It’s wild how something that’s supposed to make you feel more confident can actually be the thing making you sick. Candice Barley learned this the hard way after struggling with years of unexplained symptoms—fatigue, gut issues, even liver problems—before realizing her breast implants were the culprit. Now, as a leading advocate for women with Breast Implant Illness (BII), she’s on a mission to educate and support others through their own healing journeys. She’s here to share what she wishes she knew sooner, from the hidden health risks to the life-changing decision to explant.

Candice has helped countless women through the explant process, from finding the right surgeons to navigating the emotional ups and downs. She’s the author of The Explant Book, a step-by-step guide to healing from BII, and the creator of the photo documentary Not As Advertised, which sheds light on the real impact of implants. We talk about the symptoms no one warns you about, why proper explant surgery matters, and how to reclaim your confidence—scars and all. Plus, she shares stories from women who’ve gone through it and come out feeling better than ever. If you’ve ever questioned whether your implants could be affecting your health, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Speaking of feeling better, I have to mention Mighty Maca Plus—it’s been a total game-changer for so many women struggling with low energy, mood swings, and hormone imbalances. It’s packed with over 30 superfoods and makes such a difference in how you feel every day. If you haven’t tried it yet, check it out at dranna.com/drinkmaca—because taking care of yourself should always come first.

 

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:05:48] Breast implant illness journey.

[00:10:05] Implant-induced hormonal changes.

[00:12:44] Breast implant illness recovery.

[00:16:45] Explant journey and body image.

[00:22:18] Inner work after explant surgery.

[00:25:15] Partners' reactions to explant surgery.

[00:29:47] Breast implant inflammation symptoms.

[00:38:06] Breast implant capsules and its implications.

[00:40:26] Breast implants and detoxification.

[00:42:36] Implant removal considerations.

[00:46:12] Bacteria in breast implant capsules.

[00:49:52] Explant surgery techniques and safety.

[00:52:18] Deflation and Breast Implant Associated ALCL risks.

[00:56:39] Preparing for surgery.

[01:01:06] Recovery tips after surgery.

[01:06:00] Restoring gut to intuition after explant surgery.

[01:07:51] The Explant Book

 

Memorable Quotes:

"That's when I had profound changes in my health—to the point that I feel better now at almost 48 years old than I did even in my twenties because now I understand my genetics." [00:14:29] – Candice Barley

"Once I removed my breast implants, I became so in tune with my body. And this is the feedback I get from so many women is that gut to intuition that we naturally have is heightened or restored back to what it was meant to be." [01:06:22] – Candice Barley

 

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Plus: http://dranna.com/drinkmaca

The Explant Book: https://www.amazon.com/Explant-Book-Personal-Advocacy-Handbook/dp/B0DK7DTXRG

Auro Wellness: https://aurowellness.com/

The DNA Company: https://thednacompany.com/

 

Connect with Candice Barley:

Website: https://www.olisticolife.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olisticolife/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@olisticolife

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olisticolife

 

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlfrienddoctor/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

 

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com