Navigating Breast Implant Illness and the Journey of Explant Surgery: My Personal Story
- Kathy Ozakovic
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
I was not always who I am today. I continue to grow and evolve into a new version of myself daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. Some values I have carried through my whole life including honesty, loyalty, strength and love. Other values have changed to allow for better adaptability and resilience. Beliefs have changed throughout my life as I learnt about the human body, and as the world around me changed. Let this not be a surprise to you, but another lesson I have learnt on my own skin that I am willing to share so we can help others.
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, I suspect hormones were not being produced. My brain was constantly burning whatever fuel I was giving it as I was very studious. This left 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.
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 shopping at 'Bras n Things'. 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.
What they don't put on the informative brochure when you are contemplating breast implants is that breast implants were banned by the FDA in America between 1992 and 2007. 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. 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.
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 a long painful route to fully accepting and embracing myself. I caved to the pressures of societal influences and 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 I outgrew them.
I now feel more feminine without breast implants. My body has softened, even with muscle and athleticism. My natural breast tissue has developed, I might even be able to breastfeed my future children.
It was never about my body, it was always about the story I had created in my mind. 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 better?
I fully acknowledge that Breast Implant Illness is not every woman's experience. I have met women who have consciously made the decision to have breast implants from a place of love, with a regulated nervous system and in a nurturing relationship. Often times I hear of their partner discouraging them. I question what their reality will bring them in due time. Breast implants are said not to be lifetime devices, and I wonder why we are told they need to be changed over every 10-13 years. Yet, some women keep the same implants for 30+ years.
My surgeon shared this analogy with me: "It's like putting tea bags in cold water. Eventually you'll get tea". The body is permeable, we are made of atoms and empty space. So, any foreign object that you put into your body will change your metabolism in some way. The power of the mind can keep you sturdy. I now believe nervous system regulation is key to one's experience. Admittedly, when I had my implants I has many co-dependent relationships, no personal boundaries, and very little understanding of nervous system regulation. So I wonder, if I had them now would I be fine?
Not likely, my body is prone to MCAS flare ups. A pattern I experience when I put myself under a lot of pressure. Again, my own doing as a result of being relentlessly passionate about what I am building. Maybe my pattern will change when I have a loving, nurturing partner. I won't be experimenting with breast implants anymore. If I miss having bigger breasts, I'll play with tissues and socks again like I did as a teen! Much less expensive.
If you would like to know more about my experience with Breast Implant Illness, the explant procedure, costs, detoxing after explant I share this information across a few podcasts. I have supported other women in their journey towards explanting as the prep work makes all the difference. Knowing what to expect reduces fear. If you 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.
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KEYWORDS: Breast Implant Illness, BII, Implants, Explant, Surgery, Mast Cells, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, MCAS, Health, Illness, Wellness
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