POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews
32 year old with implants that are too big and have taken a toll on my health! Surgery set.
UPDATED FROM javagirlxo
Freaking out
$3,700
Well as always I'm stressing and seriously over being me at this point!! Had my pre-op yesterday and my surgeon insisted that removing the capsule is not necessary. I already paid and everything but then found this site and now and really worried
http://healingbreastimplantillness.com/explantation/
I should probably stop reading stuff online but I just can't. I'm tempted to cancel and pay their hefty cancellation fee and then take my time finding someone who will do a capsulectomy. I am
Worried about leaving the scar tissue in. I just want everything out. It says on the link I posted that if you leave it in and can give false readings on mammograms etc. ugh!! I hate this and wish I had never got these toxic things put in. It is so not worth all of the stress and worry and all of the health issues I have had over the past 5 years. Gonna go try to rest now- if I can turn my head off :(
http://healingbreastimplantillness.com/explantation/
I should probably stop reading stuff online but I just can't. I'm tempted to cancel and pay their hefty cancellation fee and then take my time finding someone who will do a capsulectomy. I am
Worried about leaving the scar tissue in. I just want everything out. It says on the link I posted that if you leave it in and can give false readings on mammograms etc. ugh!! I hate this and wish I had never got these toxic things put in. It is so not worth all of the stress and worry and all of the health issues I have had over the past 5 years. Gonna go try to rest now- if I can turn my head off :(
UPDATED FROM javagirlxo
Feeling emotional and scared today :(
Hi all,
After feeling super excited and relieved to have my explant scheduled I am suddenly finding myself feeling scared and worried I will hate my boobs. I just have to keep reminding myself how much my implants ARE NOT me and remind myself of all the things I hate about them. I'm just so worried I will hate them and they are going to be flat. Please tell me they will fluff up! :( I will have to buy a padded bra this week to make up for it until they fluff up. Anyway, trying not to stress. This whole thing has really drained me these past few days. I am definitely looking forward to feeling better though and will be working with a holistic specialist to detox after they're out and get my body back on track.
Im also concerned about my surgeon leaving the capsule in. I;m just worried about accidentally leaving some of the toxic debri. I;ve read a lot about how dangerous it is to leave in. Anyway, need to restup for my pre-op tomorrow. Thanks all for listening! :)
After feeling super excited and relieved to have my explant scheduled I am suddenly finding myself feeling scared and worried I will hate my boobs. I just have to keep reminding myself how much my implants ARE NOT me and remind myself of all the things I hate about them. I'm just so worried I will hate them and they are going to be flat. Please tell me they will fluff up! :( I will have to buy a padded bra this week to make up for it until they fluff up. Anyway, trying not to stress. This whole thing has really drained me these past few days. I am definitely looking forward to feeling better though and will be working with a holistic specialist to detox after they're out and get my body back on track.
Im also concerned about my surgeon leaving the capsule in. I;m just worried about accidentally leaving some of the toxic debri. I;ve read a lot about how dangerous it is to leave in. Anyway, need to restup for my pre-op tomorrow. Thanks all for listening! :)
Replies (18)
Don't hesitate to talk to your surgeon about your concerns. You are going to be and look just fine. You're a a very brave person taking charge of your health. Some day all this will be behind you, and when you look back you'll recognize just how awesome you are.
Thank you!! :)
Do you have silicone or saline? That seems to be a big factor. From everything i have read, you will be quite saggy at first and then they fluff up over the next 4 or so weeks. Think of it as booby pregnancy. It takes a while to get back to normal after being expanded for so long.
How did u find detox specialist! I want to do that too
Hi, I found a naturopath/holistic practitioner. I highly recommend it to make sure you get everything out. That stuff circulates all over through your liver, kidney etc. can't wait to get mine out but freaking out because my surgeon will not remove capsule and was saying how dangerous it is. But why I'm worried is because I found this site:
http://healingbreastimplantillness.com/explantation/
I keep hearing that those of us who are ill because of the implants should have the capsules removed since they are toxic too. I am having the capsules removed.
Yes I have been reading the same thing!! I want mine removed but already paid my surgeon and surgery is this Monday. I am tempted to cancel and pay the fee and find someone else.
Why does your surgeon think to is dangerous to remove them? I would definitely ask that question. My doc is pretty much an expert in removing them and is one of the few surgeons who actually believe in breast implant illness...in fact he refuses to put them in anymore. His name is Dr. Melmed. You can click this link to hear him discuss it: http://www.abundantlifewellnesscenter.org/breast-implant-illness. I heard that a lot of doctors do not like to remove the capsules because it requires a lot of work and great skill on their behalf. Just go with your gut...give yourself the best possible chance at good health. You do not want to wonder...what if. If you need more time to research other doctors, do yourself a favor and do so. You and your health are worth it.
He says my body created it and therefore will absorb it and break it down on it's own. He said the risk of removing it is greater than leaving it in because of the risk of bleeding. He was pretty serious about it and convinced me while I was there but now I'm reading stuff. And not sure. I'm really stressed out. Contemplating canceling and going with someone else. But also part of me just wants to do it. Ugh!!
I actually emailed my doc a few weeks ago to ask him about removing capsules. In looking at his response, he did not make it seem absolutely necessary. I can forward the email to you if you like. He said that he removes them especially if the capsules are thick so that the woman can have soft breast tissue. He made no mention of the capsules being necessary to be removed. You will be okay. Please try not to stress out and keep positive thoughts. I keep imagining myself waking up with restored health. I imagine the same thing for you :).
Can you email it to me? Do you mind? Can I private message you my email? You just made me feel so much better. If it's coming from a surgeon who strongly feels against implants now then that names me think I'm going to be ok. Will try to message u! :)
Just emailed you :)!
Do you live close to Dr. Melmed or traveling? Does he support insurance coverage? I discovered him on-line too after the fact. My illnesses had taken such a hold on me. Although my insurance would cover the cost of explant due to illness, it was hard finding a PS in my area that would even consider breast implant illness. I moved from California to the Charlotte area in North Carolina a few years ago. The PS that did my surgery has been supportive and I am so happy. Am feeling so much better but still on the path to recovery. It's been one month now and I actually love the way I look even better. Like you say our health is worth it. Had them in way to long.
In my research somewhat backwards, I think you are in the care of one of the best possible PS. Happy healing!
Christina, in what ways do you feel better? Energy? I can't wait to get these out. The right one is huge 380cc because that breast was smaller. It is too big for my rib cage and sticks out on the side. Can't wait for the pressure to be gone!
My energy level is improving day by day. I'm get closer to being back to myself. My headaches are gone, I no longer have burning sensations in my chest, back and legs. Sometimes the bottom of my feet would hurt. That is gone. The numbness in my face, arms and hands are gone. One of my symptoms was IBS. I am now regular without Meds. I still have minor symptoms of fibromyalgia which my primary care doctor is treating with Tramadol and Gabapentin right now. With a good detox plan I hope to be off those Meds too. I had neglected so many things of importance to me around the house and exercise. I also loved decorating for the different seasons and holidays. I didn't even care anymore. Thought about getting rid of everything. This really got me down as it was something I always took great pride with. The implants consumed my life and health. Huge difference from a month ago. This week has been a productive one for me. I'm getting caught up on neglected chores and it feels good. I have better focus now that my mind is not consumed by pain and fear. A month ago I thought about skipping X-mas decorations altogether. I am now excited and am planning on decorating some this weekend. I hear you on the pressure sensations. My implants were way to big for me too. Didn't realize how heavy my implants were. I feel 10 lbs lighter and have actually lost a little weight. My chest feels wonderful. The waiting period is difficult. It consumed me. It was the support from the women in this group that helped me in so many ways. Wishing you the best!
Awesome. .glad you are healing and already noticing a difference. Same here..so much less joint pain. Used to get out of bed feeling like I had ran a marathon the night before..no more! Happy weekend
Tell surgeon to wash capsule pocket out multiple times that's what mine did he washed 6 xs
Ask a doctor your question on this site. It always helps to have a couple of opinions.. Some doctors are really good about explaining exactly why or why not they do or don't do certain things. I know PS's aren't as likely to be concerned about toxicity, but some might, and others might give you good reasons you hadn't thought of. I would even guess that the questions has already been asked a few times before, so you might search it on this site. Not to say you shouldn't change doctors; it's just that for me, the more information, the better. Good luck to you!!
UPDATED FROM javagirlxo
I'm beyond excited to get these things out!!
Hi all,
I am just so happy and RELIEVED that I finally have made my decision and my surgery is in less than 2 weeks. I have been going back and forth with this issue for a few years now but have been completely consumed by it for the last few months, like OBSESSED. It's all Ive thought about. And my autoimmune disease is almost a blessing in disguise now because it made me finally decide to get them out. I am so grateful to have found out about it!! I can't wait to have these toxic bags out and to have my smaller breasts again. I hate how these feel and stick out and how they don't fit in anything and not even in D bathing suit cups. I am tired of trying to find bras with no padding and trying to hide them! I know my real breasts will sag for some time after but that's ok, and they may not look amazing but Im ok with that. I can always get a padded bra to perk them up. That's actually something I really miss about my real boobs- I could always buy the cute bras and liked accentuating my cleavage. Anyway, I'm just so excited I cannot contain myself- I feel like I'm going to be reborn and almost like a part of me died when I got them 6 years ago. Can't wait to embrace my body and let myself heal. Thanks all for reading and hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving! :) xo
I am just so happy and RELIEVED that I finally have made my decision and my surgery is in less than 2 weeks. I have been going back and forth with this issue for a few years now but have been completely consumed by it for the last few months, like OBSESSED. It's all Ive thought about. And my autoimmune disease is almost a blessing in disguise now because it made me finally decide to get them out. I am so grateful to have found out about it!! I can't wait to have these toxic bags out and to have my smaller breasts again. I hate how these feel and stick out and how they don't fit in anything and not even in D bathing suit cups. I am tired of trying to find bras with no padding and trying to hide them! I know my real breasts will sag for some time after but that's ok, and they may not look amazing but Im ok with that. I can always get a padded bra to perk them up. That's actually something I really miss about my real boobs- I could always buy the cute bras and liked accentuating my cleavage. Anyway, I'm just so excited I cannot contain myself- I feel like I'm going to be reborn and almost like a part of me died when I got them 6 years ago. Can't wait to embrace my body and let myself heal. Thanks all for reading and hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving! :) xo
Replies (11)
It feels great to have them out!
I just had mine removed 3 weeks ago and couldn't be more happier. I too was never really uncomfortable having them and always self conscious. I hated having them touched by my husband. I had silicone implants about 15 years ago and they had both ruptured and didn't even realize it. I had been having medical issues for a long time and never associated with the implants until my illnesses became extremely unbearable. I have been seeing numerous doctors for the last couple of years and had gone to emergency 3 times. They were treating me for high blood pressure, anxiety and depression but nothing was helping. It was my cardiologist during a cat scan that brought my attention to the implants being ruptured and probably for years. My chest felt like it was on fire and every part of my body was feeling the pain from head to toe. My cardiologist made the appointment to consult with a plastic surgeon which turned out to be horrible. He refused to support the possibility that my implants had anything to do with my health. He didn't even want to take the time to look at the copy of my cat scan. All he wanted to talk about was appearances and sell me on new implants. I had already talked with my insurance provider and the indicated they would cover the cost of explant due to medical complications. The plastic surgeon wanted no part of an insurance claim and said he would do the surgery for a fee. He gave me a quote for $4,250.00 and the available dates. It wouldn't be for another month or so. I was in tears. I went home and looked up the plastic surgeons that were under my insurance plan. A couple of plastic surgeons would not even take an appointment under an insurance claim. Then I found one that would but his next available appointment wouldn't be for another week. By this time my pain was so extreme I was sobbing feeling hopeless. My primary care doctor contacted the plastic surgeon for me and speeded up the process putting me on pain medication during the interim. A week later I was in surgery having my toxic breast implants removed. The waiting period was horrible. I counted down the days wondering if I was going to make it. I was required to pay his fees upfront in the amount of $2,800.00 and have to file my own insurance claim but he will support the claim for me along with my primary care doctor and cardiologist. I was at the point I didn't care and would pay whatever it cost to have them removed. It's been a long uphill battle finding our what has been wrong with me. I am feeling so much better now and have recovered nicely from surgery. It's kind of like recovering from the initial surgery of having them in except for having tubes draining fluids from the capsule area. They were really uncomfortable. Thank goodness for pain meds. My blood pressure is down dramatically and I'm on the lowest dose possible right now. It's amazing how much pain can cause your blood pressure to sky rocket. It's only been 3 weeks since explant and I'm amazed at how much better I feel. The plastic surgeon is treating me only for the surgery portion of my recovery. I had my post op appointment with my primary care doctor a few days ago. I still have minor symptoms of fibromyalgia which she is treating with Tramadol right now. Having the implants removed was the first step towards getting better. I no longer have the extreme burning sensations. I was treated with antibiotics of course and did develop a yeast infection that was treated. I did break out with a rash on my back that was really itchy similar to poison ivy that I guess was from the toxins escaping from my pores. Beginning to heal now. My doctor wants me to wait a month before I begin any type of detox cleanse. I can hardly wait to soak in a tub with Epson salt to clean out my pores. I never realized how much my implants contributed to my bad health. It wasn't until my cardiologist pointed it out that I started my own research and am so thankful for reading all the brave stories of so many women with the same issues and grateful for all the support of this group. It was all these stories that got me through the waiting period and gave me hope and confidence. I love my breasts just the way they are now and am feeling wonderful again about myself. Thank you all so much!
Wow thank God hope u get btr!! I got lupus 7onyhs after and I believe my implants set it off! Praying now that they are out my body heals !
Wow.. What a nightmare it was for u to get a dr to do the,surgery.. My pain is better too..
Hi Godscreation..I hope you are doing well. How active are you at this point? Since my silicone implants were over the muscle and no capsulectomy or drains I am feeling quite well. Most nights I sleep without a bra although wearing an exercise bra during the day. Honestly I am not sure that it does anything to help tissues heal in my case since it was implanted over the muscle...maybe I should be binding them at night too. I am trying to walk more---a little "pull" with overhead reaching on the right side that I think is related to the fact there was a slight contracture on that side--scar tissue that may respond to massage/remodeling. Anyhow, I assume you are still tightly compressed but just curious if you were exercising much here at post op day 12! XO
No still compressed till think end of week. I can't use my arms too much until Friday which has been hard to do. My left side feels good right still a little tight.. Don't know why I had capsule contracture of left side. I see him tomorrow tho. Can't wait to get out of this thing praying I'm healing well.. How r u?
Really well as far as I can tell. My PS was more of, "Call me if anything looks suspicious or feels uncomfortable.....otherwise take care!" Which is essentially what I have done. I always wonder how does one know if there is some kind of freaky infection or crazy stuff happening internally but on the outside stitches/incision all look fine and even though they hang a little low don't think they are too much different from 7 years ago post-breast feeding and prior to implants. My husband said, "They look a lot better that I expected!" haha--don't know exactly what he expected but then again he doesn't have much choice in the matter. You get what you get! If you gain any new insight as far as post-op care, activity, instruction please let me know. Hope all goes well tomorrow. Thank you for the reply.
Christina moss did you have a capsulectomy? Or just removal? That is so crazy about your health issues! I know mine are related to the implants as well. I have worked with several specialist over the years, tried numerous diets and supplement, tons of probiotics , and have never ONCE felt better. We have done so much testing and all the tests were coming back normal. I have had such nad anxiety and depression since I got them as well and it wasn't until we discovered the autoimmune that I realized all of these past years oh health issues were related to the implants. I am so excited to get these out! Just hoping that just removal and leaving the scar tissue in will be ok. Sigh.,,
Hi javagirlxo! I did not need a capsulectomy. I trusted the PS that performed my removal. He indicated he would make the decision during surgery. I did sign the consent form for removal of Breast Implant With Capsule Removal if necessary. Lucky for me not. He also did a Breast Biopsy for Removal of Silicone ruptured from both my implants. I'll know the results my next appointments and hopefully I don't have anything else growing in my capsule area. If you look at my pictures they are scary. Can't believe I was living with those creatures in my body. It's like a horror movie. I am so happy they are out of me. I wasn't scared as so much as I was anxious to get them out. That's just how horrible I was feeling.
This a link I discovered on the internet. Watch the video. Very informative.
http://www.abundantlifewellnesscenter.org/breast-implant-illness
I recently noticed someone else posting this same information.
I feel so much better and I can't express that enough. My breast look and feel really good. My husband likes the transformation too. I actually let him massage them for me. I hated having them touched before explant. They really never looked right on me either. I have small nipples and very light in color. The implants did not compliment me at all. I need to post an update on my profile but I wanted to answer you first. I will post an update on all the medical illnesses I personally experienced. My anxiety and depression are gone. I no longer feel as though I was on deaths bed. My legs feel so much better. I can actually stands for long periods of time without the bottom of my feet hurting. I no longer have extreme headaches and burning sensations in my chest. No numbness in my face, arms and hands. The scars are healing nicely. It all takes time and it's definitely worth it to me. Hope this helps you and calms your mind. Like my primary doctor tells me. Getting the implants out of my body is the first step towards recovery. Best wishes and thoughts are with you.
How are you doing.. Do you feel better since explant? Give it a few weeks. Breast usually are pretty close to pre inokant shape except a bit bigger in mist cases..
Hi! Explant is this Monday. Excited and anxious!

Replies (16)