Bye Bye Implants

I’ve noticed a quiet trend developing. It appears that more and more women are quietly removing their breast implants.

This is true for some of the women in my life and something I’ve noticed happening with Instagram influencers.

These influencers haven’t explicitly made any declarations about it but it’s visibly clear.

Inspired by their quiet rebellion, I thought it was time to talk about the silicone elephants in our chests.

The Implant Exodus: A Growing Trend

First things first: this isn’t just a passing fad. 

We’re talking about a serious shift in the cosmetic surgery world. According to The Aesthetic Society, there was a whopping 47% increase in women choosing to have their implants removed (without replacement) from 2020 to 2021. 

These cosmetic surgeries have always been controversial but the improvement in technology almost had us convinced that these foreign objects are safe in our bodies and for long periods of time.

So far, this is what we know:

The Health Consequences of Implants

Capsular Contracture: The Unwelcome Hug

Imagine your body hugging your implant… but never letting go. That’s essentially what capsular contracture is. It’s like your body forms a super clingy scar tissue around the implant, squeezing it until it becomes hard and sometimes painful.

Breast Implant Illness (BII): The Mystery Ailment

BII isn’t officially recognised as a distinct medical condition, but that doesn’t mean it’s not real for many women. We’re talking about symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and autoimmune issues. It’s like your body is throwing a tantrum because of the implants, but scientists are still trying to figure out exactly why.

Ruptures and Leaks: The Silent Troublemakers

Think of implants like water balloons. Sometimes, they can spring a leak. With saline implants, it’s pretty obvious – your breast suddenly looks like it’s channelling its inner deflated balloon. But silicone? That’s trickier. Silicone leaks can be sneaky, hiding inside the scar tissue and causing pain or changes in breast shape.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL): The Rare but Serious Concern

This one’s a bit of a tongue-twister, but it’s important. There’s a rare form of lymphoma (that’s a type of cancer, folks) associated with certain textured implants. It’s called breast implant-associated ALCL (BIA-ALCL). While it’s rare, it is serious enough to know about it and make an informed decision.

Systemic Symptoms: When Your Whole Body Protests

Some women report feeling like their entire body is rebelling against their implants. We’re talking chronic fatigue, cognitive difficulties (like forgetting where you put your keys… again), and skin rashes. It’s like your body is staging a full-on protest.

The Great Escape: Why Women are Choosing Explantation

So, with all these potential issues, it’s no wonder more women are opting for “explantation” (that’s fancy doctor-speak for “taking out the implants”). Many women report feeling better after having their implants removed, with improvements in breast pain, skin irritation, and even those pesky cognitive issues.

But don’t just take our word for it. There are countless online communities and support groups where women share their experiences with BII and explantation.

Before you make any kind of decision, join these groups and include yourself in the conversation. Know what you are getting yourself into and the potential consequences to your overall well-being.

Thinking About Removal? Here’s What to Consider

If you’re sitting there thinking, “Hmm, maybe I should join this explantation party,” here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Health and Symptoms: Are you experiencing any weird symptoms that might be related to your implants? It might be time for a chat with your doctor.
2. Cosmetic Outcomes: Let’s be real – removing implants can change how your breasts look. There might be some sagging involved, and you might need a breast lift to perk things up again.
3. Surgical Risks: Remember, removing implants is still surgery. There are risks like infection, changes in breast sensation, and the possibility of needing more procedures down the line.

An Implant By Any Other Name

…is just the same.

What I mean is that whether you have breast implants, pectoral implants, calf implants or fillers; the insertion of foreign objects may be difficult for the body to accept.

A variety of symptoms such as auto-immune issues, bacterial infection, chronic pain, skin rashes, hair loss and brain fog.

These are all potential indications that the body is not coping. the key is to notice the details and the timelines to make informed decisions.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, the decision to get, keep or remove implants is super personal. Just be sure to stay informed at every step of the way. 

If you’re considering removal, make sure you chat with a board-certified plastic surgeon who knows their stuff. They can help you weigh the pros and cons and make sure you’re making the best decision for you.

Make sure that the potential consequences don’t outweigh the potential benefits and remember that you are your own best health advocate.

If you had experiences with the positive or adverse effects of cosmetic implants, share them with us in the comments below.

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As always, 

Shine bright. Do good. Flow Strong 

Asha ✨