Former IndyCar and NASCAR star Danica Patrick has publicly disclosed the devastating health consequences she experienced following breast implant surgery, describing the ordeal as a total "disaster" that wreaked havoc on her body.
A Slow Descent into Illness
The 43-year-old racing icon underwent breast augmentation in 2014, initially believing the procedure to be safe and routine. However, just three years later, subtle symptoms began to emerge, eventually escalating into a full-blown medical crisis.
"Basically, I got breast implants in 2014. It was after three years that I started to notice stuff and another few years later, a disaster happened," Patrick explained during an interview with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon.
The Physical Toll
Patrick described suffering from significant weight gain, severe hair loss, and what she termed "full inflammation" that left her body in a constant state of alert. Despite these debilitating symptoms, she continued to push her athletic limits, even training for and running the Boston Marathon during this period.
"I gained weight, lost my hair, full inflammation. I was exhausted. I had no recovery," she revealed. "During all of this, I ran the Boston marathon. It was a disaster."
The Search for Answers
Desperate for solutions, Patrick consulted multiple medical specialists and attempted various treatment protocols, but found herself trapped in a cycle of confusion and ineffective treatments.
"I started doing every protocol, I didn't care. I was just looking for something that worked," she said. "I was working with one doctor, then I worked with another."
The Decision for Removal
In 2022, Patrick finally underwent surgery to have the implants removed, joining a growing number of women speaking out about Breast Implant Illness (BII). Since the removal, she has become a vocal advocate for greater transparency regarding the risks associated with cosmetic surgery.
Reflecting on her initial decision to get implants, Patrick explained: "I was always been a tiny little thing. I was curious about them when I was much younger. The news would make you think that there was nothing wrong with them. They were safe."
Reconsidering Femininity and Identity
The racing legend admitted that she initially believed the implants would enhance her femininity and confidence, particularly as a professional athlete in her early thirties.
"I was super lean and in shape and early 30s, and I remember thinking that I don't want to wait until I'm done racing," she recalled. "I want the whole package now."
However, she eventually realized that the implants created their own psychological burden: "Anytime they would be touched, I'd be thinking to myself, 'They're fake!'"
Advocacy and Awareness
Patrick now regularly shares her health journey with followers, hoping to educate others about potential risks. "Quickly, all those things faded when I was struck with the many, many things that slid into effect over time," she concluded about her initial positive feelings toward the implants.
Career Developments
Separately, Patrick recently addressed her departure from Formula 1 broadcaster Sky Sports just before the start of the 2026 season. On Instagram, she expressed gratitude for her five-year tenure covering races.
"From my first @skysportsf1 race in Austin to my last 5 years later… I had such a blast!" she wrote. "The sky team was so much fun, I saw so many amazing new race tracks and cities, and got to be part of a huge boom in F1!"
Patrick indicated the decision to leave was mutual: "I called after the last race in 2025 and said it was time for me to move on and I was so grateful for the opportunity." She added that she remains an enthusiastic Formula 1 fan who will be "glued to my tv for the season starting this weekend."
