This year, I took a significant step and decided to remove my breast implants after enduring three and a half years of persistent pain and illness. It all started about a year before my explantation, when I began feeling unwell—by the time I underwent surgery, I was dealing with 29 different symptoms related to breast implant illness. Thankfully, most of those symptoms have improved since the procedure.
Breast implant illness (BII) has gained a lot of attention lately, especially with the FDA issuing new warnings about the potential risks of implants. I’m not alone in my decision to explant; a well-known plastic surgeon, Dr. Sarah Bennett, recently made headlines when she chose to have her own implants removed after hearing stories from her patients.
Dr. Bennett’s Experience
In an interview, Dr. Bennett shared that she got her implants ten years ago. At the time, she was an avid runner with minimal breast tissue and jumped at the chance when an implant rep offered her a solution for a fuller look. Fast forward six years, and she began hearing from patients who wanted their implants taken out due to various symptoms. Dr. Bennett found herself connecting with their experiences and began to wonder if her own symptoms—like fatigue, joint pain, and hair loss—were related to her implants rather than just being a busy mom with toddlers.
As her implants approached the ten-year mark, combined with growing symptoms and ongoing pain, she came to the conclusion that it was time to explant. Understanding the process from both a surgeon’s and patient’s perspective, she still found the emotional aspect challenging. Although she had performed over a thousand explant surgeries, looking at her own chest post-surgery was tough. Now, she’s in a “fluffing stage,” witnessing her body adjust after the procedure.
Post-Surgery Improvements
Since her surgery, Dr. Bennett reports feeling both mentally and physically improved. She’s noticed positive changes like brighter eyes, increased energy, and clearer thinking. Some may think that pain is just part of the process, but living with multiple symptoms every day can be overwhelming. Dr. Bennett has witnessed improvements in issues she hadn’t even realized were connected to her implants.
She’s dedicated to helping women like me reclaim their health, having stopped performing cosmetic augmentations three years ago after understanding the implications of breast implant illness. Though her office receives numerous inquiries for breast augmentations, her team now offers consultations to educate women about breast implant illness instead.
Finding the Right Surgeon
If you’re considering having your implants removed, Dr. Bennett emphasizes the importance of finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in explant surgeries. Unfortunately, some surgeons may dismiss the idea of breast implant illness or resist performing the necessary capsulectomy, which is crucial for a successful recovery. An experienced explant surgeon, however, will support your decision and validate your concerns.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Dr. Bennett is optimistic about the future of breast implants, noting that there are still many unanswered medical questions. She actively participates in monthly meetings with professionals across the country to discuss the ongoing research and share insights about breast implants and their effects on patients.
For those of us who have experienced breast implant illness, we didn’t need research to affirm our experiences; the results of explanting speak for themselves. After my surgery eight months ago, I found that 25 of my 29 symptoms had vanished. Living in constant pain felt like a nightmare, but explanting has truly given me my life back. Dr. Bennett’s dedication to listening to her patients and sharing her story is inspiring. I hope that more people become aware of the risks associated with breast implants and make informed decisions.
Resources for Alternatives
If you’re interested in exploring alternatives to traditional methods, consider checking out resources like Make A Mom for at-home insemination options or the BabyMaker Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit for an innovative approach. You can also find helpful information on WebMD regarding IUI success rates and other fertility topics. For those curious about the process, take a look at How It Works to learn more about at-home insemination methods.
Conclusion
In summary, Dr. Bennett’s decision to explant has not only transformed her life but is also paving the way for other women to regain their health. Her commitment to addressing breast implant illness and supporting patients is commendable, and her story serves as a beacon of hope for many.
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