During a routine scroll through Instagram, I stumbled upon a mention of motivational speaker Lily Thompson and her impactful video addressing breast implants. As someone who also has implants and is scheduled to have them removed soon, I felt compelled to search for Lily’s video. In it, she reveals that she recently discovered her breast implants may be associated with a rare type of lymphoma. With urgency, she declares her intent to have them removed without delay.
In a light-hearted yet serious manner, Lily shares her reasons for getting implants, using her child’s socks as a humorous prop to illustrate how her breasts appeared after breastfeeding three children. In her caption, she notes, “After nursing my three kids, my breasts looked like a pair of gym socks filled with sand.” She admits to having “hated” her breasts, which led to her decision to undergo surgery.
However, after a few years, she began experiencing numbness in her right arm, prompting her to research whether she should remove her implants. To her shock, she discovered that her specific implants had been recalled long ago. The recall was initiated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 24, 2019, and Allergan had been trying to reach out to patients who might not have known about the BIOCELL textured implant recall.
“My implants have been recalled,” Lily states in her video. “Why didn’t my doctor tell me?” While she does not address Allergan’s responsibility for notifying her, it’s clear she was unaware of the recall until her own investigation into her symptoms.
The FDA explains that the recall was due to the risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a cancer affecting the immune system. The agency reports that the risk associated with Allergan’s BIOCELL textured implants is approximately six times higher than that of textured implants from other manufacturers. Continuing distribution of these implants could lead to serious health consequences, including death.
As of September 12, 2019, there were 573 reported cases of BIA-ALCL, with 481 linked to the recalled implants. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that while BIA-ALCL is a rare and treatable form of lymphoma, it occurs more frequently in patients with textured breast implants.
For patients like Lily who realize they have these recalled implants, the FDA does not currently recommend removal if they are asymptomatic, although any concerns should be discussed with a doctor. Lily emphasizes that despite her advocacy for healthy living—eating organic and exercising—she still chose to get implants. Now informed, she is opting for removal and adhering to her own advice regarding her upcoming procedure.
Lily encourages her followers not to dwell on regrets or guilt about past decisions. “Worrying about things you cannot control is a great way to torture yourself,” she advises. Instead, she promotes a mindset focused on taking control and moving forward. “Will you let your worries consume you, or will you push back and reclaim your mind? I am confident in my choice.”
In her case, she plans to focus on the positives—her surgery is approaching, she has a support system, and she is determined to handle whatever comes next. She commits to keeping her followers updated and expresses gratitude for her newfound awareness and proactive plan.
As someone who had limited knowledge before my own implant surgery, I relate to Lily’s experience. While I don’t have recalled implants, I share her struggle of maintaining a positive outlook as I prepare for my own explant surgery. Nevertheless, I am resolved to forge ahead, hoping for the best outcome.
If you want to read more about similar experiences, check out our other blog post on home insemination. For those considering artificial options, you can also visit BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit, which offers valuable information on this subject. Additionally, for more insights into the insemination process, the Cleveland Clinic provides excellent resources.
Search Queries:
- Breast implant recall news
- BIA-ALCL risks and symptoms
- Motivational speakers and health issues
- Preparing for explant surgery
- How to handle regrets about cosmetic surgery
In summary, motivational speaker Lily Thompson’s candid discussion about her breast implants and the recall highlights the importance of being informed about medical devices. Her approach to managing fear and regret serves as a reminder to focus on what lies ahead.