On a crisp October day, I found myself feeling unwell, just as I had for the past six months. I woke up with stiff, painful, and swollen joints in my fingers and toes. Despite using high-quality prescription moisturizing drops, my eyes felt parched. Even after a full night’s sleep, I shuffled through the day, tackling tasks on autopilot, assisting my kids with remote learning, preparing meals, and writing. I took my daily blood thinner, a necessary measure after a blood clot was discovered during an emergency room visit a few months earlier. My family noticed that I often struggled to finish my thoughts, leaving them unfinished mid-sentence. I feared I might have breast cancer again, but my recent checkup ruled that out.
I knew I needed a change. Even with a healthy diet, daily exercise, and adequate sleep, I felt like a worn-out zombie. I had sought help in every way possible, spending thousands on physical therapy, visits to a chiropractor, consultations with a registered dietitian, and numerous labs and scans. What was happening to me? The one option I hadn’t yet considered was to remove my breast implants. I had seen many celebrities choose this path, but could it really be the right decision for me?
Three years earlier, I was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a painful lump. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy and, during that same procedure, received implants in a direct-to-implant process. I went from having my natural breasts to beautiful, symmetrical D-cup implants overnight. However, the implants were never particularly comfortable; my right shoulder was constantly in pain. An MRI showed nothing wrong, and I dealt with two episodes of intercostal muscle strain, which caused excruciating pain along my rib cage. Despite two lengthy rounds of physical therapy, relief was temporary, and I always carried a muscle-cooling roll-on, hoping for some comfort.
While the appearance of my implants was stunning, I often joked about being the hottest grandma in the nursing home someday. The pain was significant, but I thought maybe more yoga would help. However, when I started experiencing increasingly debilitating symptoms, I knew it was time to do some research. After just a few days in a breast implant illness social media group, I realized I had to take action. If I wanted genuine, lasting relief, I needed to remove the implants and go flat-chested.
I scheduled a complete capsulectomy and implant removal—commonly known as explant surgery—and delved deeper into my research. I came across countless testimonials from women who felt they were at their breaking point before deciding to explant. Their before-and-after photos were compelling, and they had no ulterior motives; they simply wanted to share their experiences. I believed them.
I discovered I was not alone. Dr. Michael Harris, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Premier Plastic Surgery in New York, has performed implant removals for many patients, including notable figures. After 15 years in practice, he is gaining recognition for his expertise in safely removing breast implants and restoring his patients’ health.
Dr. Harris shared that three years ago, he made a pivotal decision to stop performing breast augmentation surgeries, recognizing the growing need to specialize in explant procedures. He noted that his patients often report significant improvements in their health after explanting, with about 85-90% experiencing positive changes.
Although not every woman chooses to explant due to breast implant illness (BII), many do experience discomfort caused by their implants. Symptoms can include back, shoulder, and rib pain, headaches, and implant ruptures. Women have various options available, such as breast lifts or fat transfers, to enhance their natural breasts post-explant.
If someone decides to remove their implants, it’s crucial to choose the right surgeon. Dr. Harris emphasizes the importance of researching the surgeon’s background, reading reviews, and speaking to former patients. It’s essential for the surgeon to believe the patient’s claims of discomfort or illness related to the implants, even though BII is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis.
It has been nearly six weeks since my explant, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement—starting with reduced inflammation. I shared a side-by-side photo on social media, showcasing my transformed face post-surgery. While my story is just one of many, there are numerous posts on Dr. Harris’s social media from women who have experienced similar, remarkable results.
My chronic rib and shoulder pain have vanished. Perhaps the most striking difference is the surge of energy I’ve gained. I no longer wake up feeling exhausted; instead, I can actively engage with my four kids, work, and exercise without relying on multiple cups of coffee.
I am incredibly grateful to the doctor who listened to my concerns and agreed to remove my implants. I am also inspired by the many women who courageously shared their stories online, encouraging others to consider their truths. I’m reclaiming my life, rediscovering myself, and embracing my flat-chested freedom.
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Summary:
In the pursuit of better health, I chose to undergo explant surgery to remove my breast implants after years of discomfort and health issues. After the procedure, I experienced significant improvements in my well-being, including reduced pain and increased energy. My journey reflects the experiences of many women who have found relief through explantation and serves as a reminder of the importance of listening to one’s body.