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

Episode 93: Breast Implant Complications with Jennifer Stano

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Dr. Rob Whitfield, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and Jennifer Stano discuss breast implant illness (BII). Jennifer shares her personal journey, from experiencing bullying and opting for breast augmentation to facing complications and deciding on explant surgery. Dr. Whitfield explains the symptoms of BII, such as migraines and swollen hands, and the surgical techniques for implant removal. They emphasize the importance of understanding BII, the recovery process, and the emotional and physical impacts. Tune in to hear more!

Show Highlights:

Jennifer's Background and Motivation (00:01:12)
Jennifer shares her experience of being bullied and her decision to undergo breast augmentation at 18.
Complications from Multiple Surgeries (00:04:45)
Jennifer discusses the complications she faced after multiple surgeries, including bottoming out and the need for downsizing.
Increased Risks with Each Procedure (00:05:33)
Dr. Whitfield explains how each surgical procedure increases the risk of complications associated with breast implants.
Discovery of Breast Implant Illness (00:07:31)
Jennifer recounts how she learned about breast implant illness and identified her condition with the symptoms.
Decision to Explant (00:08:25)
Jennifer describes her decision to remove her implants after realizing the symptoms were related to breast implant illness.
Long-term Benefits of Explant Surgery (00:13:24)
Highlighting significant improvements in her health and well-being following her explant surgery
Chronic Inflammation (00:24:24)
Discussion on chronic inflammation as a common issue in patients with breast implant illness
Lifestyle Changes and Health (00:27:06)
Jennifer shares her clean lifestyle choices and their impact on her health post-explant.
Testing for Breast Implant Illness (00:29:19)
Advice on genetic testing and urine tests to assess toxicity levels
Heavy Metal Toxicity (00:29:54)
Discussion on a patient with high heavy metal levels and potential sources

Jennifer Stano Bio:

Jennifer Stano, originally from Westchester, New York, began her career in the fitness industry as the face of major nutrition supplement brands like MET-Rx and BSN. This success led to modeling and acting opportunities with top agencies and brands such as Prada, Miu Miu, and Oil of Olay.

In 2009, Jennifer moved to Beverly Hills, where she founded Have Faith Swimwear, a brand that gained recognition at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Her TV appearances include The Spin Crowd, produced by Kim Kardashian, and Trophy Wives on TLC, which showcased her life as a fashion designer in Beverly Hills.

Jennifer is a proud mother of two boys and a dedicated entrepreneur. In 2017, she co-founded WowMoms World, a family-focused franchise with locations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This year, she launched two new ventures: ALGND, an athleisure brand she created with her wife, Danielle, and Original Self, a company that provides solutions for women who have undergone explant surgery, mastectomies, those with naturally smaller busts, and women seeking to regain volume post-childbirth.

Jennifer is now adding “author” to her resume, with her first book set for release in the first quarter of next year. She has a strong online presence, with over 1 million followers across social media platforms and a popular blog since 2010. Known for her relatable personality, Jennifer continues to inspire and empower women with her lifestyle and product recommendations.

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Episode 75: Take Action to Lower Inflammation

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

When inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to various health problems. That's why when it comes to undergoing any medical procedures, it's best to prioritize recovery and lower inflammation. Managing inflammation effectively not only supports faster recovery but also reduces the risk of complications and promotes overall well-being.

By taking proactive steps to reduce inflammation, you can support your body's natural healing processes, improve immune function, and promote long-term wellness. Join me in another episode where we delve deeper into practical strategies and lifestyle changes that can effectively lower inflammation and enhance your health journey.

Preparation for breast implant surgery, including air quality, water quality, and food quality.

I often get asked how to start preparing to lower inflammation. Of course, having a genuine support system greatly helps. Surrounding yourself with supportive family members, friends, or loved ones can provide emotional encouragement and practical assistance, making the process more manageable. This support can be especially crucial when implementing lifestyle changes, ensuring you stay motivated and on track toward achieving your health goals.

Focusing on air quality is vital. Personally, this is important to me considering the fact that I had allergies growing up. I highly recommend Jaspr Air Purifiers because they automatically adjust to air quality, which is unique in the market.

Another important factor is water quality because filtered water is key to reducing inflammation as it promotes better gut health. That’s why we use Echo filters in our office and surgery center because they do the trick and even reduce oxidative stress. Also, I want to emphasize that I don't recommend adding a lot of minerals or vitamins to your water, as too much can cause issues if you're also taking supplements. Just stick to purified water, and if you use our protein powder, you can mix it in for added benefits.

When it comes to food quality, prioritizing organic vegetables is crucial. Organic vegetables are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, meaning they are less likely to contain harmful chemicals like glyphosate. Glyphosate exposure can disrupt hormonal balance, particularly in women, and has been linked to various health issues. By choosing organic, you significantly reduce your risk of ingesting these potentially harmful substances.

Furthermore, organic farming practices enhance soil health and biodiversity, leading to more nutrient-dense produce. Organic vegetables often contain higher levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are vital for combating inflammation and supporting overall health. Consuming nutrient-rich foods helps your body maintain optimal functioning and resilience against diseases.

I highly suggest checking the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list for guidance on which produce to buy organic and always wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly. I also recommend cutting out gluten, minimizing dairy, and avoiding seed oils, as these can be pro-inflammatory.

Focusing on organic vegetables is a simple yet impactful step towards reducing inflammation and supporting overall health.

Before starting any procedure with us, it's essential to prioritize improving your recovery first. Surgery can trigger inflammation, so managing stress and hormone levels is crucial. Follow the 321321 rule before bed: finish your last meal three hours before bedtime, stop drinking fluids two hours before, and urinate before bed to avoid disturbances. Quality sleep is also vital as it helps in hormone secretion and recovery. In line with this, if you snore, it's best to get tested for sleep apnea, as it can lead to significant health issues.

By improving your air, water, and food quality, and following these preparation tips, you'll be well on your way to reducing inflammation and improving your overall health.

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/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertWhitfield
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-whitfield-md-50775b10/
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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 51: From Implants to Insight: A Comprehensive Look at Breast Implant Illness with Casey Araujo

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0500

In recent years, the prevalence of health issues associated with breast implant surgery has gained significant attention within the medical community and among patients. This heightened awareness has shed light on a condition known as Breast Implant Illness (BII), which is characterized by various symptoms ranging from inflammation and chronic fatigue to autoimmune responses.

Casey Araujo joins me in today’s episode to offer her valuable insight into the aspects of breast implant illness, particularly related to breast implant surgery, removal, and post-recovery. This is to raise awareness about breast implant illness and advocate for a holistic approach to surgical care, emphasizing the importance of mindset, lifestyle modifications, and social support systems in achieving optimal outcomes.

Breast Implant Surgery and its Effects on a Person's Body

In 2016, Casey made the decision to get implants at the young age of 23, without much prior research. She didn’t fully understand its potential consequences. She shared that she always felt a desire to have larger breasts as she was growing up because of external influences.

Initially, she didn't find her implants too large, but eventually, they became the main focus of her appearance, causing discomfort. Within six months of the surgery, she faced inflammation and rapid weight gain. She thought it was just part of the recovery process, but the inflammation persisted, along with rashes and chronic fatigue.

As time passed, her symptoms worsened, but she dismissed them as typical signs of aging and hormonal changes. However, with no improvement in sight, she began to suspect a more serious underlying issue. The inflammation was severe and noticeable, affecting her face, midsection, and arms. She also started experiencing other symptoms like hormonal issues, dry skin, and swollen lymph nodes. Despite consulting various specialists, including GI doctors who recommended dietary changes, the root cause remained elusive.

The discomfort from the implants intensified over time. Despite opting for saline implants under the muscle, they never felt comfortable. She couldn't lie on her stomach or sides without experiencing sharp pains and burning sensations, especially around the left breast where the incisions were made.

Over time, her health got worse to the point that she started feeling depressed and anxious. Although she seemed happy on social media, she was actually going through a tough time. It wasn't until about six or seven years after getting the implants that she stumbled upon information about breast implant illness during extensive research into her deteriorating health.

Chronic Illness and Breast Implant Removal

She didn't associate the autoimmune disease she was diagnosed with in high school with her breast implants. However, as she researched further into breast implant illness, she realized that there might be a connection.

Exploring various avenues of functional medicine and nutrition, and undergoing therapies and treatments, she found no relief from her symptoms. It wasn't until she stumbled upon stories of other women's experiences with breast implant illness that she began to consider the possibility. Even then, she was in denial, unable to believe that her implants could be the cause of her suffering.

A pivotal moment came during a trip to Spain when one of her saline implants ruptured on day three, leaving her left breast flat. This rupture became a clear sign that something needed to change. Despite her initial panic, she ultimately opted for a replacement surgery, only to find that her health deteriorated further afterward.

This experience served as a wake-up call, signaling to her that it was time to remove the implants. She saw the rupture as her body's way of telling her that these implants were not compatible with her health and needed to be removed for good.

Post-surgical Recovery and Inflammation

After undergoing a replacement surgery following the rupture, her recovery was much worse than expected. She experienced severe muscle pain, nerve damage, numbness in her arms, and increased inflammation which were unusual. Her recovery issues raised concerns about potential complications.

Post-replacement, she noticed significant differences in her implants as they felt harder, caused more chest pain and discomfort, and even affected her breathing. The rupture served as a turning point, prompting her decision to have her implants removed and so, she had a consultation with me.
My usual approach is empowering individuals to make informed decisions rather than dictating a course of action. However, after extensive research and introspection, she realized that her implants were likely the root cause of her health issues.

Meditation and breathwork helped her tune into her body, reinforcing her decision that implant removal was necessary for her well-being. With plans to start a family, she opted against procedures like lifts or fat transfers, prioritizing the removal above all else.

Mindset Preparation for Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Truthfully, there is a need for caution and boundaries when seeking support online. Make sure to always surround yourself with positive support, particularly from loved ones, in navigating such journeys. That is why I associate Casey’s smooth recovery with her preparedness and positive mindset before, during, and after surgery.

Casey diligently prepared herself mentally, physically, and emotionally for the surgery. She explored various holistic practices like meditation, breathwork, energy therapy, and more. Her proactive approach, coupled with a strong support system, facilitated her transformative recovery experience.

Casey's experience highlighted the importance of additional support resources, such as health coaching and patient advocates, in navigating the complexities of explant surgery and breast implant illness, especially considering the negative impact of social media on mindset and decision-making.

The addition of health coaching aims to offer holistic support beyond medical intervention whereas patient advocates, who were former patients themselves, provide invaluable insight and empathy.

Links and Resources

Dr. Robert Whitfield’s Website

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Episode 46: ENCORE: Preparing for Breast Implant Removal Surgery

Robert Whitfield MD — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Many women suffering from Breast Implant Illness (BII) have been feeling terrible for a very long time and just want to feel better. Hear how Dr. Whitfield helps prepare his Breast Implant Illness (BII) patients to bounce back as fast as possible after surgery and rule out other conditions that could be contributing to chronic illness.

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.

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/