Experiencing symptoms only months after implanting, Rosie’s breast implants took a significant toll on her health and quality of life. Exercise, Chest and back exercises in particular, were nearly impossible to do without experiencing pain as her implants were placed under the muscle, but the physical limitations only accounted for part of the pain that Rosie experienced.

“Mentally, my implants made me feel like an object. Men treated me like a piece of meat and women looked down on me. I couldn't wear a knee-length skirt suit without being pulled into HR. My self-esteem was insanely low, it was horrible.”

Tell us about your explant journey.

I learned about BII around June of 2019. After reading into the symptoms and having a ton of "me too" moments, I decided to explant on August 8, 2019. 

What type of implants did you have?

Mentor 650CC Smooth Round Moderate 

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

I started experiencing symptoms a few months after implanting. Unfortunately, BII wasn't spoken about 8 years ago, so I blamed a lot of my symptoms on burn out from being a new mom while working and going to school full time. I was always getting sick and couldn't figure out why my health was plummeting, especially since all my bloodwork was consistently normal.

What symptoms did you have?

Hair loss

Chronic fatigue

Brain fog

Headaches

Joint/muscle pain

Inflammation

Dry mouth

Swollen lymph nodes

Insomnia

Temperature intolerance

Recurring illness

Sinus infections

Irritable bowel

Night sweats

Heart palpitations

How did breast implants impact your life?

Physically, my implants were very large and under the muscle, I couldn't do chest or back exercises without causing myself pain. Looking back, I lost so much time and opportunity from always feeling sick or tired. 

Mentally, my implants made me feel like an object. Men treated me like a piece of meat and women looked down on me. I couldn't wear a knee-length skirt suit without being pulled into HR. My self-esteem was insanely low, it was horrible. 

What was surgery like for you?

Lets just say it's easier taking them out than putting them in. Surgery was a breeze for me. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

Its been a year since explanting and wow, my life has changed so much. Most of my BII symptoms disappeared with the exception of headaches, temperature intolerance, and joint/muscle pain. My confidence is back and I haven't needed to take a sick day since. 

I am still working on putting my mental/physical health first. It's an everyday effort to ensure that I fall in love with the skin I'm in. 

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

If you're considering explant, DO YOUR RESEARCH. Its extremely important to make your own, informed decision regarding your health and the removal of your implants. Have a few different consultations before choosing an experienced, explant surgeon. Recommendations are helpful, but its best to go with the surgeon that feels right for you. 

It's also important to know that this surgery is equally physical as it is mental, so be patient as your body heals. You will have a rollercoaster of emotions towards yourself and your body, so understand that it's all a part of the healing process and you will begin to feel both happy and healthy soon.