Hey friends! It’s been about nine months since I had my breast implants taken out, and honestly, I’ve never felt better. I had those implants for three and a half years, and during that time, I was in constant pain—specifically in my shoulders, ribs, and neck. About two years post-augmentation, I started feeling unwell, eventually dealing with twenty-nine symptoms that are commonly associated with Breast Implant Illness (BII).
And I’m definitely not the only one. If you do a quick search on Facebook, you’ll find a group called Breast Implant Illness and Healing, which has over 150,000 members sharing their stories about the toxic effects of implants. Even some celebs like Mia Thompson and Jenna Lee have opened up about their explant journeys. This year, a well-known figure in the beauty world, Lucy Anderson, produced a documentary titled “Explant,” where she dives into her own struggles with breast implant illness.
Interestingly, breast implant removals surged by 8% between 2019 and 2020, while breast augmentations dropped by 33% in 2020, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. So what’s behind this shift? Well, it seems like natural breasts are back in style!
Dr. Mark Thompson, a plastic surgeon from California, told me he’s performing up to 16 explant surgeries a week. Many women are looking for a more natural, athletic silhouette. As Dr. Sarah Lewis, another board-certified plastic surgeon, mentioned, many women who got implants before having kids or going through weight changes are now reassessing their priorities.
Another thing to consider is that breast implants can actually complicate breast cancer screenings. It’s kind of ironic that what was meant to enhance your breasts could endanger your health. Dr. Emily Johnson, a breast radiologist, pointed out that implants can obscure breast tissue, making it harder to detect small cancers. This issue is especially prevalent with pre-pectoral implants, as capsular contracture can make mammograms challenging.
Additionally, chronic pain is a real possibility. About 10.6% of women with breast implants face a complication called capsular contracture, which is when scar tissue tightens around the implant. Personally, I found no relief from my pain until I had my implants removed.
Now, let’s talk about BII. While it’s not an official medical diagnosis, it’s a very real concern for those affected. The FDA even recognizes it, and they’ve issued new safety guidelines regarding breast implants. If you’re experiencing symptoms, Dr. Lewis suggests that the best course of action may be to explant your breast implants.
Furthermore, the FDA’s recent regulations mean that plastic surgeons must clearly communicate the risks associated with implants. Dr. Lewis explained that previously, women weren’t always informed that implants aren’t lifetime devices. The new guidelines have prompted a necessary change in how we weigh cosmetic goals against our health.
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To sum it all up, I made the decision to remove my breast implants after experiencing significant health issues and pain. I realized that my well-being was far more important than conforming to outdated beauty standards. With more women opting for explants and recognizing the potential risks associated with implants, it’s clear that natural beauty is making a comeback.
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