Bronte Schofield, 32, the reality TV personality who rose to fame on Married At First Sight Australia in 2023, has opened up about the severe health struggles she faced after getting a breast augmentation at 22.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Bronte revealed that the £4,000 ($7,500 AUD) procedure she once celebrated left her grappling with a condition known as breast implant illness (BII), which caused chronic inflammation, hormonal issues, and worsened premenstrual syndrome.
“About two years after I got them, I started noticing my gut inflammation was getting worse,” Bronte said. Having long suffered with gut issues, she initially sought answers through alternative medicine. A Chinese medicine practitioner told her she had a “congested liver,” despite her strict anti-inflammatory diet and dedication to health.
Further consultations with medical professionals revealed a more alarming connection between her implants and her deteriorating health. “My doctor said 100% it was the implants. He explained that the inflammation could have led to serious conditions like breast cancer if I hadn’t intervened,” Bronte recalled.
The reality star described how BII affected her day-to-day life, including severe PMS symptoms that left her emotionally overwhelmed. She added, “My PMS is like it’s on steroids. I will cry for days before my period—I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
In an effort to restore her health, Bronte has reportedly spent nearly £30,000 ($60,000 AUD) on medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments. She is now planning to have her implants removed, a procedure that will cost an additional £4,000 ($7,500 AUD).
“It’s time to love myself in a different way,” Bronte said. “This is an exciting new version of me. I can’t wait to live inflammation-free, with no anxiety or night sweats, and finally sleep through the night.”
Breast implant illness is a poorly understood condition, affecting thousands of women worldwide. Symptoms may include chronic fatigue, joint pain, memory issues, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety, and skin disturbances. In many cases, implant removal has been shown to improve or resolve symptoms.
Bronte’s story highlights the potential risks associated with cosmetic surgery and serves as a cautionary tale for women considering breast augmentation. “We put ourselves through surgery for fashion, for beauty standards—it’s really mind-boggling,” she reflected.
