I had 29 symptoms of Breast Implant Illness, an unofficial (but very real) illness that those with breast implants can experience before having them removed.
I made up my mind that even if I only felt ten percent better, it would be worth it. I did extensive research on BII, and I knew, without a doubt, that I had it. Looking good in a swimsuit was not worth not being able to get out of bed. Yes, breast cancer had taken my natural breasts, but having implants didn’t give me myself back. Instead, they steadily took from me until I was barely able to function.
Dr. David Rankin is the founder of Aqua Plastic Surgery and is the Chief Plastic Surgeon at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Florida has become well-known in the BII community as a superhero. He’s helped thousands of patients, including celebrities such as Kayla Reid, by removing their breast implants. I asked him how quickly his patients feel better after explanting, and he said that some symptoms can go away immediately, while others can take over a year.
It’s been three months since my surgery, and I’m happy to report that 25 of my 29 symptoms are gone. My experience has taught me that electing to have foreign objects sewn into my body was clearly not a good decision — it stole years from my life. I lost time with my children and husband, job opportunities, and existing without pain and sickness. Having the perfect breasts came with a hefty price tag, and I’m not talking about my medical bills.