Breast Implants, Explant Surgery, and Breast Implant Illness with Robert Whitfield MD - Episodes Tagged with “Breast Augmentation”

Episode 128: The Breast Explant Story Every Woman Needs to Hear, with Kathy Dixon

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Ready to get real about breast augmentation? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the world of cosmetic surgery with a no-holds-barred conversation you won’t want to miss! Today, Dr. Robert Whitfield speaks with a patient, Kathy Dixon, who’s here to share her personal journey. Kathy opens up about how her cultural background shaped her decisions, her struggles with breast implant illness, and what led her to choose explant surgery. Tune in to hear so much more!

Kathy’s Business, Oh Yes Communications

Show Highlights:

Kathy’s Cultural Influences & Decision for Augmentation (00:02:45) **Kathy discusses her Colombian heritage, body image, and initial decision to pursue breast augmentation.
**Cultural Trends in Plastic Surgery (00:08:21) South American vs. U.S. beauty standards, Brazilian butt lifts, and safety concerns.
Fat Transfer Misconceptions & Technical Details (00:09:11) Differences between fat transfer to buttocks, face, and breasts, and addresses misconceptions
Kathy’s Surgical Journey & Onset of Symptoms (00:16:29) **Kathy recounts her initial surgery, complications, and the gradual onset of physical and emotional symptoms.
**Medical Dismissal & Search for Answers (00:18:36) Being dismissed by doctors, pursuing hormone testing, and discovering breast implant illness
Testing, Mold, and Mycotoxins (00:20:34) High mold count; surgeon discusses PCR testing, bacterial contamination, and importance of thorough pathology
Challenges in Women’s Health & Medical Gaslighting (00:28:00) Lack of support for women, medical gaslighting, and inappropriate reliance on birth control for hormone issues
Mold, Detoxification, and Environmental Factors (00:33:37) **Environmental and dietary sources of mold, detox challenges, and lifestyle changes
**Post-Surgery Recovery & Lifestyle Adjustments (00:44:11) **Recovery goals, physical therapy, emotional healing, and the importance of support systems
**Support Systems & Patient Experience (00:48:25) Importance of family support, patient education, and realistic expectations for recovery

Links and Resources

Let’s Connect
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breast-implant-illness/id1678143554
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1SPDripbluZKYsC0rwrBdb?si=23ea2cd9f6734667
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrobertwhitfield?_t=8oQyjO25X5i&_r=1
IG: https://www.instagram.com/breastimplantillnessexpert/
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Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-whitfield-md-50775b10/
X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd
Read this article - https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness
Shop: https://drrobssolutions.com
SHARP: https://www.harp.health
NVISN Labs - https://nvisnlabs.com/

Get access to Dr. Rob's Favorite Products below:

Danger Coffee - Use our link for mold free coffee - https://dangercoffee.com/pages/mold-free-coffee?ref=ztvhyjg
JASPR Air Purifier - Use code DRROB for the Jaspr Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/
Echo Water - Get high quality water with our code DRROB10 - https://echowater.com/
BallancerPro - Use code DRROBVIP for the world's leader in lymphatic drainage technology - https://ballancerpro.com
Ultrahuman - Use code WHITFIELD10 for the most accurate wearable - https://www.ultrahuman.com/ring/buy/us/?affiliateCode=drwhitfield

Episode 66: ENCORE: What are the Risks of Breast Implant Surgery?

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 16 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Although undergoing breast implant surgery has benefits, it also involves short-term and long-term risks like any other surgical procedure. There could be bleeding, infection, and scarring as short-term risks while for long-term risks, there are cases involving capsular contracture.

Reasons as to why women get breast implants vary but more than that and the benefits of having implants, they should also be informed by their provider about the risks of breast implant surgery. That’s why I’m here to discuss breast implant surgery and the risks that come with it.

What are some of the changes that can happen to breast implants as you age?

We all know that as we age, we experience many physical changes. Some people lose weight and some gain weight. However, your implants will remain the same. But it is the breast appearance that we’re more concerned about as they may start to sag off of the implants.
There may be a deformity as you age and your skin loses its elasticity over time. You will then have two issues – you’ll have the breast implant sitting higher and the breast tissue coming off of the face of the implant.

When that happens, you’re more likely to need additional surgery. In case the tissue is aging off, you can recommend to your patient to undergo a lift surgery. This may be the case for women who were pregnant or had children and experienced expansion of the tissues with milk production and contraction after discontinuing breastfeeding. There may be stretch marks or other physical changes to the breast aesthetics.

What is mastopexy augmentation?

In relation to the changes caused by various factors, we mentioned having a breast lift surgery otherwise known as mastopexy augmentation. Its purpose is to lift, reshape, and tighten the breasts for the improvement of their appearance.

If you're considering having procedures involving the skin, however, keep in mind there will likely be more complications related to skin infections. Obviously, there's more scarring when you're doing something like that because it's a visual scar that is going to be down the front of the breast and around the areola complex, unlike that in a primary augmentation, where it's probably under the fold around the nipple or in the axilla.

Why you need to choose a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon.

Like I always say, it’s important for you to choose a reputable board-certified plastic surgeon for these types of procedures. They have undergone a certification process demonstrating their knowledge and skill to have them qualified to perform breast implant surgery.
It's crucial to conduct thorough research and choose a breast implant surgeon who is skilled, qualified, and has a successful track record to ensure that you receive safe, high-quality care and get the greatest outcomes.

As a professional who did oncologic reconstruction for a long time, I was faced with many challenges with people who have pre-existing medical conditions. These cases trained us to be careful at every step of the process.

That’s why if a young woman came in for a consultation for a breast augmentation and upon collecting her information, I discovered she has a family history of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorder, I would not recommend that she get a breast implant for augmentation.
Given their pre-existing autoimmune situation and considering that they would then progress to other therapies, hormone suppression, radiation, and others, their situations would be so complicated.

Your surgeon should make sure that they’re doing their best to monitor your situation before, during, and even after your surgery to avoid any complications. Before surgery, a plastic surgeon should conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient's health history and family history, including any medical conditions, medications, and allergies.

During the surgery, your plastic surgeon must take all the precautions in ensuring a safe and successful procedure. And after surgery, it's important for your surgeon to closely monitor your recovery and your overall healing process. Follow-up appointments and consultations are also crucial to address any concerns should there be any.

Links and Resurces

Dr. Robert Whitfield’s Website

Follow Dr. Rob on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/drrobertwhitfield/

For more information on Virtual and In Person Consultations, we always answer our messenger personally:
https://www.drrobertwhitfield.com/contact/

Try the Echo Hydrogen Water Bottle
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Let’s Connect...
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breast-implant-illness/id1678143554
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1SPDripbluZKYsC0rwrBdb?si=23ea2cd9f6734667
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrobertwhitfield?_t=8oQyjO25X5i&_r=1
IG: https://www.instagram.com/breastimplantillnessexpert/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertWhitfield
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-whitfield-md-50775b10/
X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd
Read this article - https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness
Shop: https://drrobssolutions.com
SHARP: https://www.harp.health
NVISN Labs - https://nvisnlabs.com/

Get access to Dr. Rob's Favorite Products below:
Danger Coffee - Use our link for mold free coffee - https://dangercoffee.com/pages/mold-free-coffee?ref=ztvhyjg
JASPR Air Purifier - Use code DRROB for the Jaspr Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/
Echo Water - Get high quality water with our code DRROB10 - https://echowater.com/
BallancerPro - Use code DRROBVIP for the world's leader in lymphatic drainage technology - https://ballancerpro.com
Ultrahuman - Use code WHITFIELD10 for the most accurate wearable - https://www.ultrahuman.com/ring/buy/us/?affiliateCode=drwhitfield

Episode 41: ENCORE: What I've Learned From 500+ Breast Implant Removals

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

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.

In this first episode of our special series dedicated to the mysteries of Breast Implant Illness, we go back in time to hear how Dr. Rob’s experience and training set him up to see clearly what others could not.

Links and Resources

Dr. Robert Whitfield’s Website

Follow Dr. Rob on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/drrobertwhitfield/

For more information on Virtual and In Person Consultations, we always answer our messenger personally:
https://www.drrobertwhitfield.com/contact/

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

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0500

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.

Breast implant illness and its association with different types of implants

I often get asked about how breast implant illness develops and whether certain types of breast implants are more likely to cause it. To address this comprehensively, it's crucial to understand everything at play, especially concerning breast augmentation and reconstruction. I consider breast implant illness to be a form of chronic inflammation that can affect various systems in the body. When considering its development, it's essential to take into account various factors, ranging from implant materials and textures to individual patient factors.

While extreme symptoms can occur with textured implants, it's not a guarantee in every case. Textured implants have garnered attention due to their close association with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and had a worldwide recall. Specifically, the texture and surface of Allergan implants were quite aggressive and were initially designed to prevent implant rotation, especially in cancer reconstruction patients.

Textured surfaces were crucial in both stabilizing the implants and sculpting a comprehensive breast shape or form for patients. Nevertheless, their effectiveness in implant retention could also lead to the stimulation of nearby tissues, which might be a contributing factor to the emergence of symptoms linked to breast implant illness.

Taking a comprehensive approach to evaluate symptoms and identify root causes

In the context of oncology-related breast reconstruction, when natural breast borders have been weakened or removed, reconstructive surgeons have employed various techniques to keep implants in place. One of the techniques that has been historically employed to address this issue is the use of textured tissue expanders. These expanders were introduced as a means to create a stable pocket for implants, preventing their rotation and facilitating the sculpting of a comprehensive breast form, especially in cancer reconstruction cases. The textured surface was instrumental in achieving these objectives by enhancing the adherence of the expander to the surrounding tissues, thereby reducing the risk of breast implant migration.

However, while these expanders undeniably serve as valuable tools in breast reconstruction, the rough surfaces of these expanders can stimulate tissues and potentially lead to more symptoms. It's important to note that severe symptoms can be associated with any type of tissue expander.

At my clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluate symptoms and identify root causes. We use functional genomics, toxicity testing, food sensitivity testing, gut microbiome evaluation, and hormone assessment to determine any potential reasons behind a patient's health issues. I believe in examining all aspects of a patient's health because the implant itself is just one factor in this complex situation, based on my experience.

Links and Resources

Dr. Robert Whitfield’s Website

Follow Dr. Rob on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/drrobertwhitfield/

For more information on Virtual and In Person Consultations, we always answer our messenger personally:
https://www.drrobertwhitfield.com/contact/

Episode 16: What are the Risks of Breast Implant Surgery?

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 11 May 2023 03:00:00 -0400

What are some of the changes that can happen to breast implants as you age?

What is mastopexy augmentation?

Why you need to choose a board-certified or board-eligible plastic surgeon.

Links and Resources:

Episode 13: Is There a Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer?

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0400

I can’t emphasize enough the fact that breast implant illness remains to be a topic that’s not often talked about by many, especially in the medical community, despite its several effects. Usually, women undergo explant surgery in an effort to heal their breast implants.

Today, we’ll be talking about the link between breast implants and cancer and I hope you learn more about breast implant illness as we continue to delve into the symptoms, latest surgical techniques for exploitation, and the recovery process for breast implant illness in my podcast series.

Different cancers associated with breast implants associated with anaplastic lymphoma.

Following the premise that there aren’t a lot of research studies about breast implant illness, what many people don’t know is that there are different cancers associated with breast implants.

One of the kinds of cancer associated with breast implants is anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) which is a rare type of blood cancer. Textured implants have a very rough surface that was meant to help hold the implant in place, but it is supremely irritating to the tissues. This causes a T cell response which can ultimately lead to this lymphoma.

There are studies regarding this condition as early as 2008. In fact, there's a study in the Netherlands that was conducted wherein patients had textured implants and they observed that there was a development of lymphoma. This was further supported by more diagnoses in the United States where cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma were recorded yearly.

There's a new entity called breast implant associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC) which has been found as a very rare tumor that may appear in the capsule around the breast implants. There is limited data on this but medical organizations and institutions are pushing for increased clinical awareness and more evidence-based studies regarding this.

From our previous episodes, we’ve talked about the correlation of inflammation and breast implant illness. Inflammation fundamentally and directly causes or triggers the development of these other cancers associated with breast implants.

Are you on a journey to healing and wellness but unsure of where to turn? Look no further than Dr. Rob’s Solutions.

Textured implants are becoming a problem which is why many markets have stopped the production of textured devices. In Europe, the US and even other countries, they have already limited the usage of textured devices. The traditional way of using smooth round implants in performing breast augmentation remains to be the best recommendation.

If you’re overwhelmed or unsure in your journey to healing and wellness, look no further – Dr. Rob’s Solutions is here. We fully understand the unique challenges that come with breast implant illness. We offer a wide range of products and services from the highest grade supplements to comprehensive lab testing to aid you in your journey to recovery.

Our supplements are specially formulated to support detoxification while our medical grade skincare products are designed to nourish and protect the skin. We also offer comprehensive lab testing to help identify any underlying health issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

And for those who are ready and planning to undergo an explant surgery, we have the Holistic Accelerated Recovery Program (HARP) if you’re interested. This will help you further understand how your unique body can accelerate and optimize healing.

Don't let the uncertainty and confusion of breast implant illness hold you back any longer. Trust the experts at Dr. Rob’s Solutions to provide you with the resources and support you need to take control of your health and wellness.

How do we safely evaluate and monitor these patients as part of our practice?

First things first, we look for any pre-existing conditions like autoimmune disorders or anything that would affect the immune system and aggravate the current condition of the individual. If someone has a pre-existing cancer condition, we have to closely look at that.

But breast cancers are different from lymphomas and as of date, we haven’t seen nor recorded any case of such. From my experience with lymphoma, it’s safe to conclude that it’s really necessary to provide intense care for the patient.

Many devices have a rupture rate that increases over time but thankfully, the devices produced now have more longevity. We have to safely evaluate and monitor these patients. And as part of my oncology practice and cosmetic practice, I always encourage patients to do follow-up care involving regular medical checkups whether a few weeks or months after as a routine.

If we needed ultrasound or whatever test was necessary, we'd use that to better characterize both the health of the patient and device. From a structural standpoint, we want to know that it's intact.

And so, everything becomes challenging not just for the providers but also for the clients who want to have these procedures done for whatever purpose. Like what I always say, there has to be a clear discussion and review of relevant information such as their health history, their family’s health history, and other potential correlations between the development of these cancers or breast cancer for that matter.

Personally, I make use of functional genetics in crafting individualized plans for our patients and I suggest that we should leverage genetics whenever possible. And I hope that in the future, that is the way we'll be able to address and evaluate potential risks for these cancers developing in patients and put everybody in the best possible position for success.

Links and Resources:

Episode 1: What I've Learned From 500+ Breast Implant Removals

Robert Whitfield MD — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Links and Resources: