On a chilly October day, I found myself feeling sick, a state that had persisted for six months. I awoke with stiff, swollen joints in my fingers and toes. Despite using top-tier prescription moisturizing drops, my eyes felt parched. Even after a full night’s sleep, I shuffled through my day, managing chores, guiding my kids through remote learning, preparing meals, and writing—operating on autopilot. I took my daily blood thinner after a blood clot was discovered during an emergency room visit just months earlier. My family often noticed how I’d attempt to direct them but would lose my train of thought mid-sentence. I feared the worst when it came to my health, worrying about a potential return of breast cancer; however, a recent checkup ruled that out.
It was clear that something had to change. Despite a healthy diet, daily exercise, and sufficient rest, I felt like a walking zombie. I had poured countless resources into my health, spending thousands on physical therapy, chiropractic care, consultations with a registered dietitian, and numerous lab tests. What could possibly be wrong? The only option I hadn’t considered was the removal of my breast implants. I had seen many celebrities take this step, but was it right for me?
Three years prior, I had been diagnosed with breast cancer after discovering a painful lump. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy, and during the same operation, I had the chance for immediate implant placement. I went under anesthesia with my natural breasts and woke up with perfectly symmetrical D-cup implants, or as we in the breast cancer community call them, “foobs.”
The implants were never particularly comfortable. I often experienced intense pain in my right shoulder, and despite MRIs showing no issues, I suffered from intercostal muscle strain, which is a slow-healing and agonizing pain along my ribcage. After two lengthy and costly rounds of physical therapy, the relief was temporary. I always had a muscle-cooling roll-on with me, seeking some semblance of comfort.
While my implants looked great, I often joked about being the most attractive grandma at the nursing home one day. The pain, while troublesome, didn’t seem severe enough to warrant drastic action. Perhaps I just needed to practice more yoga? However, when the odd and increasingly debilitating symptoms began, I knew I had to investigate further. Within a few days in a breast implant illness support group online, it became clear what I needed to do: to remove the implants and embrace a flat-chested life.
I scheduled my surgery—a complete capsulectomy and implant removal, commonly known as explant surgery—and continued my research. I read countless testimonials from women who, like me, felt they were on the verge of disaster before opting for explantation. Their before-and-after images were compelling; these women had no ulterior motives in sharing their experiences. I found their stories to be credible.
I learned that I was not alone in this journey. Dr. Ethan Brooks, a board-certified plastic surgeon and the chief of plastic surgery at Westview Medical Center, has performed explant surgeries for numerous patients, including notable figures. In his years of practice, he has gained a reputation for safely and effectively removing breast implants, helping women reclaim their health.
Dr. Brooks made a pivotal decision three years ago to cease performing breast augmentations and focus solely on explant procedures, recognizing a significant demand for this service. He noted that many of his patients experience substantial health improvements post-surgery, making his decision to specialize in explantation an easy one.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, yet many women report a connection between their symptoms and their implants. The evidence is often seen in the positive post-operative outcomes. Dr. Brooks mentioned that “85-90% of my patients report health improvements after explanting.” Yes, you read that correctly—85-90%.
Not every woman chooses explantation due to BII; some opt for surgery because they find their implants too large. Dr. Brooks elaborated that women with implants can experience a range of issues, including back, shoulder, and rib pain, headaches, and even ruptures. For those seeking alternatives, options like breast lifts, fat transfers, or other procedures are available after explanting.
If someone decides to have their implants removed, it’s crucial to find a surgeon qualified for the procedure. Dr. Brooks recommends researching potential surgeons, reading reviews, and speaking with previous patients. Personally, I believe it’s essential for the surgeon to validate the patient’s experiences, especially when they express discomfort or illness related to their implants. Physicians like Dr. Brooks are becoming vital allies for women seeking relief and reassurance.
Now, almost six weeks post-explant, I’ve noticed a significant change—starting with a reduction in inflammation. I shared before-and-after images on social media to highlight how my appearance has transformed after the surgery. My chronic rib and shoulder pain has vanished, and the most striking difference has been my surge in energy. I no longer wake up feeling drained; I can keep pace with my four children, engage in exercise with enthusiasm, and no longer rely on endless cups of coffee.
I’m incredibly grateful for the doctor who took my concerns seriously and for the brave women who shared their stories online, inspiring others to explore their truths. I’m reclaiming my life and my identity, all while being flat-chested and liberated.
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In summary, my experience with explant surgery has been transformative. I went from struggling with chronic health issues to regaining my vitality and sense of self. The journey has empowered me, and I am grateful for the support of medical professionals and fellow women who shared their stories.