In a society that frequently emphasizes self-improvement, the decision to undergo breast implant surgery post-divorce appeared to be a natural progression for me. Despite my previous reservations about such procedures, there was an inexplicable sense of liberation that drew me toward this unconventional choice. Little did I know that the pursuit of beauty would lead me down a path of unexpected challenges, a rollercoaster of health issues, and eventually a decision to reverse the very choices I once thought would enhance my life. This is the story of my journey, from glam to grit, as I navigated the highs and lows of breast implant surgery, illness, and the quest for healing.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is informing the public about reports of cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and various lymphomas, in the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around breast implants.” FDA
After my divorce, I found myself at a crossroads, seeking ways to redefine myself and boost my confidence. The allure of breast implants seemed like the answer, promising a physical transformation that mirrored the internal changes I craved. Little did I know that this decision would set off a chain of events that would alter my life in ways I never anticipated. Shortly after the breast implant surgery, my health took a turn for the worse with a diagnosis of Systemic Mastocytosis. The journey to unravel the mystery of my deteriorating health began, leading me to question the very implants I had hoped would bring me happiness.
I discovered the alarming prevalence of breast implant illness, a condition reported by over 150,000 women in the Facebook group "Breast Implant Illness and Healing By Nicole." The early symptoms, shared by these women, included fatigue, cognitive problems, headaches, joint and muscle pain, hair loss, recurring infections, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), problems with the thyroid and adrenals, and autoimmune symptoms.
“For years, the FDA allowed breast implant companies to bury evidence of ruptures and other injuries by reporting them as routine events that did not require public disclosure. When the FDA tightened enforcement of its reporting rules in 2017, reports of injuries soared, and they are on pace to increase more than 20-fold in the last two years from the previous two-year period.” ICIJ.org
These symptoms, affecting a range of body systems, are indicative of the far-reaching impact breast implants can have. They encompass issues related to chemical toxicity, biotoxicity, immune dysfunction, auto-immune responses, neurological challenges, endocrine disruptions, and metabolic irregularities. Recognizing the widespread and diverse nature of these symptoms is crucial, as they often lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary testing, wasting precious time and resources.
Unbeknownst to me, I opted for saline implants, believing they were a safer choice than silicone. Contrary to my assumption, this couldn't have been farther from the truth. Here are some of the known ingredients in BOTH saline and silicone breast implants:
Methyl ethyl ketone (neurotoxin)
Cyclohexanone (neurotoxin)
Isopropyl Alcohol
Denatured Alcohol
Acetone (used in nail polish remover and is a neurotoxin)
Urethane
Polyvinyl chloride (neurotoxin)
Amine
Toulene
Dicholormethane (carcinogen)
Chloromethane
Ethyl acetate (neurotoxin)
Silicone
Sodium fluoride
Lead Based Solder
Formaldehyde
Talcum powder
Oakite (cleaning solvent)
Methyl 2- Cynanoacrylates
Ethylene Oxide (Carcinogen)
Xylene (neurotoxin)
Hexon
2-Hedanone
Thixon-OSN-2
Stearic Acid
Zinc Oxide
Naptha (rubber solvent)
Phenol (neurotoxin)
Benzene (carcinogen/neurotoxin)
Lacquer thinner
Epoxy resin
Epoxy hardener
Printing Ink
Metal cleaning acid
Colour pigments as release agents
Heavy metals such as aluminium (neurotoxin linked to Alzheimer’s and auto immune disorders)
Platinium
Silica
I want to emphasize that I understand many individuals love their breast implants, and I am not here to judge. As I share my story, I hope to shed light on the often overlooked consequences of cosmetic procedures and inspire others to prioritize their health above societal expectations. In the face of adversity, I emerged not only transformed but armed with newfound wisdom about the true essence of well-being.
Below are several links for additional research: