Having implanted at the young age of 18, Sammy was terrified at the idea of removing her breast implants. However, after receiving the news that both of her implants had ruptured and needed to be removed immediately, she knew that they had to go. Eight months after her surgery, Sammy is still working to appreciate her natural body, but her confidence grows every day giving her the courage to do things like share her breast implant illness journey with others. 

Tell us about your explant journey.

After experiencing severe pain in my breasts and armpits, I went to the breast clinic for an ultrasound and mammogram only to find that both of my implants had ruptured and urgently needed to be removed. I had my implants since I was 18, so the thought of being without them was terrifying. 

The surgeon told me that under the NHS, they would not tidy me up or lift my breasts; they would only open the old scar, take out the implants and then do me back up! I was petrified with what I would wake up with but knew it was a life-saving operation. I wasn’t in a financial situation to go and pay for the surgery privately, so I went through with it. 

I am eight months post-op and now starting to come to terms with a body I was born with. Every day my confidence grows, and I now have the courage to share my story with others. 

Connecting with other women that have experienced this has helped me immensely. 

What type of implants did you have?

Silicone 

What surgeon did you explant with?

NHS breast surgeon 

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

The pain began years after implanting, but, looking back, I’ve had several health issues that I think were connected to my implants 

What symptoms did you have?

Nausea

Lightheaded 

Chest pain

Headaches

Bad skin

How did breast implants impact your life?

I had them for so long it was just normal for me. At first, I thought they would complete me. At the age of 18, you really don’t know yourself at all. 

What was surgery like for you?

Explanting was extremely scary because I was unsure what I would wake up with. 

How are you doing now, after explant?

I’m good. Recovery certainly is a marathon, not a sprint! I still have headaches occasionally, but other than that, I’m really healthy. 

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

I think it’s important to work on yourself on a deeper level, it’s not a quick fix.