“My story: implants/explant/implants/explant/implants/explants/implants”
Breast implants: NOT worth it
Pain: Severe
In 1995, I had breast implant surgery at the age of 40. I used saline implants and for 10 years, I was the happiest woman on the planet. I felt desireable, sexy, healthy and loved my body for the first time I can ever remember.
In 2005, I participated in a clinical research trial at a Nashville teaching hospital for silicone Inamed implants. The effects were profound and horrific. I became desperately ill when I had a reaction to some of the chemicals in the implants. I was confined to bed for almost a year until I had the silicone implants removed and replaced with saline implants.
Because of the problems I had with the silicone implants, I was offered a free mastopexy. I don't recall a time where I had ever had so much pain- even birthing my 3 children! Post surgery #3, one breast was smaller and higher than the other. Additionally, the scars from the mastopexy were very obvious...something I was not prepared for. My chest looked like what you would expect to see in a "Frankenstein" movie, scars all around the areola and under the breast leading to the nipple.
Last month, I had revision surgery to correct the problems. I used Mentor saline implants this time, which will hopefully be the last. I feel good and I am not having the awful symptoms I felt with the silicone implants.
Ladies, there are a lot of risks involved with this surgery. You will hear a lot of positive information via the media and doctors' advertisements. Do your homework. Despite the terrible experience I had with one facility and the silicone implants, the vast majority of women will tolerate the surgery and love their implants. However, some women will have adverse reactions to any implants and unfortunately you won't find out until it's too late.
I have spoken to and met dozens of women across the US in the past 2 years who became ill like I did. I recommend that you use saline implants as the complication rate is much lower than with silicone implants. I have had both types and my experience is that there really is not much difference between the two. Some say that silicone implants are more natural. That was not my experience.
Choose wisely and make your health your priority!
Jan 4, 2009Comments and replies (5)
2 posts
7 Jan 2009
Some people say that saline do not feel as natural and they ripple. Some people have gotten sick from saline also. Why? i have wondering if i should ever get implants. I have been thinking about it for years. Wish there was something natural, safe and permanent.
unregistered guest
11 Jan 2009
Unless it's for reconstruction, I think breast augmentation is a despicable practice that should be curtailed. Why not work on raising the self esteem of girls and young women, instead?
4 posts
2 Jul 2009
I know you think it is a despicable practice; however, you might feel differently if you had almost no breast tissue and a lopsided chest. I am 18 years old and have had the same size since I was about 10 and I have tried to live with it, but I no longer can. My mother is not a huge fan of plastic surgery, but realizes that I should not have to live my entire life being uncomfortable. I am planning on getting a breast augmentation either this summer or next summer. I would like to do it this summer because then I could start college and hopefully no one will know. Thanks for your advice on silicone and saline. The first doctor I consulted with suggested silicone and the second saline, so now I am unsure and trying to weigh the pros and cons of both.
14 posts
8 Sep 2009
I know that implants can make some women ill but i wonder why your body reacted so bad to silicon implants. Since both saline and silicon have exactly the same shell. were your silicon implants ruptured?
2 posts
27 Oct 2009
Thnks you so much for your advice, I wanted to get the saline implants the whole time and now you reassured me. I am getting my surgery at the beginning of February and I am so excited since like the girl who posted about having no chest literally, I pretty much have the same problem. And ignore the lady who is against it. She obviously hasnt ever had any issues with her breat and she should feel lucky, not bash our wants in having bigger breast. Thank You so much Briana