MMA's Cat Zingano has shared pictures from her first photo-shoot since having breast implants removed as she marks her progress on the road to recovery.

Zingano suffered from Breast Implant Illness (BII) and had to have them removed.

Symptoms of BII include joint and muscle pain, skin rashes and breathing problems.

Zingano said on Instagram: "This is my first photo-shoot since I had my big surgery. I sensed and researched #BII a couple years ago but I didn’t believe in the severity and didn’t want to risk the change in vanity until I was watching it start to really kick my ass.

"I got sick, so sick, without explanation. I went to @drlujeanfeng and saw/met both men and women suffering from the same implant toxicity. Some had had implants for decades, some had had implants for months. Although I loved my curves, and I don’t regret the decision to fix my breasts after I had my son, if I knew then what I know now, I’d have made different choices. 

"I have felt so much better since the explant. I’ve seen first hand how much worse it can get and I was extremely supported by my friend and fellow patient @shuriecremona who can inform you much more intelligently about it. 

"I’m still rehabbing my lungs, ribs, endocrine system, muscles and some other related issues, however, my close people and I can all agree that I’m doing much better than they have seen in a long long time. My training has improved ten-fold (just watch my videos) and I feel so much improvement overall. 

"I’m told there’s so much more recovery to come too! This photo-shoot was about TRUE LOVE for my body and TRUE FREEDOM for my health. Thank you for being supportive. This was a big and intimidating decision and something that I encourage anyone with random, stubborn and undiagnosable symptoms to look up. 

"It’s not just breast implants f***ing people up, it’s an immune system attack because of foreign objects being placed inside the body... look it up and see if and where it fits. Some people are completely fine with implants, some people end up dead. The FDA is now required to label implants with this caution of health risk. Do your research. Much love. Wear your scars."

Fellow Bellator fighter Shane Kruchten commented: "You’re an inspiration to many, keep pushing forward."

Fighter Gina Mazany wrote: "Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story, I’m so glad you’re feeling better."

While former American football player Rod Smith wrote: "Wow! That’s a true fighter. I know of people who experienced the same thing and I will share your story. Thanks so much for the transparency."

Zingano, 37, fought Ronda Rousey back in 2015 and has signed with Bellator and will make her debut later this year.