It’s been nine months since I had my breast implants taken out, and I’ve never felt better. I had those implants for three and a half years, enduring persistent pain in my shoulders, ribs, and neck the entire time. Two years after the surgery, I began to feel increasingly unwell, ultimately experiencing twenty-nine symptoms associated with what is commonly referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII).
And I’m certainly not the only one dealing with this issue. A quick search on Facebook reveals a group titled Breast Implant Illness and Healing, founded by Nicole, which includes over 150,000 members who are openly sharing their experiences with implant toxicity and their healing journeys post-explant. Well-known figures like Sarah Blake, Jamie Larkin, and Emily Stone have also opened up about their explant experiences. This year, Lisa Reynolds, a judge on a popular reality show, produced and starred in a documentary called Explant, where she discusses her own challenges with breast implant illness.
Between 2019 and 2020, the number of breast implant removal surgeries increased by 8%. Interestingly, even with the pandemic, breast augmentation procedures dropped by 33% in 2020 compared to the previous year, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. So, what’s driving this significant change in the landscape of plastic surgery? Natural breasts are back in style.
Dr. Mark Thompson, a board-certified plastic surgeon in California, performs 12 to 16 explant surgeries weekly. He notes that many women are now seeking a more natural and athletic appearance. If trends matter to you, embracing your natural look is definitely in vogue. Dr. Lisa Carter, also a certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, echoes this sentiment, sharing that many women who got implants prior to childbirth or significant weight changes are no longer viewing their breasts as the defining aspect of their identity.
Moreover, breast implants can complicate screenings for breast cancer. It’s ironic that surgery to enhance your breasts can actually jeopardize your health. Dr. Anya Patel, a breast radiologist, explains that both saline and silicone implants can obscure breast tissue, potentially hiding small cancers. This is especially true for pre-pectoral implants, which are placed in front of the muscle. Capsular contracture, a complication experienced by about 10.6% of women with implants, can further complicate mammograms and make it difficult to visualize all breast tissue.
Chronic pain is another concern. Beyond neck, back, shoulder, and rib pain, many women experience capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant tightens and squeezes it. Personally, I found no relief from my muscular discomfort until after my explant surgery. Some plastic surgeons may suggest replacing the implants, but Dr. Thompson points out that recurrent capsular contracture can be a real issue for many patients.
Breast Implant Illness, while not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, is a very real experience for those affected. Even the FDA acknowledges BII and has issued strict safety disclosure regulations regarding breast implants. BII can manifest in over fifty symptoms, and if your implants are the underlying cause, “explant your breast implants,” advises Dr. Carter.
Additionally, plastic surgeons are now required to provide clear information about the risks associated with implants. The recent FDA orders have mandated that women be fully informed of the potential dangers. Dr. Carter mentions that in the past, many women were not made aware that implants are not lifetime devices, but this has changed, prompting a shift in priorities between cosmetic outcomes and health considerations.
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, you can also check out one of our other blog posts here. For more information on related topics, you might find this resource on pregnancy and donor insemination useful. Additionally, Diaper Rash Cream offers valuable insights into health concerns related to implants.
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In summary, removing breast implants has significantly improved my well-being, and many other women are finding the same relief. With increasing awareness of Breast Implant Illness and the push for more natural beauty standards, it might be time to reconsider the decision to get implants.