Breast Implant Removal: Stories

Hello Ladies... Currently killing time until my operation to remove my HMG fitted PIP implants that are BOTH leaking. Here's a bit of background... Had them fitted in 2008, at my consultation I was told the biggest risk would be capsulation, NO mention of leaking or rupture... Late 2011 I find a lump, have an ultrasound, lump is fine but wear and tear on my implants are noted. Swept under the carpet until the PIP "scandal" hit the headlines. HMG wouldn't pay for a scan so had it done at my expense to reveal both implants had leaked within the capsule and extracapsular too (apparently ALL implants leak within the capsule). I also have silicon in my lymph nodes, the largest piece measuring 1.5cm in diameter. Won't to see a surgeon at my local BMI hospital who is doing a removal and capsulectomy on the 14th March. The capsule has to come out due to the extent of the leaking. Not having them back in because there is no way I want to go through this again, because of the silicon in my lymph nodes (if implants leak again they won't be able to use this as an indicator). Have been reading this website since I got the news and it's been really helpful, now feel like a PIP expert! Can't wait to have them out now. Planning on updating this as an when there are developments.

14th March 2012 - Laying in my hospital bed and feeling fab!

The build up to today has been pretty horrible, but this website has really helped to get me through so I wanted to just let you all know... NO REGRETS, RELIEF AND EXCITED ABOUT MY PIP-FREE FUTURE!!!

Got here at half 8, was visited by the nurse, anaesthetist and Mr Toft, all of whom where wonderful, kind and reassuring. Went down at about 11am and not sure what time I came back but slept most of the afternoon. Haven't had any pain, although I am dosed up. Am pretty strapped up so can't tell you what they look like they although I can see that they have shape and are still there.

I have been fortunate to have been through this experience with a good friend (same implants fitted by HMG). She has had hers replaced an hour before me and has gone home already. Even seeing how lovely hers look, I still have no regrets about having mine removed.

I have before implant and with implant pictures that I will post once i have decent after explant photos. Mr Toft has already emailed me my implant pictures but i am not strong enough to look yet. If any of you have any questions answered or want some reassurance, please get in touch, I want to help others like the girls on here have helped me.

Will write a proper review for my removal experience soon but so far, all i can say is, outstanding.

Breast implants - £4500, Implant removal and capsulectomy - £3600, being just me again and coming through this a stronger and happier girl - priceless.

Xxx

Day 6 Post Explant

Just to recap on my last update, was still high on anaesthetic when I wrote it so missed a few bits...

My left implant came out pretty much intact so did not need a capsulectomy, my right side had ruptured quite badly so need a capsulectomy. This has made me a little uneven as you will see from the pics I am about to post...

The care I reviewed was outstanding and would highly recommend the surgeon and hospital, if any of you want details, please let me know - not sure where we stand with "advertising" on here!

Had my bandages off today and had the big reveal. Am very pleased with the results, left breast in my opinion looks better than before the BA and the right does look a little sad but I dont think I know they will change over the next few weeks so not concerned.

I did love my big boobs but dont really feel any different without them, I havent missed them yet. Physically I look different, my shape has changed but thats inevitable, more incentive to shift some weight and get my body into proportion again!

My biggest concern pre-explant was how I would feel mentally, it took me a few hours to properly look at them. To be perfectly honest it really hasnt phased me, Its quite a big change for a female to go through, and I guess I'm surpised that it hasnt hit me harder. The last few weeks all I can think about is having them out and perhaps now any negative feelings I might have had are insignicant compared to the relief I feel. I am so thankful that I was able to have them out so quickly.

Am posting some picture now of pre-BA, post BA and post explant... also some lovely pictures of my implants!

If any of you reading this have any questions or need reassurance about explant, please get in touch, this site helped me so much and now I want to give back.

Thank you all for your support xxxxx

2 Weeks since the Explant...

Pretty much back to normal now, still taking it easy but other than that feel absolutely fine. Right breast is looking a lot more like my left so feeling more even now.

Having implants is a distant memory and I have yet to miss them. Am posting a pic of me taken last night.

As always, any questions, let me know :-)

Sam xx

4 Months after Explant...

Seems such a distant memory and still no regrets. My clothes look better, I am more comfortable, can sleep better, wear nicer underwear, have massages, sleep without a bra on, play sport without wearing two sports bras, sleep on my front, and I feel so much lighter and ladylike (didn't expect that!).

I even went topless by the pool on holiday, I may have scars but they are scars that remind me of how lucky I have been.

If anyone has any questions or needs any support, please contact me i'd be happy to help. The ladies on this site made the whole ordeal so much easier and I will always be grateful.

Sam xx