Breast Implant Illness is real

I was 21 years old when I decided I wanted breast implants. My personal decision came from a space of unhappiness, discomfort, low self esteem, a lack of self-acceptance. I struggled with an eating disorder from the age of 14 to 21yo. My breasts never grew. I noticed this even before the eating disorder through comparison with peers. I was always athletic. As I restricted my food intake in my teens, without the necessary nourishment hormones were not being produced. My brain was constantly burning whatever fuel I was giving it as I was very studious, leaving nothing to my body for development. I didn't feel feminine enough. I didn't feel woman enough. I felt I was missing out on life's experiences. 

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Having breast implants for almost 7 years increased my confidence and self esteem. I enjoyed wearing pretty clothes I've always wanted to wear. I enjoyed buying bras now that I could fill them. However, over the years I also suffered physical and mental health issues for "no reason". In particular my skin developed a yellow tinge. My liver enzymes were often deranged, my bilirubin high. I was often asked if I have fake tan on. High cholesterol (produced by the liver), increased anxiety, panic attacks, Raynaud's disease (an autoimmune disease), joint pain, food intolerances, inflamed lymph nodes. Some symptoms were daily, some weekly, some reoccurring monthly. General Practitioners had no answers for me. They often said it's just something I need to learn to manage now - It's just me, my genetics. 

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What they don't tell you when you are contemplating breast implants is that breast implants were actually banned by the FDA in America between 1992 and 2007 because there was an association between having breast implants and becoming very ill or getting cancer. The manufactures argued there is not enough evidence which brought the implants back onto the market in 2007. Furthermore, in 2022 the FDA released a report saying that if the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the breast implant is left in the body when implants are removed, you are cooking cancer. This is because the capsule harbors many toxins.

 

I was told breast implants are safe. I was not told they are made of toxic substances. I was not told the body's natural response is for the immune system to attack them and create this scar tissue capsule. I was not told of the possible symptoms I could experience as a result of my immune system being in overdrive. Yes, I did my own research before my initial surgery, and it was very bias as I now understand: What you focus on is what you find. The algorithm did not show me the existence of Breast Implant Illness. 

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Having now removed the breast implants, after many years of education and personal development, I understand my choice back then was the best my younger self knew. I am grateful to have had my family's support through both surgeries. I took the long route to fully accepting myself, a painful route to embracing myself. I caved to the pressures of societal influences, fitness industry standards. It was an expensive lesson physically, financially and emotionally.

 

I see how my explant surgery was a natural progression of my increasing awareness and alignment. Not only were the breast implants toxic to my body, they were toxic to my mind. I could no longer justify to my new self the choice to have them as I learnt more. They do not align with the message of wellness I want to portray. They do not reflect the type of mother I want to be one day. At the time they were the right choice for me, and now I have outgrown them. I feel more feminine without the breast implants.

 

It was always about the story, never about my body. It was about understanding how to take action, create change, live in alignment with my values, set boundaries, stay curious and be courageous. Growth is not about becoming someone else, it is about becoming more deeply yourself, even if that means righting a wrong you didn't know about. What is the next best thing I can do now that I do know? 

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If you would like to know more about my experience with Breast Implant Illness, the explant procedure, costs, detoxing after explant or would like to have a few wellness mentoring sessions to support your body's healing journey - book in a clarity call to learn more about how I can help you. Explore the resources available to you below.

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RESOURCES

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Podcasts:

Things you should know before getting breast implants

Uncovering the truth about Breast Implant Illness

Breast Implant Illness and MCAS with Breast Surgeon Eva Nagy

Breast Implants and MCAS Insights with Surgeon Eva Nagy: MCAS Matters with Tania Dempsey, MD

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Publication:

Breast Implant Illness May Be Rooted in Mast Cell Activation

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Summit: 

The Breast Implant Illness Summit: Navigating Your Healing Journey

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