Mina Starsiak Plastic Surgery and Implants

Mina Starsiak Plastic Surgery and Implants : Mina Starsiak Hawk, known for her dynamic role on HGTV’s “Good Bones,” has been transparent about her journey with plastic surgery. Her decision to undergo multiple procedures was driven by her desire to feel more comfortable in her body after giving birth to her children. After welcoming her second child, Charlotte, Mina decided it was time to address the changes in her body that pregnancy had caused.

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The Mommy Makeover

In December 2020, Mina underwent a “mommy makeover.” This term describes a combination of cosmetic procedures aimed at restoring a woman’s body after childbirth. Mina’s makeover included a tummy tuck to correct diastasis recti, a condition where the abdominal muscles separate, leaving a significant gap in the abs. She also had liposuction to contour and remove stubborn fat deposits and breast implants to restore fullness lost after breastfeeding. These procedures were performed by Dr. Peter Koltz in Toledo, Ohio.

Mina shared her experiences and the recovery process openly, providing an honest account of what plastic surgery entails. “Believe me, surgery is hard. Recovery is hard. Time away from work is hard,” Mina reflected in a January 2021 interview with People. “I also recognize that I’m in a very good, lucky position that I was able to do what I felt like I wanted and needed to do to get to a good place. I feel strong, I feel attractive, and I feel like myself again.”

The Onset of Symptoms

A few months after her surgery, Mina began experiencing unexplained symptoms. These symptoms led her to believe she might have breast implant illness (BII). BII is a term used by some women and doctors to describe a range of symptoms believed to be associated with breast implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and other health issues. “I started doing research, and I’m convinced that I have breast implant illness. I’m not even kidding you,” Mina told listeners of her “Mina AF” podcast on October 3, 2023. “All the symptoms I have, like swelling in my hands, various parts of my body, lots of inflammation. I mean, the symptoms are so vague.”

During this episode, Mina was joined by her husband, Steve Hawk, and Dr. Peter Koltz to discuss BII. Dr. Koltz explained that while the exact cause of BII isn’t known, it may be related to autoimmune or inflammatory responses. He outlined common symptoms such as memory loss, fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, and generalized swelling.

Mina’s Reaction and Struggles

Mina shared her reaction to the possibility of having BII. “I was listening to a podcast, I was doing some research, and it triggered two things in me. One, like a very fear-based reaction, and two was, oh, well, that’s an easy fix then. You just get them taken out, no big deal,” she said. “And I think, as you know, human nature, we’re not looking for the problem where you have to change your diet or take supplements or whatever to fix the problem.” She added, “So those are the two immediate things that I thought about. And I think the biggest one that was fear-based was the doctor was saying breast implant illness can be related to fertility issues. And that is such a big struggle for so many women.”

Mina’s journey through these health concerns was challenging. Initially, she experienced significant discomfort and required assistance with daily activities. She described the early days post-surgery as feeling like an alien due to the drainage tubes and compression garments needed to manage swelling and fluid buildup.

The Real Cause of Symptoms

After extensive research and consultations with her doctors, Mina discovered that her symptoms were actually related to her medication, not her breast implants. She had been on a combination of Wellbutrin and Lexapro to manage her anxiety. When she decided to wean off Lexapro, she experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including what she described as “little brain zaps,” along with lethargy and nausea. “At the time, I said it felt like I was putting my tongue on a D battery inside my brain. It was like these zaps, but they were like misfires. It felt like my brain was having these little zappy seizures all the time, all day. And this had been going on for a month, along with lethargy and nausea,” she said.

With her husband’s support, Mina decided to resume her Lexapro regimen temporarily to manage these symptoms. Over time, she successfully navigated the withdrawal process, and her symptoms subsided, confirming that the issue was related to her medication rather than her implants.

Mina’s Advocacy and Transparency

Mina Starsiak Hawk’s journey with plastic surgery highlights the complexities and challenges many women face when considering and undergoing cosmetic procedures. Her openness about her experiences, from the initial decision to the recovery and health scares, provides valuable insights for anyone considering similar surgeries. Mina continues to advocate for body positivity and informed decision-making, using her platform to share the realities of plastic surgery and mental health management.

In conclusion, Mina’s story is a reminder that while plastic surgery can help restore confidence and body image, it is not without its risks and challenges. Her transparency and advocacy provide a valuable resource for others navigating similar journeys. By sharing her experiences, Mina helps to demystify the process and encourage others to make informed decisions about their own health and well-being.