Dee Hicks

It’s hard to believe that 4 years ago I was completely falling apart, not just physically, but also mentally. Honestly, as I'm sitting here looking back in the rear-view mirror, it brings on so many emotions.  

In 2016 my health took a rapid nosedive.  

I had been sick for a few years and not being one to complain, I was really scared, it was coming on fast and furious and I was 100% convinced I was going to die. My body was shutting down at an alarming rate and I was getting zero answers from the medical community. 

That once strong, independent woman was broken to the point of not wanting to exist any longer.  

I suffered tremendously. 

I remember crying out to God asking “WHY!?” 

What had I done to deserve this?  

Why are my children suffering because of me and my actions? 

I felt like God turned his back on me, when in reality he was really just breaking me down and preparing me for a much bigger mission. 🙏🏽

At that point in time I felt like a victim. 

After I found out about Breast Implant Illness through a support group on Facebook, I immediately started my research on why this happened to me and to find a surgeon who would remove them properly. 

After explanting,  my passion for helping women who were suffering became my top priority. 

I have spent countless hours, days, months and years educating myself and others about the risk potentials.  I’ve supported thousands of women throughout their explant journey across the globe. 

Through my own personal experiences as well as deep research and historical data, I have been able to retain this information and educate others on why breast Implants cause women to become symptomatic.   

My story went viral when it was published in The Daily Mail shortly after I explanted in 2016 and from that publication, it lead to many more!

I was fortunate enough to attend both FDA meetings in regards to breast implants.

I was able to speak at one of the FDA meetings on behalf of others and relay the tremendous amount of suffering being shared throughout the social media platforms by women who were too sick to attend. 

Being a part of this group of women who were fighting for change and accountability from the both the FDA and the implant manufacturers absolutely changed my mindset from a “victim to a victor”.

Spreading awareness about Breast Implant Illness & helping women through the process of explant is somewhat of a ‘calling’ for me now. 

In October of 2019 I was offered a position at Aqua Plastic Surgery in Jupiter Florida. 

I was hired by Dr. David Rankin MD who is an “explant only” surgeon!  🙌🏼

I was the first Breast Implant Illness advocate to cross over into the plastic surgery world and turn my advocacy into a meaningful new career. 

In 2019 became the very first “Explant Liaison”.  

In the past year and a half as an ‘Explant Liaison’ I’ve continued my work to educate and support sick women as well as spread awareness through Instagram, Facebook, podcasts, live broadcasts, media stories and Interviews.  

I feel beyond blessed at this point in my life and I’m thankful for every struggle and obstacle that was in my path leading me to exactly where I was supposed to be. 

Thanks to all the beautiful women who so bravely and courageously fight every day to make changes and spread awareness about Breast Implant Illness. 

You ladies are my people!  💪🏽

The women I have met through this journey have become family to me.  You are my sisters.   

I want to say a BIG Thank You to my little ‘sister’ Tara Hopko for her never ending support and education she provides women with through her website, books, social media & blog! 

God Bless You Tara! 

Thank you for making me your “Warrior of the Month April 2021” 

❌⭕️♥️⭕️❌Dee