Nicki B.'s Story

Nicki B.'s Story

By Akemi Fisher

Nicki B.'s Story

“Deciding to explant was a LOT of ‘what if’ scenarios, but the bottom line was WHAT IF I GET BETTER?! The surgery was not easy. Full en bloc capsulectomy without lift left me bedridden, pained and beyond exhausted, but I woke up feeling like I could breathe!”


Less than one-year post-op, many of Nicki’s symptoms have significantly improved or disappeared. Although she still struggles with detox waves and flare-ups of some symptoms, Nicki noted that “there could be no amount of anything one person could give to another person that I would accept to have kept my implants in.” 


Tell us about your explant journey.


Explanted 02/21/2020 Allergan 465cc saline under the muscle. During the 9 years, I had these toxic bags, I underwent two additional revision surgeries to correct symmastia/saline rupture in 2013 and again symmastia/bottoming out in 2017. 


Where there is not a HUGE improvement from day 8 to day 15, I notice small changes like less “bubbling” at the lower part of the crease/pocket from the implants, the “loose” skin is starting to retreat and smooth out a bit, my sternum, while still “squishy” or hollow feeling, it’s getting better daily. I am still wrapped in compression 24/7 unless showering because it feels more comfortable for me and I will continue until not wearing it doesn’t feel awkward as hell.. 


As far as symptoms I have HUGE improvements with chronic rhinitis, chronic joint/muscle pain, dry eyes/mouth, clearer/brighter eyes, not as much hair loss in the shower, NO MORE ACNE and improved suppleness and skin tone/texture, ability to actually tolerate drinking water. 


I want to send a special THANK YOU to all the ladies who have not only shared their journey, offered advice, listened without judgment, sent numerous recipes, offered a good laugh and just ALL THE SUPPORT. I am so thankful for every last one of you. 


Those of you who are awaiting explant, DO NOT GIVE UP!! There is hope and there is a light at the end of this long and dark tunnel we’ve been running aimlessly through. You have support and people who understand you. 


💛💙💛💙💛💙💛💙

Sending BIG&WARM hugs! 

-Nicki


What type of implants did you have?

Allergan Natrelle HP saline 465cc


What surgeon did you explant with?

Mark Clayman


When did you begin to experience symptoms?

Approx. 3 months


What symptoms did you have?

Tinnitus

Dry eyes

Sinusitis

Chronic/recurrent UTI-Strep throat

GI issues

Nausea

Diarrhea

Muscle pain

Joint pain

Fatigue

Brain fog

Back/neck/shoulder issues

Major anxiety

Major depression

Hair loss

Acne

Loss of skin tone

Pseudo-appendicitis

Inability to tolerate drinking water

Birth control rejection

Slipping rib syndrome resulting from implant cause connective tissue disease

SYMMASTIA

Foul perspiration odor

Dry mouth
Dry eyes

Brittle nails 


How did breast implants impact your life?

Implants impacted me by stealing my youth, my career, relationships and opportunities. I have missed out on a lot of living due to a decision that I was told was going to be safe. 


What was surgery like for you?

Deciding to explant was a LOT of ‘what if’ scenarios, but the bottom line was WHAT IF I GET BETTER?! The surgery was not easy. Full en bloc capsulectomy without lift left me bedridden, pained and beyond exhausted, but I woke up feeling like I could breathe!


How are you doing now, after explant?

Now that I am days shy of 6 months post-op, I can say that the majority of my symptoms have left. I struggle with detox waves and symptoms returning for a few days to a week. After surgery, I developed nerve pains which I am currently in treatment for via pain management.


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

JUST DO IT !! There could be no amount of anything one person could give to another person that I would accept to have kept my implants in. 


I had an EXCUSE for EVERY symptom. I NEVER had a clue it was my implants killing me softly (and NOT the awesome Fugee’s hit single). It was ugly and only got worse as time went on and complications kept coming up requiring more surgery.


Is there anything else you would like us to know?

You are NOT ALONE! YOU were NEVER alone. I BELIEVE YOU! I WAS YOU! 


WE GOT THIS. WE WILL BE HEARD.