“I feel like me again and I’ve been able to enjoy life and play with my two beautiful little girls...I couldn’t before. I am now 15 weeks post-explant, and although the recovery hasn’t been easy, it’s been worth it and I’m re-gaining my life and health back a little more each day.”

Jada began experiencing breast implant illness symptoms about five months after implanting, and it started with weight gain that would not stop regardless of diet and exercise. The list of symptoms only got longer from there, adding things like depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, hair loss and so much more. After doing some research, Jada finally found what she believed to be the cause of her - breast implant illness. 

Tell us about your explant journey.

I first received my implants in February of 2018. Initially, I was just doing a breast lift, but I allowed the surgeon to convince me implants were the only way to gain a more youthful appearance. I was happy with them initially. They looked great! About 5 months after I got them, I started gaining weight. Regardless of my diet or activity, I just kept gaining weight. I took a bunch of tests and was diagnosed with a thyroid issue...I never had a history of that, nor was it a part of my family history. They put me on medication, but it didn’t help, so they said it was a hormonal issue. I started having pain in my right breast, but my doctor couldn’t find anything wrong. I began feeling depressed. I couldn’t sleep. I began having frequent anxiety attacks and I just didn’t feel like myself. My hair was falling out. I was having issues with my skin. I experienced major swelling, especially in my hands and legs. I just felt so alone and like I wasn’t even me anymore. No one could figure out what was wrong with me. I did some research and learned about BII. Everything started to make sense. I talked to a few surgeons. Some made me feel like I was crazy...they didn’t acknowledge BII. Then, I came across Aqua Plastic Surgery. I spoke with a coordinator and they asked me a series of questions and helped me confirm my suspicions regarding my implants. I was ill for 2 years and I felt so alone until I learned about BII. I booked my explant surgery and successfully completed it on November 18, 2020 with Dr. Dev Vibhakar.

Recovery was challenging, but it was nothing in comparison to how I felt with implants. I started to notice major changes in my ability to sleep well. The swelling my body experienced has almost completely subsided. My hair has started coming back in. Most importantly, I feel like me again and I’ve been able to enjoy life and play with my two beautiful little girls...I couldn’t before. I am now15 weeks post-explant and although the recovery hasn’t been easy, it’s been worth it and I’m re-gaining my life and health back a little more each day. 

What type of implants did you have?

Silicone implants

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. Dev Vibhakar

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

Around 5 months after.

What symptoms did you have?

Brain fog

Weight gain

Body swelling

Hair loss

Pain in breasts

Anxiety

Depression

Poor sleep

No energy

Skin rashes.

How did breast implants impact your life?

They took away my ability to function. They took moments of my life that I can never get back. 

What was surgery like for you?

My surgeon and the entire staff at Aqua plastic surgery made my experience feel personal, safe and comforting. I was in pain, but it was managed well with prescriptions. I was told one of my implants was stuck to my chest wall which was a part of the pain I was experiencing. Overall, surgery was a great experience. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

I feel amazing! I started working out again. I can lift up my daughters and play with them. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my days and residual flair ups or symptoms, but it doesn’t compare to what I went through with BII. All in all, I’m happy and healthy!

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

Everything will be ok. They’re not alone. It will get better. They are beautiful.