Posted by Jamie McGuire
on May 13, 2025
I can’t believe it’s already been three months since my explant and lift. It’s been a journey — physically, emotionally, and hormonally — and I wanted to share where I’m at, what I’ve learned, and how I’m really feeling now that I’m on the other side (well, kind of).
✨ Why I Chose to Explant
I made the decision to explant for health reasons. After years of dealing with strange, lingering symptoms — the kind that make you feel off — I couldn’t ignore the possibility of Breast Implant Illness (BII) any longer.
Brain fog, fatigue, inflammation, weird skin stuff, lymph congestion... it felt like my body was constantly working overtime. And the truth is: it was. Because no matter what, implants are still a foreign object. And my body knew it.
This was never about aesthetics for me — it was about choosing long-term health over short-term vanity.
🩺 How I Feel Now — 12 Weeks Out
Here’s the honest truth:
I haven’t had some massive, life-changing improvement.
No miraculous overnight shifts.
But day-to-day? I do feel better — less puffy, more clear, more energy.
And that matters.
I’m also someone who has always prioritized my health. I eat well, I take care of my skin, I support my nervous system, I detox. So this journey wasn’t about “fixing everything,” it was another piece in a larger puzzle I’m always working on.
🧬 How I Am Healing
I did a ton of pre- and post-op prep, which I highly recommend to anyone going through an explant. I’ve linked my full protocol below if you’re curious.
My body adjusted really well post-surgery, and recovery went smoother than expected. The scars are healing pretty well imo. I’ve been using my own skincare products on them consistently, and I truly think that’s made a huge difference.
That said, healing takes time. Redness, pigmentation, texture — they all heal slowly. At just 3 months, I’m honestly really happy with where things are at.
I had an explant and lift, but no fat transfer. (As you can probably tell — I didn’t need it!) I also made that choice very intentionally because I’m cautious of the risks involved. Less is more when it comes to my body now.
And… I can finally go braless. After years of needing one every single day with implants, it feels so freeing.
🧠 Where My Focus Is Now
I went into this hoping I’d feel drastically different — and while I feel better, I’m realizing that some of my symptoms may not have been just BII.
I’m 42. My hormones are shifting. My nervous system is still recovering from botox poisoning, MCAS and years of chronic stress and inflammation. There are layers to this healing journey, and this was just one of them.
That’s something I want to emphasize:
It’s different for everyone.
Some women explant and feel like a new person within a week. Others (like me) experience more subtle shifts. There’s no “right” way to feel.
📝 Notes:
Explanting was a long-term health decision — not a quick fix.
And I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
I feel more in my body. I feel more aligned with who I am and how I care for myself. I’m still healing, still investigating, still committed to my health as always.
But I feel lighter. Physically, emotionally, energetically.
If you’re considering an explant — or you’re in the thick of it — I see you. Trust your gut. Trust your body. And give yourself grace.
Linked below:
- My surgeon info
- My pre/post-op explant protocol
- Scar care routine
Who I Went To And What It Co$t:
After consulting with an explant “expert,” I decided to stay local for my surgery and recovery. Initially, I had a consultation with Dr. Whitfield in Austin, TX, and even scheduled my surgery with him. His fee was $25,000. At the time, I chose him based on his reputation as one of the “best” and the fact that others I knew had gone to him. However, it didn’t feel like the right fit for me.
After posting about my consultation, booking the surgery, and sharing the cost, I received an overwhelming number of messages. Many people pointed out that the price seemed too high and suggested other excellent surgeons. While cost wasn’t a deciding factor for me—it was something I was willing to invest in once I committed to the procedure—I started to think about other factors. Traveling and staying out of town for at least a week felt less than ideal. I know myself, and I knew I’d prefer to recover in the comfort of my own home.
Beyond that, I didn’t feel entirely at ease. While Dr. Whitfield is undoubtedly highly skilled and offers excellent pre- and post-care services, I felt there was a missing connection. Sometimes, as a practitioner gains popularity, the personal touch with patients can diminish. For me, that connection is so important.
Ultimately, I decided to follow a referral from my chiropractor. I went in with no expectations, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision. My second experience was the complete opposite of the first. My new doctor made me feel cared for, answered all my questions, and left me feeling fully prepared. The cost was also significantly less—$13,800 for both an explant and a lift—and I was able to recover at home.
This experience taught me that paying more doesn’t necessarily guarantee better results. There are many exceptional surgeons out there, and I’ve found that the ones who are more under the radar and humble often provide the level of care and connection I personally value most.
My surgeon’s info: Dr. Nicole Castellese
Prepping for Surgery – Supplements and Peptides
I knew going into surgery that setting my body up for ultimate healing was going to be key. Here are the supplements and peptides I started using to prep myself (and yes, they’ve been a game changer).
Peptides I Used 2 Weeks Before Surgery
Injectables: *Injectable peptides you will need to get through a doctor or specialist.
- BPC-157: Accelerates healing, supports the immune system, & combats inflammation.
- NAD+: Supports detoxification, cellular energy and repair.
- CJC1295/Ipamorelin: Increases natural production of growth hormone, which aids recovery.
Oral Peptides:
- KPV + PEA (code: SAVETEN): Potent anti-inflammatory and helps manage pain.
- GHK-Cu (code: JAMIE): Supports healing, reduces inflammation, and improves skin repair.
Supplements and Protocols 2 Weeks Before Surgery:
- Liposomal Vitamin C (code: JAMIE): Supercharges the immune system.
- Akkermansia *available with the fullscript link (1 cap daily): Preps the gut for surgery stress.
- Castor Oil Packs - code: JAMIE10 (every night): Helps detox the liver and prepares your body for anesthesia.
- BPC-157 & KPV + PEA (code: SAVETEN): For gut health, managing inflammation, and overall healing. (BPC as an injection; KPV orally).
- GHK-Cu (code: JAMIE): Incredible for healing and overall health.
- NAD (1 injection daily): Cellular detox and improves recovery and cellular repair.
- Vitamin D3K2 *available with the fullscript link (3 pumps daily): Supports the immune system.
- Magnesium Bisglysinate: Helps with relaxation and sleep.
A Few Days Before Surgery (including everything above):
- Mg-Lax (1 cap nightly): Gentle stool softener to avoid any post-surgery constipation.
- Sea Buckthorn (1 cap daily): Supports the gut and digestive system for healthy bowel movements.
*All supplements are available in my Fullscript store for 15% off. Click the link below to start an account and you will find all of the supplements under the “Pre/Post Surgery” catalog.
PRE/POST SURGERY SUPPLEMENTS LINKED HERE
Post-Surgery – Week 1
Four days in, I’ve been staying consistent with the protocols above, and here’s what I’ve added to help me heal even faster:
- Immune Charge+ (1 shot daily): Gives my immune system an extra boost.
- Thymosin Alpha 1 (1 shot twice a week): Boosts immunity, fights inflammation.
- CJC1295/Ipamorelin: Keeping that growth hormone support rolling.
- PC-Phosphatidylcholine (1 tbsp daily): Cellular repair, strengthens immune system, supports liver detox
- Topical Glutaryl (4 sprays AM & PM): Supports liver detox from anesthesia.
- Red Light Therapy (AM & PM, 10–20 mins): Gentle support for cellular repair.
- PEMF (AM & PM, 20 mins): Helps reduce inflammation and speed up recovery and calm nervous system.
- Hyperbaric Chamber: Encourages natural production of stem cells, which aids recovery.
- Sleep + Rest: Lots of both. Seriously, letting my body do its thing.
Current Scar Healing Serums:
- Improves all aspects of aging and damage by encouraging the skin’s repair process and stimulating new cell development.
- Epidermal wound and DNA repair.
As always, I’m here to share, not to prescribe. Your journey is yours — but I hope this helped you feel a little more supported on the way.
xo,
Jamie