From Illness to Wellness: Allie Janszen’s Journey of Breast Implant Removal

While breast implants are designed to enhance physical appearance or reconstruct breast tissue, they can sometimes lead to unintended health complications. For some individuals, the presence of implants may trigger a range of symptoms known as breast implant illness (BII), including fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues. These complications can occur as the body responds to foreign materials, potentially exacerbating pre-existing health conditions or causing new ones.

The impact of breast implants on overall health can be significant. That is why understanding the potential risks is important for those considering breast implants or experiencing symptoms that may be related to them.

This episode with our patient, Allie Janszen, focuses on breast implant illness and her removal journey as she shares her personal experiences with the health challenges related to breast implants and how their implant removal led to significant improvements in her well-being.

Breast Implant Illness and Weight Loss Struggles after Childbirth

When Allie first considered breast augmentation, she was very lean, having been a college athlete. Although she might have had some fat that could have been used for a fat transfer, it wasn’t something she had ever heard of or considered. Her mindset was focused solely on getting breast implants.

Fast-forward to after the birth of her fourth child, a difficult emergency C-section triggered what she later realized were symptoms of breast implant illness. Despite her background as a labor and delivery nurse and a fat loss coach – where she was helping others with weight loss and healthy living – she struggled to lose weight and manage her own health. She realized that the same techniques that worked for her clients weren’t working for her anymore.

In addition to the weight loss struggles, Allie experienced extreme fatigue, making it hard to wake up in the morning, hitting an afternoon energy wall, and even falling asleep while putting her kids to bed.
These symptoms, combined with inflammation and hormonal changes, were all part of what she now recognizes as breast implant illness.

Tinnitus, Meniere's Disease, and Inflammation after Breast Implant Removal

Dr. Whitfield explains that Tinnitus, Meniere's disease, and sensitivity to light and sound are often related to neural inflammation. While many patients experience improvement or even elimination of these symptoms after implant removal, pre-existing conditions like chronic migraines or autoimmune disorders may not be fully resolved by this procedure. For patients with a higher BMI needing breast reconstruction, alternative methods like the DIEP flap surgery are available.

After Allie had her breast implants removed, she noticed significant improvements in her health, particularly in areas she hadn't expected. Prior to the removal, she struggled with joint pain during workouts, experiencing discomfort in her knees and wrists that she had never dealt with before.

Additionally, she was diagnosed with Meniere's disease after experiencing persistent symptoms in her left ear, such as a feeling of fullness, vibrating noises in loud environments, and episodes of vertigo. These symptoms were occurring weekly, yet after the implant removal, they completely subsided, which she found to be the biggest change.

She had initially been focused on resolving her weight loss struggles and reducing inflammation, but the improvements in her Meniere's symptoms were an unexpected benefit. Despite her background as a health professional, she hadn’t anticipated that removing her implants would have such a profound effect on her ear issues. This experience led her to recognize the connection between her implants and the inflammation that was likely contributing to her Meniere's disease symptoms. The immediate relief she experienced was a clear indication that the implants had been exacerbating her condition.

Post-surgery Fatigue and Inflammation Reduction, with a Focus on Diet and Lifestyle Changes for Improved Sleep and Overall Health

Allie’s commitment to a clean lifestyle played a crucial role in her recovery and health improvements. She and her husband had already been avoiding plastics, using natural household products, and maintaining a nutritious diet, which likely contributed to her ability to bounce back quickly after the surgery.

Her weight loss and other health improvements can be attributed to the reduction of inflammation caused by the breast implants, which she believes had been disrupting her hormones and overall well-being. In addition to the weight loss, she noticed a drastic improvement in her energy levels and the elimination of afternoon fatigue. This boost in energy and the resolution of her fatigue suggests that her body has undergone a significant reset, particularly in her mitochondrial function, which has improved her overall metabolic efficiency.

Dr. Whitfield praised Allie’s high protein intake for reducing fluid retention and aiding recovery, which improved her sleep and energy levels. He highlighted the importance of a consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen time before bed, and a cool, dark sleep environment for better rest. Dr. Whitfield also emphasized reducing inflammation and using wearable devices to monitor sleep and recovery as key factors in enhancing overall health and symptom relief.

In addition to lifestyle adjustments, Dr. Whitfield recommends taking supplements like L-theanine, ashwagandha, sustained-release melatonin, and magnesium which are helpful in promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. By prioritizing these aspects of lifestyle, you’ll surely be able to improve your circadian rhythm, allowing you to wake up refreshed and maintain high energy levels throughout the day, ultimately leading to better overall health.

Sleep Scores, Breast Implant Illness, and Brain Health

Improving sleep has a significant link to brain health insofar as quality sleep is essential for cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall mental well-being. You may utilize tools such as wearable devices to monitor sleep quality and duration. Devices like Garmin watches or other sleep trackers can provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns, including the amount of deep sleep you’re getting.

Additionally, incorporating dietary changes can be beneficial; focusing on a balanced, high-quality diet and avoiding heavy or processed foods close to bedtime can improve sleep. Dr. Whitfield cautioned against using medications like Tylenol before bed, which can impact blood sugar levels and worsen sleep issues. Moreover, he recommended addressing sleep apnea, as it can have serious implications for brain health and overall well-being and encouraged seeking solutions such as sleep studies for those with persistent sleep problems.

Breast Implant Illness and Support for Those Affected

As regards breast implant illness, research and understanding are crucial. It's important to thoroughly investigate the condition, including how implants can affect your body and the potential for autoimmune reactions triggered by major surgeries or other factors. Additionally, having a supportive partner and other family members can make a significant difference in managing the illness and making informed decisions about treatment.

Positive outcomes following explantation, such as improved quality of life and overall health, reinforce the benefits of making informed decisions and having strong support throughout the process. This approach not only helps in achieving better physical results but also fosters emotional well-being. It’s crucial to approach explantation with a clear understanding of potential outcomes and to rely on supportive care to enhance the recovery journey.

In addition to dietary adjustments, treatments such as the Balancer Pro have proven beneficial for reducing inflammation and supporting lymph drainage. This device effectively alleviates water retention and provides noticeable improvements in overall health and recovery.

Moreover, Dr. Whitfield acknowledged that fat transfer is an option for women who wish to maintain breast volume or improve their appearance after explantation. He noted that it is a valuable choice for those concerned about losing breast volume post-removal. However, he also emphasized that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution and that patient preferences and needs vary.

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