19 Feb Danica Patrick’s journey with Breast Implant Removal as told in People Magazine
Breast Implant Removal with Danica Patrick
Breast Implant Removal with Danica Patrick
In the October ‘22 edition of PEOPLE magazine, former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick opens up about her journey of self-discovery triggered by persistent health issues linked to her breast implants.
At 40 years old, Patrick reveals that she underwent breast implant surgery in November 2014 with the intention of enhancing her overall appearance and boosting her sense of femininity and allure.
Understanding Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal, also known as explantation surgery, is a procedure available for women with breast implants who wish to have them removed. This can be due to personal health concerns, changes in aesthetic preferences, or other medical reasons. In some cases, the procedure is straightforward, while in others, it can be more complex. Complications may arise if the surgery involves removing the capsule of scar tissue that forms around the implant, adding volume to the breast, or performing a lift to restore the breast’s aesthetic appearance.
Danica Patrick’s Journey
While the initial three years post-implantation were uneventful for Patrick, she began experiencing noticeable changes in her body and energy levels in 2017, manifesting as fatigue, weight gain, dryness, and hair loss.
Attributing these symptoms initially to potential hormonal imbalances, Patrick recounts her determination to overcome persistent health challenges by urging herself to dig deeper and try harder.
A turning point came in 2018 when one of Patrick’s breasts hardened, followed by the other, prompting her to refrain from tight hugs and grappling with concerns about the authenticity of her physical appearance, especially in romantic relationships.
In her quest for answers, Patrick underwent an extensive battery of tests, delving into a deep rabbit hole to uncover the root cause of her health issues.
It wasn’t until early 2022 that Patrick considered her implants as a potential source of the problem, influenced by videos on social media discussing Breast Implant Illness (BII).
Breast Implant Illness (BII) and Health Concerns
BII symptoms have been reported with various breast implant types, occurring either immediately after implantation or years later. According to the FDA, the top five most common symptoms associated with BII are:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Joint pain
- Anxiety
- Hair loss
Danica Patrick’s decision to remove her breast implants in March 2022 was not only a result of her realization but also prompted by the potential association between breast implants and the development of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The Role of Scar Tissue
Scar tissue capsules are the body’s natural response to foreign objects, where it forms a protective layer around implants. This process is a defense mechanism meant to shield the body from perceived threats. In Danica Patrick‘s case, her body reacted to the breast implants by generating these scar tissue capsules.
Initially, these capsules felt soft. However, over time, they became increasingly hardened and rigid. As the scar tissue developed, it gradually tightened and eventually deformed the implants. This excessive formation of scar tissue not only altered the shape of the implants but also caused discomfort and other complications.
Prioritizing Health Over Aesthetics
Since the removal of her implants, Patrick noted an immediate improvement in her well-being. She hopes that by sharing her experience, other women facing similar symptoms won’t feel isolated. Her advice to them is simple: trust your intuition, consider removal, and assess the impact on your overall well-being.
While Patrick rates herself at about a six on a scale of one to ten post-removal, she underscores the shift in her self-care practices, emphasizing the beauty of learning to come home to oneself rather than pursuing an elusive perfection.
Sub-Questions
What are some specific surgical considerations?
During breast implant removal, specific considerations might include whether to remove the capsule of scar tissue surrounding the implant, whether additional volume needs to be added to the breast, and whether a lift is necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.
How complex is the breast implant removal procedure?
The complexity of breast implant removal can vary significantly. It may be straightforward in some cases, while in others, it can become more complicated, particularly if there is a need to deal with scar tissue or make additional aesthetic adjustments.
What is involved in breast implant removal?
Breast implant removal, also known as explantation surgery, involves taking out the breast implants. The procedure may also include addressing the scar tissue that forms around the implants, adjusting the breast volume, or performing a lift to enhance the breast’s appearance.
Question 2.
What are the circumstances under which the capsules should be removed during breast implant removal?
Full Answer Combined with Your Original
Scar tissue capsules are the body’s natural response to foreign objects, where it forms a protective layer around implants. This process is a defense mechanism meant to shield the body from perceived threats. In Danica Patrick‘s case, her body reacted to the breast implants by generating these scar tissue capsules. Initially, these capsules felt soft. However, over time, they became increasingly hardened and rigid. As the scar tissue developed, it gradually tightened and eventually deformed the implants. This excessive formation of scar tissue not only altered the shape of the implants but also caused discomfort and other complications.
While most capsules do not need removal, there are specific circumstances when their removal becomes necessary:
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the capsules thicken and potentially harbor a bacterial biofilm, leading to stiffness and discomfort.
- Aged Capsules: Over time, some capsules may calcify and harden, requiring removal to prevent further complications.
- BIA-ALCL: In confirmed cases of breast implant-associated large cell lymphoma, removing the capsules is crucial to address the associated health risks.
Unnecessary removal of capsules can lead to complications such as pain and bleeding due to the raw surface left in the implant pocket after removal. Therefore, careful consideration is vital to deciding if capsule removal is warranted, ensuring that it is done only when medically necessary to prevent further issues.
Sub-Questions
Why might a capsule become problematic, warranting removal?
A capsule might require removal if it thickens, harbors a bacterial biofilm, or hardens due to calcification, all of which can lead to discomfort and other issues.
What are the potential risks of unnecessary capsule removal?
Unnecessary removal can lead to complications such as increased pain and bleeding due to the creation of a raw surface in the pocket where the implant was located.
Under what conditions should capsules be removed during breast implant removal?
Capsules should be removed when there is capsular contracture with thickening, calcification, or a confirmed case of breast implant-associated large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).