When discussing breast implant illness and the explant process, I often encounter patients who are concerned, frustrated, and skeptical. Many feel as though their voices haven’t been heard. It’s vital for me to understand what each patient has gone through and what they hope to achieve.
My attitude toward the explant procedure is one of optimism and I want my patients to share in this optimism. I genuinely look forward to seeing my patients feel better and embrace their appearance after the procedure. I want to emphasize this positive outlook because I recognize that discussions around breast implant illness can sometimes be shrouded in negativity, skepticism, and hopelessness. It doesn’t have to be that way. Breast implant illness patients come from all different backgrounds and walks of life. Many have very reasonable expectations and they understand that the healing and recovery process requires patience. Some patients that I encounter have had many negative experiences with other healthcare providers and they bring a great deal of skepticism to their healing journey. They’ve been told that it’s all in their head, or even worse, that they’re imagining their symptoms. My advice to this small subset of patients is to please not always assume the worst. I perform hundreds of explant procedures per year and the patients generally heal and recover very well. Our office is available to answer questions and we work very hard to communicate openly and frequently with our patients. We are all in this together. My office staff and I want the best for you.
I meet a number of patients who are simply tired of their implants and wish to pursue a new direction—often opting for smaller, lighter, and more natural options, such as an explant with a lift. These individuals tend to have an extremely positive, hopeful attitude about their choices.
For those who feel frustrated or neglected by the medical system, it’s essential to convey that there is hope. You can feel better, look great, and enjoy life without implants, free from any shame or ridicule. Your journey towards well-being and self-acceptance is possible, and we are here to support you every step of the way.