Breast Implant Illness

Episode 32: How Does a Fat Transfer Work with Breast Explant Surgery?

September 21st, 2023  |  11 mins 14 secs

breast explant surgery, breast implant illness treatment, breast implants, dr. rob's solutions, explant surgery, explants, fat transfer

For over 100 years in the field of aesthetics and medical surgery, operations to remove fats have been done. Fat transfers can be successful when approached strategically, considering individual factors to optimize results.

In my approach to breast implant removal surgery and fat transfer, I strive to create an optimal experience for every client. By combining fat transfer with planned surgery, we aim to enhance outcomes uniformly across various body types and ages.

Episode 31: Does Breast Implant Illness Decrease Libido?

September 14th, 2023  |  9 mins 27 secs

breast implant illness, gut health, libido, vitamin d in women, women's decreased libido, women's energy level, women's genetic makeup, women's libido, women's metabolism, women's sexual function

Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms affect every system of the body, even gut health. In fact, many patients encounter chronic inflammation, a common symptom of BII, and can have a cascading effect on the gut. Inflammation in the body can disrupt the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal system and can disrupt the balance of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, potentially leading to reduced libido.
While the impact of breast implants on aesthetics and confidence is well-known, the effects on overall health, including sexual health, are equally important and deserve our attention. That is why in today’s episode, we’ll be talking about breast implant illness in relation to libido.

Episode 30: Does Breast Implant Illness Cause Weight Gain?

September 8th, 2023  |  8 mins 9 secs

beast implant illness, breast health, breast implants, chronic inflammation, inflammation, leaky gut, swelling, weight gain, women's health

One of the most common observations that I have from my breast implant patients, particularly those experiencing breast implant illness, is that they experience a gradual or rapid weight gain after some time. While breast implants themselves do not directly cause weight gain, there can be various factors that lead to this connection.

ENCORE: What to Expect from A Breast Implant Illness (BII) Consultation

August 31st, 2023  |  14 mins 1 sec

autoimmune responses, breast implant illness, breast implants, neural inflammation, neurological symptoms, research, symptoms

A breast implant illness consultation (or discovery session, as we like to call it) with Dr. Rob is an in-depth exploration of symptoms and potential causes of BII. The purpose of the discovery session is for women affected by this chronic illness to get much-needed answers.

Having consulted with over 800 patients, Dr. Robert Whitfield is well-versed in the patterns and symptoms affecting women experiencing chronic illness. Thorough and cohesive, the discovery session addresses a range of conditions including brain fog, GI issues, diet, and autoimmune disease, eliminating the need for multiple specialists.

Dr. Rob devotes as much time as needed to understand each individual’s unique situation, ensuring the path forward is effective and delivers much-needed healing and a speedy recovery for patients.

ENCORE: Are Your Breast Implants Making You Sick?

August 24th, 2023  |  18 mins 12 secs

autoimmune responses, breast implant illness, breast implants, neural inflammation, neurological symptoms, research

Women who believe their implants are making them sick report a wide range of symptoms including extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headache, brain fog, hair loss, rashes, dry mouth and eyes, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

These conditions appear within a few months to several years following surgery, and seem to more often follow a secondary surgery like revision or exchange. But the exact cause is difficult to pin down because other conditions like Lyme disease and toxic mold exposure can cause similar symptoms.

Using PCR testing (instead of traditional CLIA-based lab testing), Dr. Rob discovered that over 60% of the breast implants he removed all had one thing in common.

Dr. Rob describes his methodology for identifying this complicated, misunderstood condition and shares his treatment strategies utilizing nutrition and genetic testing to put his patients on the path to healing.

ENCORE: What the Lab Actually Found On My BII Patient’s Breast Implants

August 17th, 2023  |  15 mins 20 secs

breast explant surgery, breast implant illness, breast implants, breast surgery

Dr. Rob tells the story of a patient whose labs were normal but her health wasn’t, and how this case led him to analyze implants in a new way (and the shocking findings).

So many women with breast implants experience the same symptoms of extreme fatigue, general malaise, and chronic aches and pains, yet their tests routinely come back with nothing.
In this second episode of our series about Breast Implant Illness, Dr. Rob describes how PCR testing (the same that detects COVID-19) delivers the long-needed answers that finally put BII sufferers on the road to recovery.

ENCORE: What I've Learned From 500+ Breast Implant Removals

August 10th, 2023  |  17 mins 59 secs

breast explant surgery, breast implant illnes, breast implants, breast surgery

Since 2016, more than 500 women suffering from breast implant illness (BII) have asked Dr. Rob for help removing their breast implants. This is the story of his first breast implant illness patient, who had clear labs and no symptoms aside from fatigue. When her hospital stay resulted in a shocking discovery at the lab, Dr. Rob started down a road he never expected to travel.

Episode 29: Healing Breast Implant Illness: Latest Research and Treatment

August 3rd, 2023  |  8 mins 18 secs

breast explant surgery, breast implant illness treatment, breast implants, breast surgery, dr. rob's solutions, explant surgery, explants, fat transfer

Due to limited resources and research studies related to breast implant illness and considering that it remains to be unrecognized as an official diagnosis by many in the medical field, many patients suffering from the condition are left untreated worsening symptoms. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, cognitive issues, and other systemic complaints.

As we aim to continue raising awareness and advocating for more research on breast implant illness, we help shine a light on the experiences of affected individuals and help lead people to a better understanding of these potential health issues in the future. That is why it is important for us to discuss today’s treatment options for breast implant illness.

Episode 28: The Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness: How to Identify and Treat

July 27th, 2023  |  16 mins 6 secs

autoimmune responses, breast implant illness, breast implants, neural inflammation, neurological symptoms, research

Breast Implant Illness is a point of concern and a topic of debate by many especially women, plastic surgeons, and medical professionals, as it can manifest itself in several symptoms. However, there are limited tools and resources for such a condition, which is why many people still don’t know much about it.

It is thus crucial for us to understand the symptoms and other potential risks associated with breast implant illness. That is why we’re here to delve deeper into understanding the truth about breast implant illness. In today’s episode, we’ll discuss research, treatment options, and more information to educate more people and raise awareness.

Episode 27: The Truth About Breast Implant Illness: Research, Treatment Options and More

July 20th, 2023  |  13 mins 32 secs

breast explant surgery, breast implants, breast surgery, explant surgery

Despite the cases involving breast implant illness, there is still a lack of research studies, clinical studies, and other resources regarding this matter. Recognizing the concerns raised, surgeons, medical practitioners, and other organizations have called for further investigation into breast implant safety and potential health risks associated with them, particularly regarding breast implant illness.

That is why it’s important for us to discuss breast implant illness considering the fact that it’s been hard to characterize such a condition. We have to continue raising awareness to provide timely intervention and appropriate medical management, if necessary.

Episode 26: Autoimmune Disease, Inflammation and Breast Implants

July 13th, 2023  |  15 mins 35 secs

autoimmune disease, breast implant, breast implants, inflammation

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and other symptoms. And although there are case studies and research studies that link breast implants and autoimmune diseases, it is important to note that other factors should also be considered.

As concerns continue to be raised, we deem it necessary to further shed light on such a controversial topic on how autoimmune diseases relate to breast implants.

Episode 25: Are There Any Risks or Complications Associated with Breast Explant Surgery?

July 6th, 2023  |  9 mins 58 secs

In our previous episodes, we mentioned a variety of reasons why patients decide to undergo breast implant removal. Regardless of the reason, it's crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks or complications associated with this breast explant surgery.

That’s why today’s episode is another important one. Knowledge of the potential risks allows individuals to make informed decisions about whether to proceed with the procedure and enables them to prepare and prioritize their health and safety.

Episode 24: Will I Have Scars After Breast Explant Surgery?

June 29th, 2023  |  9 mins 4 secs

The frequent concern that I get from patients is whether or not they will have scars after they have their breast implants removed, known as explant surgery. This is understandable because scarring is a common concern for those undergoing any type of surgical procedure.

Women who have had prior surgeries or procedures may have already dealt with scarring and are aware of possible negative surgery effects, so they tend to inquire about potential scarring to understand how it might differ or compare to their previous experiences.

Today, I’m here to answer that question to help you learn more about the aftermath of breast explant surgery, particularly regarding scars.

Episode 23: What is the Process for Having Breast Explant Surgery?

June 22nd, 2023  |  9 mins 3 secs

breast explant surgery, breast implant illness, breast implants, breast surgery

Episode 22: Is Breast Explant Surgery Covered by Insurance?

June 15th, 2023  |  8 mins 2 secs

Besides choosing a qualified plastic surgeon, there are those who also take into consideration the costs of breast explant surgery. In fact, one of the questions we frequently get is whether breast explant surgery is covered by insurance.

Insurance coverage influences the decision-making process. Knowing whether or not such a surgery is covered by insurance helps individuals evaluate the costs and benefits before deciding if they are willing to proceed with the operation. In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about such insurance coverage and financial preparation.

Episode 21: How Long Does Breast Explant Surgery and Recovery Take?

June 8th, 2023  |  8 mins 32 secs

breast explant surgery, breast implants, breast surgery, explant surgery

There are many reasons why women undergo breast explant surgery. Although some women do breast explant because they don’t want them anymore, some opt for breast explant surgery due to health issues or complications such as capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant), rupture, infection, or chronic pain.

Knowing the expected recovery time gives people reasonable expectations regarding their healing process. It prepares them for the temporary limits and pain they may encounter during this period, which can help lessen worries. In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about how long breast explant surgery and recovery take.