Breast Implant Illness: Exploring Symptoms, Surgeons, and Solutions with Candice Barley

In this episode of the Mom Guilt podcast, I interview Candice Barley, an advocate for women with breast implant illness (BII). We discuss the symptoms and risks associated with breast implants, the gaslighting many women experience when seeking help, and how to find a qualified explant surgeon. Candice shares her personal journey with BII and offers guidance on detoxing and finding holistic solutions. If you're considering explant surgery or want to learn more about breast implant illness, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

• Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a significant condition where the immune system reacts to the foreign object of implants, causing symptoms such as chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and more.
• Many surgeons may downplay or overlook symptoms of BII, highlighting the need for better-informed consent and awareness among medical professionals.
• An ideal explant surgery involves en bloc removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule, often followed by pathology tests to ensure complete health safety.
• Post-explant, women have various reconstruction options, including fat transfer, with the right approach tailored to individual circumstances.
• Candice emphasizes the importance of intuition and self-advocacy in health decisions, encouraging women to trust their lived experiences.

What you'll learn:
00:00 | Intro
02:16 | Candice's personal experience with BII and explanation of what it is
06:47 | Discussion on the lack of informed consent and gaslighting by surgeons regarding BII symptoms
10:21 | Candice's recovery from BII and the importance of genetics in detoxing
11:35 | Gaslighting by surgeons and the presence of biofilms within breast implant capsules
13:37 | Denial and dismissal of BII symptoms by doctors and the FDA's black box warning on implants
14:37 | Importance of removing the scar capsule when explanting breast implants
15:38 | Contaminants and bacteria can be present in the scar capsule
17:08 | Red flags when choosing an explant surgeon
18:20 | Options for explanting after a double mastectomy with reconstruction
20:38 | Addressing cosmetic concerns after explanting
23:10 | Symptoms that may indicate breast implant illness
26:41 | Tips for finding the right explant surgeon
27:40 | Importance of en-bloc explantation for removing implants and total capsulectomy in explant surgery
29:39 | The importance of detox after explant surgery
30:20 | Role of functional practitioners in post-explant surgery care
32:49 | The role of a private advocate in guiding women through the explant surgery process
33:31 | The potential risks and issues with dermal fillers
34:50 | The importance of lymphatic drainage and potential blockages caused by implants and fillers
36:19 | Trusting your intuition and listening to your body

Resources:
Candice's Instagram
How To Work With Candice
Candice's Website

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Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.

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