I had saline 350cc sub muscular implants placed through peri areolar incision in February 2008. Prior to the augmentation I was probably about a 30-32 a or b, but I wasn't wearing a properly fitting bra so all I know for sure is that my boobs were small. I'm 5'3 and was about 125lbs.
It was a boob job well done, but I never exactly felt comfortable. I asked for full c cup but was probably around a d-dd. in a properly fitting bra I was a 30 e. I found myself wearing sports bras a lot and trying to minimize the bulk on my chest.
Fast forward 6 years and my firstborn is 11 months but doesn't seem to be weaning anytime soon. also, we are planning to try for #2 soon. So, I don't think I'll be done breastfeeding for a long time. I've grown more and more annoyed by these boobs and once I got pregnant and my milk came in I regretted them more than ever. Not only did I resent them because I could have ruined my chance to nurse my son, but I was so huge and engorged the implants made everything worse. Nursing was difficult for us in the beginning and I thought many times that not having implants would have made it easier.
I've lost about 10lbs since getting the implants, I feel totally top heavy, uncomfortable, and annoyed by these bags. Also running is aggravating.
I must say, if I never would have gotten them, I don't think I could appreciate my natural body as much, but I can't help but feel some regret.
I have scheduled my explant with dr ann reilley in Baton Rouge for October 7. She was the first surgeon I consulted with. I tried to get in touch with dr Gary cox but his nurse never called me back and that was months ago so that kinda put me off.
I was very comfortable with dr reilley, she didn't try to dissuade me at all. The breastfeeding detail didn't seem to faze her. She offered to drain the implants right then and there. I decided to wait until the operation so I didn't have to pay and extra $100. It will be performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation. I will not be having a lift or a capsulectomy. I will have an infra mammary incision this time because obviously going through the original nipple incision would make breastfeeding a little tricky.
I've been having second thoughts but that's normal (especially for me). I really think I will be so glad about this decision. Let's hope so. I'll put up some pics later and update on surgery day.
Updated on 25 Sep 2014:
Updated on 5 Oct 2014:
Well I had my preop visit last week and signed consents, paid and got instructions. If I was going to bail out, it would be now. I guess it's just normal to have second thoughts. But even when my boobs get smaller after breastfeeding I still don't think I would ever be happy with these things in me.
Surgery is Tuesday morning. I'm getting pretty excited.
I'm supposed to be using hibicleanse the night before, but I don't think you're supposed to use that while breastfeeding. I'll be calling them tomorrow to confirm my appt and I'll ask them about it.
Also, I was just planning on taking tylenol and Advil for pain since I'm nursing. Hope I'm not being naive.
Updated on 7 Oct 2014:
Surgery went great. They doped me up with versed and fentanyl. Which according to the infant risk hotline I would need 4 hrs to clear breastmilk. (I just had to avoid getting hibicleanse on the nipple. They covered my nipples with tegaderms to make sure none got on there because they also used it for the surgery prep.) I am supposed to wait 6 hrs past when feeling returns to the incision site before resuming breastfeeding. I am about to dump some pumped milk which makes me sad.
I am just now starting to have the smallest amount of burning to the incisions. It's only been itching up until this point. I have only a front closure bra and dressings over the incisions. No wrap or drains.
I am shocked by how much breast tissue I have. Of course when I'm full of milk they look better but even after I pump I'm pleased. I feel so normal now. I'm so glad I went through with this. I guess things went so well that she decided I don't have to come in for the 1st postoperative (2 day) visit. I have an appointment for next Thursday instead. I'll take off my dressings and start showering in 48hrs. So happy!!
Updated on 14 Oct 2014:
So happy! Breastfeeding is fine. Did a little too much yesterday at work and ended up a little sore but other than that this has been a very easy recovery.
Updated on 7 Nov 2014:
Still totally happy with my decision. They look better than I ever expected. Ever since I over did it a little at work 1 week post op, I've been having nerve pain about 2 inches under my right incision. Incision on that side is still numb. Hopefully this will resolve soon. I hope I didn't mess anything up because I had zero pain the first week. I'll update at 6 months. Hopefully better by then :)