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explant anxiety! - Scotland, UK

ORIGINAL POST

I am 40 years old and have had cohesive gel...

Laineylou
WORTH IT

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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Mr Newns

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Replies (56)

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June 7, 2012

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!

June 7, 2012
Hi Angiemcc

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.
September 20, 2012
Well hello girls , been reading your reviews found out yesterday, have a rupture, also been having health problems, with kidneys, was considering having my gel implants taken out , was a 32 aaa now am 58 years hand them done when i was late 20 s or beginning 30s , first couple of months had a rupture , was remplaced not want them out i find they are too big now with age am a 38 D have small bones 5ft 5 , am scared also . please reply .
September 20, 2012
Hi 4 Deb

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.
September 28, 2012
have an apppointement with the surgeon , so he could have a look, now don t want them out but still find them too big. also think my breasts are nice . would like them smaller though, sometimes i say everything out other times just don t know ; i guess i have to think of my health. , i will surely be flat as hell afterwards ?????????? am so scared. heard it could cause cancer , but don t really know. thanks girls .
June 7, 2012
My situation was similar. I had them for years and then out of the blue one day my right side started encapsulating. You and I look very similar. Depending on what size they are, you will probably have an outcome similar to mine which was pretty good. It looks like your nipples sit high enough that you won't need a lift. Also, when the implants come out you lose the upper pole fullness, and that causes the nipples to pull up even a little higher. Mine definitely point higher up now than they did before. You also have youthful skin. They will look great. Just be aware that the first few days are awful. While I was being driven home from my procedure, I pulled the bandages back and peeked and I could not believe how deflated and wrinkly they looked. I was horrified. That started to correct itself in a matter of days. Now they don't even resemble what they were the day after explant. Now they are full and warm and soft and squishy and I love them. Definitely start getting excited, you're going to love it.
June 7, 2012
Hi SoRelieved

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.
July 30, 2012
Hi i love your comment you made here. I have just joined this site and so scared as i have my implants removed on the 4th Sept- i have capsular contraction grade II on my right side. Had them in for 6 yrs but never really liked them although everyone around me says how fantastic they are and how good i like. I admit i do look good with clothes on and off but these breasts are NOT mine , they are under the muscle and almost everytime i move i can feel them and am reminded that they are false. does anyone else feel like this. As it is getting closer to my date the demons are out-- shoud I ? shouldn´t I.??? A bit confused at the moment as one day I am 110% postive to have them out then another day get all confusaed. I am SO scared at how i will look after. I was a 34 A and the surgeon made a mistake initally of bringing me up to a sixe c cup-- i only wanted to be a B--- maybe this is why i have never really accepted them. I am 5ft 4 weigh approx 120lb so the first thing you see is my breasts--- i dont flaunt them. Can anyone give some encouraging advice about what to expect after and how to love my small boobs again? I will be 43 this august. Thanks for any of your replies
July 30, 2012
Hi Reed69

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
July 31, 2012
Hi Laineylou
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.
July 31, 2012
Hi Reed69

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
July 31, 2012
Take it easy Laineylou! What pain killers are you taking? I was told I would only be able to have paracetamol when I go home after my op, and NOT to take ibruprofen for a week or two afterwards. Can you contact your Dr or hospital if you need any help with the pain management? When is your post op appointment? Hope you're ok very soon [RS bleep]
July 31, 2012
hang on in there--i am sure in a day or two you will feel much more comfortable. I will up load photos too when i am back from my hols. Take care x
July 31, 2012
It's my wee girls birthday today so just trying to muddle through as best as I can but will be spending a bit of time on the sofa after today! I've got paracetamol and ibuprofen to take as co-codamol makes me feel wonky. Saying that I'm still feeling a bit sick so not sure if it's the Brufen after being so sick yesterday. I've got a number for the on-call doctor at the hospital if I need it but don't think I will. Onwards and upwards eh! X
July 31, 2012
Happy Birthday to your daughter :) Yes it may be the ibuprofen as it can affect the stomach. Be careful X
August 7, 2012
Hello SoRelieved,
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
August 7, 2012
Hi Lindylea and congratulations on your explant! Have you put your story in a Review here? I think you have exactly the right positive approach and you're right, after all we've put our poor boobies through, we need to give them a chance to recover.

Happy healing and from what I've heard here, they should improve even more as time passes :) xx
August 7, 2012
Hi Lindylea

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.
August 7, 2012
Thanks! I have written a longer version of all my goings on, on a review page here. x
August 8, 2012
I had my explant last night and I cant stop crying, they look like 2 deflated ballons. After reading your post I am feeling hopefull, maybe they will improve.
August 8, 2012
Oh brissy, that'll be me on Saturday when I have mine done too. From what I can tell, they improve with time so try not to feel too low about it right now. We've all put our breasts through a lot and they need time to recover and settle down. I'm sure you'll get great advice from the ladies here who have also explanted. Stay strong and keep positive. If you're still unhappy in a few months, maybe you could consider a lift? I've heard it's better to do a lift as a second stage operation. You may well find that you won't need or want it though. Good luck with your new boobies and give them some love :) [RS bleep]
August 8, 2012
Hi brissy

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
August 8, 2012
Brissy, I agree with lainey and loubedoo. They DO look sad and wrinkly straight after, but remember your breasts have just had a major trauma and need to recover. Things are going to get better and better, just wait and see! I dont think mine, now 2.5 months on even look anything like they did in that first week. Hugs x
August 9, 2012
Oh Brissy---we have not talked on this site but i really do feel for you--- i have my implants out (under the muscle) the 4th Sept and as you rightly say this site is great to get you through it. Reading everyones input --yes they will look deflated for a while BUT from reading other comments they will fluff up. Gosh here i am talking as if i have had mine out!!! I am so scared about hating my body after the explant i have already ordered from silicone sally (breast cups) just to put in my bra for a while so that i can gradually get used to the new me. You have done the right thing--- but you have just had them out so you are bound to have good and bad days. Dont forget the anaesthetic and the discomfort will drag you down--Take care and thinking of you [RS bleep]
August 9, 2012
Hi Laineylou i still look at this site daily. You have really helped me with all your comments. I told my mum and siter on Monday--- there were yet again some tears but i am moving on and my mum came shopping with me to help me find swimming costumes that will suit me after. I am lucky she could help me. I told a couple of friends but they were not that interested-- i think their inpression was why did you have it done in the first place! It is hard for me as i live in spain past 8 years-- even talking to the doctor is hard in a different lanuguage and my true true friuends i grew up with are in the UKI. Now my mum and sister have left BUT i read this site daily and it help me. I am now having a laugh with my 13 yr old daughter as i am sure my breast after the explant will be the same size as hers. So i am getting prepared but so scared at looking at them after it is done. Also i dont have complete confidence in the surgeon--so that does not help--but the price is good--hope i am doing the right thing. My husband seems to think she knows what she is doing so gotta go with it. So glad you are recovering well and the fluid in your breast has that completeloy gone now? By the way i think you would be a great agony aunt!!! xxxxxx
August 9, 2012
Hi Reed

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
August 21, 2012
Briskly, I pray you'll be ok!! I'm a 33 year old & am thinking about getting implants; I'm sooooo tired of feeling not worthy because of my breast size & really need some genuine advice about going through with a life changing surgery. Advice..PLEASE!! I hope you heal swiftly--thank you!! P.S. your in my thoughts & prayers!!
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August 28, 2012
That is GREAT news to hear! I just got mine removed yesterday morning and today was the first time i was able to see them. VERY overwhelming but I know why I did it and I try to keep my mind on those reasons (capsular contraction). So your boobs fluffed up a bit more? I'm really hoping mine will because i'm not used to my nipples feeling like they have sort of...caved in to my chest...if that makes sense. ugh!
August 28, 2012
Hi AshleyGail

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
August 29, 2012
Hi AshleyGail, glad it is all over for you--i mean the op side. I am due for explant next tuesday. I also have cc on my right side and cant wait to get them out. How long did you have implants for? I cannot comment on the caving in bit-- but i am sure i have ALL THIS to look forward to! So i am sure everyone on this site will be able to pick me up when i am low. Happy healing-- for you, it is very early days-- the breast seem to change hour by hour post explant!!! (well that is what i am reading on this site--it is great that so many women are on here and so open) keep us posted how it is going. x
June 7, 2012
Hi Lainey, I'm sure you will have a great result, good luck with the surgery and try not to worry before your holiday x
June 7, 2012
Thanks Andi.

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
June 7, 2012
I know the feeling! I really dreaded it before too as I had a month to wait. Remember the reasons you're doing it, and also bear in mind that you don't have to, if you don't want to - when I thought about this it made me realise, actually I wanted rid of them.
June 10, 2012
Hi Andi22

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
June 10, 2012
Hi, I had surgery on a Thursday and back to work on Tuesday and was fine so I'm sure a week will be ok. If you have a very physical job you might need longer though- I just have a desk job. I read a few people saying that recovery is easier than with the original surgery, and I agree with that. You still need to be careful lifting anything too heavy or exercising for several weeks though.

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
June 8, 2012
Hello
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?
June 8, 2012
Hi Naddy

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?
June 8, 2012
There was another lady on this site who had her saline implants deflated to see what they would look like. She had a dent on top that looked like it was pulling, her PS told her it was the deflated bag inside pulling down, cause if you think about it depending where the leak is the bag may not completely deflate and will pull down. I am sure once you get the bags out and give it a little while to heal you will be happy with your results!
June 10, 2012
Hi Laineylou
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!
June 10, 2012
I really hope so- but to be honest I don't think they are going to look any better. I just hope they don't get worse.
June 11, 2012
Hi Naddy, it is not really 'out' yet because you still have the shell in there. I'm sure it will get better once you have all of it out - and of course a small breast with a shell still in there is going to look odd next to an implant! They also seem to change so much as they are healing. hugs x
June 11, 2012
thanks andi- I'm just so worried i'm going to stay looking this way or worse. I was planning to call my ps tmorrow to ask him if there is anything (lift wise) that he can do. Do you think I'm over reacting should I wait and see what they look like first. I'm just thinking that it if I can do it all at the same time it will be less expensive. Do you think I need a support bra.
June 11, 2012
Most of the reviews I have seen said that generally people have the implants out and then wait 6 months to see if they need a lift or not. Why dont you go and see another surgeon too, just to see what someone else says? or you could ask a question on realself to the surgeons here.

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.
June 11, 2012
That gives me hope thanks! The surgeon I'm seeing now is #2 recommended by a physician friend of mine that had a double mastectomy and recon surgery done with him. Maybe I will ask him some additional questions being that new things are popping up (no pun intended) lol. so what about the support bra yes or no?
June 11, 2012
I'm glad you can still laugh Naddy! :)

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.
June 11, 2012
Oops that should be 'wear'.
June 11, 2012
Hi Naddy

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
UPDATED FROM Laineylou

Yikes! Just worked my last shift before I go on...

Laineylou
Yikes! Just worked my last shift before I go on holiday. Op not for another 2 1/2 weeks yet but my stomach is doing somersaults. Next time I'm back at work it will all be over. I am so nervous!

Replies (1)

July 17, 2012
Hi just wondered do you have pip or was that before they sold the toxic bags thanks for putting up your pics mine look very similar to yours except mine is ruptured on the right can't wait to get them out just hoping I don't have to get lymph nodes removed too please put up after pics and good luck x
UPDATED FROM Laineylou

Just a wee update. Had my Pre-op this morning and...

Laineylou
Just a wee update. Had my Pre-op this morning and all went well. Have to be at hospital for 8am on Monday. Explant will be done under general anaesthetic but I should be home in the afternoon. The nurse didn't mention anything about needing a sports bra so not sure if I will be strapped up or what, will phone tomorrow and check. Still anxious as to what I will look like and how I will cope with small boobies after all this time. I'm counting on all you strong ladies to keep me strong and positive. Will keep you posted. Thanks again for your support.

Replies (33)

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July 25, 2012

Have you gone through surgery yet? How are you feeling?

July 31, 2012
Hi Angiemcc

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:)
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August 1, 2012

So glad to hear that!

July 25, 2012
Hi Angiemcc

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.
July 25, 2012
Glad u got on good, the nurse didn't tell me either when I went for my pre-op re bra's but called and checked and yes u need them, I took a size smaller with me and that felt fine. Not long now for u! Excited for u as u will feel so slim and sexy with your own real boobs! [RS bleep]
July 25, 2012
Hi Lainey! I didnt get told about bras either so I called up and they just said to get a sports bra. It's going to go great, you have perky boobs with the implants, so sure you will be happy :) x
July 26, 2012
Not long for you to wait now, how exciting! Good luck for Monday, I will be thinking of you - you will look great afterwards x