed brighter eyes, increased energy, and sharper clarity of thought since her explantation.

Advocacy and Education

Having performed over a thousand explants, Dr. Bennett now dedicates herself to helping women reclaim their health. After learning about breast implant illness and observing the positive changes in her patients post-explant, she made the decision three years ago to stop performing cosmetic implant surgeries. Despite receiving frequent inquiries for breast augmentations, her office now offers free consultations to educate women about breast implant illness.

When seeking explantation, it’s crucial to find a board-certified surgeon with significant expertise in this area. Unfortunately, some patients may encounter reluctance from the original surgeon who placed the implants, which can complicate the removal process. Dr. Bennett emphasizes the importance of choosing a specialist who supports the patient’s decision to explant.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Dr. Bennett believes there’s potential for advancements in understanding breast implants. She actively participates in monthly discussions with medical professionals nationwide to explore new research avenues regarding the effects of implants on health.

For many like me, waiting for scientific validation wasn’t an option; the evidence was clear. After my own explantation eight months ago, I experienced relief from 25 of the 29 symptoms I had been suffering from. Before my surgery, I felt trapped in a painful existence, but explanting restored my life. I am incredibly grateful to have had a surgeon who listened to my concerns. Dr. Bennett noted that awareness is growing, with referrals coming from various healthcare professionals for patients experiencing symptoms. Media coverage of breast implant illness is also increasing, contributing to greater public knowledge.

I appreciate the dedication of medical professionals like Dr. Bennett, who genuinely listen to those affected by breast implant illness. Her willingness to share her experiences and assist others is truly commendable. Like Dr. Bennett, I feel optimistic about the future, hoping that more individuals recognize the risks associated with breast implants and choose safer options.

Further Resources

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In summary, Dr. Lisa Bennett’s journey from receiving breast implants to ultimately removing them underscores the importance of listening to patients and understanding the potential impacts of breast implant illness. Her story and advocacy for explantation reflect a growing awareness and concern in the medical community, providing hope for those affected.