Bye Bye PIPs - England, UK

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

Thursday 1st March
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;()

oh my word that was an essay ha ha