Three and a half years of suffering all caused by “Allergan textured round - moderate profile” breast implants. When Monique made the decision to get breast implants, she could not have anticipated the health journey she was about to embark on. Joint paint, severe inflammation, hair thinning/loss and fatigue are only a few of the breast implant illness symptoms that plagued Monique.

Tell us about your explant journey.

My explant journey started a year ago (March 2019) when I had a consult with Dr. Wessels. It took me about 8 months to commit and lock in an explant date, which I still scheduled months in advance. 

I was slow accepting this major decision in my life, however within the last 2 months leading up to my explant I grew anxious and frustrated because all I wanted was those toxic bags gone from my body!!!

Leading up to my introduction to BII, I had gone to endless doctor appointments and been sent for countless tests (blood work, MRIs, body scans for inflammation, X-rays…). There were never any answers. Other than having high inflammation markers, I was ‘healthy’ but my body showed the complete opposite to this !! And no one understood why.

What type of implants did you have?

Allergan textured round - moderate profile 

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. Wessels at One Cosmetic Miranda 

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

I wasn’t aware at the time that it was linked to my implants, however, I began to notice changes and random things in my body 10 months after getting my implants. 

What symptoms did you have?

joint paint 24/7 whole body  

Severe inflammation and sharp pains

Hair thinning/loss 

Fatigue 

Increased food sensitivity 

Bruising easily 

Stiff neck and shoulders every morning 

Elbows ache to bend & hurt every morning

Eye sensitivity to lights 

Temperature sensitivity 

Consistent headaches 

Headaches 

Memory/Brain Fog

Sharp pains in breasts when taking in a deep breath

How did breast implants impact your life?

Over the 3.5 years of living with BII, my life deteriorated in so many ways. At 26, I felt like I was 70. My body was suffering from such severe joint pain and inflammation that I couldn’t get out of bed some mornings, I couldn’t dress myself without help. My ability to exercise was severely diminished. Holding weights in my hands, doing a push up, bodyweight squast...everything was painful. 

My eyes ached. My headaches were never-ending. I always felt drained and tired halfway through my day at work, and I slowly became forgetful for no reason. 

I felt myself falling apart with no explanation from any doctor or specialist. 

What was surgery like for you?

I had my surgery on the 6th of March 2020. Surgery went well and everything was removed. My right implant was ruptured, but everything was said to be removed. The worst part was the removal of my drains! I stayed in the hospital for three nights and had drains in while I was there. 

Coming home I spent 3 weeks off work to help my recovery.  Coming off the drugs and pain meds was slow and my body struggled a little. I was forever drowsy, but it helped my body to recover. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

Recovery is still slow. I am roughly 8 weeks post explant now and still suffer from joint pain and bad inflammation. I am doing my best to stay positive. My hair is slowly looking healthier and I am taking vitamins to help with building this strength back up. I have been lucky to hardly suffer from any headaches, which is a welcomed reprieve as I was getting them 2-3 times a week before explanting! Now, I can go weeks without one. 

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

Listen to your bodies! I regret that it took me so long to remove my implants, and I wish I did it sooner to undo so much damage! 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Don’t put pressure on yourself to heal. It’s okay for it to take time to be back at full health again. I love my natural boobs. I feel amazing and you should embrace yourself because boobs don’t make you amazing !! 

Be kind and love your skin xx