Pathology and Microbiology Testing of Breast Implants: Why It Matters in Your Healing Journey
As a wellness educator, and a woman who has personally experienced the complex journey of breast implant illness and explant surgery, I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the layers of healing—physically, emotionally, and biologically. One critical but often overlooked part of this journey is testing the breast implant capsules through pathology and microbiology.
Dr. Randall Feingold co founder of New york Brast Reconstruction and aesthetic plastic surgery says :” Dr. Randall Feingold shares findings on bacteria and fungi discovered in patients with breast implants:
”I was surprised to see that 25, 30 percent of my patients have positive cultures and there are many different bacteria, and even some fungus that I’ve identified with consistency in many patients, the most common being propionobacterium, which they renamed cutibacterium. That’s an organism that causes highly inflammatory acne if you find it in the skin, and it certainly has no business being in your breast for years or decades. But I’ve also found staphylococcus mrsa, which is methicillin resistant, staphylococcus streptococcus. I found bacteria that are more commonly identified with coming from human saliva or even vaginal flora. It makes no sense why these bacteria would be in there, but I have a suspicion that it’s not good for any human being and that it’s not a big leap of faith that some of these organisms are secreting inflammatory enzymes or other chemicals that are interfering with normal health and physiology”.
Why Should We Test the Capsules?
After explant surgery, many women wonder whether they should request testing of the capsules—the scar tissue that forms around the implant. The answer is often yes, especially if you’ve been experiencing symptoms of chronic fatigue, brain fog, immune dysfunction, or systemic inflammation.
Capsules can harbor:
- Biofilms (colonies of bacteria that form protective layers)
- Fungal growth, including mold or Candida
- Bacteria, such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus
- Silicone leakage or gel bleed, which can trigger immune responses
- Heavy metals or other toxins released by or attracted to the implant shell
Testing helps identify the presence of pathogens, chronic inflammation, or toxic substances, which can guide further healing protocols.
Pathology vs. Microbiology: What’s the Difference?
- Pathology testing analyzes the capsule tissue for inflammation, fibrosis, foreign body reactions, or malignancy (like BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma linked to textured implants).
- Microbiology testing looks for infectious agents, such as bacteria, mold, yeast, and biofilm-related pathogens.
Together, they help create a fuller picture of what was happening inside your body—and what needs attention post-explant.
What Happens If Mold, Candida, or Streptococcus Is Found?
Discovering pathogens like Candida, Strep, or mold can feel frightening, but it’s actually a vital clue in your recovery roadmap. These infections often explain the chronic symptoms many women experience before explanting.
Common Holistic and Integrative Treatment Approaches:
🌿 1. Antimicrobial Support:
- Herbal antifungals (like oregano oil, pau d’arco, caprylic acid, Black seed oil)
- Antibacterial herbs (garlic, berberine, colloidal silver)
- In some cases, a short course of prescribed antifungals (e.g., fluconazole) or antibiotics may be needed under physician care.
🥦 2. Detoxification Support:
- Liver-supporting herbs (milk thistle, dandelion root, schisandra, black seed oil)
- Glutathione, NAC, and activated charcoal to bind and eliminate mycotoxins or endotoxins
- Lymphatic drainage support with Rebounder, Pilates-based breathwork, and Yoga movement—all of which I use to flush the system
🍋 3. Gut and Immune Rebuilding:
- Rebalancing gut flora with probiotics and fermented healing foods
- Plant-based, anti-inflammatory diet (rich in greens, sea vegetables, fiber, enzymes)
- Elimination of sugar, gluten, and dairy to reduce fungal overgrowth and inflammation
- Low carb diet and no processed foods
- Removing vegetable oils- processed oils and omega 6 because they increase inflammation. Use only avocado oil, Flaxseed oil and Olive oil in small amounts during the dtox period.
🌀 4. Emotional Detox:
- The body holds trauma—emotional healing is just as essential as physical
- Meditation, journaling, and somatic practices like body rolling and breathwork help release stored emotions trapped in the fascia and lymph
Final Thoughts
Testing your implants and capsules is not just about gathering data—it’s about empowering yourself with the knowledge needed to reclaim your health. Whether you’re exploring this path or have already explanted, remember: your symptoms are real, your body is wise, and healing is possible.
Through my own journey—and now through my work in wellness coaching, movement therapy, and education—I am here to support women like you in discovering the holistic roadmap to recovery. From detox nutrition to mindful movement, from microbiome repair to emotional release, we are rewriting the story of healing after implants. Together.