Explant Breast Surgery & Recovery

Explant, Explant Recovery, Explant and Lift Recovery

About the show

Welcome to the Explant Breast Surgery & Recovery Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of breast implant illness and explant surgery with expert plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Whitfield. As a board-certified plastic surgeon with 1000's of breast explant surgeries under his belt, Dr. Whitfield brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.

Through candid interviews with patients, fellow surgeons, and other experts in the field, Dr. Whitfield explores the many facets of breast implant illness, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. He also delves into the controversial topic of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and what patients need to know about the risks associated with breast implants.

If you're considering breast explant surgery, struggling with breast implant illness symptoms, or simply looking for more information about this important topic, then the Breast Implant Illness Podcast is the perfect resource for you. Join us for thought-provoking discussions and expert insights that will help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.

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Episodes

  • Episode 49: ENCORE: Using Fat to Create Beautiful Breasts After Breast Implant Removal (Breast Explant Surgery)

    January 18th, 2024  |  20 mins 19 secs
    breast explant surgery, breast implant removal, breast implants, breast reconstruction, plastic surgery

    Whether you’re having your breast implants removed or never had them at all, the volume lost can be replaced with your own fat and beautiful, long-lasting results can be achieved.

    During a fat transfer, fat is taken out of areas it is unwanted and transferred to different areas where fat is desired. Fat is the perfect filler because it is versatile and able to maintain itself over time.

    Fat can be used to restore volume, reduce skin laxity, and improve shape, which is one reason why procedures such as the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) have become so popular in recent years.

    In this episode, Dr. Rob explains the process of fat grafting, including how the procedure is done, the precautions which must be taken to preserve and protect the fat at every point in the process, and how much fat you can expect to retain.

  • Episode 48: ENCORE: Breast Implant Removal Surgery (Breast Explant Surgery)

    January 11th, 2024  |  23 mins 56 secs
    bloc capsulectomy, breast explant surgery, breast implant illness, breast implant removal, explant surgery techniques, plastic surgery, precise total capsulectomy, total capsulectomy

    Because there are so many unknowns for women with breast implant illness, Dr. Whitfield’s approach to each and every breast implant removal surgery is as cautious and precise as the treatment of a breast cancer patient.

  • Episode 47: ENCORE: Your Breast Implant Removal Pre-Op Appointment: What to Expect

    January 4th, 2024  |  9 mins 5 secs
    breast explant surgery, breast implant illness, breast implant removal, dr robs solutions, explant surgery recovery, recovery after breast implant removal

    This episode is the essential guide to Dr. Whitfield’s time-tested recommendations for a safe, speedy, and comfortable recovery, including what to wear, when to get up and start walking around, how to eat, and when you can expect to start feeling like yourself again.

  • Episode 46: ENCORE: Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery

    December 28th, 2023  |  11 mins 54 secs
    breast implant illness, breast implant removal, breast implant removal surgery, breast implant surgery, breast implants, explant surgery

    In the weeks leading up to surgery, Dr. Rob’s comprehensive pre- and post-op program investigates for other issues like Lyme disease, environmental exposure, or micronutrient deficiencies, and tests for thyroid conditions and hormonal imbalances.

  • Episode 45: ENCORE: What to Expect from A Breast Implant Illness (BII) Consultation

    December 21st, 2023  |  14 mins 1 sec
    autoimmune reactions, breast implant illness, breast implants, chronic fatigue, chronic inflammation, cognitive issues, consultation with doctor, inflammation, joint pain

    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.

  • Episode 44: ENCORE: Are Your Breast Implants Making You Sick?

    December 14th, 2023  |  18 mins 12 secs
    breast implant illness, breast implants, chronic aches and pains, extreme fatigue, general malaise, joint pain, pcr testing

    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.

  • Episode 43: 43: Gut Problems and Breast Implant Illness

    December 7th, 2023  |  10 mins 53 secs
    breast health, breast implant illness, breast implants, food sensitivity test, gi map, gut biome, gut health, menstrual health, women's health

    Frequently in my practice, in addition to dealing with cases related to breast implant illness, I encounter patients experiencing gastrointestinal issues. That is why it’s vital to shed light on the complex interplay between breast health and gut health, prompting a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted nature of these health concerns.

    Addressing issues in the gut is crucial as it significantly impacts gut health and overall well-being. This episode focuses on actionable steps for individuals seeking to optimize their gut health.

  • Episode 42: ENCORE: What the Lab Actually Found On My BII Patient’s Breast Implants

    November 30th, 2023  |  15 mins 20 secs
    breast implant illness, breast implants, chronic aches and pains, extreme fatigue, general malaise, pcr testing
  • Episode 41: ENCORE: What I've Learned From 500+ Breast Implant Removals

    November 23rd, 2023  |  17 mins 59 secs
    breast augmentation, breast explant surgery, breast implants, plastic 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 40: What Are the Treatment Options for Breast Implant Illness?

    November 16th, 2023  |  7 mins 14 secs
    autoimmune reactions, breast implant illness, breast implants, chronic fatigue, chronic inflammation, cognitive issues, inflammation, joint pain

    Breast implant illness continues to be a condition struggling for recognition within the medical community. While this condition entails various symptoms that can be as diverse as chronic fatigue, joint pain, cognitive issues, and even autoimmune reactions, making it a complex and often perplexing condition to diagnose and treat, the approach to treating breast implant illness has evolved significantly over the years.

    In this episode, we delve into the treatment options for breast implant illness, exploring the journey from surgical removal to a more personalized and holistic approach aimed at addressing the root causes of this condition and restoring patients' health and well-being.

  • Episode 39: Are Certain Types of Implants More Likely to Cause Breast Implant Illness?

    November 9th, 2023  |  7 mins 7 secs
    breast augmentation, breast implant illness, breast implant illness symptoms, breast implant migration, breast implants, breast reconstruction

    One of the frequent significant concerns that I get concerning Breast Implant Illness (BII) is its potential association with the type of breast implants used. This is in line with health issues regarding some implants like textured implants, which have garnered more attention due to their close connection to conditions like anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

    As we aim to uncover more about the complexities surrounding breast implant illness, this is another episode that will surely provide insights into the potential influence of various implant characteristics on the development of breast implant illness.

  • Episode 38: Can Breast Implant Illness Be Cured Without Explant Surgery?

    November 2nd, 2023  |  6 mins 28 secs
    beast implant illness, breast health, breast implants, chronic inflammation, inflammation, reducing inflammation, women's health

    Breast Implant Illness (BII), marked by a variety of symptoms thought to be associated with breast implants, presents a multifaceted hurdle for individuals aiming to find a remedy without resorting to the removal of the implants. The wide range of symptoms experienced by patients underscores the intricate nature of the challenge, necessitating a holistic approach to addressing these concerns while retaining the implants in place.

    This episode aims to shed light on the intricate and often puzzling world of symptoms associated with breast implants, and whether there's a possibility of finding relief without opting for explantation surgery. This is to equip more people with the insights necessary to make well-informed choices concerning their health and overall wellness.

  • Episode 37: Toxicity Testing for Heavy Metals, Mold Toxins, & Environmental Toxins like Glyphosates

    October 26th, 2023  |  12 mins 56 secs
    breast implant removal, explant risks, implant removal, toxicity testing, toxicity testing and health

    Understanding our genetics plays a significant role in how effectively we can detoxify our bodies. Our genetics not only defines our physical characteristics but also shapes how our bodies manage and eliminate toxins. Such genetic influence permeates every aspect of our detoxification mechanisms, affecting the effectiveness of processes such as sweating, breathing, bowel movements, and urination.

    When I encounter patients who are dealing with various health issues, such as chronic inflammation, particularly in cases like breast implant illness, it often ties back to the liver and kidney's ability to manage toxins. Today's episode holds such significant importance as we will explore the vital role these organs play in detoxification and delve deeper into the impact of various toxins, including heavy metals, mold toxins, and environmental toxins like glyphosates, on our overall well-being.

  • Episode 36: Do Breast Explant Surgery Patients Also Need a Lift?

    October 19th, 2023  |  6 mins 48 secs
    breast explant surgery, breast implant illness treatment, breast implants, breast lift, dr. rob's solutions, explant surgery, explants, fat transfer

    Breast explant surgery represents a significant juncture for patients who have previously undergone breast augmentation, a procedure often embraced to enhance one's physical appearance and self-confidence. However, as time unfolds and perspectives evolve, some individuals opt to have their implants removed and return to a more natural state. We are thus faced with an important question of whether or not breast explant surgery patients also need a breast lift.

    In today’s episode, I’ll discuss an important topic, breast explantation, and how it relates to breast lifts. We’ll explore the various factors that play a role in making this decision Join me for an insightful discussion on this subject.

  • Episode 35: Can Breast Implant Illness Cause Long-Term Health Issues?

    October 12th, 2023  |  7 mins 46 secs
    beast implant illness, breast health, breast implants, chronic inflammation, inflammation, reducing inflammation, women's health

    Individuals with breast implant illness experience a range of health issues, attributing them to the presence of their breast implants. One of the main concerns associated with breast implant illness is its potential connection to chronic inflammation, which can have far-reaching implications for long-term health.

    Understanding the relationship between breast implant illness, chronic inflammation, and long-term health effects is critical for individuals considering or living with breast implants, as well as for healthcare professionals involved in their care and well-being. In this episode, we delve into the intricate interplay between breast implant illness and the potential lasting impact on an individual's health.

  • Episode 34: Why Does Dr. Whitfield Not Use Drains?

    October 5th, 2023  |  8 mins 49 secs
    breast explant surgery, breast implant illness treatment, breast implants, dr. rob's solutions, explant surgery, explants, fat transfer, surgical drains

    Drains play a crucial role in breast implant procedures because they help reduce post-operative swelling by preventing fluid accumulation and minimizing any infection risks. That is why I’m often asked why I don’t use drains for breast implant procedures.

    This dates back to an experience that sparked my interest in offering more fat transfer options to patients, particularly those dealing with breast implant illness. It's all about providing the best care and experience for our valued patients and that’s going to be our focus for today’s episode.