In this episode of the RWS Clinician’s Corner, Margaret Floyd Barry sits down with Dr. Robert Whitfield, a world-renowned holistic plastic surgeon and leading expert in breast implant illness (BII). Together, Margaret and Dr. Whitfield unpack the complexities of BII—what it is, how to recognize it in clients, and the critical intersection between surgical expertise and functional health support. Dr. Whitfield shares his personal journey that led him to specialize in BII, the science behind chronic inflammation related to implants, and what functional practitioners need to know when helping clients navigate unexplained fatigue, hormonal imbalance, detox challenges, and much more.
In this interview, we discuss:
-Dr. Whitfield’s transition from cancer reconstruction to explant surgeries
-Recognizing and assessing breast implant illness
-Various surgical approaches and controversies
-The functional approach: assessing genetics, methylation, and toxicity
-Dr. Whitfield’s “SHARP” protocol: holistic pre- and post-op recovery program
-Detoxification Do’s and Don’ts & Lymphatic post-operative support
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Connect with Dr. Robert Whitfield:
Website: www.drrobertwhitfield.com
YouTube: @breastimplantillnessexpert
Instagram: @breastimplantillnessexpert
Facebook: @drrobertwhitfield
TikTok: @drrobertwhitfield
To book a discovery call:
https://www.drrobertwhitfield.com/discovery-call/
Timestamps:
00:00 Breast Implant Illness Insight
05:16 Breast Cancer Treatment Access Challenges
10:38 Breast Implants and Chronic Inflammation
20:03 Navigating Complex Health Evaluations
21:03 Guidance on Medical Device Removal
30:19 Hormonal Imbalance Detection in Bloodwork
32:18 Understanding Hormone Impact on Recovery
41:15 Managing Environmental Toxins for Health
45:23 Breast Surgery and Surveillance Concerns
47:44 Support for Clients Undergoing Explants
53:11 Detoxing: Recognizing When to Slow Down
01:02:38 "Clinicians Corner Podcast Callout"
Speaker bio:
Dr. Robert Whitfield, M.D., is a world-renowned holistic plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is an author and the leading expert in Breast Implant Illness (BII), known for his pioneering surgical techniques and groundbreaking "No-Cut" Facelift. With a deep specialization in oncology and microsurgery, Dr. Whitfield is at the forefront of advanced breast explant procedures, delivering exceptional patient outcomes worldwide.
Dr. Whitfield received his medical degree from the University of Las Vegas School of Medicine. He then completed six years of surgical training and a plastic surgery residency at Indiana University Medical Center. He returned to Nevada for a microsurgery fellowship before settling down to practice and teach at the Medical College of Wisconsin for seven years. In 2012, Dr. Whitfield came to Austin and became renowned for his breast surgery expertise. He entered private practice in 2017. In 2019, Dr. Whitfield was chosen to speak at the FDA hearings on breast implants and their safety. In 2024, he published his first book, SHARP (Strategic Holistic Accelerated Recovery Program), to share his protocol and expertise in holistic surgical preparation and recovery. The same year, he published his first scientific paper on microbial communities and associated biofilm in breast augmentation failure.
Dr. Whitfield's work has earned him consistent recognition on the Texas Super Doctors list as one of the "Best Doctors in America." As the host of the popular podcast "Breast Explant Surgery & Recovery," he shares patient stories, explores cutting-edge treatments, and discusses the latest advancements in plastic surgery, further solidifying his status as a trusted authority in the field.
Keywords:
breast implant illness, explant surgery, functional medicine, detox pathways, plastic surgery, chronic inflammation, genetic testing, microbial communities, biofilm, capsular contracture, holistic recovery, autoimmune symptoms, estrogen toxicity, oxylipin 10-HOME, fatigue, mold exposure, hormone imbalance, fat transfer, gut health, food sensitivities, toxicity burden, liposomal supplements, cellcore detox, dietary protocols, GI-MAP testing, inflammation markers, SOD2 enzyme, impaired methylation, Vibrant Wellness testing, Sharp program
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.