Breast Implant Illness (BII) — Houston, TX
Houston women dealing with breast implant illness deserve a specialist, not a generalist. Dr. Robert Whitfield is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Austin, TX whose entire practice is dedicated to BII, explant surgery, and complete capsulectomy — backed by published research and FDA testimony.
BII is treated through explant surgery with total capsulectomy, available for Houston-area patients through individualized evaluation and coordinated care.
Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD • 2.5 hours by car or 45 min flight from Houston • 2,000+ explant Procedures
Why Houston Patients Choose Dr. Whitfield
Houston has board-certified plastic surgeons who offer implant removal. What Houston does not have is a surgeon with published capsule pathology research, PCR testing on every patient, FDA testimony on breast implant safety, or a named recovery protocol designed specifically for BII patients.
Dr. Whitfield’s practice in Austin is 2.5 hours by car or 45 min flight from Houston. Most patients complete their consultation remotely, then travel to Austin for surgery.
What No Local Surgeon Can Offer
Published research: Whitfield R, Tipton CD, Diaz N, Ancira J, Landry KS. Microorganisms. 2024 Sep 4;12(9):1830. View on PubMed →
What to Expect as a Houston Patient
Discovery Call (remote)
A structured call with Dr. Whitfield’s team. Review of symptoms, implant history, imaging, and goals. No travel required.
Surgical consultation (remote or in-person)
Full surgical planning can be completed by video. Pre-operative labs and imaging can be arranged locally in Houston and submitted in advance.
Surgery in Austin
Travel to Austin for surgery at a certified surgical facility. The care team provides discharge guidance based on the individual surgical plan.
Recovery with the SHARP Method
A brief post-operative period in Austin is recommended before returning to Houston. The SHARP Method recovery protocol supports patients regardless of where they live.
Frequently Asked Questions
I think I have BII. What do I do first as a Houston patient?
Start with a consultation, which can begin virtually. Dr. Whitfield assesses symptoms, implant history, and whether explant surgery with total capsulectomy is appropriate. His published research on capsule biofilm informs the diagnostic approach.
Why should I travel to Austin for BII instead of seeing a Houston surgeon?
Houston has surgeons who perform implant removal. The clinical question is whether your Houston surgeon performs PCR pathology on every capsule specimen, uses total capsulectomy as standard, and has published research on capsule biology and BII. If your Houston surgeon meets all of those, staying local may make sense. If not, the trip to Austin is worth evaluating.
Can I do my consultation virtually before traveling to Austin?
Yes. Virtual consultations are the recommended first step for out-of-city patients. Dr. Whitfield reviews symptoms, implant history, and imaging remotely, and most Houston patients complete their entire pre-operative process virtually.
How is an Austin stay planned after surgery?
The Austin stay is planned around the procedure, clinical findings, and any combined treatment. Dr. Whitfield's team provides individualized travel and follow-up guidance during surgical planning.
You Deserve a Surgeon Who Prepares You, Not Just Operates on You.
Dr. Robert Whitfield has guided thousands of patients through surgical decisions with clarity, data, and a personalized plan. Your consultation is where that plan begins.
Not ready to book? Download the free Inflammation Support Guide to start your journey.