Bye Bye PIPs - England, UK
I was always very content with my body but after 2...
I was always very content with my body but after 2 beautiful children and much sole searching, in 2004 I decided to have a breast aug. I had 330cc silicone implants inserted, taking me from a empty, saggy 34a to a round solid 34c. I then had them repositioned again in 2005, using the same implants.
All I proceeded to do was trade one set of issues for another, I have a sunken breast bone and the gap became very apparent after the sugery. I actually felt like a bit of a freak. Last year, after having various issues, regarding joints and pain etc. I looked into getting them out. I returned to Transform, where the surgeon explained that I would hate the results blah blah blah. I bottled it! Why on earth would I want to pay good money to be miserable? Then in January the call came; confirmation they were pips.
After seeing my gp on three occassions and being told I couldn't have a scan, being told I couldn't pay for a scan unless I was referred, Transform cancelling my appointment and doing my own research,(both on here and the pip facebook page). I decided enough was enough and started to make my own arrangements. I got in touch with an nhs breast reconstrucitve surgeon who offered to do the operation for me. I had asked for a lift at the same time the implants were removed but he said that it wasn't a good idea due to the limited breast tissue and also the stretched skin. His advice was sound and I can understand now why he was reluctant to do the proceedure.
I had the surgery on Friday 24th February and I can not tell you how relieved I am. I finally feel like this journey I've been on for the last 8 years is finally over and I am back to just being me. I absolutely love my soft skin, instead of it being stretched over my implants. I also have a new found love of my clevage and the fact I'm not sharing my body with something else. After 2 children, 2 bas and an explant I feel that my body has been through the mill and it needs some tlc. The operation took 2 hours and the surgeon removed both capsules, the implants came out in tact and, believe it or not; no leak. I have been so very lucky indeed.
I got back to the ward at around 7:30pm on Friday night, very sore and very uncomfortable. The drains were placed directly under my arm pit so it was difficult to move. I won't lie, I felt dreadful Saturday when I was discharged, however, I managed to control the pain with paracetamol and burophen, after a shower and plenty of sleep I started to begin to feel more like myself. It's Wedneday today and I am getting back to my normal rountinue, albeit, slowly.
My breast are very empty and as you can see the left one is noticable smaller than the right.They have started to "fluff" already, although the left isn't as good. But looking at my photos prior to my original ba, my left was always smaller. Also the way they are taped I think is making them look a bit unusual too. I guess only time will tell. I have two 4 inch scars under each breast and holes under my arms where the drains were placed. I have tried some 34a bras(with padding) but it's difficult to get a true read as I can't bear the wire on my scar at the minute. Also they will change over the next few weeks. I now need to give myself time to get to like the new me.
My husband said they're great so that's ok with me. The surgeon managed to save more tissue than I expected and for that i'm grateful. I'm just so passed it all now, so what if one is bigger than the other, so what if they're saggy, so what if I have to wear padded bras. I was in a hospital bed, directly oposite was a lady who'd undergone recontructive surgery. HELLO! I've had the luxury of being with a very supportive husband for many years, I've aged, (38) and experienced loss and bad health and what I've been through, really isn't the end of the world. Your health family and friends is what's important. Time to concentrate on being beautiful from the inside! My family lost me for a while when I found out the news, and having to explain to my girls was heartbreaking, but if nothing else comes of this my two girls (12 & 8), will learn to love what they have and be confident with what they have. In just want to send massive hugs to all those, very beautiful, brave ladies who have explanted or who are considering. It proves we are determined and strong willed. Well done x x x
Replies (4)
First of all well done for coming over the other side. Yur decision was good. I explanted one day before u n agree to what u wrote. My right breast is smaller than the left n I can feel that they were fluffing up although very slowly...but im defo bigger than pre implants. I was a a/b then, then I got a dd inserted n now a b/c. Im happy with my decision.
Thursday 1st March Feeling pretty much back to my...
Feeling pretty much back to my normal self. Minus the toxic waste he he
Stitches itchy and tape pulling a little though easily managable. Get it off tomorrow!
Tried my 34a, padded bras on which I bought before my op, and they're too small he he Too bruised to even contemplate wearing them. First day of wearing a sports bra today, a little uncomfortable but seeing the bruising that is coming through now; I can see why!
(trying to put photos on;()
Replies (11)
Im free from those itchy tapes finally. My appointment with the nurse went well. She took all the dressing off n told me everything was perfect but asked me to still take good hygiene care of the incisions as they are still fresh to catch infection.
U won't be able to upload pics from yur mobile. It only allows from pc or laptop. go to your profile n u won't miss it.
She told me not to rest alot as that will not let yur body to absorb any build up of fluid after the surgery. So im allowed to go for walks n do what I want that uses my lower body. I need to take care to not over use my upper body alot. She suggests I shud massage after 2 weeks of surgery.
Hope yurs go well tomorrow. Itchiness will go milder after yur tapes r off.
Still all good n thankful to God for making me realise the threats associated n rectifying with time.
Oh my word that was an essay ha ha
Replies (14)
I guess, in his defence he sees boobs all the time and can not fully understand the full extent of how we take in the news given.
First of all he said there was a lot of fluid in my breast, and that this can be a complication of surgery. He said if it increases I need to get in touch immediately, if it doesn't I need to go back next week. If it hasn't been absorbed back into my body it will need draining. By a needle straight back into my new scar. That doesn't bother me, mind you my scars are really ugly and I feel that he has butchered me a little.
Did you guys have hardness around you scar, does it go softer in time?
The thing that upset me was the fact that I thought he'd saved more tissue than expected, but it turns out it's water?
In response to your comment Golden, can the fluid be drained and then build up again? what complications are they?
I just thought I'd maybe come through this ordeal with a little more than empty sacks. But I guess only time will tell.
He didn't give me any helpful advice at all so not even sure how to help myself. Wondered if you ladies had any tips.
When I had the op I asked about sports bras and he was kind of, " Oh gravity will do it's thing, regardless" didn't really believe in them. Now he told me today to go and buy one. The only thing is, I'm so small they're not very compressed ;) Mind you I do feel more comfortable as a whole at the minute. I could only find a M&S, post op bra which was ok (ish) my ribs below my breast have been killing me so I couldn't stand the pressure when I tried to wear one the other day.
When I asked questions he was just like "it's only been a week" Had literally five minutes with him and then send home. He wasn't arrogant, just probably thinking I was expecting miricles in such a short space of time. But I just like to know all the in's and out's so I can process it better.
His last words to me were basicaly, not to worry about loosing some of the volume. As the fluid could become encapsulated and I'd end up with more that I thought! Whatever that means??
Thank you for looking after me lovely ladies, it says something when you guys seem to know more than the professionals x x
Regarding what yur doc said, it's still too early for anyone to say how yur body will react n respond, just keep patience as so much will change for better n heal much better with time.
Be mobile to deal with yur fluid n massage 2 weeks after explant to help circulation n fluff them up n push the fluid out.
Im so sorry that u have to go thru this but yur body is magical and will react positive.
Try macom bras, they are comfy if the normal ones are a prob for u. But u must wear one 24/7 for sometime to retain things back as I was been told.
I don't know about the fluid thing, perhaps some of the other ladies who have experienced this might answer, but try to find out more if you can, don't let him fob you off. Regarding the appearance, once your tissue starts filling out again, you will see a difference. Also, once your scars are completely closed and not so tender, you can start to massage them to break the scar tissue down. You can also massage the breasts too, but I would definitely get the fluid taken care of first.
I know what you mean about your ribs. Mine were killing me for about a week, and the compression bra they gave me was like razor blades on the incisions. I changed to a nice supportive sports vest until I could wear cups. Much better.
I hope your body takes care of itself so you don't have any more problems, but if he doesn't answer your questions to your satisfaction, keep on at him. It's his job to see that you're ok. x
As far as I know, seroma is a build up generally occurring when tissues r disturbed n removed and a gap is created in the pockets after removal, until the fluid is not absorbed or drain the pockets won't seal, once it's sealed only then fluid won't reoccur again.
If the pockets don't seal then there cud be a chance of the fluid to reoccur again n again.
If the fluid is not too much then it can be absorbed by the body over months or year. If it can't then it can be drained with a syringe or in extreme cases by surgery. Generally it's absorbed by yur body.
I was told by my nurse that if I sit infront of the tv then the seroma will sit too, so don't over rest n get some exercise done that involves movement of your body building fluid starts to absorb as ur body is being exercised.
But I was saying that it's not too much of an issue to worry as that fluid can easily be absorbed by yur body as u exercise. Maybe walk can help u at an early stage. Then after 6 weeks u can go gym.
Seroma may even occur after a month after yur surgery so best u start walking from now daily.
Hope I have helped n not confused u or anyone else here. After all this is the best I cud have known since im not an expert. U may want to ask a Dr on this website for more professional advice.
Thank you for sharing your story here on RealSelf!! One thing I love about the ladies in this community is how comfortable you all are in your own skin now. It's breathtaking!
I'm glad you made it through this and that you're PIPs didn't leak. I hope you'll keep us posted as you continue to heal. You deserve a spa day when this is all said and done. :)