It’s been 6 months since my breast implant removal; I can hardly believe it. If you read my story of why I had explant surgery, I promised to share an update 6 months. So here goes – the good, the bad and the truth about where I am after having my breast implants removed:
Changes that I’ve experienced after having my breast implants removed
Energy – The biggest change that I’ve noticed is that I have my energy back. Before having implants, I used to get up and run at 5:30 many mornings. But as time went on, I was more and more exhausted. It got to a point where I could barely peel myself out of bed at 7:30 a.m. I knew something was wrong. And I’m happy to say, that I’m MUCH more energetic and have the ability to do everything that I want to in a day. That’s a big win in my book!
Hair loss – I’m happy to say that my hair is falling out somewhat less. It’s not gone, but it’s definitely not falling out at the same rate that it was.
Less food sensitivities – Since removing my breast implants, I’ve been able to eat almonds (and all nuts) and hummus as well as some beans. These are huge wins for me!! Since I like to eat mostly plant-based, not being able to eat beans and nuts was really difficult. I am ecstatic to have this back and hope that my gut only continues to heal.
Libido – My husband commented that if this and only this improved, it would be worth it – ha! Well I’m happy to say that while mine was never *gone*, it has definitely improved. And at age 44, I’ll take it! 😉
Cycles normalizing – While my menstrual cycles have always been between 31 – 36 days (at least post-having kids), they have normalized a bit more to be 31 – 32 days each. I suspect that with more time this could improve.
Less “old” looking – Okay, I know this sounds weird, but sometimes I’d just look in the mirror and feel like I looked old – like my skin was grey. I’ve definitely gotten color back. I can see it, and I’ve had a number of people tell me the same. This makes me happy!
What hasn’t changed after explant surgery
I still have rheumatoid arthritis. I went into surgery knowing that it was basically a 50/50 chance of this going away. Some people with autoimmune diseases have a reversal of the disease after removing the implants, and others don’t. At this point, I haven’t – but to be honest, I wasn’t expecting this, so I’m really not that upset about it.
I still take medication for hypothyroidism. And while my numbers may have increased just the slightest bit, I suspect that this may not change either. Do I attribute the implants for putting me into a hypothyroid state? I can’t say one way or the other. But I am grateful to have found a more natural medication to treat it, and also one that works for me.
The emotional side of explant surgery
This whole process has made me realize that I have tied a lot of value to personal looks. It’s not something that I’m proud of, but it’s real and it has been challenging for me. It’s caused me to dig deep, to really look into who I am and why I place value on this.
I believe that we are always learning, always improving. This experience has showed me that this is an area that I need to work on. To do so, I’m journaling, talking with an energy healer, and also seeing a therapist.
All this being said, there are positive emotional changes that have occurred as well. I’m me, in my own skin. I’ve been working on clearing out things (and people!) that have not served me well. I’ve made changes and continue to make changes. It’s almost been as though I cleared out something physical in my body which has spurred me to clear out other things in my life. That part has been very energizing!
Fluffing after explant
In the breast implant removal world, there is a term “fluffing” that many women refer to. In fact, some suggest that the fluffing fairy visits at some point – maybe 6 – 9 months post explant surgery.
To define, fluffing is the filling out of the breasts, or the softening and smoothing of the breasts after surgery. Some say that this happens right away. Some say it happens after 6 months. And for some, they say the fluff fairy doesn’t visit at all.
For me personally, I definitely have noticed some improvements, but I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that I’m hoping for the fluff fairy to visit sometime in the next couple of months. The nurse at my doctor’s office did tell me that if I gained some weight that would likely help. So there’s that.
Other Breast Implant Removal Thoughts/Questions:
- I am still cupping, and I still see a lymphatic masseuse every 3 weeks to work on clearing my lymph nodes and to also do an in-office cupping treatment.
- Celery juice is still making an appearance many days of the week (this is the juicer that I use). I continue to work on detoxing with celery juice and other supplements, such as milk thistle even dandelion tea.
- I do not regret getting breast implants. When I made the decision to get them, I was 33 years old and had nursed three of my four kids for over a year each. My skin was stretched out and I needed a lift if nothing else. I try to live a life of no regrets and no looking back, and that’s the best that I can do here. I can only take what I’ve learned and try to help spread the word and educate others, and learn from my own experiences.
The big question – would I do it again? Do I recommend breast implant removal??
In one word – yes.
Breast implants cause an inflammatory response in the body. With all of my 29 (yes 29) symptoms, my body was definitely in an inflammatory state and I needed to do anything and everything that I could to lower inflammation in my body.
In addition, the FDA just released a boxed warning on all of the boxes of breast implants – kind of ironic since patients really don’t see the boxes of the implants, but oh well. At least it’s an effort. I’ve had too many positive changes myself, and I know too many people who have felt so much better after getting them removed, too.
If you or someone you know has any questions about breast implant removal or want to ask me questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. So many people have come out of the woodwork; it’s been so gratifying for me to be able to help others through this surgery. I’m more than happy to share my experience and help out if I can.
Thank you for your transparency and willingness to share and bring awareness to BII. You’re amazing!
💕💕💕
Did you get a lift? Abs what was your size pre and post implant? Trying to gauge if I will need a lift post explant. I was small before, but my implants weren’t huge. Really hoping I won’t need a lift. Thanks for sharing.
I actually had a lift with my first set put in, so I did not do a lift again. Your doctor should be able to help you determine if you need a lift or not. Best of luck!!
Its great to hear youre doing well. Ive just explanted 12 days ago. My main driver is my arthritis, Im crippled. Now more time has passed has your arthritis improved?
Hey,
Just came across your post as I was searching do breasts fluff after implant removal. I’m 2 months post op I I had removal and lift, I’m a b/c cup all I can say is my breast look sad haha. We have the 2 things in common we where the same age getting implants and removing implants. Can I ask do you do anything to help them fluff ? Food etc? what size did you end up ?
Thank you for sharing 😊
Hi,
Trust me – the “sad look” is one that I’m very familiar with! The best thing I can say is give it time. I was so focused on how things looked 1, 2 and 3 months after, that I couldn’t relax about it. Finally I let go. I did cupping a few times a week and ended up just doing a light massage most days on my one adhesion. They DO fluff over time. I am not sure that you can do anything to speed it up, but I did add collagen and protein powder in hopes of helping. I’m now 9+ months post op and they look so much better. Not perfect by any means – but worlds different. Hang in there; would love to hear back from you in a few months because I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!! ❤️
Hi Kiran,
I had my implants removed last year with no lift. I have the typical volume loss on the top and most of the tissue volume has migrated to the sides and bottom of my breasts. Gotta love gravity!! May I ask what type of bras you wear now? I have a difficult time finding something that will reign in and support my breasts! Thanks for sharing your experience! Fortunately, I didn’t have any symptoms.
Hi Barbara,
First of all, I’m so glad you didn’t have any symptoms. That is awesome!
I am with you – mine sit more on the bottoms/sides and the top part doesn’t have much to it. I generally wear Jockey no wire bras with a little padding. I have found them at Target. There’s not much special about them, but they seem to do okay.
Hope this helps!
Kiran
Thanks, Kiran! I wanted to ask you something about your hypothyroidism: Do you take biotin supplements? I get lab work done every six months because of a medication I take. My TSH came back EXTREMELY high on one of these visits so my doctor put me on Synthroid. I started researching what I had done differently and I had started taking biotin for hair and nails. Turns out, biotin taken in large amounts will skew your TSH values! Who knew! So now I only consume the amount of biotin in my multivitamin and my TSH value is NORMAL so no more Synthroid. Just food for thought!
Oh my gosh – I am so sorry … I didn’t see this response!
I don’t take biotin, but that is really good info. I’ve been hypthyroid for about 5 (?) years now; it hasn’t improved since explant, so I don’t know if it will. BUT, I appreciate you sharing – great to know!
Hey there. Love your story. I am 4 months post breast implant removal. I am wondering if you have any concerns of your left and right books looking different from each other after explaining.. like not symmetrical… and if yes, did these concerns eventually work themselves out over time? Right now I am convinced I will need a revision survey but my surgeon tells me to be patient. Second question is, did the fluff fairy eventually end up visiting you and if so, when? I have noticed a tad bit of fluffing since surgery but that’s it. Also, when you lean forward, like on all fours, do your boobs sort of weirdly sag? I’m wondering if mine do because not enough skin was taken off during my lift. Lastly, how is your scarring now? Is it noticeable? And thats all of my questions! Hahaha. I’d absolutely love to hear back from you! ♡
Hi Lina!
Thanks so much for reaching out. Happy to help however I can.
I’m 10 months post op now. My right was bigger than my left back before implants – and they are pretty much back to that now, though I do have a small adhesion on my left. I’m afraid at this point that won’t change much, though I do try to massage them daily.
At 4 months PO, give it time. Fluffing will likely continue to occur. My best advice is to take a pic and compare it 1-2 months later to really see the change. It happened for me in small increments and since I was so focused on it in the beginning, I didn’t see the changes until I looked back.
And yes, sadly when I lean forward it’s NOT an attractive look🙈.
Scarring is barely seen. A friend suggested this serum and I use it daily on my scars – you can barely see them. I think it’s because of the essential oils in them. I hope this helps! Ask any other questions if you have them – happy to help. ❤️
I just want to say a HUGE thank you. I happened to come across this article and it made me feel better. I had breast implants removed as well and struggle all of the time now with how I look but I do also feel so much better. I am 2 years out and am just now experiencing this “fluffing@ phenomenon. I had never heard of it. I am super happy about it though!
You are beautiful!
Thanks
Oh gosh, you are so welcome. We are all in this together, and I think we can agree that it’s definitely a journey. I’m so glad you are getting some fluffing AND that you are feeling better!!
Big hugs. ❤️
You mentioned scars-were your original implant scars under your breast and that’s where they took them out and now it’s a double scar or did you have a lift in addition to getting them out? Mine were input under my armpit and I think they have to come out via the breast so it’d be a new set, but just curious. Heavily weighing getting them out, but after nursing and low body fat, I’m pretty sure it’ll look like two pushpins on a flat board and I need to mentally prepare for that. Hoping the fluffing would take place and mad that I didn’t wait more than a year post nursing to see if it’d have happened naturally. Thank you for your write up!
Hi!
I had a lift with my first set (11 years ago). I had another set put in 1.5 years prior to explant, and that was right under the breast. Dr. feng used that same scarline to take out the implants.
It’s tricky because I think hindsight really is 20/20 … I look back and wish I had just done a lift with the first set and not gotten implants, but there’s no turning back unfortunately. I was exactly the same as you. It took me 2 years to take the plunge to have them removed.
Please feel free to email me directly if you’d like to talk further – more than happy to connect!!
❤️
Kiran
Hi, thank you for sharing! 15 years ago I had a lift and implants done. Last year I had another lift and removal with new ones put in… since then I’ve been sick, rash, hair loss, lethargic , joint pain, dry eyes. Omg the list goes on… I’m having them taking out in July and having my Thursday lift. I just wish I had them explanted last year! I’m having capsule and scar tissue removed. I’m glad to hear things turn out so positive for you. I’m hoping things improve on my end! It’s been a rough journey!
Good morning,
I am having my implants removed next week and my question is how did you feel while you were in the recovery room? Did you have any complications?
I am very anxious and nervous about the surgery and need some reassuring words from someone who has gone thru this.
Thank you so much for your blog.
J.
Hi, your blog was exactly what I needed! I am just six days post-explant. I don’t regret getting my implants (20years ago!) and I don’t regret the explant either. I was too big with the implants but hey, when you’re 20-something you look fab with big boobs. Unfortunately, I got capsular contracture on one side and a whole slew of autoimmune diseases since then. Because of implants? I don’t know, I’ll probably never know. But it’s sorta nice to be in the company of others who have been through similar diagnoses. Question: Did you experience any abdominal swelling or bloating after surgery? I may have totally missed it but I don’t remember anyone telling me that I’d look 6 months pregnant! If so, how long did it take to resolve itself? I’m miserable with the pain in the belly.
I’m so glad it was helpful!
Regarding the bloating .. did you/are you taking antibiotics? That could be disrupting your gut and causing the discomfort. Or it could be the anesthesia. Hate to say it – but it could take 3-4 weeks to resolve. i would focus on eating real foods, and include bone broth OR warm lemon water OR celery juice first thing in the morning. But definitely check with your doctor if it’s uncomfortable! I have found these things to be helpful.
Feel free to reach out as you continue on!! It is definitely nice to connect with others who have been or are going through the same thing! 💕
Hi Kiran,
Your post was the extra push I needed to explant. I too have had food sensitivities and thyroid issues. I just had my surgery 1.5 weeks ago. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Catherine
Oh wow!! Thank you for sharing. It’s not an easy decision, I know. Keep me posted on how you progress. Feel free to email me directly if you’d like.
In the meantime, take care of yourself and rest up. Cheers to feeling better!!
Kiran
Wow I had to check and see if it was me who wrote this note!! I am in the EXACT same situation! Have had implants since 2003, have contracture on my left side, dozens of inflammatory issues including Hashimotos thyroiditis dx 4 years ago- and have been waiting for 2 years for an explanation but Covid keeps pushing me back! I have my consult on Aug 16 and I can not wait for surgery to remove them! Hopefully soon! I am thinking of a lift and just can not wait to feel better on EVERY LEVEL!! Thanks for sharing your story!!
Absolutely, and you as well. Keep me posted on how things go!!
Hi Kiran,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I had my implants removed 3 days ago and my boobs are now so tiny and sad looking (no lift). I was wondering about the fluffing and if it’s actually a thing. I still have the drains in, so can’t see them fully yet, but I’m scared they will look shriveled forever! Does the skin smooth out? And anything you recommend doing to help them come back to normal? Thank you!
Hi..explants 2weeks ago…my left breast top area of breast so sore ..I can’t lean forward it’s excruciating but quickly resolves with support…I can’t walk without holding breast even in bra..touching is so sensitive and sore..soft, no redness just pain…i raise left arm for comfort…laying down no pain…I’m hoping this awful pain goes away soon!? Right breast no discomfort at all…happy I got explants…
You may want to check in with your doctor?! It sounds very painful!
Thanks for sharing! I had mine removed 2 weeks ago. Question for everyone- how long did you have your drains? My surgeon originally said 5-7 days but still too much coming out (about 25ml/day) and she won’t remove until under 20 for 2 days.
I definitely needed to wait until mine were down around that level, but I was there by day 3. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Hi Kyran,
So happy I came across your blog! I’m in my 3rd week since I explanted my implants after 10 years. I decided to remove them before pregnancies and be in natura again 🙂
My nipples are a bit dented, extra soggy extra skin etc. D to A cup again.
I wanted to ask you:
How long did you wear your compression bra afterwards?
they say 3 weeks, my doctor says I can already wear a sport bra (he didn’t have a specific bra for explanation so I have been wearing the compression wrap because I want to take advantage of the initial healing weeks tightening my skin).
Would you know the minimum time to actually switch to sport bra without compromising this initial time?
I see you mentioned you took collagen, dandelion tea, celery. What else, you took that worked for you or you doctor recommended you to take?
Thank you so much!
This is day 5 of my explant and lift surgery. I had saline implants for 22 years with bilatteral capsular contracture. My drains were removed on day 4. I believe the determining factor is the amount of fluid your body creates.
I’m so hung up on my breasts looking “good” I fear I will not be able to take them out. But now I question why I feel the way I do for so long. Maybe I’m in denial. “It has to be something else!” I’m on my second set and they are 12 years old. I just see pics of post explant and it freaks me out. Which makes me sad that I’m so hung up in my body image. Thank you for this article.
Hi Kiran,
Would recommend that you look into Medical Medium.
He has a podcast regarding breast implant illness and his books, especially the first one (image with lungs X-rays); there he explains that RA is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
The breast implants contain toxins that feed Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), also consider cleaning up your diet and removing eggs, dairy and gluten.
Hope that helps – Carolina
Kiran – I had my implants removed and was curious as to what exactly cupping is? I clicked on cupping on your blog and it took me to quite a few cupping devices, which ones do you use and does this work? How soon after removal of the implant should you start cupping? Thanks so much
I want my 20 year old implants out because I feel like they no longer fit in with who I am in my mid forties. I’m worried about being single though. Was it emotionally hard on you to feel attractive during the recovery time? I was told it could take a year to see final results.
So sorry for the late response … yes, it was most definitely a challenge for me, and it does take some time to see final results. Did you end up going through it yet?
May I ask if your implants were silicone or saline?
Sure … they were silicone.
Hello,
After Explant when we’re you able to wear an underwire bra? I am 7 weeks post op and my MD says i cannot as the wire can cause scar tissue. Also still waiting on the fluff fairy!!
Hi, thank you for sharing your story. I am 9 days post op breast explant. I am 45, had them for 15 years, silicone, 325cc and NO lift. I just saw the doctor yesterday and he said that it doesn’t look like a lift will be necessary. I was. B prior to and now I’m still a B maybe even a small C. I am so happy I took them out. I had a small rupture which was detected on a mammogram, they said it was very small, but I had them removed right away. I’m a little deflated on the top, but not much. Of course a little fluffing would be nice, but honestly I’m so pleasantly surprised with the result. I was torn with having a lift or not, but I took my chances and it worked out. I also started taking collagen 5 weeks prior to surgery, not sure of that helped. In regards to your story, you said the colouring in your face came back. I found that interesting because when I feel like I totally noticed the same thing! I was wondering if that was even possible, but I feel like I actually “look” healthier and that greyish look is just gone. My scares are also smaller then the ones they did at time of implant, they used the same area as well. Im so happy they are removed, even though I don’t feel I had BII, I just can’t believe how much BETTER I feel, so hard to even explain. Thanks again. Take care.