What started out as a gift to herself became the very thing that robbed Orchid Vega of her health. Orchid’s breast implant illness symptoms appeared only one year after getting breast implants, and the moment she learned about breast implant illness she knew that had to be the cause of her suffering. 

Tell us about your explant journey.

In April 2012, I decided to get breast implants as a "gift to myself" after having, and nursing, 3 children. Little did I know, that those same implants started robbing me of my health. 

About one year after getting implants, the symptoms started to appear. I got weaker, my blood sugar would drop every hour, I didn't want to get out of bed, anxiety was normal, melasma covered my entire face, my adrenals were fatigued, and thyroid medication became necessary. 

I couldn't give 100% of myself as a mother or a wife. I felt like my life was slipping away. There were days that I honestly thought I would die. My eyes were watery, my heart would flutter in my chest, and I felt helpless and hopeless. But by the grace of God, I discovered Breast Implant Illness. I began to learn about it, and just KNEW that had to be what I was experiencing. 

In April 2018, I finally got an explant with Dr. David Rankin. He performed an en bloc, and removed the entire capsules and implants. When I woke up from anesthesia, I felt "lighter." I was happy already, knowing that God had led me to a path of healing and recovery. With each passing day, month, and year, I've gained my health back. My blood sugar is more stable, I no longer need thyroid medication, I have more energy, my skin is clearing up, and I feel great in my body again. My family is so happy too! My husband has his wife back, my children have their Mommy back, and life is just sweeter. ♡

Everyone's life journey is different, and although life was tough for me those few years, I'm grateful I'm on the other side of it, to be able to spread awareness on the dangers of breast implants. Sharing my story and helping other women live their best life, brings me joy. We don't have to look a certain way to be happy, we have to be healthy to be happy. ♡

What type of implants did you have?

350cc "gummy bear" silicone implants

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. David Rankin 

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

I began experiencing symptoms one year after implanting.

What symptoms did you have?

Hypoglycemia

Hypothyroidism

Adrenal fatigue

Melasma

Brain fog

Fatigue

Weakness

Joint pain

Chest pain

Tachycardia

Tinnitus

Allergies

IBS

Leaky gut

Anxiety

Depression

Food intolerances

Migraines

Watery eyes, etc

How did breast implants impact your life?

The taught me that health is wealth and that our God-given bodies are beautiful already. 

What was surgery like for you?

I was nervous both times, but I was very ready. Recovery was easy both times too.

How are you doing now, after explant?

Much better!!! It's incredible how toxic implants are. And how quickly our bodies can start changing after explanting. 

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

Do it!! Remove those toxic bags. They're sitting right next to your precious heart and lungs. Trust me, an explant is worth EVERY penny. 

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Our bodies are already beautiful. ♡