“Just do it! Get those toxic bags out of your body. Will it be scary? Heck yes! But, your body will thank you!”

Alexandra began experiencing breast implant illness symptoms only a year after implanting. Although she began noticing BII symptoms one-year post-implant, her overall health took a significant turn for the worse around 11 years after implanting with symptoms like food sensitivities, extreme weight gain, GERD and inflammation.

Tell us about your explant journey.

Spent years (and lots of money) trying to figure out was wrong! If it wasn’t for a brave BII survivor sharing her story, I’d still be suffering in silence and heading to a very dark and unhealthy place. 

What type of implants did you have?

Saline 

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. Joshua Lampert

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

1 year after implanting

What symptoms did you have?

Allergies

Food sensitivities

Extreme weight gain

Inflammation

Migraines

GERD

Issues swallowing

Frequent UTI’s

Anxiety

Issues falling/staying asleep

Brain fog

Frequent sinus infections

Frequent colds (low immune system)

Candida (bad gut)

Night sweats

Foot/leg cramps

Dry skin

Skin rashes

Heart palpitations

Constantly tender breasts

Sudden breast pains

High blood pressure

Possible mild cardiomyopathy, etc. 

How did breast implants impact your life?

Fine mostly, but after 11 years, my health started to rapidly decline. Suddenly, my weight kept rising, BP was going up, doctors thought I had mild cardiomyopathy. My debilitating migraines were happening 1-2 times a week and it was getting harder to treat/prevent them. I was always sick. I started feeling delicate and as if my body was deteriorating from the inside out. 

What was surgery like for you?

Recovery wasn’t too bad, but it was worse for me than when I got the implants. The pain was tolerable without pain killers. However, I did have a post-surgery complication. Two weeks following my surgery, I learned I had a hematoma that needed to be surgically removed. I ended up with PTSD, so my anxiety got worse before it got better. Also, I had vision disturbances. I had some immediate improvements and could tell my body was working better, but overall, my symptoms got worse before they got better. I started to feel brand new about 2-3 months post explant. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

Absolutely amazing and 30 lbs lighter!!! I didn’t realize how bad I felt until I started to feel good. Not only am I feeling better physically, but also mentally and spiritually. 

What would you like women who are considering explant to know?

Just do it! Get those toxic bags out of your body. Will it be scary? Heck yes! But, your body will thank you! And, be patient with recovery. Listen to your body, give it what it needs to heal, and let your body heal. 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

This was the best decision I’ve made for myself. It was so worth it. Also, healing my gut has definitely helped expedite my recovery and detox. Lastly, spread awareness, speak your truth and make some noise. 

Everyone needs to know BII is a real thing.