"For the first 4 years I just over looked everything figuring it was all from stress. Then the fifth year hit with a very quick very long list of symptoms. For three months (and thank God only three months) they completely ruined my life. My health was so bad I couldn’t work, couldn’t keep my house clean, couldn’t drive, and couldn’t be much of a mom to my children."

Tell us about your explant journey.

I got my implants in 2015. Soon after I gained 60 pounds. Headaches began to be daily, allergies went from seasonal to daily, and I began having stomach issues but I paid it no attention. Even after my boyfriend said “hey have you realized you didn’t have these problems til you got your implants” and reading about bii. Then came 2020. In April, out of nowhere one day I felt like I was having a heart attack and from that point on my health went down hill quick. One thing after another. I was having test after test ran. Appointment after appointment and everything always came back normal. I was to the point I couldn’t get out of bed. I’d read reading about bii for years and paid it no mind until now. Until I was dying and had no answers. I’ve read stories were women dealt with the symptoms for years and I said “not me”. I put up with a long list of symptoms and feeling like I was dying for 3 months and got my explant. I research and had consultations with a handful of doctors and new Dr. Bharti was for me. My surgery went great! I had an en bloc removal with lift. The drains weren’t bad like I was so afraid they would be! I had absolutely no pain and most of all I HAD MY LIFE BACK!!! 

What type of implants did you have?

750cc Saline mentor 

What surgeon did you explant with?

Dr. Bharti 

When did you begin to experience symptoms?

Within the first year mild symptoms, fifth year sudden long list of symptoms 

What symptoms did you have?

Weight gain

Daily allergies

Migraines

IBS

Dizziness to the point I couldn’t even drive

Daily panic attacks

Shortness of breath

Heart palpitations

Weak arms and legs
Chest pain

Hair loss

Brain fog

Couldn’t stand up longer than 5 minutes at a time

Gallbladder symptoms

Gerd

Pre menopausal

Aging skin

Body aches

Depression

Paranoia

The feeling of being sure I was going to die

Hot flashes

Period problems

Ear pain

Tightness in throat

Feeling of being strangled 

How did breast implants impact your life?

Honestly, only in a bad way. I always had nice real boobs until I breast fed. BUT I had always liked the look of fake ones and so after breast feeding made my boobs small and saggy I went for it. They never gave me any more confidence. Did I like them? Yes, but did they make me happier about myself? No. Not to mention when I first got them they were DDD but with them quickly making me gain 60 pounds they soon turned into an F which is no fun and so very heavy! Then there’s all the health problems. For the first 4 years I just over looked everything figuring it was all from stress. Then the fifth year hit with a very quick very long list of symptoms. For three months (and thank God only three months) they completely ruined my life. My health was so bad I couldn’t work, couldn’t keep my house clean, couldn’t drive, and couldn’t be much of a mom to my children. I was sure I was dying. I kept thinking omg I have cancer! I would have panic attacks everyday out of nowhere. Going in public was out of the question. I couldn’t stand longer than 5 minutes at a time or I’d pass out. I had acid reflux so bad it felt like heart attacks. And I never ever could take a good deep breath. Breast implants made my life hell. 

What was surgery like for you?

I was sooooooo nervous about my surgery. But I never thought twice about getting it done. I think I just don’t like the fact of being put to sleep. I didn’t actually ever meet my doctor until the day of surgery, we always had phone consultations. But I went in feeling very comfortable. Everyone I had spoken to had been nothing but caring, supportive, and sweet. When I first got there a nurse took me to a room and had me fill out paperwork. Soon Dr Bharti came in to speak with me and take pictures. The picture taking wasn't very easy for me being I couldn’t stand longer than 5 min at a time, but he was very understanding and very patient with me. Then before I knew it, I was walking to the OR. I remember when I first woke up and how I didn’t feel how crappy I had felt when I woke up after getting them. I felt GOOD! I wasn’t in any pain! And I COULD BREATH!!! I went back to the hotel and was just in such a great mood! You always wonder “will this really heal me” and then you have it done and it’s literally the biggest relief. It’s like experiencing a miracle. I prayed and thanked God a million times over. I hadn’t been terrified of the whole drain thing before hand but I never hadn’t any problems or pain from them, not even when they were taken out. My scarring isn’t great. EVERYTHING IS GREAT!

How are you doing now, after explant?

I feel the best I have in years. Still trying to get the weight off but I know it’ll take time. My body has to rid itself of toxins first and foremost. 

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

If there is the slightest reason you’re considering it, no matter the reason, JUST DO IT!