BISA Reacts to Mel Robbins Sharing her Breast Implant Story

Written By Breast Implant Safety Alliance

In a recent podcast episode, motivational speaker Mel Robbins shared her breast implant story. Many of BISA’s members and follows on social media could relate to her story and we think it is a valuable listen for women considering or living with breast implants.

BISA has shared many #breastimplantstories over the years. Mel Robbins is both inspirational and genuine. She is a motivational speaker and author with a powerful podcast and social media presence. The engagement on posts related to Mel’s breast implant experience was substantial and demonstrates the power of sharing your story.

Just a few comments on social media related to Mel Robbins breast implant story. 

BISA’s Reaction

Upon reading the posts, comments and listening or watching her podcast episode, BISA has a few thoughts to share.

”Women sharing their personal experiences with breast implants, both good and the not-so-good, are so important. We feel grateful every time we see a woman like Mel Robbins using her platform to help spread awareness and help educate others. So many of us feel we did not get all of the information we need to keep ourselves safe, healthy and informed. Mel isn’t the only woman with this story and that is exactly why BISA exists,” says Maria Gmitro, BISA’s President & Founder.

Takeaway 1
It was a friend that noticed there was something not right about Mel’s breast and encouraged her to get it checked out. There are currently no standards of care for women living with breast implants and women need to self-advocate.

Takeaway 2
When Mel did see the plastic surgeon, she was shocked to discover that she had recalled textured breast implants. Allergan Biocell breast implants were voluntarily recalled in 2019 due to a higher risk of developing a potentially life-threatening cancer caused breast implants. She was not notified by anyone about this breast implant recall. Mel was also shocked to discover that the manufacturer would not pay for removal and only a replacement.

Takeaway 3
Mel began looking for support online because support is lacking from the medical community in regards to breast augmentation. BISA has found that online support groups vary in structure. Not all support groups are created equally, or monitored for misinformation, biased information or sales/promotions.

Takeaway 4
Mel discussed that she wish had a second opinion and she also did more research before getting implants in the first place. There is a real need for balanced, unbiased information regarding breast implant surgery. Here are 5 things all women should know about breast implants today.

Takeaway 5
Much of Mel’s story centered around her mental health with her breast implant experience. There is a substantial emotional impact surrounding breast implant and breast explant surgery that rarely is prioritized. More support is needed for mental health and wellness for women in regards to breast implant surgery.

“Mel isn’t the only woman with this breast implant story and that is exactly why BISA exists.”
— Maria Gmitro, BISA’s President & Founder

Breast Implants & Mental Health

This October, BISA has been trying to raise awareness beyond breast cancer to include cancer of the breast like cancers caused by breast implants. BISA also believes the health of women who have or have had breast implants is also crucial which includes mental and emotional health.

According to BISA’s Mental Health Advisor, Amanda Savage Brown, Ph.D., LCSW, “this episode of Mel's podcast highlights an important reality: There's more to breast implants than meets the eye. Whether for augmentation, reconstruction, or top surgery, there's an inner journey that starts long before breast implants are placed and stays with us, long after they're removed. Given the social value some cultures place on breasts, women on these journeys can experience significant mental, emotional, and social impacts. But fully reclaiming yourself is possible. And here's the secret: it happens from the inside out.”

Amanda Savage Brown, Ph.D., LCSW, is a self-acceptance counselor and coach with personal breast implant experience. She wrote the book Busting Free and covers useful topics related to mental health and implants in her blog including breast implant illness & self-doubt, learning to love your post-explanted breasts and breast explant regret.
Read more on her website.

The Mel Robbins Podcast Episode - How to Learn From Your Mistakes: Let Go of Regret & Move Forward (My Breast Implant Nightmare)

The Mel Robbins Podcast Intro/Summary:
'“If you’ve ever failed, made a major mistake, or wish you could take something back, this episode will teach you how to let go of regret and move forward. Today, Mel is sharing her breast implant story and how everything went horribly wrong. Even though she can now laugh at some of the things that happened, she also faces the truth: how this one decision left her with regret and shame for years.

This episode is a masterclass in turning your pain and past failures into straight-up rocket fuel. Mel gives life-changing insights that will turn your regret into wisdom that will help you get out of any situation where you feel stuck. It’s time to reclaim who you are meant to be and take back control of your life.”

Note: Mel Robbins a Motivational Speaker. Her podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.

 

YouTube Timecodes:

0:00 Introduction
4:02 The deeply personal truth behind why Mel got breast implants
6:44 One critical mistake Mel made before getting breast implants
9:05 The first surprising sign that the breast implants were a mistake
16:26 When a decision leaves you feeling ashamed – here’s how to handle it
18:51 Facing regret alone? Here’s why you don’t have to
22:17 This pivotal moment changed everything for Mel – it might for you too
25:25 Considering breast implants? You need this research first
28:17 Mel’s gut told her something was wrong...and it was
33:10 Mel’s explant surgery story: here’s what REALLY happened
42:19 Living with regret? Here’s how to turn your pain and past failures into fuel

 

Photos of Mel’s Experience

Mel shared pictures of her experience on her Instagram account October 2024. The post also includes videos and we recommend you view her post for more on her story. Credit: @melrobbins

“Sharing your story could potentially help save another woman’s life.”
— Jennifer Roth Cook
 

Breast Implant Stories

Women learn from other women.

Do you have an experience with breast implants you would be willing to share? BISA is gathering women’s personal experiences with breast implants. Please consider filling out our form today.

#breastimplantstories

Interested in learning more about breast implant safety and the Breast Implant Safety Alliance?
Check out our BISA Quick Links

About Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA)
The Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) is the largest organization of board-certified patient advocates and subject matter experts in the world dedicated to patient and consumer safety relating to breast implants. Representing the millions of individuals worldwide that currently have, had, or are considering breast implants, the alliance is a non-industry funded leading authority focused on providing balanced, evidence-based information for informed decision making about breast implant surgery and related issues. Founded in 2019 by women, BISA is a grassroots organization led by volunteers who do not receive a salary for their work.

Contact: Maria Gmitro, President | maria@bisanonprofit.org

Breast Implant Safety Alliance https://bisanonprofit.org
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