Eager to Be Natural - London, United Kingdom
Hi ladies, I was so happy to find this website and...
Hi ladies, I was so happy to find this website and actually feeling for the first time in years that I am not alone. I had breast implant surgery two years ago and earlier in this year I found out I had PIP implants. After feeling all the emotions I panicked and rushed into having replacement surgery, and about six weeks later something really strange happened and I felt so repulsed and angry for not just having them removed. I was shocked at never realizing this was an option before the replacement surgery.
I spent a lot of time crying and being angry with myself. I'm still coming to terms with this very strong feeling of wanting them out because as all of you mention there are other worries that go with a removal surgery and I would really appreciate and advice you could share with me on this.
If you have drains in how long is this usually for? How long does it take to go back to your normal routine and exercising? I was a 32A now a 32D and how do you come to terms with going back to a small size? this is one of my biggest fears even though I have never been happy with being a 32D. Also with the implants removed how obvious are the scars? I was never too confident in a bikini but would imagine I would be quite worried going on holidays if the scars were very low under the bikini on the waist as right now they are just on the crease? These are my main fears and I feel if I can come to terms with the reality of them I may be fully ready to have the removal surgery.
I think I am just extra cautious because I rushed into the replacement of the PIP a few months ago.
Thank you again for sharing your stories so honestly because it really helped me realise my true feelings and I hope that one day I will be able to share my surgery story and help others. [RS bleep]
Replies (10)
How long you have the drains in for seems to differ between surgeons and some dont put them in at all, as they dont think its necessary. Speaking for myself I had them in for 5 days and once the fluid coming out had reached less than 25ml per 24 hour period it was time to have them out. They are annoying because they're bulky under clothes, but fine!
Normal routine - well I went back to work straight after the drains were out, running after 3 weeks and they say no upper body exercise til 7/8 weeks. It is generally supposed to be easier recovery than having implants put in, and that has been my experience.
My scars dont seem too bad and there are things you can do for them - i wore scar reduction tape for 6 weeks as advised by the surgeon and now rub rosehip oil on them twice a day. The surgeon actually cut out my old scar, so I just have two fresh ones now.
I am 31 and had them in for 11 years, going from an A cup to a D cup. They dont look exactly as they did but after so long they wouldnt be anyway naturally. But I am happy still with them - they are not saggy at all, I just have small A cups again. There's nothing wrong with small breasts, just wish I'd realised that all those years ago! :)
Good luck with what you decide. x
like andi, i also had pips. had them in 2000 and removed in 2012. i went froma 34a to a 34dd, but now i realise that i must have been wearing the wrong size bra all my life (was never measured until a few months ago - and i'm 38!), but at least those sizes give you an indication of my increase (see my profile for my story etc. its quite long so will give you a good step by step account - its a few pages back). i've also had two children and was unable to breastfeed them due to sensation issues.
anyway, to answer your questions. i didnt have drains, dont know why, and didnt asked why as some surgeons do and some dont. i didnt/dont feel as if i have boobs full of fluid, so my surgeons decision must've been right!
as for receovery, i have a 2 and a 4 year old. two days after surgery i was lifting the two year old out of the cot, into the car seat etc. but recovery had to be fairly fast for me as i have no help/family within 200 miles and hubby works long hours. i wore a macom compression bra 24/7 for about 3/4 weeks.
i started back at the gym within two weeks, i think... just doing lower body exercises (not running) and wearing my macom bra or a nice tight fitting sports bra. i started upper body exercises aboyt 6/7 weeks later. started running about 8 weeks, which killed as it had been so long. ha ha.
as for going back to a small size, i LOVE it!!! i am now so proud as i can wear beautiful delicate bras and feminine clothes, and everyone says i look great as it looks like i have lost weight!! bonus!! i honestly 100% feel more confident as i dont feel like a [RS bleep] star and i dont feel the need to cover up so people dont think i look fake. again, see my profile for reasons...
the scars are there... they are obvious without my clothes on, but of course i'm covered up most of the time. when i am topless i can see if i lift my boobs up, as they are on the crease. they are in exactly the same place as they were whilst the implants are in and havent moved at all. i have bikinis ready for my holiday and you cant see the scars at all. and whats even better is that you cant see the fake boob lines either :-)
have a good read of all the stories on here. this website was the best resource i found for stories and support!!
good luck in your decision. x
You're smart to be cautious and do your research. I'm almost positive removal incisions are made the same place the implant incisions are, so you shouldn't have new scars to deal with.
You might want to check out this post of ways to plump up your cleavage after implant removal.
Please do let us know what you decide to do. We're here for you!