Breast Implant Removal: Stories

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Implant Removal Without Lift, Partial Capsule Removal - Seattle, WA

  • Worth It
  • Cost: $5,200
  • Dr. Haeck (Seattle, WA)

My doctor is suggesting removing the capsule from...

  • 14 Mar 2012

My doctor is suggesting removing the capsule from my left breast as it is thick and twisted. He says if he does not my breasts may look different sizes. Has anyone had this? Any comments?

I got my implants 10 years ago. I was 22 and in a different place in my life. I went from a 34 A to a 34 D. They have always stuck out from my body like torpedos, and when I am really fit they feel so hard and strange in my body. I have capsular contracture in my left breast, and it has twisted so it is looking somewhat deformed. I had one consultation to have them replaced, and thought about how I don't want to have to do this ever again. I want to be able to hug people without big rocks in my way, and do a push-up without my breasts pushing into my armpits, and wear a low cut shirt without looking slutty. I'm really hoping I can have the surgery next week, and can't wait until I can go shopping for a new swimsuit. Push-up bras, here I come!

Had a second consultation with another doc. He...

  • 18 Mar 2012
Had a second consultation with another doc. He wanted to do a capsulectomy on both sides, which the first doctor thought was unneccessary. I've decided on Dr. Haeck in Seattle, I have my pre-op this week and am hopefully going to be scheduled for April 2nd. Thanks for your helpful comments!

Had my pre op yesterday, surgery is scheduled for...

  • 23 Mar 2012
Had my pre op yesterday, surgery is scheduled for April 2nd. In the meantime, the capuslar contracture in my left breast has actually been changing the appearance of my breast week by week as the implant is sqeezed into new and unlovely shapes. I now have a lumpy looking breast. Soooo ready to get these out.

So, it's done! Everything went smoothly. Pain is...

  • 2 Apr 2012
So, it's done! Everything went smoothly. Pain is moderate, most of the pain is around where the drains are in. He put drains on both sides, but I only seem to have fluid on the left side where he removed the capsule. It is strange to look down and not have a bosom. Drains will come out wednesday, then I will post pics.

Well, 2nd day after removal. I went in to get the...

  • 4 Apr 2012
Well, 2nd day after removal. I went in to get the drains out this morning, and that made a world of difference for my pain and comfort. Most of my discomfort was because of the drains. He went through the nipple, so I still have tape on the incision. I've also been squished in a bra and now a compression band for 23 hours a day, so my skin is wrinkled and imprinted from that. I took my first look tonight when I took a shower, and I'm pretty pleased. I think once the tape on the nipples come off and they fluff up a little they will look pretty good. I feel pretty good, much of the pain is gone. My fiance told me that he is already happier with the way I look. he said that my implants looked weird and unnatural. That makes me feel better too.
All in all, it still feels strange to see myself in the mirror with a flat chest. But I think I will be very happy with the decision.

Itchy! That is the worst of it now. I'm down to...

  • 6 Apr 2012
Itchy! That is the worst of it now. I'm down to only 2 pain pills a day. I'm probably doing too much right now, which is why I'm needing anything at all. The incision sites itch, as well as the little incisions where the drains were in. But feeling better every day. I'll post pics again after he takes the tape of the incisions on the 16th.

List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer others

  • 16 Apr 2012
List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer others

List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer others

  • 16 Apr 2012
List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer others

Just went back in for my 2 week post op. He took...

  • 16 Apr 2012
Just went back in for my 2 week post op. He took the stiches out, ouch, and told me I am free to take off the compression band and graduate to a big girl bra! He is very pleased with my results. I feel great. I still have some tenderness and swelling in the left breast because of the hemotoma, and the doctor told me I need to wait another two weeks to work out so it doesn't get worse, but other than that I am healing just fine! I'll post new pics once I go get my new bra!
BTW, my doctor says not to get a push up bra for awhile, because while I am healing a push up bra could possibly cause my breasts to become deformed.

Got fitted for a real bra today! I went to a...

  • 21 Apr 2012
Got fitted for a real bra today! I went to a professional fitter and she taught me alot. Turns out my underwire size is actually a D. That doesn't refer to the cup size, but the underwire width. I'm a 32 D in a small cup. She says it is very important to not have the underwire pressing on the breast tissue, and that my breast tissue goes far around my chest. She said that having the right size bra will help develop a better shape as I heal. So glad I didn't just go to Victoria's Secret. So for all you explant ladies, go get fitted!

Well, had my first real workout today, just over 1...

  • 4 May 2012
Well, had my first real workout today, just over 1 month out. I tried running earlier in the week and found my bra was not supportive enough, I could feel my breasts bouncing in an uncomfortable way, so had to get a much more supportive bra. It feels so good to workout without big beach balls in the way! I ran, did push ups, chest presses, etc; and had no pain or discomfort. I am so glad I went through this.
I also saw a bunch of my family this last week. Everyone keeps telling my that I look thinner and younger! Can't go wrong with that! It was also wonderful to hug everyone tight, without feeling awkward!

2 months post-op. Saw the doctor last week, and he...

  • 4 Jun 2012
2 months post-op. Saw the doctor last week, and he pronounced me wonderful! He said I don't need a lift, and just need to start massaging the scars. Yay!

Wow, I forget that I had those things sometimes! I...

  • 6 Jul 2012
Wow, I forget that I had those things sometimes! I am very happy with my breasts now, and love not feeling freakish! The scars are healing, and while they still pucker when I bend over they are getting better. I am so happy with my choice to have the implants removed.

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Dr. Haeck is wonderful. He made me feel so good about my decision. He just wanted to do what would make me happy, and never tried to sell me on a different procedure. He was very professional and friendly, and made the whole process smooth and comfortable. i would recommend him for any procedure. He is very caring. My results are so wonderful, he made me very happy.

Comments (61)

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cateloveskinerase 27 Oct 2012
You look fantastic! I also had removal and am so much happier having soft, natural breasts. I don't care if they're small! However, I am much older than you, had larger implants, and I may need a touch up since I've already had a lift before the implants (I know, I know.) so glad I had them out -- done with that awful implant look!
dreeemy 10 Jul 2012
Thank you so much for the answers! It means so much to get some calming information in this situation :) I read this forum daily and it helps so much to read other's experiences. I feel that I'm not alone with this, thank you again! I guess I just have to give it some time. I don't have that problem at all in other breast so that's why I'm also worried. And it is just that when I'm bending the flesh looks inverted and it is almost the whole breast below the nipple that goes inverted when bending, it is not a pretty sight, actually quite weird. It is hard to believe that it will improve but I try my best to stay positive :) It would be nice if all of you keep us updated how your situations improve and if the massaging helps.
Corki973 10 Jul 2012
Mine are also puckering. My scar is in the crease, well... If I had a crease! Not anymore! It kind of looks like double chins! Haha! My Dr said that it's from the internal stitches and should go away in a few months!
dreemy 10 Jul 2012
You look beautiful!! You said that when you are bending over your scars pucker. What do you mean by this and what did your doctor said about that? Did he gave you some instructions to make it better? I have a similar problem even thoug my scars are on the crease not around the nipple. When I'm bending over my left breast is inverted and sunk in below the nipple like the skin is over attached to the tissue underneath or something. So the problem is not with the scars but the breast tissue below the nipple. Does anyone else has this problem? I'm two weeks post op so I hope things will improve when scar tissue in the breast matures. Feeling a little blue if this is permanent..:( (Sorry my english, I'm not a native speaker)
sheatheviking 10 Jul 2012
When I bend over the flesh around the scar looks inverted. My doctor says it is the scar tissue underneath. He has me place two fingers on the scar and press, massaging the scar tissue underneath. It seems to be getting better. If you are only two weeks out then I wouldn't dwell on it too much yet. My doctor gave me the go ahead to start massaging the tissue at 2 months, and said that it will take a couple of months of massaging to break up the scar tissue. So give it some time. Your body is amazing and can heal from just about anything!
preciosa 10 Jul 2012
HI! I have similar problem I think it is breast tissue or the stretched skin i have it on both breast when bending over, and when laying down nipples sink in with skin I don't know what would make it better. My incisions are under armpits. I'm giving it time, maybe it needs more time. :)
flashgirl 6 Jun 2012
you look amazing!! well done on your 2 month consultation. x
sheatheviking 5 Jun 2012
Thanks! My doctor also works out of the Swedish Hospital in Issaquah, WA, and they have shops at that hospital. There is a bra shop there called Perfect Fit. They specialize in women who have gone through surgery, especially breast cancer patients. The women who started the shop used to be professional fitters for Nordstrom. I was a little shocked by the size bra she put me in, but I must admit it fits perfectly. In fact, I had both my mom and a good friend who both have the same size breasts try it on....they both ordered one. If you aren't in Washington I would say go to a high end retailer like Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Ave to get fitted. You don't actually have to pay the big bucks to buy a bra there, the secret I found is to find the exact bra that fits you....and get it on ebay. I paid $65 for the bra at Perfect Fit, and then ordered a second one in black on ebay for $20.
breezy123 5 Jun 2012
You look fantastic! Congratulations on your explant. I hope to be there soon too! Where did you go to get fitted?
preciosa 5 Jun 2012
Hi!!! you look great.. I am getting really close to my 2 month post op. but I dont know yet if ill need a lift, but when i lay down my nipples sink in with skin. ill ask my doctor about it. to me it seems that i will need a lift but its only when i lay down. I did have 405cc. You got really good results!!!!!
niknik01 4 Jun 2012
You look amazing! Your results are beautiful. It must be such a relief to move on. Do you know how many cc's your implants were?
sheatheviking 5 Jun 2012
You know, I'm not sure, but I think they were around 390 each? The doctor who removed them said they were waaaayyyy too big for my body. I actually ended up having more breast tissue than he thought I would, because the implants had compressed it so much.
Thanks for the comments!
smurfette1989 28 May 2012
You look beautiful. I had a lift and it took about 7 month for things to "fill" back in. You are brave!
newproblem 14 May 2012
Thanks. My Doctor is on holiday and unreacheable. That's why I'm asking here.
sheatheviking 14 May 2012
My incisions are around the nipple. I am about a month and a half out, and mine are healing really well. Still obviously a scar, but getting better all the time.
Victoria's Secret has a sports bra called the Supermodel Cami bra that give great shape and support without underwire. I don't know how much it would rub on your incisions tho. I got mine on ebay for like $20. You might want to try one on in the store first, but I did a small and it worked out just fine.
As far as putting stuff on the incisions, my doctor has me using Scar Fade gel, which is silicone based. I don't know about VE. Some docs say yes, some say no. I just decided to listen to my doc.
newproblem 11 May 2012
Mine were removed with partial capsulectomy Arpil 17. Girls - how long does the redness on the incisions last? My incisions are under the breast. And it's so hard to find a bra that doesn't touch this area- any suggestions? Also, can you/should you, put vitamin E on the incisions? And if so, when?
flashgirl 5 May 2012
sheatheviking

wow, that sounds like a workout! was wondering when i could start back up at the gym. i'm two weeks post explant, so perhaps in a few weeks (with a good sports bra on!)

well done!
sheatheviking 5 May 2012
Yes, a good bra is a must to keep the girls in place. I would ask your doctor when you can start up again. I have to say, working out felt amazing without the implants. They were always in the way, plus it got old having men staring at me while working out. I look and feel much more athletic now. And my implants used to push into my armpits when I would do chest exercises, so it its really
Aquelle 5 May 2012
Looks great !!!'
Adjan 2 May 2012
You look great and thanks for your story and pics. I am nervous my explant due 1 week today and still pondering about having capsulectomies. I keep posting questions to everyone as everyone,s stories are so helpful. Keep healing and thank you for sharing.
sheatheviking 3 May 2012
Thank you. Good luck with your surgery. What has your doctor said about capsulectomy? I had one doctor who said he would do both sides, but the doctor I went with said only the side that had capsular contracture needed to be removed. I agree with him.
You will do great, and feel so much better after!
preciosa 24 Apr 2012
HI!! you look great!! wow your bra is totally different size, you look great in it too.
christinajane 22 Apr 2012
You look great!!!! Love your boobs after surgery- they look beautiful!
sheatheviking 23 Apr 2012
Thanks! I'm happy, though my left one is shaped a little strange. He cut out the old scar around my nipple, and I'm hoping it is just the new scar pulling, and that they will look better as the scar heals.
newproblem 22 Apr 2012
My drains come out tomorrow. Does it hurt? My doc left them in for 7 days, though I had very little output. I'm scared my skin will have started to heal around them, and it will tug, pulling them out and the stiches for them.

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