Next Tuesday marks one month since I underwent an explant and lift with Dr. Keusch in Boca Raton, and the experience has been nothing short of transformative. As I reflect on the past few weeks, I find myself feeling incredibly grateful—not only for how well my body is healing but also for the decision itself.

The Journey To Surgery

My original implants were placed by Dr. Grotting in 2003, just a week before my 21st birthday. At the time, they were exactly what I wanted, and for many years, I loved them. But as time passed, so did their effect on my body. Though they still looked great, they had become heavy, and gravity had taken its toll—just as it would with natural larger breasts.

For the past five years, I had been seriously considering an explant. However, when I sought opinions from male surgeons in Fairhope, AL, I was repeatedly told I’d be crazy to remove them. But this wasn’t just about aesthetics anymore. The constant weight was causing significant neck pain, and I knew that for the sake of my health and comfort, it was time for a change.

Finding the right surgeon was essential, and Dr. Keusch and her team in Boca Raton exceeded every expectation. They not only understood my decision but supported it wholeheartedly, making me feel confident in my choice to move forward.

Overcoming My Fears

One of my biggest fears going into surgery wasn’t the procedure itself—it was the IV and anesthesia. Now, this might sound completely ridiculous coming from someone covered in tattoos, but the thought of an IV had me spiraling. I can sit through hours of needlework for body art, yet the idea of a tiny tube sliding into my vein had me feeling faint.

Dr. Keusch’s husband, who happens to be the anesthesiologist, reassured me that I’d be under in 20 seconds, and he wasn’t exaggerating. One minute I was internally panicking over the IV, and the next, I was out cold. When I woke up, I wasn’t in pain or disoriented—I was hyper-focused on something way more critical: had the compression sleeves on my legs messed up my pedicure? I had carefully planned for nice, fresh toes before surgery, and the idea that they could be ruined? Unacceptable. Priorities, right?

Looking back, I have to laugh at myself. The fear of the IV was way worse than the reality of it, and in the grand scheme of things, it was just another small hurdle in an overwhelmingly positive experience.

Exceptional Care From An Incredible Team

From start to finish, the staff at Dr. Keusch’s office went above and beyond to make sure I felt supported, comfortable, and cared for. Their professionalism, kindness, and attention to detail were unmatched. One person who truly stood out was Lutchmie—she was with me every step of the way, providing reassurance and helping me stay calm through the entire process. Knowing I had that kind of unwavering support made an incredible difference and turned what could have been a nerve-wracking experience into one that felt safe and manageable.

My mom arrived three days after surgery to help with my recovery, and having her there was absolutely invaluable. She made sure I had everything I needed and allowed my other ‘nurses’—Roger and Fera—to take a break, though let’s be real, neither of them ever strayed far from my side, even with Mom taking over.

The amount of love and support I’ve received throughout this process has been overwhelming in the best way. My family and friends have shown up for me in ways that I will never take for granted, and it’s made all the difference in my healing journey. I feel incredibly blessed to have such a strong, loving circle around me during this time.The Recovery Process

The Recovery Process

Looking back at the past month, I can truly appreciate how far I’ve come in my recovery.

My two-week post-op appointment went better than expected—Dr. Keusch changed my tape, and to my surprise, I had no exterior sutures, just a clean incision line. All sutures are internal, which is amazing for both healing and aesthetics.

Since then, I’ve been applying scar gel twice daily directly over the tape, as it’s designed to penetrate through it. I feel good, but I’m still very aware of the interior sutures. There’s no pain, just occasional discomfort—a subtle but constant reminder from my body to take it easy and not push too hard.

Dr. Keusch emphasized that weeks four through six are the ‘danger zone’ because the sutures stop making themselves known. That’s when it becomes all too easy to overdo it without realizing, which could risk tearing a suture or putting unnecessary stress on the incision. The last thing I want is to set my healing back, so I’m staying patient, diligent, and listening to my body every step of the way.

Supporting My Healing

To aid in healing, I’ve been taking L-arginine, creatine, silica, collagen, and L-glutamine to support cell turnover and tissue repair. These supplements are known for promoting skin elasticity, reducing inflammation, and accelerating tissue recovery, and based on my progress, I truly believe they’ve been making a difference. Dr. Keusch even noted at my two-week follow-up that my incisions looked remarkably well-healed for that stage, which was incredibly encouraging.

I’ve also started incorporating some gentle movement back into my routine. Since I still have to be careful not to strain my upper body, I’ve focused on lower-body exercises like squats and lunges, making sure to maintain proper posture to avoid unnecessary tension. Even simple movements like stretching and light walking have helped me feel more connected to my body again without compromising my healing.

While I can’t get back to yoga soon enough, I’m beyond grateful that I can still take my sweet Fera on her walks. She’s on her hands-free leash, trotting along like my little recovery coach, completely in sync with my pace. It’s like she knows Mom needs to take it easy, so she’s extra focused on keeping things smooth and stress-free. Honestly, if she had a clipboard, she’d probably be taking notes on my progress. We’re in this together, and having her by my side has made all the difference in making my recovery feel even more positive.

I’m also still sleeping slightly elevated to help reduce swelling, which Dr. Keusch mentioned is completely normal for up to three to six months. While the swelling fluctuates, I’m reassured knowing that my body is simply adjusting, and with continued patience and care, everything will settle beautifully. Staying mindful and giving my body the time it needs to fully heal has been a lesson in both self-care and gratitude.

The Cultural Shift Around Explants

Beyond the physical healing, this journey has sparked deeper reflection on breast health and the cultural shift surrounding explants. In beach towns like Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Boca, and Delray, where body image has historically been tied to a certain aesthetic, there’s something incredibly powerful about choosing comfort, health, and confidence over societal expectations.

For so long, large breasts were associated with the quintessential ‘beach body’ ideal, but more and more women are redefining what beauty means on their own terms. There is an undeniable liberation in making a decision based on personal health rather than external validation. Removing my implants wasn’t about rejecting beauty standards; it was about embracing my own evolving sense of self and allowing my body to feel aligned with my lifestyle and well-being.

In places like Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, where southern charm meets coastal living, the cultural perspective on body image has long favored curves and enhancements, while Boca and Delray have traditionally leaned into a more polished, high-maintenance aesthetic. It’s been eye-opening to witness and be part of the shift happening in both regions as more women move toward body autonomy and prioritize their own health over societal expectations. The conversation around explants is becoming more open, and with that openness comes empowerment.

Prioritizing Breast Health

For me, part of this decision was about long-term health. Having implant-free breasts means I can have cleaner, clearer mammograms—something that became even more relevant after my dear friend faced a major health challenge. Her experience was a powerful reminder of how essential it is for women to be proactive about their breast health.

The reality is that implants can obscure mammogram readings, potentially delaying early detection, and that was not a risk I was willing to take. As part of this process, I underwent biopsies, and thankfully, they came back negative for cancer cells. The relief was immeasurable, reinforcing my decision to prioritize my health and ensuring that I was making the right choice for my long-term well-being. Knowing that I have removed an obstacle to accurate screenings gives me peace of mind and reinforces that this was the right choice for my overall well-being.

This journey has made me more aware than ever of how crucial it is for women to advocate for their own health. It’s not just about comfort or aesthetics—it’s about being able to take charge of our bodies without hesitation or fear. Choosing to explant was one of the most empowering decisions I’ve ever made, and I hope my experience encourages others to make choices that prioritize their well-being with confidence and without fear of judgment.

A Wellness Destination Worth Considering

While I can’t yet offer vacation homes in Delray Beach or Boca Raton, I’m working toward it. And after this experience, I can confidently say this area is a perfect place for a recovery getaway. The combination of top-tier surgeons, a relaxed coastal environment, and access to incredible wellness resources makes it an ideal spot for those looking to heal while enjoying a beautiful, stress-free setting.

If you’re considering an explant or any other wellness-focused procedure, Delray Beach and Boca Raton offer an unparalleled recovery experience. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful coastal retreat or access to top-tier medical professionals, this region has everything you need to heal in comfort.

For those looking for the perfect post-surgery stay, we have an entire blog dedicated to the Best Resorts in Delray Beach—a must-read for anyone planning their recovery in this beautiful area. Top Resorts in Delray If you’re just looking for quick recommendations, here are a few top options:

• The Seagate Hotel & Spa – A luxurious and relaxing escape with a full-service spa, perfect for post-surgery recovery.
• Opal Grand Resort & Spa – Steps from the beach, this hotel offers oceanfront views and a serene atmosphere.
• Crane’s Beach House – A boutique option that feels like a hidden oasis, ideal for those wanting a quiet, restful stay.
• The Ray Hotel – A chic, modern stay in the heart of Delray Beach, offering easy access to wellness amenities.

No matter where you choose to recover, the combination of expert surgeons, ocean air, and a stress-free environment makes this area a top-tier destination for both healing and relaxation.

Best Decision I have Made In Years

One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the way my body looks and feels post-surgery. The results have exceeded my expectations, restoring a natural, youthful appearance while also alleviating the physical discomfort I had endured for years. I no longer feel weighed down, and my body now moves with a newfound ease and lightness that I had forgotten was possible.

For anyone hesitant about the outcome of an explant and lift, I can confidently say there is nothing to fear. The transition has been seamless, and the results are both aesthetically pleasing and incredibly comfortable. My posture has improved, the strain on my neck and shoulders has disappeared, and I finally feel aligned with my body in a way that enhances my daily life.

This transformation has been about more than just appearance—it’s about feeling at ease in my own skin again, moving freely without discomfort, and embracing a version of myself that prioritizes well-being and confidence. I look in the mirror and see a version of myself that feels natural, refreshed, and completely mine. This decision wasn’t about losing anything—it was about gaining back a sense of self I didn’t even realize I had been missing.