explant anxiety! - Scotland, UK
I am 40 years old and have had cohesive gel...
I am 40 years old and have had cohesive gel silicone implants since 1999. I have always been self-conscious about my body and after many years of my boobs (or lack of) being the butt of everyone's jokes and the breakdown of a relationship, I decided to give myself a boost! I have loved having my implants and have had no problems until recently when my left breast became painful, mishapen and hard. It was making me feel dizzy and nauseous so I phoned my clinic for advice and they advised I was so post-op they would have to see me as they didn't have my records but they couldn't see me for 3 weeks. I decided to get some advice from my GP who suspected, just as I did, that I had a rupture. She arranged for me to have a scan which also confirmed that my left implant has ruptured and that silicone has leaked into my lymph nodes - removal was recommended. I have a holiday booked for early July so my surgeon suggested explant the week after I return. I have been terrified about how I am going to look after explant. My left implant has now settled down again and the demons have been at work as to whether I should go ahead with explant or just see how things go but this site has helped so much and I have decided to go ahead with explant after reading all of the encouraging stories posted by others in similar situations. Fingers crossed I stay strong! I will keep you posted of my journey.
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Thanks for your reply, it's good to hear positive comments. Right now I'm stuck between dreading it and just wanting it over and done with! Hadn't even thought about a lift, still trying to get my head round the basics but glad you think I won't need one - fingers crossed your right! Your support means a lot.
That's me back home after explant today, I was dreading it so much as I didn't want them out at all, they were ruptured so had to come out. I was so on the fence about replacement/explant but after reading all the fantastic stories on this site decided on explant. It's only a matter of hours since mine were taken out but I'm really pleasantly surprised with how they look. I was a 34a prior to implant and I'm 41 years old, a bit heavier than you (size 10/12). have a look at some of the other stories and this may help you with your decision, only you can decide. All the very best. Keep us posted. X
So pleased it is all over for you now! I am quite envious as i have just over a month to go and scared already--- thats because i am having them out privately in spain under local with sedation ( I live in Spain) I have read it is ossible to have this done under a local. I will save quite a bit of money and unfortunately the money side is an issue. If i could afford it i would rather have a general! I am also worried about how i will look--what other people will think--- like in my work, there are alot of people who know me who have no idea i had a bood job. I am on my holidays now and managed to find a marks and spencers here in spain and think i bought out the shop as just spent a fortune on bras! I am getting a little excited too about wearing some really pretty bra´s--something i have never really done as a size C. I must try to remain positive and keep reading on this forum. Thanks so much for your reply and so early after your op. You do sound so positive it really helps. Have a speedy recovery.
It's still early days for me but I think I'm going to be ok. Money was an issue for me as well, I would have had to take out a loan or sell something major if my NHS doctor hadn't agreed to help me so I can sympathise with you. I woke up really sore this morning and have just maxed out on painkillers but I'm trying to keep positive. I'm hoping to get some photos uploaded, let me know what you think. All the best. X
I was so happy to read your comment this morning. I was explanted yesterday and mine are looking a bit sad and wrinkly now. I had my implants put in 10 years ago, and over the past couple of years have noticed they'd gone quite hard but as it was such a gradual thing I didn't really notice. My boyfriend started complaining saying they shouldn't be that hard and I must admit they did feel like rocks and started to look a bit mishaped. Just for my peace of mind I went to the private hospital to get an opinion from a plastic surgeon about them, thinking he'd reassure me and I could go home and forget about it.
I was disappointed to hear I had Grade 3 capsular contracture-where they're hard and mishapen but not painful-that's grade 4. So I decided I would have them out.They were starting to feel sore from time to time and the side of the left one was looking quite squared off instead of round. It felt sore when the kids ran into me for a cuddle or rested their heads on me and my boyfriend was starting to feel a bit squeamish about the hardness of them.
My surgeon did say they would be very small and empty looking afterwards as he could feel I had very little natural breast tissue over the top of the implants (which were only 220 cc anyway as I have a small frame) and I was only a 32A before the implants, 32C/D after. I'm a size 8 and 5'7 so I'm quite tall and lanky and not very voluputous!!
To have them replaced was double the cost of just removal, I couldn't really afford it and I didn't want the capsular contracture to occur in future at further cost, surgery etc.
The surgeon said it would be better if I had them replaced with new implants, or had the fat transfer procedure done, but he wasn't pushy, i think he could anticipate how small they'd be afterwards and didn't want a wailing woman demanding her implants back in after surgery. We agreed I'd have them out, be prepared for the worse, see how things settled down 6 months after the explant and how I felt about having them replaced then. Although I'd be very surprised if I did decide to go through all that again.
I'm 40 soon and to be honest it's only me and my boyfriend that'll see them in the flesh so I'm shopping for some gel bras today!!
I had my implants after I had 2 children, because after I'd finished breastfeeding them, my little boobies completely vanished, and my husband at the time was a real boob man so I was happy to get the implants done.
I had a 3rd baby after the implants and managed to breast feed for 7 months with the imlants in. They did get pretty huge then 32DD then, and after breast feeding with implants they were 32C/D. I was a bit concerend after all the size changes going on that the skin would be all baggy and wrinkly, especially as I'd had the implants for 10 years and did the breast feeding. They don't look too bad today, it's just my nipples are sort of sunk in and wrinkly, they look a bit like raisins!
I suppose I'm used to the implants sitting upright on my chest and its odd to see the real ones sort of vanish when I lie on my back but when I lean forward there's something there again!! 5 years of on/off pregnancy and breastfeeding followed by implants followed by another pregnancy and breastfeeding I'd forgotten what they should be like. Poor things, I think they need to be left alone to rest and recover now though!
Lovely to hear though that the fluffing out thing might make thinks look more promising,
I'm glad I've got in done. I would have left the implants in place if they were fine, but they weren't. And things look OKish now.
I keep telling my self, no one's perfect, make the most of my other assets, I'll never be on the pages of [RS bleep] now but I'm going to get the fake tan out and try and make more of my legs to distract from the top half LOL
Happy healing and from what I've heard here, they should improve even more as time passes :) xx
I'm 1 week post op and my boobies are starting to perk up a bit. My left side is more swollen and sloshy but the surgeon had more work to do on that side due to a rupture so hoping it will settle down. I agree with Loubedoo and think you should start your own review page. Happy healing and keep us posted.
Congratulations, the worst part is over. Please don't be upset. Yes they will look rather sad and deflated right now but you will see a difference in them each day. I'm 1 week post op and can't believe how they are looking. I was terrified of what I would look like and how I would react once they were out, it's not the best sight immediately after they are removed but it does improve. Do you have anyone you can speak to? I had no one (still haven't told anyone other than hubby and 1 friend) but the girls on this site have been fantastic and have kept me strong. There are worse things that could happen. You've not said why you had your implants removed but please be kind to yourself and give yourself time to adjust and heal and if you really are unhappy, speak to your doctor and weigh up your options. Keep me posted. Hugs. X
He he, can't quite imagine me as an agony aunt but thanks for the compliment. I had my post op check today and dressings taken off. Been told my boobies will contine to change and settle down over time. I'm going to update my review and will post more pics with dressings off, it looks much better without the blood bubble! I'm just heading to work but will speak with you later. X

I've just replied to another of your posts. My boobs have changed daily since explant 4 weeks ago. They have been various shapes and sizes but at present they are very small but still a good shape. There is some puckering but I think that's more to do with the skin being a bit loose now. Fingers crossed the fluff fairies pay us both a visit soon. X
Got a letter from my surgeon today, my pre-op is on 25th July and explant on 30th July. Dreading it but resigned to it! X
Am trying to get my recovery time from work organised. How long did it take before you felt able to go about your normal routines? I've arranged a week off but don't know if I'm being optimistic! X
The other thing to consider is, did you get told if you will be having drains or not? If you dont know what I mean, it's basically tubes and little pots that will drain any fluid that builds up in the cavity left when you're implants are gone. Some surgeons use drains and others don't - seems to be a matter of opinion. And some surgeons leave them in for a day and others a week or until there is little fluid coming out anymore. It wouldnt be impossible to go back to work with the drains in but they are quite bulky under your clothes and uncomfortable, so you'd probably want to wait. Just check with them what the plan is.
If this worries you, don't let it, because they honestly don't hurt, it is just a bit annoying is all! x
I came across this site while doing some research on implant removal. I am 41 years old and had my saline implant done in 2003 above the muscle. I now have a rupture in my left implant and have decided to go with removal. The implant is now completely deflated and I have what appears to be a dent in the upper pole area. I have very little breast tissue and my PS said I really would not benefit from a lift because of the litle breast tissue. Although I am not horribly disappointed with the way it looks I am not that happy either. I am wondering does it get better? Will my tissue tighten a little, will the dent go away? What is this dent? Anyone?
I don't have the answers to your question I'm afraid but from reading other people stories it would appear the breast tissue/skin is very forgiving. I certainly hope this is the case for both of us! Do you have a date for removal?
Not yet- July maybe. I am so worried about how the other breast is going to look once that implant is out. I lifted my arm above my head today and noticed dimpling and a wrinkle in my nipple. I just started to cry!
I am 31, had my implants in longer than you (from 2001) and i went from an A cup to D and they honestly are fine! They are not perfect definitely, but neither were they with the implants in.
Do you mean a support bra for the deflated implant? Well I would say yes, because once you have had the surgery they tell you to where a sports bra for 6-8 weeks so the inside 'walls' can heel back together and your breasts can become a good shape, but since you still have the implant shell in there I'm not sure - probably a question for your surgeon.
I share the same fears. I have silicone implants so mine are still inflated but the anxiety is definitely there as to how I will look post explant. Andi and others here have been a great help to me and I'm feeling more confident now. You sound like you have a good surgeon. I think the waiting and not knowing part is worse than the reality will be. Keep us posted of your journey. X
Yikes! Just worked my last shift before I go on...
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Just a wee update. Had my Pre-op this morning and...
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Have you gone through surgery yet? How are you feeling?
That's me had my surgery yesterday (I've updated my review). Was sick as a dog after anaesthetic but other than that all went well. I think it will take a while to get used to my new shape but I think I'm gonna be ok:)

Thanks for your comment. Not had surgery yet. Had my Pre-op this morning and I'm booked in for surgery on Monday morning. I'm still anxious as to how I'm going to look and feel afterwards but this site has been a great help and I'm hoping the ladies on here are going to keep me strong and positive.
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm truly sorry about your rupture. Can I ask why you're removing them instead of replacing them? Not that I think you shouldn't. So many women are happy with their lighter, natural breasts back. Just curious since you seem so on the fence.
Please keep us posted!
I have really enjoyed my implants and am gutted that I have a rupture. Call me naive but I never gave it a thought as they looked and felt great and I felt much more confident but the reality is that I have a rupture. I admit that my first thought was to replace but I came across this site and for the first time considered explant. Everything went great first time round, will I be so lucky a second time, will they look and feel as good, will they capsulate, will I need more surgery? If I did go ahead with replacement I would be in this position again in 10-15 years time, only I will be in my mid to late 50's and my health/recovery rate may not be so good. I've also had this mad image appearing in my head of me with white hair and wrinkles where everything has gone south, apart from my boobs!! I think that replacement would just be delaying the inevitable and I'm just going to have to get my head round the reality of the situation.
Sorry to hear about your rupture. I was scared witless too. The girls on this site are great and have really helped me. Check out some of the reviews, it may help you come to a decision on what's best for you. I had mine removed on 31 July after a rupture and I've had a good recovery. Feel free to ask any questions, I had loads! Keep us posted.