At age 35, following my second pregnancy, I made the decision to get breast implants. I didn’t like how I appeared after the surgery, but more importantly, I developed new health problems. I feel better now that I have removed my breast implants. Morning Brew is read by more than 3 million people; you should too! For almost 40 years, I’ve had a constant battle with 10 pounds and my self-image. But my boobs were always large, round, and perky. That offered me some comfort since I knew that, barring starvation, I would never be as thin as many of my friends. Men took attention of me. I enjoyed the focus.

My breasts inflated to a size I could never have imagined when I became pregnant with our first kid at the age of 26. They were veiny, loaded with milk, and expanded to their maximum density. I married a great person who loved me for more than my appearance.

Both my body and my boobs got better.
At age 35, I had my second kid. My breasts did not return, but my physique did.

I HAD IMPLANTS IN MY BREASTS I wanted to cover up the flesh that was missing from where my previously generous cleavage had been when the baby was a year old. I desired to reclaim my former, sexy self.

I decided to get saline implants during my initial procedure. I thought they were great for a brief period of time, however they quickly became crooked and misplaced.

After nine years, I had a standard anchor lift and replaced the saline implants with smaller, more natural-looking 210 cc silicone implants.

The plastic surgeon informed me that I had a respectable amount of breast tissue and that I might not even need implants when we first met. Even though I didn’t want any more, I didn’t speak up for myself and instead allowed the doctor make the call. In order to “provide extra fullness,” he stated, he chose to place the smallest implants possible.

The new outfit was gorgeous and fit me perfectly. That is, until I put back on the 10 pounds I had dropped before the second surgery, turning my new breasts into DDs. They were in such discomfort.

I HAD A BREAST-IMPLANT DISEASE. At hand were matters of more concern.

A buddy suggested it might be my implants after I completed a battery of tests in March 2020 in response to symptoms like excessive exhaustion, joint discomfort, and severe headaches. I had considered it, but I didn’t want to confront the possibility that I had maybe poisoned my body for the sake of vanity.

I signed up for numerous internet discussion boards and started learning about the warning signs and symptoms of breast implant disease, or BII.

I did, in fact, exhibit at least 15 of the most typical signs and symptoms, along with a positive ANA result, which may point to the presence of an autoimmune disease. Despite the fact that my rheumatologist has performed every test imaginable, I still lack a firm diagnosis.

I did a lot of research to find a plastic surgeon that supports BII and its positive results on patients. I discovered one who had a superb surgical reputation and shown sensitivity and care.

From the first appointment, I waited a little over six months for my operation. When the time came, my procedure went without a hitch, and my implants were extracted undamaged from inside the scar tissue. At four months after surgery, my mobility has returned to about 90%, and the recuperation process has been rather simple.

Although there is continuous discussion concerning the legitimacy of BII among medical professionals, I am one of the tens of thousands of women who chose to have their implants removed as a result of symptoms they had.

Without the silicone in my chest, I feel much better.

I’ll say this after three operations, 13 years, and $30,000: I would have preferred to put that money toward initiatives that promote self-acceptance and self-love. I make an effort to avoid feeling regret, but you can bet that if I could go back and abstain from having that initial operation, I would.

I’ve come to appreciate my body, but I won’t pretend that it was simple. Things stick to you, and it can be very difficult to get rid of them. However, for the time being, I’m content, recuperating, and embracing every inch of my new, smaller chest.