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Natural Awakenings Tampa Florida

Breast Implant Illness

by Kathie Gonzales, ARNP-BC

Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. despite its history of controversy. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported 313,000 women underwent breast augmentation surgery in 2018, with 88 percent being silicone implants and 12 percent saline implants, both being enclosed in a silicone capsule. Since 1964 there have been claims by women that their implants have made them systemically ill and reports of autoimmune diseases.

In 1988 the FDA’s Advisory Panel was made aware of possible risks related to breast implants, including contractures, leakage, immune disorders and cancer. Studies over a 20-year-period of surveillance of women with breast implants documented autoimmune or connective tissue disorders in 22 percent and an increase in Sjogren’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis and sarcoidosis in 60 percent of women.

Treatment for breast implant illness starts with finding an experienced surgeon who will perform a full en bloc explant and capsulectomy. After the surgery, drains will need to be in place for up to 14 days to remove fluids from the surgical site. The second most important thing is to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet for at least six months post-explant. Remove all white, wheat and sweet foods, which means eating only organic whole foods and drinking lots of alkaline water to help the body heal. For detox, it’s important that the gut is in good working order, having two good bowel movements per day. Consider a coffee enema weekly to help stimulate thorough evacuation and liver detox. Glutathione also provides a great liver cleanse. Methyl B12 facilitates MTHFR methylation detox pathways.

If illness or autoimmune symptoms persist, a thorough cleaning of the blood with biophotonic IV therapy and ozone can be used. This treatment also provides the additional benefit of immune modulation.

St. Petersburg Health & Wellness offers both biophotonic IV therapy and ozone. Located at 2100 Dr. MLK Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg. For more information, call 727-202-6807.