Saline Implant Removal After 18 Years, No Replacement, No Lift. Birmingham, MI

First off I want to thank everyone who has been posting to the site. It was your comments, and you're courage to share, that help me through this process. 18 years ago I made the decision to have saline implants. At that point in time I was very very small, nearly flat chested, with virtually no breast tissue. The implants were put behind the muscle wall. All in all I was very happy, although I knew at some point I would have to make a decision, figuring that they would not last forever. The timing of my decision came when one of the implants ruptured. I knew it had happened because my left breast started to feel much softer. Based on reviews on this website, I sought the opinion of two different plastic surgeons. They both said essentially the same thing. They said that they could perform the procedure of removing the implant, under local anesthetic, very simply, with virtually no recovery time needed. The one doctor, said the procedure would cost roughly $4,000, the second physician I saw, Dr. Karacas, said he could do it in the office for $1,800. As they both described identical procedures, I decided to go with Dr. Krakus. It's now been two weeks since the procedure. I'm happy it's done, and I'm beginning to reconnect with myself. I have put on weight over the last 18 years, and have found that there now is breast tissue, I'm about a C. I'm happy that the procedure is done, and would encourage anyone that is considering it, to definitely go ahead. I do want to say, however, that there was a recovery time. When dr. Karaca removed the implant that had not ruptured, because it was a textured implant, there was definitely some tissue trauma, as he manipulated it to get it out. I wouldn't want anyone discouraged, thinking that there will be no pain. Things like opening a cupboard door, raising my arms to wash my hair, or lifting anything, was extremely painful. It's nowbeen two weeks, and today was probably the first day where I didn't feel like I had had any surgery at all. Would I do it again? Yes! I just wish somebody had been a bit more transparent on the fact that even though it's a relatively simple procedure, our bodies take time to heal. There's also a period of mental time to heal too. Whatever your reason was for initially getting the implants, that underlying feeling may still be there, and questions of whether or not your body is good enough may surface. At this stage of my life, however, I am not just good enough, I am wonderful!