Breast Implant Removal: Stories

I got implants in 2007 after years of feeling inadequate because of small boobs. I was a 34C (not that small really). So I got implants and went up to a 34DD, a couple years later they got even bigger now up to a 34DDD or even 34G. Bras are hard to find and of course very expensive in those sizes.

I have 500cc saline under the muscle.

I've been going back and forth as to whether to totally get them out or replace with smaller ones. I have decided to totally take them out for the following reasons:

*Can't enjoy getting a massage because laying on my stomach (rather, boobs) is very uncomfortable

*Sports bras don't fit well, they don't come down far enough; swim suits: same problem

*Some yoga poses are awkward and difficult with big boobs

*I am a cyclist; cycling jerseys don't fit busty women very well

*I'm 'all chest' to where I feel like it makes me look fat

I'm glad I did it, but it's time for them to go. My only concern is whether or not my skin will 'snap back' (I'm 45 years old). Another concern is that now my belly fat will be more obvious without the boobs being the focal point. Of course with the implants gone it will be easier to do core exercises like planks :)

I had my pre op yesterday and I'm kind of annoyed. The information I got at the consultation differs. My doctor said I should be able to return to normal activity 'almost immediately', the nurse at the pre op said about a month. I told her what he said and she told me, 'oh you can do lower body after about 2 weeks'. Then, I find as I'm almost out the door that I'll have drains. That would have been nice to know earlier, like when I made my time off request from work.

I just feel like nobody knows what they're talking about when it comes to the explant procedure. It's a bit late to change doctors at this point, I've paid in full and got the time off work which was not easy.

Should i call and speak to the office manager to let her know or just suck it up? I really don't want to make waves and end up with a late afternoon surgery...

I hope some day the explant procedure is more 'common' so we won't have to feel like second class citizens.

I'm just a couple days away and I'm excited and nervous. I'm opting for local anesthesia with IV sedation so I'm a bit nervous about that; but not as nervous as going under general.

I don't think anyone has mentioned this but will I have to sleep on my back for a while? I remember having to when I got implanted (so they would not fall off to the sides).

I've posted a couple more photos; some with clothes so people can see the difference between before and after. I'll put on the same clothes once I'm healed to show the difference.

Tomorrow is the big day. I'm so excited and nervous! Thank you all for your kind words and well wishes. I'll see you on the other side!

I'm done! I'm in between naps. I'm feeling almost no pain. I took some extra strength tylenol when I got home, no vicodin. I will post more tomorrow. Oh, and the best part. ... I didn't have to get drains!!!

They are out!!! I'm so happy; I feel so much lighter. I have virtually no pain! I will post more as the healing progresses. Anyone who is on the fence about getting this done, I highly recommend it :)

My PS made a small incision in the crease, then punctured the implant so he could pull it out through the one inch incision :)