“Be patient with yourself. Depending on how long you've had the implants in, it may take your body more time to detox and get back to a normal & healthy state. Not everyone's symptoms disappear right away, sometimes it can take several months. Believe in yourself, have faith in the process. Be patient with your body and everything it's been through.”

Tell us about your explant journey.

As I laid in the hospital bed, day of explant procedure, the doctors covered me with a heating blanket and started hooking me up to the IV. I had this surprising wave of calm that took over me, and I was in awe of how at peace I felt in that moment. It was as if my body knew that this was the best decision. Anxiety and tears had taken over me the days leading up to the procedure, but I was more than ready. Days 1-2 were manageable, but then I took a bit of a turn for the worst on Day 3 & 4, due to the strong pain medication. My body wasn't handling it well, and it was rough. Pounding headache and dry heaving. My doctor said to wean off the pain medication entirely and stick to IBUProfen & Tylenol. Once the strong meds were out of my system I turned a corner... and felt INCREDIBLE. Literally better than I've felt in my life. Inside and out, I could feel the difference. My joints felt strong and happy, my mind was clear as day, and I simply felt radiant & healthy. Additionally, I loved my tiny boobs / whatever was left. I suddenly felt confident and happy in my own skin, which I never felt prior to getting implants in the first place. A full transformation, body & mind. Getting the drains out was a huge relief, as they were just burdensome and would get in the way. That's when I literally started feeling like a new person. It's been amazing ever since... every day I feel better and better.

What type of implants did you have?

Mentor - 'Gummy Bear' Silicone

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. Chatson - Massachusettes

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

3 months after implanting (2016) 

What symptoms did you have?

Brain fog

Memory loss

Severe light sensitivity

Debilitating joint pain

Heart palpitations

Quickly-aging skin

Loss of color in face

Deep dark circles under eyes

On and off graves disease

On and off hyperthyroidism

Panic attacks (never had them prior to implants: out of no where, heart racing out of my chest, full body sweat, hand tremors, feeling like I would faint)

Heightened anxiety. 

How did breast implants impact your life?

I don't regret getting implants, but they didn't serve me in the way I thought they would. I don't regret them, because if I didn't go through this rough health journey BECAUSE of them, I wouldn't have reached the place I am today - which is content, full of body confidence and self love. This transformation only happened because of what I overcame. I never felt confident with the implants in, as I thought I would. I found myself always trying to cover them up. I felt foreign in my own body.

What was surgery like for you?

Surgery was a breeze. No complications. I didn't have enough breast tissue for a lift, so we just did a full-enbloc capsullectomy. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

INCREDIBLE. Better than I've ever felt in my life. My health is at it's prime, and my mind is healthier and happier than it's ever been. I love my body, all of it's imperfections. I respect my scars. I love my tiny boobs. I feel blessed to call this body my home. I no longer "wish" I was different, or "wish" I could change this or that about myself. I've developed a strong sense of body positivity and acceptance that I wish all women could experience. Less comparing, more loving. 

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

ONE -- Don't let them leave the capsules in! Doctors who: 1) inexperienced with a full enbloc capsullectomy, 2) don't want to take the extra time for the intricate procedure, 3) don't care about your health afterwards -- those are the ones you want to avoid. They'll tell you crazy things to get you to simply explant the implants, but leave the capsules in. The capsules are what contain the toxins released from the implants, therefore they must be removed. Find a doctor who will listen to you, who cares, and who is an expert (experienced) with the full enbloc capsullectomy. 

TWO -- Be patient with yourself. Depending on how long you've had the implants in, it may take your body more time to detox and get back to a normal & healthy state. Not everyone's symptoms disappear right away, sometimes it can take several months. Believe in yourself, have faith in the process. Be patient with your body and everything it's been through. 

THREE -- Stop following women who make you feel bad about yourself, or that you find yourself comparing your body to - "wishing" yours was like theirs. Follow women who have similar stories, who are empowering and inspire you, who make you feel good, who make you smile, who make you laugh, who you learn valuable things from. Social media can be our best friend, or worst enemy. Be smart how you use it moving forward. 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I'm the Founder of Love, Lexxi. It's a community for women with smaller breasts to feel sexy, feminine and empowered. It's not JUST a community, the concept was actually sparked amongst my own health journey, not being able to find something in the market that I wanted & needed post-explant. Love, Lexxi is for ANY woman with small breasts (from flat-chested to full B... sizing is flex), whether or not implants, explant or scars are part of your story. It's for ALL deserving "levly" (small breasted) women to feel beautiful in the skin they're in. These designs & collection is launching by Fall 2021, and would love you all to come join the community in the meantime on Instagram: @welovelexxi, and Facebook.