Explant Breast Surgery & Recovery

Women who believe their implants are making them sick report a wide range of symptoms including extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, headache, brain fog, hair loss, rashes, dry mouth and eyes, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

These conditions appear within a few months to several years following surgery, and seem to more often follow a secondary surgery like revision or exchange. But the exact cause is difficult to pin down because other conditions like Lyme disease and toxic mold exposure can cause similar symptoms.

Using PCR testing (instead of traditional CLIA-based lab testing), Dr. Rob discovered that over 60% of the breast implants he removed all had one thing in common.

Dr. Robert Whit describes his methodology for identifying this complicated, misunderstood condition and shares his treatment strategies utilizing nutrition and genetic testing to put his patients on the path to healing.

For more healing resources created by Dr. Rob, visit our store - Dr. Rob's Solutions at https://drrobssolutions.myshopify.com

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/
X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd
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/

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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/
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Breast implants are said to be a transformative solution for individuals seeking aesthetic enhancement or breast reconstruction. However, beneath their promise of confidence and beauty lie potential risks that are often overlooked. Breast Implant Illness (BII) underscores the importance of thorough patient education and informed consent, highlighting the complexities and implications associated with implants. That is why there is a need for us to raise more awareness about the realities of breast implant surgery, ensuring that patients are fully informed about the risks and potential consequences.

I'm thrilled to introduce our guest for today's episode – Dr. Thomas Chung. We share a similar background in terms of experience and training, which initially intrigued me since he has a clear and insightful understanding of breast implant illness, and we'll delve into that throughout this episode.

Plastic surgery career, including microsurgery and breast reconstruction

What struck me about Dr. Chung is his extensive experience in microsurgery, a field in which we've both worked. Dr. Chung's journey began with his training in the Navy, where he completed his internship and general surgery residency at Walter Reed, then part of the National Naval Medical Center consortium in DC. During his residency, he managed numerous casualties from conflicts like Fallujah, serving as chief of the trauma service with a daily census of 30 to 40 injured veterans. After finishing his general surgery training, he pursued a fellowship at Johns Hopkins, launching his plastic surgery career before returning to Walter Reed to handle more trauma cases.

His work involved extensive microsurgery, such as reconstructing an entire abdominal wall for a survivor of a suicide bombing and performing numerous extremity-free flaps and breast reconstructions using deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps. Over the first seven to eight years, Dr. Chung climbed the Navy's ranks, taking on leadership roles like Chief of Surgery, Chair of the Medical Executive Committee, and ultimately Chief Medical Officer for the San Diego region.

Dr. Chung remains passionate about plastic and aesthetic surgery despite his executive responsibilities. Notably, he performs many explant surgeries for patients experiencing issues after long-term breast implant use.

Immunosuppression in organ transplants and chronic inflammation

In my previous episodes, I've extensively discussed breast implant illness and Dr. Chung agrees that implants may cause more than just localized pain or discomfort. He believes there's something inherently toxic about implants that science can explain and this understanding aligns with groundbreaking surgical advancements by the Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Joseph Murray. Dr. Murray's work on organ transplants demonstrates the need for immunosuppression to prevent rejection.
In transplants, immunosuppression is crucial to avoid rejection, but this concept can also apply to implants. Patients often react negatively to treatments like steroids or methotrexate, fearing the medications rather than understanding their role in managing symptoms.

We see chronic inflammation in patients with implants, similar to organ rejection. In both scenarios, if the initial post-surgery period goes well, complications are less likely. However, issues during this time can lead to significant problems. For cancer patients undergoing reconstruction, immunosuppression can exacerbate complications, demonstrating the delicate balance required to manage immune responses.

Transplant rejection and the use of splint analogy to explain the concept

Using analogies from organ transplants helps patients understand that their bodies might be "rejecting" implants, causing chronic inflammation. This perspective can help them grasp the need for proper management and treatment strategies, even if those include higher doses of immunosuppressants like prednisone to manage their symptoms effectively.

When it comes to resolving issues with breast implants, focusing on the concept of explants and the importance of addressing capsules surrounding the implants is vital. We use the splinter analogy to explain the body's reaction to foreign objects. Just as a splinter in your finger causes pain and inflammation until it's removed, so does the body react to implants, leading to discomfort and potential toxicity. Removing the splinter provides immediate relief, compared to the relief patients might experience after explant surgery.

Dr. Chung appreciates the simplicity of this analogy, which helps patients understand the body's rejection response. He relates it to his experience on transplant rotations, where managing immune responses to transplanted organs was crucial. He emphasizes the importance of detailed procedures in removing implants, akin to meticulous methods used in cancer surgeries ...

In this episode, Dr. Robert Whitfield speaks with Chef James Berry, founder of Pluck, a company dedicated to making organ meats more accessible and appealing. They delve into topics such as breast implant illness, nutrition, and food quality. Dr. Whitfield provides valuable insights into the effects of breast implant illness, and available treatment options, and shares personal stories from women who have undergone explant surgery. Chef Berry underscores the importance of nutrition and aims to make organ meats more accessible to the public. Together, they examine the evolution of food quality, the importance of mindful eating, and the impact of environmental toxins.

Tune in to hear why being mindful of what we eat is more crucial than ever!

Show Highlights:

Food Processing Changes (00:05:50)
The shift toward more processed foods during their childhood
Seasonal Eating Awareness (00:08:22)
Importance of eating seasonal foods for health
Glyphosate and Environmental Toxins (00:11:04)
Glyphosate and its prevalence in the food system
Awareness of Nutritional Needs (00:16:56)
The growing awareness of nutritional needs and organ meats
Trauma and Body Image Issues (19:04)
Exploration of the psychological impacts of breast development and societal pressures on women
The Importance of Sleep (21:31)
Emphasis on sleep as a foundational pillar for overall health and well-being
Breathing and Digestion (22:10)
Connection between stress, digestion, and the importance of a relaxed state while eating
Creating a Healthy Food Environment (32:20)
Advice on curating food choices in the kitchen to support health and desired outcomes
Everyday Ancestral Podcast Introduction (33:48)
Overview of James Berry's podcast focusing on traditional practices and health insights

Bio: Chef James Berry

James Barry’s 20 years in the culinary field started as a private chef cooking for celebrities such as Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Gerard Butler, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Mariska Hargitay (of Law & Order: SVI fame), Barbra Streisand, and John Cusack. James is the CEO & Founder of the organ-based, superfood seasoning, Pluck. It's the first of its kind and an amazingly easy and delicious way for people to get organ meats into their diet.
James is also a published cookbook author having co-authored the recipes in Margaret Floyd’s book Eat Naked and Dr. Alejandro Junger’s book, Clean 7. He authored the cookbook The Naked Foods Cookbook. He is the host of the podcast, Everyday Ancestral.
Chef Berry’s Website

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/
X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd
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://danger...

Ever wondered how something as sneaky as mold could wreak havoc on your health? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Rob Whitfield, a top-notch board-certified plastic surgeon, speaks with Dave Asprey, the trailblazing "father of biohacking," to dive deep into the murky waters of mold toxicity. Dr. Whitfield sheds light on the intricacies of breast implant illness, while Dave Asprey gets personal, sharing his own battles with mold and dishing out some game-changing biohacking tips to boost your well-being. Together, they stress the crucial need to tackle mold toxins head-on, keep your living spaces squeaky clean, and support your body's natural detox processes. Tune in to hear why staying informed is your best defense in managing your health.

About Dave Asprey:

Known around the world as "The Father of Biohacking,” Dave Asprey is an acclaimed health science entrepreneur, founder of Bulletproof Coffee and Danger Coffee, four-time New York Times bestselling author, and host of an award-winning, top 100 podcast, The Human Upgrade. Dave’s mission is to empower and enable people to lead happier, more conscious lives by using biohacking techniques and technology to improve the functioning and destiny of the body and mind.

Dave has created billion-dollar industries to support his breakthrough protocols, including MCT oil, collagen protein, and functional coffees. He’s the founder and CEO of Upgrade Labs, the first biohacking gym, and the creator and host of the Biohacking Conference, the largest, longest-running Biohacking Conference in the world, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024. Most recently, he launched the 5-day intensive program 40 Years of Zen, the world's most exclusive five-day master program and retreat for upgrading the brain.

Show Highlights:

Impact of Mold on Health (00:05:03)
Explanation of how mold toxins affect the body, particularly the mitochondria, leading to various health problems
Mold in Cars (00:09:51)
Dave highlights how mold can grow in cars, especially in humid conditions, and offers tips for prevention.
Chronic Inflammation and Immune Dysfunction (00:16:41)
How chronic inflammation can lead to immune dysfunction and emphasizes the need for toxicity testing
Air Quality Solutions (00:21:09)
Using high-quality air filters in bedrooms to improve air quality and reduce mold exposure
Mold Sensitivity and PTSD (00:22:13)
Mold sensitivity, PTSD responses, and the body's natural defense mechanisms against toxins
Food Quality and Toxin Management (00:28:19)
Importance of food quality to minimize exposure to mycotoxins
Cognitive Challenges in Mold Patients (00:32:46)
Challenges faced by patients with cognitive issues due to mold exposure and the need for actionable solutions
BICEP Concept Introduction (00:37:21)
The BICEP technique, a method to reset dopamine sensitivity through brief intentional pain exposure

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/
X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd
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 -