30 y/o, 375cc for 8 Years, 34A to 34D. So happy to be me again - Melbourne, AU

Hi ladies! I wanted to share my progress here on day 5 after removing my 375cc silicone implants through my initial transaxillary (armpit) incision.

Mentally I'm still feeling great. When I look in the mirror I recognise myself, as if the 8yrs of implants was just a dream. I'm surprised by the size. I have a little more than I thought, probably thanks to having put on a few kgs since my first surgery and also a bit of swelling. In any case I'm really pleased with being small again.

The hardest two parts of this process so far have been: knowing I can't exercise for what feels like a century, and general soreness of my incisions with little relief from painkillers. Exercise is my stress reliever so that's tough. I quit taking the rx drugs on day 2 as they irritated my stomach something chronic! Panadol seems to have no effect so I'm sore all the time. But I'm only 5 days out which is to be expected! I've been taking short walks down the road which really helps keep the blood gently flowing. Also eating heaps of fruit and veges. Can't hurt!

I have my one week appt on Tuesday so I'll check in again then!

Where do I even begin. Well, I'll say this, I'm 3 days post-op and I couldn't be happier. Having my implants out was the best decision! Here's my story:

I arrived at the hospital in the morning, signed in and after waiting about 30 minutes was taken into the Day Surgery area. There, all my details were checked, I was talked through my procedure again by a nurse and given a gown, slippers and robe to wear. After another 30-45 minute wait, I was taken to the prep area by a lovely nurse. I was put on a bed with a hot air machine to keep warm (note to self must get one of those!) and met the anaesthetist, then the surgeon, who marked me up for surgery. I was wheeled into theatre, where my surgeon held my hand as the anaesthetist prepped the drugs and I very comfortably drifted to sleep after a few puffs from the mask.

I woke up in the recovery area fairly nauseous and VERY sleepy, which is common for me and I remember this exact reaction from the general anaesthesia the first time around. I kept drifting in and out of sleep and the nurses put cold towels on my head as I was feeling quite nauseated. After a few jelly cups, a sandwich and vanilla ice cream, I started feeling a bit better and DH was there to pick me up. I was in great hands... nobody forced me to get out of there even though it must have been a few hours. I was sent home in a stretchy sports bra to wear for a week, and bandages under my arms (where my incisions are) which will be replaced at my one-week post op.

Honestly I think my boobs look pretty great! They are a little saggy and deflated but considering I had plastic in there for nearly 8 years I am really thrilled with the result so far. They are SO SOFT, I'd totally forgotten! I do have a touch more tissue than I thought but I know that might just be swelling, and that's OK. I know that they will change so much over the next year and I am just so thankful to have found a compassionate surgeon and team of nurses who never second-guessed my desire to be myself.

As for the pain... I have discomfort at my incisions and I'm not doing ANY lifting, not even opening our door, until that subsides a bit. Yesterday the constipation was pretty full on, so I bought some Hilde Hemmes laxative tea and have been eating heaps of prunes which did the job! I'm doing short walks to keep the blood flowing but not get my heart rate up, and as each day passes I am amazed by how good I feel physically. I have not experienced any second-guessing or sadness whatsoever. I just feel happy.

Ladies. If you are thinking about it, do it. Yes you'll be uncomfortable for a few days especially if you had general anaesthesia like I did. But I can already feel the immense pressure lifted off of me mentally and physically. My boobs are small but they are mine and I'm proud of them. The lifetime ahead is looking really good :-D

I'll post pictures as soon as I can.

Well ladies the day is here! Today is explant day. I'm in my gown and waiting in the very comfy day surgery unit. I'm feeling really confident and at peace with this choice.

I wanted to say THANKS HEAPS for all your support. I've learned so much from you and I wouldn't have had the strength to do this without you. I'll update as soon as I can. See you on the flat side :-)