Models Ditch Implants for Health: 'Breast Implant Illness' Trend

A growing number of influencers and OnlyFans models are opting to remove their breast implants, linking them to a spectrum of health problems commonly referred to as 'breast implant illness' (BII). These reported symptoms are diverse and include extreme vertigo, hair loss, fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and mood swings. Sami Sheen, an OnlyFans personality, publicly shared her experience, stating her symptoms began almost immediately after receiving implants in 2022 and have significantly impacted her well-being. Sheen expressed a strong desire for removal to regain her health, despite apprehensions about returning to her pre-surgery chest size.

Other public figures, such as Trisha Paytas and Bunnie Xo, have also voiced concerns about their implants potentially affecting their health, with some sharing images of implants containing mold and residue. Paige Lorenze advised against cosmetic surgery during periods of emotional distress, noting its potential to exacerbate body dysmorphia. Malene El Rafaey described feeling gravely ill, with symptoms like brain fog and rashes disappearing after her implants were removed.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledges that patients report systemic symptoms post-implantation, but it does not recognize 'breast implant illness' as a formal medical diagnosis. The agency notes that symptoms can occur with any type of implant, regardless of rupture status, and can manifest years after the procedure. Despite this, many individuals who undergo explant surgery report that their symptoms improve, highlighting a significant trend of 'deinfluencing' breast implants as more individuals share their experiences online.