Healing From the Inside Out: Casey's Journey Through Breast Implant Illness and Explant Surgery

When most people imagine their mid-20s, they picture energy, confidence, and excitement about the future. For Casey Araujo, those years were defined by chronic inflammation, fatigue, unexplained symptoms, and a desperate search for answers. What began as a cosmetic choice at 23 eventually turned into a life-altering journey that led her to reclaim her health, her mindset, and her identity.

I'm Dr. Rob, and today I'm honored to share Casey's story—one that reflects resilience, intuition, and the power of listening to your body. Casey is not just a patient; she's a bright, intuitive woman who transformed her struggle into a mission to help others. This blog post captures her experience from breast augmentation to breast implant illness (BII), through the emotional decision to explant, and into healing with intention.

The Beginning: A Young Woman Seeking Confidence

In 2016, at just 23 years old, Casey was like countless other young women who turn to breast implants seeking confidence, proportion, or a fuller figure. She was a size 0–2, 118 pounds, athletic, and lean—so lean, in fact, that any alternative to implants, like fat transfer, wasn't an option at the time.

"I always wanted bigger breasts," she shared. "Everyone around me growing up had them, and I felt out of proportion."

She opted for saline implants under the muscle and went from an A/B cup to a full DD. At first, she thought the results looked good… until her body told her otherwise.

When "Normal Recovery" Isn't Normal

Within months, Casey gained 30 pounds—a dramatic change for someone who struggled her entire life to gain weight. Her face, arms, and midsection swelled. Her clothes stopped fitting. And inflammation wasn't her only symptom.

She started developing:

• Chronic fatigue
• Rashes
• Hormonal issues
• Extremely dry skin and mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Anxiety and depression
• Sharp breast and chest pain
• Burning sensations
• Numbness and nerve issues

"I felt like I was living in someone else's body," she said. "I thought I was getting older, that hormones were changing… I tried to justify all of it."

Doctors tested her, sent her home, and told her to "try dairy-free and gluten-free." But nothing worked.

For six years she lived this way—sick, inflamed, and unable to understand why.

The Breaking Point: Searching for Answers

Casey wasn't a passive patient. She pursued every angle: functional medicine, vitamin therapy, peptide therapy, IV therapy, hormone panels, GI workups, food sensitivity testing, mold tests, genetic tests—you name it.

She isolated herself for two years, researching for hours a day. Her husband would call and ask, "What are you doing?" Her answer was always the same: "I'm six hours deep on my computer trying to find what's wrong with me."

Eventually, she came across breast implant illness.

At first, she rejected the idea.

"I didn't want to believe my implants were making me sick. I was young. I didn't want that to be true."

Then, everything changed.

The Rupture That Became a Wake-Up Call

On a 17-day trip to Spain, Casey woke up one morning and her left breast was flat. Her saline implant had ruptured.

She panicked. She hadn't researched explant surgeons yet. She wasn't mentally prepared. So she did what many women do—she replaced the implant.

But the replacement made everything worse.

• Her recovery was excruciating.
• Her inflammation skyrocketed.
• Her chest felt heavier, tighter, and more painful than ever.
• Her symptoms intensified.

"That rupture was my turning point," she said. "It was my body screaming at me: Get these out."

Finding the Right Surgeon—and the Right Mindset

Within months, Casey was searching specifically for explant surgeons. She began consultations and eventually connected with me. She walked into the call with clarity and intuition.

"She had already done so much of the work," I told her. "She had tested more than almost any patient who walks through my door."

But tests alone don't prepare you for the emotional and psychological transition of losing implants. For many women, it's deeply tied to identity and self-worth. Casey knew this intuitively—and she prepared herself accordingly.

Preparing Mind, Body, and Spirit for Explant Surgery

Casey booked her surgery months in advance. That window became a sacred preparation period.

She committed fully to:

Mindset

• Daily meditation
• Breathwork
• Visualization
• Somatic practices
• Therapy
• Reiki and energy work
• Intentionally repeating affirmations: "I'm doing this for my body. I'm doing this for my health."

Lifestyle

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition
• Gentle movement and Pilates
• Nature walks
• Grounding
• Complete avoidance of triggering social media groups

She avoided Facebook explant groups entirely in the final weeks, knowing they could heighten fear and anxiety.

Her favorite apps for mindset and healing:

• Open
• Calm
• Headspace
• Melissa Wood Health

"I worked every day to talk kindly to myself," she explained. "I held my breasts and told my body, 'I'm doing this for you.'"

This work mattered more than most people realize.

The Day of Surgery

Casey was my first patient that morning. When she walked into the surgical center, she wasn't anxious, shaking, or overwhelmed.

She was calm.

• She had grounded outside before leaving.
• She meditated the entire drive.
• She told herself she was stepping into a new chapter.

Even the nurses noticed: "You look so peaceful."

This kind of mental preparation makes a profound difference in recovery. For Casey, it transformed the entire experience.

Life After Explant: Healing, Acceptance, and Joy

The first time she saw her chest without implants, she felt a mix of emotions—relief but also discomfort with change.

"They looked sad," she admitted. "I felt deflated. But I kept talking to myself with kindness."

She kept meditating, doing breathwork, massaging her breasts, journaling, and staying connected with her support system—especially her husband.

Today, Casey feels like she got her life back.

• Her inflammation has dropped dramatically
• She has her energy again
• Her mood is better than ever
• Her appearance feels natural and aligned
• Her breasts look beautiful—more than she expected
• She feels grounded, confident, and healthy

Even people online comment on how different her energy seems.

The Importance of Support—And Why Casey Now Offers Her Own

One thing Casey emphasizes is the need for healthy, reliable support—not just online message boards.

"I want women to avoid the rabbit hole," she warns. "It can create unnecessary fear."

Instead, she encourages women to seek:

• Supportive spouses or loved ones
• Functional medicine teams
• Surgeons who educate rather than pressure
• Coaches and professionals trained in mindset and trauma
• Groups led by experts, not fear-driven narratives

Today, Casey continues to share her story openly because she wants women to feel seen, supported, and prepared.

Where to Follow Casey

If you want to follow her journey, mindset tools, and explant updates, connect with her on Instagram:

👉 @casey.araujo

Her DMs are open for women facing explant surgery, anxiety, or uncertainty. She does her best to respond to everyone.

A Final Word

Casey's journey is a reminder that:

• Your body will always tell you the truth
• Mindset matters in every phase of healing
• You are not alone
• Explant isn't an ending—it's a beginning

I am incredibly proud of the work Casey has done and continues to do. She is proof that you can reclaim your health, your identity, and your life with courage and intention.

If her story resonates with you, know this:

Healing is possible.
You are stronger than you think.
And there are people ready to support you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Illness and Explant Recovery

What are the most common symptoms of breast implant illness?

Common breast implant illness symptoms include chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, rashes, hormonal imbalances, swollen lymph nodes, anxiety, depression, chest pain, burning sensations, numbness, dry skin and mouth, and unexplained weight gain or inflammation. Symptoms can appear months or years after implant placement.

How long does it take to recover after breast explant surgery?

Physical recovery from explant surgery typically takes 4-6 weeks, but symptom improvement can begin within days to weeks. Many patients report significant reduction in inflammation, fatigue, and pain within the first few months. Full healing—physically and emotionally—can take 6-12 months or longer.

Can saline implants cause breast implant illness?

Yes. Both saline and silicone implants can trigger breast implant illness. The immune system reacts to the implant as a foreign body, and biofilms can form on the capsule regardless of implant type. Many women with saline implants experience the same systemic symptoms as those with silicone.

What should I do if my breast implant ruptures?

If you suspect a breast implant rupture, consult with a qualified surgeon immediately. While some women choose to replace the implant, many use the rupture as an opportunity to explant entirely, especially if they've been experiencing BII symptoms. Research explant surgeons who specialize in complete capsule removal.

How can I prepare mentally for breast explant surgery?

Mental preparation is crucial for explant recovery. Effective strategies include daily meditation, breathwork, visualization, therapy, journaling, affirmations, and somatic practices. Apps like Calm, Headspace, and Open can help. Avoid fear-based social media groups and focus on positive, expert-led support communities.

Will I regret removing my breast implants?

Most women who explant due to breast implant illness report feeling relief, improved health, and renewed confidence. While there may be an adjustment period emotionally and physically, the majority of patients are grateful they listened to their bodies. Working with a supportive surgeon and mental health professional can ease the transition.

What is the best way to find an explant surgeon?

Look for surgeons who specialize in breast explant surgery with experience in complete capsule removal (en bloc capsulectomy when possible). Research their credentials, read patient reviews, and schedule consultations. A good explant surgeon will educate you, answer questions, and support your decision without pressure.

Can functional medicine help with breast implant illness?

Yes. Many women with BII benefit from working with functional medicine practitioners who can address underlying issues like inflammation, gut health, detoxification, hormonal imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies. Functional medicine can complement explant surgery and support long-term healing.

What lifestyle changes help with BII recovery after explant?

Post-explant recovery is supported by anti-inflammatory nutrition, gentle movement (like Pilates or walking), stress management, adequate sleep, grounding practices, meditation, and avoiding environmental toxins. Many women also benefit from lymphatic massage, sauna therapy (once cleared), and continued mindset work.

Where can I find support during my breast implant illness journey?

Seek support from trusted loved ones, functional medicine teams, experienced explant surgeons, therapists, and expert-led communities. Avoid fear-based Facebook groups. Follow inspiring recovery stories like Casey Araujo's on Instagram (@casey.araujo) for positive, grounded guidance.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Health

If this episode resonates with you, I encourage you to take action. Whether that means scheduling a consultation, doing more research, or simply trusting your instincts about your health, you deserve answers.

📅 Schedule a Free Discovery Call

Let's discuss your symptoms, concerns, and whether explant surgery is right for you.

Additional Resources

Want to dive deeper into breast implant illness, inflammation, and holistic recovery? Check out these resources:

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