Lindsey Bush never imagined that the decision she made at 22 would lead to years of unexplained suffering. What started as a confidence-boosting breast augmentation gradually became a mystery that left multiple doctors baffled and Lindsey questioning her own sanity.
Today, two and a half years after her breast implant removal surgery with Dr. Nicholas Tarola, Lindsey can finally take a deep breath. Literally. For the first time in nearly two decades, she is able to breathe without feeling as if there are bricks on her chest.
The Confident Beginning
Living in Illinois at the time, Lindsey was a young woman ready to address what she saw as a minor breast asymmetry issue. “I felt that one breast looked larger than the other,” she recalls. “Not horribly, not to where most people would even be able to tell, but I could tell.” The solution seemed straightforward, and her breast augmentation surgeon in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, had impressive credentials.
The initial surgery went smoothly. Lindsey took two weeks off work but could have returned in one. Her 400cc saline implants gave her the confidence boost she’d hoped for, taking her from a B cup to a D cup. The experience was so positive that several friends followed her lead and got their own implants.
For 17 years, her implants seemed like one of the best decisions she’d ever made.
When Everything Changed
The decline began subtly around 2018, when Lindsey was in her late 30s. At first, it was a mental feeling that something wasn’t right. “I felt deeply depressed and had a lot of anxiety, but looking at my life, I didn’t think there was a valid reason for me to feel that way,” she remembers. “It was as if some internal force was causing these feelings.”
Then came the weight gain. Not just a few pounds, but 100 pounds that seemed to appear regardless of her efforts. The woman who used to be an avid runner found herself unable to maintain the activities she loved. But weight gain was just the beginning.
A constellation of symptoms began to emerge that would leave Lindsey and her doctors struggling to find answers for years:
- Constant ringing in her ears (tinnitus) that no ENT could explain
- Restless leg syndrome that left her unable to sleep
- Tingling and burning sensations from her fingertips to her elbows that would last all night
- Shooting pains in her left breast
- Joint pain and swelling throughout her body
- Debilitating brain fog
- Dry eyes so severe she couldn’t wear contact lenses
- Food allergies that dramatically limited her diet
The most frightening symptom came in the form of a mysterious rash that lasted nine weeks. “It started with what looked like a couple of bug bites,” Lindsey recalls. “Then it started itching and turned bright red, almost like welts or hives, and it covered my legs and part of my abdomen.”
“It was absolutely miserable. I felt so defeated by the constant pain,” Lindsey admits about the rash’s severity. “My skin itched and hurt so bad, and there was nothing I could do about it. I could hardly wear clothes because the fabric rubbing against the rash was excruciating, but I also didn’t want to go out in public with people seeing these angry red welts. I basically became housebound.”
The Medical Maze
For over four years, Lindsey became a medical detective in her own case. She saw dermatologists, allergists, primary care physicians and specialists. She had biopsies, blood tests and imaging. The rash biopsy came back showing only “inflammation” with no identifiable cause. She was treated for everything from scabies to COVID rash, despite never testing positive for COVID.
The most frustrating part was that every doctor knew about her breast implants. It was right there in her medical history, noted on every intake form. Yet not one medical professional ever suggested that her symptoms could be related to them.
“Every doctor saw in my records that I had breast implants, but not one made the connection that my symptoms could be caused by my implants,” she says.
Meanwhile, her body continued to revolt. Her hands were so swollen she couldn’t wear her wedding ring for years. Simple activities became monumental challenges. Getting out of bed meant dealing with hip and knee pain. Walking the neighborhood left her exhausted for days.
“I missed years of my kids’ lives being so exhausted all the time because I wasn’t sleeping at night,” Lindsey reflects. “I was in this vicious cycle of exhaustion, brain fog and pain.”
After four years of dead ends and frustration, an unexpected message would finally point Lindsey toward the answer she’d been desperately seeking.
The Spark of Recognition
The first hint that her implants might be connected to her symptoms came from an unlikely source: a friend who sent her an article about actress Jenny McCarthy’s experience with breast implant illness (BII). At the time, Lindsey filed it away as interesting but didn’t make the connection to her own situation.
It wasn’t until 2022, as she was researching whether to replace or remove her aging implants, that the pieces began falling into place. She’d heard about other celebrities like racecar driver Danica Patrick having their implants removed, and she started to wonder if there was something to this breast implant illness after all.
The challenge was that there’s no definitive test for breast implant illness. Unlike other medical conditions that can be diagnosed through blood work or imaging, BII is diagnosed purely based on symptoms. “There’s no test to confirm you have breast implant illness,” Lindsey explains. “And I think that makes it hard for a lot of people to believe in. How can you know this condition is real or causing your symptoms if there’s not a test for it?”
This diagnostic gray area is precisely why most insurance companies won’t cover implant removal for BII. Without a concrete test proving the connection between implants and symptoms, insurers classify removal as cosmetic rather than medically necessary.
Finding Her Community
Lindsey’s research led her to Facebook groups dedicated to breast implant illness, particularly the group called “Breast Implant Illness and Healing by Nicole,” which has hundreds of thousands of members. There, she found women sharing identical stories and, remarkably, similar photos of the same mysterious rash she’d endured.
“I’ve read other people’s posts about their journeys and looked at their pictures, and many of them had an identical rash to mine,” she says. “All of our symptoms were basically the same.”
More importantly, these groups served as repositories of practical information about surgeons who specialized in proper implant removal techniques, including complete capsule removal. Lindsey had already consulted with other plastic surgeons but hadn’t felt comfortable with their approaches or availability.
It was through this online community that Lindsey first heard Dr. Tarola’s name. “The support group has a list of surgeons who specialize in complete capsule removal, which is an important part of implant removal,” she explains. “And Dr. Tarola was on there.”
The fact that a recommended surgeon was located right in her hometown of Murfreesboro felt like a sign. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s in the same town as me. How crazy is this?'”
The Consultation That Changed Everything
Lindsey’s first appointment with Dr. Tarola in the summer of 2022 wasn’t necessarily to schedule removal surgery. She was still weighing her options between removal and replacement. But Dr. Tarola had something that previous doctors hadn’t: a comprehensive checklist of breast implant illness symptoms.
“When I started going down the list and checking them all off, it was like a lightbulb turned on,” Lindsey remembers. One by one, she recognized her own experience in nearly every symptom listed.
But what happened next changed the trajectory of her entire journey. Instead of agreeing to put new implants in, Dr. Tarola made a recommendation that prioritized her health over his potential profit.
“I told him I wanted my implants replaced, but he said, ‘You are having a lot of problems, and I don’t know that putting implants back in your body at this time would be a good idea,'” Lindsey recalls. “And to me, that was huge. Dr. Tarola was putting patient care above his own financial gain.”
Dr. Tarola offered her options. He could remove the implants and let her wait a year to see if her symptoms improved. If she still wanted implants after that time, they could discuss replacement. But his priority was clear: her health came first.
“That showed how much he cares and truly believes in breast implant illness as a real disease, unlike the plastic surgeons I saw before him who were willing to do the surgery but didn’t believe my symptoms were caused by my implants,” Lindsey says.
The Financial Reality
Unlike her original $5,000 augmentation two decades earlier, implant removal would cost Lindsey nearly triple that, and all out of pocket. She chose to have a breast lift performed simultaneously with the removal, knowing that after 20 years with implants, her natural tissue would need reshaping. For Lindsey, investing in a reputable, experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Tarola and opting for a breast lift was worthwhile, as achieving natural, aesthetically pleasing results was a priority.
This expense highlights one of the most challenging aspects of breast implant illness: the barrier to treatment when insurance companies refuse to acknowledge BII as a legitimate health condition. Without a definitive diagnostic test, insurers classify removal as cosmetic rather than medically necessary.
“People are paying cash or using Care Credit, basically getting a loan to have their implants removed,” Lindsey explains. “So many women are caught in this impossible position, where they can’t financially afford to get their implants out, but they can’t physically afford to keep them in.”
Lindsey had already endured a nine-week insurance approval process at another practice that ultimately led nowhere. Dr. Tarola’s practice offered payment plans and worked with Lindsey to make the procedure accessible. More importantly, his scheduling flexibility allowed her to have surgery during Christmas break, minimizing time away from her job at the elementary school.
Surgery Day: A Smooth Experience
After her challenging experiences with other medical facilities, Lindsey was struck by the efficiency and warmth at Dr. Tarola’s surgical suite. “When I tell you they are quick, I mean they don’t give you any room to have anxiety before surgery,” she recalls.
The entire process was streamlined but personal. From the waiting room to the surgical suite took mere minutes. There was no prolonged waiting that might amplify pre-surgery nerves, no emergency cases bumping her procedure, no institutional delays.
“You can tell that he’s done these procedures so much and he’s confident in his staff and in himself. They have their patient care down to a science,” Lindsey says.
The anesthesia experience was notably smooth. “It was the best I’ve ever felt coming out of anesthesia,” she recalls. “I didn’t have one of those anesthesia hangovers. I was able to come home the same day, and I felt good enough to eat and even fold laundry.”
Immediate Validation
What happened immediately after surgery provided the validation Lindsey had been seeking for years. She took photos of her eyes before and after the procedure, and the difference was undeniable.
“There was no redness in my eyes. The whites of my eyes were already clearer, and my eyes were more vibrant,” she says. “This happened on the same day of surgery. My friend could not believe the difference.”
It was visual proof that her body had been fighting systemic inflammation for years and was already beginning to heal.
Dr. Tarola also followed through on his promise to document everything. He photographed her removed implants and capsules and returned the implants to her in a gallon Ziploc bag, providing tangible evidence of what had been removed from her body.
The Healing Journey
Lindsey’s recovery was remarkably smooth, especially compared to other surgeries she’d experienced. Her pain was minimal, requiring only one pain pill during the entire recovery period. The drains, which she’d heard horror stories about, were removed with minimal discomfort.
More importantly, her symptoms began resolving in a predictable timeline:
- The tinnitus disappeared immediately and never returned
- Her eyes cleared up right away, allowing her to wear contact lenses again
- Hand tingling diminished within three months
- Restless leg syndrome resolved after four to five months
- She never experienced another mysterious rash
- Joint pain and swelling gradually disappeared
- Brain fog lifted, leaving her feeling mentally clear for the first time in years
Some symptoms, particularly certain food allergies to gluten, meat and peanuts, have persisted but improved significantly. “I’m able to eat things without my stomach getting upset and without breaking out in rashes,” she says.
Reclaiming Her Life
Over two years post-surgery, Lindsey is rediscovering activities she’d forgotten she could enjoy. “I know how it feels to take a deep breath now,” she explains. “And I can finally enjoy a massage. There are so many little things you take for granted when you’re not in pain.”
And then there are the big victories. Exercise became possible again without the constant fatigue and pain. “I have so much more energy now. Walking, running and lifting weights have become part of my life again,” she says.
Her relationship with clothing changed dramatically. “I wear dresses a lot more now than I did before,” she notes, “since I can find ones that fit my breasts and the rest of my body. I’m also way more confident at the pool with my kids because I’m not constantly worried about a wardrobe malfunction.”
“Having smaller breasts feels more appropriate for my age and stage of life,” she adds, “especially as a mother of four, including a son. I can wear what I want without feeling like I’m on display.”
The Support System
Throughout her journey, Lindsey found exceptional support from Dr. Tarola’s team, particularly patient coordinator Kacie. “She’s incredible — more like a patient advocate than a coordinator. She helped me set up a payment plan and called to check on me regularly,” Lindsey recalls.
The entire team demonstrated a level of care that extended beyond the surgical procedure. “Even during follow-up appointments, the whole team showed genuine concern. They’d ask about my recovery, my work, my children, whether I was getting back to my normal life.”
This comprehensive care approach had been missing from the larger institutional settings where she’d previously sought consultations. “That’s what distinguishes Dr. Tarola’s practice — the quality of patient care,” she reflects. “The difference between big corporate facilities and a privately-owned practice like his is drastic. You simply don’t get that personal attention in the big clinics.”
Looking Forward
Today, Lindsey is focused on continuing her health journey. She’s lost 50 pounds of the 100 she gained during her illness and is working toward losing the remaining 50. Her goal is to eventually have a tummy tuck with Dr. Tarola, but she’s committed to reaching her ideal weight first.
“He was clear that I need to reach my goal weight first,” she says. “His honesty is refreshing. If I’m not ready for a procedure, he’ll tell me directly. Not everyone operates with that integrity.”
This honesty and patient-first approach has made Dr. Tarola Lindsey’s first choice in a plastic surgeon. “I trust him completely. When I’m ready for a tummy tuck, he’s the only surgeon I’ll consider.”
Advice for Others
For women who suspect they might have breast implant illness, Lindsey’s advice is clear: trust your instincts and seek community support. “Trust your intuition and listen to your body, not the outside noise,” she says. “Your body knows what it needs.”
She recommends joining Facebook support groups, researching surgeons who specialize in complete capsule removal, and seeing multiple doctors for consultations. Most importantly, she emphasizes the need to advocate for yourself in a medical system that may not yet fully recognize breast implant illness.
“Don’t let anyone else control your health journey,” she advises.
A Voice Found
Looking back on her journey, Lindsey sees it as more than just a medical procedure. It was about reclaiming her voice after years of being dismissed by the medical establishment. “I’m just thankful for what God has given me and that I can be confident in myself as a woman in my 40s,” she reflects.
Her experience spans the spectrum from her “ideal body” at her lowest weight to her highest weight with the most challenging symptoms, and now to a place of healing and self-acceptance. “My focus now is on healing from within through nutrition, movement and self-care on a deeper level, rather than chasing irrelevant ideals.”
Lindsey’s story offers hope to other women experiencing similar symptoms but struggling to find answers. In a medical landscape where breast implant illness remains controversial and insurance coverage is limited, her journey demonstrates the importance of finding healthcare providers who listen, believe and prioritize patient welfare above all else.
For Lindsey, finding Dr. Tarola wasn’t just about finding a skilled surgeon who could perform the technical aspects of implant removal. It was about finding someone who validated her experience, believed in her symptoms and provided the comprehensive care she’d been seeking for years.
“There truly is healing on the other side,” she says, and her experience serves as a testament to that truth.
