10/21/2025
“God's Light"
Jamblong Cave, Java, Indonesia.
No AI or filters.
Although I am not religious, this image prompts contemplation on the ultimate moments of life, both personally and professionally.The physically demanding journey required to reach this remarkable natural wonder has compelled me to confront a reality about my back that I have long resisted. Despite nearly two years of rest, care, and therapy, my chronic back condition will not allow me to resume the demanding nature of my surgical practice.
I have dedicated 30 years to performing plastic surgery. Being a plastic surgeon has been the sole focus of my professional life, and it is so difficult to relinquish something so integral to my identity and existence.However, all endeavors eventually conclude. Therefore, with a heavy heart and a sense of sadness, yet no regrets, I am formally announcing my retirement from plastic surgery.
In 1993, I was serendipitously introduced to the late Graham Wood, MD, who pioneered explant surgery for women afflicted with breast implant illness. At that time, I was unaware of the intense professional animosity directed by official plastic surgery societies and fellow plastic surgeons towards those performing this procedure. Given this backdrop, I was initially ambivalent about my involvement in the care of women suffering from BII. However, my perspective and philosophy began to evolve with each BII patient. The undeniable symptomatic improvements and the transformative enhancements in their quality of life were impossible to overlook. These patients, for the most part, were the most satisfied individuals in my plastic surgery practice. I eventually dedicated my entire practice to explant surgery, finding immense professional satisfaction.
My retirement will not signify the end of my involvement in the BII movement. Beyond medical knowledge and surgical technical insights, I possess a wealth of information regarding how this medical "debacle" has been allowed to persist and proliferate despite the overwhelming suffering of patients. The financial influence exerted by pharmaceutical companies in obscuring the truth has been profound and deeply disturbing. I am currently exploring avenues to disseminate this information, with the hope that the truth will one day become evident to all stakeholders.
As I announce my retirement, I extend my gratitude to every patient I have had the privilege of caring for. It has been an honor to serve as your doctor.
