Explant Breast Surgery & Recovery

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.

Episode 33: How do I discuss Breast Implant Illness with My Doctor?

September 28th, 2023  |  7 mins 7 secs

beast implant illness, breast health, breast implants, chronic inflammation, inflammation, reducing inflammation, women's health

Breast Implant Illness (BII), a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that some women experience after undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery with implants, remains a condition that’s not yet widely acknowledged by many in the medical field although there are many women suffering from it.

Many doctors and surgeons may not be well-versed in BII, which can result in misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis, leaving patients struggling to find solutions to their health concerns. That’s why it’s vital to explore more about breast implant illness and dive deep into this topic to take control of your health and wellness. Consider this episode a valuable resource for you to improve how to discuss breast implant illness with your doctor or patients.

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.