POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews
No Longer Waiting to Explant - I did it yaay!
UPDATED FROM IttyBittiesAgain
10 months post
Ten months later....
WORTH IT$2,500
Seroma left on its' own, months ago actually. I had 4 aspirations and called it quits in that department. I used an ace bandage and wrapped myself up like a mummy for a couple months, (very uncomfortable) and it gradually, slowly absorbed on its own.
The "funky nip" issue also resolved itself. I don't know if it was the coconut oil I massaged with, or the seroma going away, but it's normal now.
I don't regret my decision at all, it was totally worth it. There was some adjusting to do, mentally and physically, but in the end, I'm happy to just be back to my old self.
To all the ladies out there waiting to explant....DON'T overdue it for a good 6 weeks afterward. Even if you think you are out of the woods, don't push yourself or you may do more harm to yourself without even realizing it. I'm pretty sure that's how I got the seroma. I don't wish that on anyone, but it is a complication that is a real possibility.
If not for the support of all the awesome ladies on here, the journey would have been much more difficult. So thank you to all of you!!
The "funky nip" issue also resolved itself. I don't know if it was the coconut oil I massaged with, or the seroma going away, but it's normal now.
I don't regret my decision at all, it was totally worth it. There was some adjusting to do, mentally and physically, but in the end, I'm happy to just be back to my old self.
To all the ladies out there waiting to explant....DON'T overdue it for a good 6 weeks afterward. Even if you think you are out of the woods, don't push yourself or you may do more harm to yourself without even realizing it. I'm pretty sure that's how I got the seroma. I don't wish that on anyone, but it is a complication that is a real possibility.
If not for the support of all the awesome ladies on here, the journey would have been much more difficult. So thank you to all of you!!
IttyBittiesAgain's provider
UPDATED FROM IttyBittiesAgain
2 months post
Two and a half months post op....I went last week...
Two and a half months post op....I went last week for 4th seroma aspiration. Dr. poked and prodded till I looked like a pin cushion & couldn't get the fluid, it's deep under the muscle. And even tho I got several local shots, it can't numb the muscle; and boy lemme tell ya it hurt like he**!! Dr. ended up ace bandage compression like crazy, I could barely breathe. My ribs are bruised, really sore...still keeping them compressed.
I asked about lymphatic massage & Dr. said not really for a seroma situation. He said to keep compressed & massage & if it doesn't resolve, we will have to go back to the OR and insert a suction drain. So bummed out....I do NOT wanna have to go under again, I got sooo sick last time, and headache from hell. I just want this to all be over. I can't even jog yet....trying to not really use my arm much. I've been staying home most of the time, only go out when I have to. It's bad enough to be flat chested & have to get used to no implants, but having to squish the holy heck out of the poor gals is even worse. It's awful, and is not ending. It's like Groundhog Day.
I've been so depressed lately, it sucks. I'm feeling sorry for myself, I know....suck it up, I tell myself, it could be worse. I think the seroma may be getting a little smaller tho. A tiny bit smaller....so I compress & massage & keep my fingers crossed. We are supposed to be leaving in our motorhome in a couple weeks and will be gone for a couple months. So despite Drs. orders, (he told me he doesn't want this to go beyond 3 months), I'm sticking to our plans & the seroma will have to do what its gonna do. I've read it could take up to a year to resolve on its' own, so I don't see why I have to be aggressive with the drain procedure.
I will keep everyone posted.....and to all those ladies waiting to explant.....take it completely EZ afterward & keep those babies compressed!
I asked about lymphatic massage & Dr. said not really for a seroma situation. He said to keep compressed & massage & if it doesn't resolve, we will have to go back to the OR and insert a suction drain. So bummed out....I do NOT wanna have to go under again, I got sooo sick last time, and headache from hell. I just want this to all be over. I can't even jog yet....trying to not really use my arm much. I've been staying home most of the time, only go out when I have to. It's bad enough to be flat chested & have to get used to no implants, but having to squish the holy heck out of the poor gals is even worse. It's awful, and is not ending. It's like Groundhog Day.
I've been so depressed lately, it sucks. I'm feeling sorry for myself, I know....suck it up, I tell myself, it could be worse. I think the seroma may be getting a little smaller tho. A tiny bit smaller....so I compress & massage & keep my fingers crossed. We are supposed to be leaving in our motorhome in a couple weeks and will be gone for a couple months. So despite Drs. orders, (he told me he doesn't want this to go beyond 3 months), I'm sticking to our plans & the seroma will have to do what its gonna do. I've read it could take up to a year to resolve on its' own, so I don't see why I have to be aggressive with the drain procedure.
I will keep everyone posted.....and to all those ladies waiting to explant.....take it completely EZ afterward & keep those babies compressed!
Replies (5)
May 14, 2013
Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry this has been such a rough road for you! Did the doctor say what caused the seroma to form a full month after the surgery, or is it just totally random?
May 15, 2013
It could be from a few things....the fact that the empty space left under the muscle was just so darn huge and had a hard time "knitting back together", or I did too much too soon, who knows. Just one of those things I guess.
May 14, 2013
So sorry Hon... keeping you in my prayers...It will get better! I am still getting used to the being flat, but I love it compared to the packed bra full of toxins! :) Ive had some issues with incision spots not healing and still not so perky, but again, not like you have had. :( It will get better, the trip maybe is what the Doctor needed to order!!
May 15, 2013
So sorry sweetie. Praying for you to get better and heal. One more week and explant. Scared and excited !
Thanks for the update. Hugs to you.
May 15, 2013
So sorry that you are still having trouble. Keep strong and hopefully it will resolve itself. Has he mentioned removing the capsules? That would stop it from happening. Have you asked the docs on here? I know your PS is great but maybe someone one else may know of a solution? Keep strong xxxx
May 15, 2013
I asked him about capsules, which mine were very minimal. He said that it can actually increase the chance for a seroma because you're disrupting more tissue, and it's more invasive.
May 15, 2013
goodness knows Hun...I was thinking it could maybe be that as a few ladies on here had the problem and it went when the capsules were removed. I very much doubt it's anything you've done it's prob just the space left. I hope you get well soon and get to go away. My thoughts are with you xx
May 15, 2013
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this is still happening for you. Wish I could pop through the screen, put the kettle on and cheer you up. Gentle hugs to you. I think Plasticnation's advice to pose the seroma question could give you more of an insight. I know you're dr is doing his best but there could be other solutions too perhaps. Thinking of you and sending warmest wishes [RS bleep]
UPDATED FROM IttyBittiesAgain
1 month post
Eight weeks post op. I went for my 3rd seroma...
Eight weeks post op.
I went for my 3rd seroma aspiration a couple days ago, Dr. got 30 cc's this time, so a little less than before. Then he wrapped me in a tight ace bandage and said to wear it for a few days. He said I'd probably have to have a couple more aspirations still. But better than going back to the OR and have a drain put in. Trying to not move my right arm much....so we will see if it helps.
Much love to all my sistahs!
I went for my 3rd seroma aspiration a couple days ago, Dr. got 30 cc's this time, so a little less than before. Then he wrapped me in a tight ace bandage and said to wear it for a few days. He said I'd probably have to have a couple more aspirations still. But better than going back to the OR and have a drain put in. Trying to not move my right arm much....so we will see if it helps.
Much love to all my sistahs!
Replies (5)
April 27, 2013
Hi hope you are doing better. Your Dr is not charging for these visits I hope.
Did he say it was from you doing to much to soon? I'm off only 7 days for surgery . I'm a dental assistant. I can afford to take any more time off. I praying things are better for you.
April 27, 2013
No, Dr. isn't charging me. He said it could possibly be from doing too much too soon, and I have to agree with him. The recovery from the surgery itself was so easy, and the pain was gone relatively quickly, so I just went back to life as usual, only "slightly" less active. But I don't think it was enough rest time. Just because you feel good, and there's no pain, doesn't mean everything has healed inside. I think you'll be ok at your job Yusu, it's not very physical, unless you gotta hold some kids down lol! I was back to hoeing the garden, trimming back palm trees, huckin' around feed sacks, using my pectoral muscles way too much I'm certain. Paying for it now, but hopefully I can save some other ladies from going thru it also.
April 27, 2013
Good to hear that the amount is going down...the ace wrap should help too. I hope that this will soon be over for you. Take it easy....
April 27, 2013
I would ask your doc if it may be helpful to wear a really tight compression or tensor around the area for at least one week. it will be uncomfortable but if there is no space for fluid to accumulate then your body has to reaabsorb it. the seroma is filling the pocket where the implant used to be and if you can get that tissue to readhere to your chest wall there will be no space for fluid. Also, maybe try going for a lymphatic drainage massage just to get the fluid moving to where its supposed to (provided your doc says it's ok). Happy healing. it will resolve, your body is just trying to figure out what to do to bring itself back to balance.
April 27, 2013
sorry ... didn't read your last post. looks like your doc is on it. I would keep it on till you see your doc next. If no seroma, then probably the right thing to do
April 27, 2013
Yes, I'll ask Dr about lymphatic drainage massage; he said to massage the area, tho I don't know what the difference is, so I'll ask him. Soon you'll be getting yours removed....excited for you! You have big implants, larger than mine were, so the "silicone valley" as I lovingly refer to it, will be pretty darn big. Make sure you don't do anythinggggg to over do it! Believe me, it's easy to do, especially when you feel so great after gettin' those things outta there!! Best wishes, I'll keep up with your posts!
April 28, 2013
Lymph drainage massage is used by massage therapists to help move fluids through the lymph system manually. Lymph is sort of a circulatory system, but unlike our blood circulation there is no organ to "pump" the lymph fluids through (nothing like a heart muscle to mechanically pump the lymph fluid). The lymph channels themselves I believe slightly 'expand and contract' this helps move the lymph fluids. Massage by a trained therapist can manually move the fluid correctly through the channels - kind of like working the last bit of toothpaste through the tube. At least here in OR licensed massage therapist don't really do massage directly to the breasts because they aren't legally supposed to touch anyone's private parts for therapeutic massage, LOL. (not sure rules in your state) But since the lymph system interconnects throughout the body they can drain lymph channels in your neck, armpits, upper chest etc and this gets the whole system moving. It's good to have a licensed massage therapist do lymph drainage though - because it is possible to do it incorrectly and move the lymph fluid 'backwards' through the system and clog it instead of drain it, so the therapist has to have some training and understand the anatomy of the lymphatic system. Also trampoline helps move lymph because it stimulates the channels to do their natural 'expand and contract'.
April 28, 2013
Thanks so much for the info, I'll look into it. And in the meantime, go jump up and down lol!
April 29, 2013
Hey LuvRealBoobs is dead right :o) I had Lymph Drainage when I found out I had pip implants. I had a panick and though I'd try it. I also had a few lumps under arm pit. The therapist explained it was great to flush out any toxins. After 3 sessions, my lumps had gone. They were lymph nodes that were a bit full. My back was full of spots so that was things working out my system. Have a look into it and see what your Dr or a therapist would recommend. Keep us updated love x
April 29, 2013
Hi Ittybitty, sorry to hear about your seroma building up again. Its positive it was less fluid this time and I'm sure the compression bandage will really help resolve it. Maybe you need to wear a compression garment for a wee while longer perhaps? I hope you've had a nice weekend. Sending much love and positive healing thoughts x
April 30, 2013
I hope and pray healing happens soon for you... keeping you in my thoughts. Explanted today, so just taking it easy.. I know it is a road ahead yet, but glad the grapefruits are out..take care!
Replies (5)