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:

6 months post breast implant removal

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!

kiran post explant surgery

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.

Why I'm juicing celery

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.

 

 

Get your kids to eat more veggies!

Grab my Free Guide!

Get my FREE guide to getting your kids to eat vegetables! Perfect for parents who want their kids to eat well.

Check your inbox!

Ingredients for a black bean corn avocado salad

My Kitchen is Your Kitchen!

Get new recipes when they're released, invites to online events and easy, real food in your kitchen.

Check your inbox!

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This