Boobie Trapped, Part 2

Making the decision to remove breast implants is just one part of the equation when

discussing healing from breast implant illness. Once removed, a person will have a

detoxification process to go through to rid themselves of the toxins as well as physical

therapy and/or similar to regain strength, mobility and function in their upper bodies

post surgery. Having breast implants, for some people, has taken quite a toll on them

and removing them can feel like they’re getting a new lease on life. Healing takes time,

patience and grace. Not everyone heals at the same rate so it’s important to honor

each day and each process as it’s truly unique for every individual. Having the support

of family, friends and your medical team is essential too. Emotionally, removing the

breast implants can be quite intense.

Explanting

Explant surgery, the removal of the device and the capsule around the implant is a

critical decision for recovery and elimination of of breast implant illness. Choosing

the best surgeon to perform your breast implant removal is non-negotiable. Not all

plastic surgeons believe in BII, nor do all of them understand the delicacy of the illness.

If you are wanting to explant, make sure to look for a board certified surgeon who

understands how to remove the entire capsule, not just the implant itself. It takes a

very skilled surgeon.

This process is called En Bloc or Total Capsulectomy. This means the surgeon leaves

the capsule intact on the breast implant and dissects around the intact capsule and

implant without cutting into or disrupting the capsule so as to prevent contamination to

the patient of silicone and the contents inside the capsule. It’s not uncommon for the

the pectoral muscles to have atrophied while a person had implants so surgery can be

complicated.

Here is a link to a very in-depth write up about treatment using Total Capsulectomy ::

https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/eplasty/original-research/breast-implant-illness-treatment-using-total-capsulectomy-and

Make sure to have in writing and on your contract with your surgeon, the exact

procedure of En Bloc and/or Total Capsulectomy. Here is a link to a list of surgeons

who perform this procedure globally. More and more surgeons are being added daily.

https://www.healingbreastimplantillness.com/explant-surgeons/

Pre-Surgery Preparation

It goes without saying that it’s wise to be prepared for any surgery, if possible. You can

ready your body by nourishing yourself as well as you can, fueling with high quality

vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You’ll need to be hydrated so getting some extra

hydration and electrolytes is highly recommended. Your surgeon may request that all

supplements and vitamins that you currently take be stopped at least two weeks prior,

but that will be discussed with them. Get good sleep, exercise, stay strong knowing

you will have downtime and a pause in your regular activity. Meditate and mentally

prepare for this, journal, take warm baths to calm your nervous system. Do restorative

yoga or mindful movement to supplement your breath and calm your mind and

thoughts. Visualize the healthier you that’s just on the other side of this procedure and

beyond. Talk positively to yourself at all times.

For me, I did all of the above and tried my best to keep up with my Pilates practice. I

had been experiencing so much discomfort in my body for years with the inflammation

and with the capsular contracture, I really didn’t feel good working out. That said, I

forged ahead, kept my regular teaching schedule, filmed for Pilates Anytime just a few

weeks before surgery - even though my body didn’t really feel good. Acceptance and

strength is what I was channeling the entire way, knowing that soon I’d be on the road

to a healthier me, the me I knew before getting implants.

For my exercise, I did a lot of sit to stand movements, lots of leg strengthening,

balance work, abdominal work and as much upper body loading as I could knowing I

was not going to be able to move and work with my upper body for quite awhile.

Being able to get in and out of seats, bed etc without using my arms was going to be a

very real thing soon, so I worked out with this in mind. Here is a class that I created for

PA with a lower body/abdominal focus for this very reason.

Emotional Rollercoaster

When a person is choosing to remove their implants, they are often faced with many

emotions around what they will look like once they no longer have the volume and

shape. For small breasted women, having implants may have given them a boost of

confidence that they hadn’t had before, so letting of the aesthetic may bring up a flurry

of emotions. Many go through deep sadness as if a part of their identity is going away.

This is another part of the boobie trap.

Facing surgery means big changes, discomfort, time for healing and acceptance of the

new, saying goodbye to BII illness and working towards recovery which can take years.

Not all people want to explant and enjoy the look of their breasts with implants, but

choose to explant to rid themselves of the illness, toxicity and/or painful capsular

contracture. It’s a very personal choice for everyone.

I cried daily for weeks before my surgery. My anxiety was elevated and I was having

difficulty sleeping, was very restless. I had done my research, but still the uncertaintyabout what was on the other side was so unknown. I put trust in myself and others and

I knew I was doing the right thing for myself. But it was still extremely emotionally

challenging.

For those that explant, many experience relief of symptoms as quickly as the same day

and certainly in the months and years ahead. Not everyone experiences relief

immediately. There is a significant detoxification process needed once the implants are

out in order to rid the body of the toxicity and start rebuilding the immune system. This

can take years, but it’s possible with the help of a knowledgeable functional medicine

doctor. Be patient, diligent and kind to yourself if this is the direction you’re headed.

That’s my biggest advice.

Detoxification

Rather than go into full details of what goes into true detoxification processes, which

are lengthly and very individual, I will reserve that conversation for another time and for

you to have with your medical advisor. I do know, however, that to detoxify the body

from silicone or saline implants is an essential step in healing and recovery. It will take

time, diligence, lifestyle changes, food and diet shifts (most likely to heal gut issues),

hormone balancing, getting proper minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Much goes

into supporting our damaged endocrine and immune systems. Getting enough daily

sunlight, exercise, quality sleep, water, laughter and restoration is the magic for

anyone, for anything and time. Grace and support from those around you is critical

too.

Post Surgery

The initial 10 days - two weeks will be the most difficult due to the discomfort, pain,

lack of good sleep, possible reactions to anesthesia and general malaise that surgery

produces. Showering is usually not possible for the first 3 -5 days so plan on getting

help with many activities of daily living. Hydrate, drink bone broth and other nourishing

soups. Many people don’t have an appetite, but it is still extremely important to get

nourishment. Once cleared to take your supplements again, get back on track as

quickly as you can so your body can begin rebuilding and finding balance.

Depending on the type of surgery you had (just explant, or additional procedures that I

have not even begun to discuss), you will most likely be tightly wrapped in gauze while

the tissue is adjusting and adhering to itself now that the implant is out and off of your

chest wall. The space needs to close up. You may have surgical drains to contend

with. Take gentle walks to keep your lymph and blood flow healthy and circulation

pumping. You’ll most likely be restless. Breathe, meditate, get help from family and

friends. Be patient and remember that this too will pass. Follow the suggestions from

your surgeon, but also lean into your own intuition, always and with anything. Ask

questions if you have them. Don’t do too much on your own.

Post Surgery Movement and Exercise

I was advised “no lifting anything heavier than 1-2 lbs for several weeks, no driving for

at least a week and no pushing, pulling or weight bearing for 4-6 weeks”. Tell that to

any movement lover/teacher/enthusiast and you’re going to see someone get a little

antsy!!! But I did my best to follow protocol. I didn’t want to injure myself or do

anything that would negatively impact the surgery sites or my fully healthy recovery.

Living alone, the tasks were intricately and cautiously performed. I took 3 1/2 weeks

off teaching. I practiced very slow getting to the floor and up without using my arms -

things I’d practiced and prepared for for many months. I also relied heavily on my yoga

bolster and blankets for restorative poses to better support my posture out of gravity

and help me loosen fascial restrictions with breath. Legs up the wall felt amazing to

help lymph and fluid movement. My restorative yoga practice allowed me to unwind,

visualize and accompany my healing in the most gentle of ways all while preparing me

for when I could start to get back to my Pilates practice. Patience was my daily manta.

Go Easy With Yourself

While sitting on the sofa, I made sure to have small balls near me so I could keep my

feet tended to. I would stand at the kitchen counter and do gentle ‘barre’ like moves,

lots of sit to stand reps, gentle walks and of course, lots of diaphragmatic breathing.

This is was felt the best!! When ready, very simple range of motion arm arc’s, reaches

to the side and above my head. Movement patterns felt welcome and safe. What a

relief!

Because of the capsular contracture that I endured, my right arm/shoulder/neck/pec

had gotten pretty out of balance. With the scar tissue capsule and implant gone, I

could finally move with freedom. It’s hard to explain the feeling, but until the implant

was out, I had no idea how limited my movement had become on that side (actually,

entire ribcage area and pelvis) and how shallow my breathing was most of the time.

The first thing I did while coming out of anesthesia was taking a deep, deep breath! It

was unlike anything I can imagine — free, full and lengthy! The inner constriction the

implant and scar capsule had created was so invasive, and with it gone, got me

excited to get back to my Pilates practice - in due time. My entire body felt released

from being trapped; it’s hard to explain.

My Post Surgery Apparatus Choices

Along with using the Cadillac’s push through bar supine for arms overhead/scapula

glides and gentle chest opening, I was craving more full body movement. I have a

teachers class on Zoom, Tuesdays at 8am PDT. They are such a fabulous group of

women, all who knew what I was going through and we so patient during this time.

When it was time for me to get back to teaching, I let them know our class was going

to start back up and that we’d be working with our Spine Correctors and have a strapas our prop.

This was the main apparatus I felt safe using in my initial phase of

movement recovery. My spine had gotten even stiffer during all those weeks of no

movement and the barrel just spoke to me. I knew it would be the best partner.

Arms over head with a strap felt exactly like what I needed to move the upper body

tissue gently, with clear intentional breath and easy movements. By using the Spine

Corrector, it reconnected me to my center muscles and mechanics which translated

into safe daily function. Going over the arc allowed my chest to open, softly and with

ease. I was feeling strong again and excited. I could also tell if I was overusing my

pectoral area pretty easily when I could have been resourcing my lats. What a great

teaching tool! I couldn’t wait to get on the Reformer, which happened around week 6

and I did my first front support on the floor and Long Stretch, just the set up with a little

press out. It’s going to be awhile to get all my strength back, but I’m ready to return to

my life before implants.

To any movement teacher who has clients that are considering explant or have had,

keep encouraging them to move gently and regularly. For all the practitioners reading

who are resonating with this, please research Breast Implant IllnessI. If you feel unwell,

it could be coming from silicone toxicity from implants and the interruption to your

immune and endocrine system. It’s a real illness. I’m happy to help answer questions

if you have any. I’ve learned a lot in the past few years about this and want to help.

To any movement teacher considering breast implant removal to eliminate breast

implant illness or capsular contracture, I encourage you too. It’s not worth it to stay

sick or trapped inside and having your body fight itself. The aesthetic is just that - an

aesthetic. We’re more that the size of our breasts. Our bodies are our temples and

vessels of divine wisdom. They deserve to express themselves in our lifetimes with as

much ease and light as possible. BII tried to dampen my light, and it certainly paused

certain aspects of my movement practice for a time, but now that I no longer have

silicone breast implants and their toxicity running through my body, I can only image

where my movement practice is going to take me, one breath at a time. Remember

what Joe said, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”.