POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
Planning Explantation but Scared! - Tampa, FL
ORIGINAL POST
I have 26 yr old silicone implants that are...
kpettMarch 14, 2013
WORTH IT$4,000
I have 26 yr old silicone implants that are causing pain! I'm 61, very tiny (100 lbs) and worried about how my breasts will look! I'm a full C, but came from an A. I've had 2 consults about replacing the implants. Dr's seem to want to replace!! Now I've had a consult for just explantation! Went well! Having a 2nd opinion Thurs.
UPDATED FROM kpett
1 month pre
Had my 1st consultation for explanting without...
kpettMarch 19, 2013
Had my 1st consultation for explanting without replacing. A female P.S. She was very open to the idea of not removing the implants. She said the outcome should be fine, but of course no absolute guarantee. I asked if she thought my nipples would collapse or look disfigured. Her answer was there was no way to know for sure until going in and seeing what everything looks like. She didn't recommend a breast lift. I felt comfortable with her and liked her and the staff. My only concern was when I asked to see some pre & post op pictures of some she'd done, she said O.K. However, when I was checking out her staff said they would have to get patient's permission before showing me any pictures? They said they would do that and email me some pictures. Never heard anything, so I emailed and asked. The reply was from the front office saying they hadn't gotten any yet, but were working on it. Then, went on to say I should go online and find various photos of just anyone that went through this type of surgery! It made me feel a little put off, number one and why is it so difficult to see a picture of "her" work, not just "anyone"! Is this a red flag? Has anyone else had a problem requesting to see photos? It's not like there"s a name on the photo. It's a chest only!? Any thoughs?
The doctor has very good credentials and says she's done explantation but no pics.
I have a second consult Thursday with another P.S. so I can compare I guess. I'll ask again about pictures!
The doctor has very good credentials and says she's done explantation but no pics.
I have a second consult Thursday with another P.S. so I can compare I guess. I'll ask again about pictures!
Replies (11)
March 19, 2013
Hi there. Have you tried posting a question to the plastic surgeons on here. Its good to have as much info as possible and be able to see clearly what all your options are. Any advice from them is free on here and may flag up some questions you may want to ask potential surgeons when you go for a consultation. Hope your second consult goes well. Let us know how you get on x
March 20, 2013
I don't think too many doctors had done explant only surgery. They are so bent on putting new ones in they rarely do explant. Guess it's bad for business. I'd def follow up on pics if she says she's done explant before. I signed a waiver saying they could use my photos. It was just part of the paperwork. I got my boobs out 2 weeks ago. I feel great. They look scary at first but def fluff up over time. Probably wont be perfect but who's is? Good luck to you please keep us posted :)))
March 21, 2013
I think you hit the nail on the head, BHard! I went back to the PS that implanted (not many options where I live and frankly wasn't sure I wanted to go through the process again) however, when I told him I was still unhappy after a year and a half and wanted to explant he was quite dismayed and asked a few times if I wasn't sure I just wanted to downsize! He didn't take pictures this time! Hmmmm.... maybe he would have more business if this was something he willingly offered? My explant was just 1500 less than my implant since I got a lift both times, so he wasn't out too much on fees. ^shrug^ I will say though at my 1 month followup he was very surprised that I had so much breast tissue left and they look pretty darn good. My results are perfectly perfect for me! :) Love not having them consume my every waking moment with how much I hated them!
March 20, 2013
Thank you for starting your story! I'm glad you're going to different doctors to check out their approaches. I'm bummed that your prospective PS isn't being more responsive with photos. I'm wondering if she's reluctant because explanted breasts are necessarily the "ideal"? Just a thought. But I would keep pushing for those pics.
Please keep us updated throughout your journey!
March 20, 2013
I see you live in Tampa, I live in St. Pete!! Have you looked into Dr. Robert Rehnke, he is located in St. Pete. I had a consult with him and really liked him, once I save up I plan on going to him for my explant surgery!
April 19, 2013
I have a consult with Dr Elias next week, but seems rather pricey for surgery. I am hoping the cost will be diminished by the fact that I'm not really looking for georgeous breasts, just more natural. Did Dr Rehnke give you any prices? I need to have this done, but I don't want to go bankrupt over it.
April 19, 2013
Yes, for straight removal it is $2,500.00. He is cheaper because he has a surgery suite in his office! He is really nice and so is his office staff.
April 20, 2013
Thank you for that tip! I will call for a consult with him today..I am very eager to have these plastic bags removed!
May 14, 2013
I decided to go with Dr. Rehnke because I liked his demeanor and I could save about $1200 because of the surgery suite. I also decided to have the breastlift now rather than later, as I remember all to well what I looked like before the implants. I have to have blood work and an EKG due to my age (60), but I liked that he is concerned about my health.
He said he is doing quite a few explants these days and did not try to talk me into anything I did not want.
I go for pre-op May 23rd and surgery is June 5th...I'm excited.
March 20, 2013
Hello kpett,
I live in the Tampa area and I saw a few PSs also before my explant. I finally decided to go with Dr. Paul Albear in Wesley Chapel. He was recommended by my gyn and I really liked him. He's the only one that didn't try to talk me into reimplanting, and he was honest about a lift. He told me to wait six months and then decide as my outcome may not be so bad. I had my implants for almost 30 years and had the same concerns as you. And you know what? He was right! The end result wasn't as bad as I feared. I think he's a really skilled surgeon. I believe he does breast reconstruction at Moffitt Cancer Center and I know that he's the chief of plastic surgery at the Tampa VA and both of those scenarios are challenging to a surgeon. And of course you can see an example of his work on my profile..lol.
UPDATED FROM kpett
1 month pre
I had my 2nd consultation today. It went really...
kpettMarch 21, 2013
I had my 2nd consultation today. It went really well and the doctor took time, explained the procedure and made me feel very O.K. with not wanting to replace my implants!
She has excellent credentials and does a lot of work with reconstructive breast surgery with cancer patients, as well as plastic surgery. Her hospital affiliation is with a large cancer hospital and 2 others. My last consultation, although I liked her, did not do a breast exam. Only did measurements. This Dr. did a good exam, as well as measuring. First doctor did not ask for pre op bloodworm. I actually brought it up and she said if I want to? The doctor today asked for pre op bloodwork and an EKG because I'm 61. So, were you asked to do bloodwork prior to your surgeries? I assumed going under general anesthesia one would get bloodwork and not an option.
Today's doctor did explain that they do have to have a patients permission to show their photos.
I thought the Dr. I saw last week was putting me off about seeing photos, but when I came home today there was an email saying they had two photos I could see.
I'm feeling like both doctors are good, but maybe the one today was just more through and has that extra expertise with many types of breast surgeries, including explantation. So my feeling was to go with the doctor I saw today! I scheduled surgery for April 26th!! Having labs done April 12th. The surgery is done at a hospital outpatient and the cost of the labs is included in the facility charge. Also, this doctor today seemed very positive about submitting it to my insurance due to rupture. The other Dr. was rather negative about trying.
Now, I count down to 4/26!!!! Hate anticipation, but it feels good to have found a Dr.!! I'll be counting on continued support from this site and will keep you updated! Thank you for being here everyone!!
She has excellent credentials and does a lot of work with reconstructive breast surgery with cancer patients, as well as plastic surgery. Her hospital affiliation is with a large cancer hospital and 2 others. My last consultation, although I liked her, did not do a breast exam. Only did measurements. This Dr. did a good exam, as well as measuring. First doctor did not ask for pre op bloodworm. I actually brought it up and she said if I want to? The doctor today asked for pre op bloodwork and an EKG because I'm 61. So, were you asked to do bloodwork prior to your surgeries? I assumed going under general anesthesia one would get bloodwork and not an option.
Today's doctor did explain that they do have to have a patients permission to show their photos.
I thought the Dr. I saw last week was putting me off about seeing photos, but when I came home today there was an email saying they had two photos I could see.
I'm feeling like both doctors are good, but maybe the one today was just more through and has that extra expertise with many types of breast surgeries, including explantation. So my feeling was to go with the doctor I saw today! I scheduled surgery for April 26th!! Having labs done April 12th. The surgery is done at a hospital outpatient and the cost of the labs is included in the facility charge. Also, this doctor today seemed very positive about submitting it to my insurance due to rupture. The other Dr. was rather negative about trying.
Now, I count down to 4/26!!!! Hate anticipation, but it feels good to have found a Dr.!! I'll be counting on continued support from this site and will keep you updated! Thank you for being here everyone!!
Replies (7)
March 21, 2013
Hey there! Have you seen the photos that some of the PSs have posted? If you cllick on the 'photos' link, right next to the 'reviews' link near the top of the page, there is a lady on the first page of photos that has subglandular with capsule removal, and I think she looks similar to you. Her photo is near the bottom of the first page in the middle row, (Dr. DiSaia). link: http://www.realself.com/photos/breast-implant-removal
March 22, 2013
Sounds like it went well. Hang in there. You'll be on the other side before you know it.
March 22, 2013
The anticipation is the worst! It'll be here before you know it. I'm almost 3 weeks post explant and feel amazing. It's hard at first and a bit emotional but you get through it. This site has been amazing and I wouldn't have had the balls to explant without it! Feel free to message me with any questions or concerns. Big hugs to you!
March 22, 2013
Hi, Going through the same feelings as you. I really felt better when my doctor made me feel comfortable about my questions and concerns. Very, very important I think, that you feel he or she is the right one to do the surgery. Good luck - I will be here with you.
March 22, 2013
It's good to hear how you found a surgeon who really listened to what you want and respected that. Looking forward to hearing how your procedure goes!
Replies (0)