Izzy's breast implant illness journey illustrates why it is so important to share your experience with BII. After a few years of contemplation, she was finally ready to move forward with explanting and begin researching more about the breast implant removal procedure and BII. Aware of how easily many of her symptoms could be explained away by other illnesses or deficiencies, Izzy was shocked to learn that a particular sensitivity she'd dealt with for years was actually on the list of BII symptoms. Although she had already committed to removing her breast implants, this connection between BII and one of her symptoms flipped a switch. This "huge connection" helped her make sense of something that seemed so abnormal for so long. 

Tell us about your explant journey.

I wanted my breast implants out for two years before committing. I was uncomfortable, and my posture was suffering. It wasn't until I was ready to make the commitment to explanting that I read more about explantation and breast implant illness (BII). When I learned that 'sensitivity to temperature' is a symptom of BII, a lightbulb ticked. I knew most of the other symptoms were easily linked to other things. However, my sensitivity to temperature was seriously abnormal, so this was a huge connection! It made sense, and sure enough, not long after getting them out, my sensitivity to temperature vanished! I don't have to wear a gazillion layers, nor do I feel the 'painful sting' type feeling I'd get on my skin when I was cold. Even more, my partner believes it. I would always complain of being cold, but now he gets colder than me! I feel 1000x better now that they're out, and I love my small chest. Natural is best, and your body will do crazy things to get you to listen. 

What type of implants did you have?

350CC high profile round.

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. Robert Goldman, Mt Lawley

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

I guess straight away, but I never linked the two things!

What symptoms did you have?

Bad posture

Soreness in my neck

Headaches

Sensitivity to temperature

I was seriously sensitive to cold or heat. My skin would painfully sting when cold, and I couldn't last more than 5-10 minutes in a sauna. Now I am comfortable and can stay in a sauna for up to 30 minutes.

How did breast implants impact your life?

Poor posture, made me look top-heavy, sore neck and headaches, sensitive to temperature which ALWAYS impacted me and what I wore, people thought I was weird wearing a jacket in summer.

What was surgery like for you?

Easy! I was only in pain for the first few days then smooth recovery. I am so happy. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

Great! I look leaner, feel better, move better, can wear smaller tops, etc. If I didn't explant, I likely wouldn't have gotten work as a sports model! Now I’m natural I promote a different look.

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

You are beautiful and FREE without them! It's not worth feeling like crap

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Listen to your body! Don't ignore the signs and do your research.