Thirteen years ago I requested breast implants for my 49th Birthday and my Husband said yes. Rather than get a lift I chose large Mentor HP 480cc saline over the muscle to fill out my saggy little boobs. I went from 34B to 36G and they were amazing for sure, giving me the hour glass figure I desired. Now at age 62 it's time to explant. I returned to the same Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gwen Maxwell, who did my original augmentation, for my consultation in August as she is simply the best. There was no one else I even considered.
Unlike many who suffered illness or complications I’m very thankful I did not. My only complaint was shoulder/back pain. At 5’ 4”, 120 lbs. and a small to medium frame they were extremely heavy. This past year I’ve noticed my right breast seems smaller/more saggy and I’m wondering if my implant is leaking. Dr. Maxwell noticed the size difference as well at my consultation.
During the past couple years I’ve read countless stories and viewed MANY pictures here on RealSelf. I’m so very thankful to the amazing women who described the journey they took in great detail, provided the many pictures, and shared the ups and downs of this very emotional process. After much research my final 4 options were - 1) explant only, 2) explant with lift 3) explant with lift and fat transfer or 4) explant with lift and replacement. I chose option 2 (implant removal with full anchor lift) as I feel it’s best for me. I’m not concerned about the size I’ll end up with, only that they not sag. I’m looking forward to perky little boobs, no shoulder pain, cute sexy bras, and NEVER having another breast surgery. Wearing large/extra large tops and being medium on bottom sometimes left me looking frumpy in clothes or at least feeling that way. I am ready for them to go and my husband supports me 100%. His main concern is keeping me as healthy as I am right now.
My explant with total capsulectomy and anchor lift is scheduled January 4th, 2019. I’m both nervous and excited. There’s no doubt I’ll miss the girls as they’ve become “ME”. It will be a transition as all things involving change are. Regardless I feel very confident about my choice of procedure and Surgeon. In preparation I had my yearly physical, mammogram, and all tests are perfect. I eat healthy but am adding a bit more protein. My Fitbit Charge 3 has an app for relaxation if I get a bit edgy. I walk 6 to 7 miles every single day which also helps with the stress. December 5th I’m taking the 36G girls on one final trip, going to Seattle to visit my Son, Daughter-In-Law, and Granddaughters. A fun filled trip to take my mind off all things surgical!
I’ve bought a few new tops (size medium) in the styles I love. I also got a sexy lacy bra for a great price on Black Friday taking a chance on 34B as that’s what I wore 13 years ago pre-augment. I weigh 130 to 135 now and my body has changed a bit with age. Being 62 I’m not fretting about scars or expecting perfection. My wish is simply for perky boobs that do not sag regardless of the final size. I feel my expectations are realistic.
I return for my pre-surgical appointment with Dr. Maxwell December 18th. I’ll get my prescriptions and final instructions at that time plus make my last payment. I’ll continue to update as I make this amazing journey back to my natural self.
The pictures I’m posting today are from 13 years ago pre-augmentation. As far as the current ones I'm posting today – please understand they sagged much less right after getting implants so be kind when viewing. I’m really excited to see the end result and hopefully fit in my new purple bra.
Updated on 20 Dec 2018:
Went to my pre-surgical appointment this week. I picked up my pre-operative package which answers all my questions. I also discussed any concerns with the Nurse who will be assisting during my explant and lift. Choosing an incredible Surgeon Dr. Gwen Maxwell and staff is the best thing. Really hoping all goes according to plan and I there are no surprises. Last 2 weeks with my 36G girls.
Updated on 30 Dec 2018:
Enough with the stress, nervousness, and never ending thoughts my boobs turn out the way I hope!
My list of medications for this week:
Bactroban Ointment 2% - Swab the inside of both nostrils, ears, and navel twice a day starting Tuesday
Scopolamine 1.5 mg. - Place behind ear the night before surgery (for nausea)
Bromelain with Quercetin- 2 capsules 3 times a day for anti-inflammatory - starting Friday
Arnica Montana - 3 pellets under tongue 3 times a day - starting Friday
Zofran 4 mg. oral disintegrating - 15 minutes prior to taking pain medication for nausea or vomiting
Ativan 1 mg - for restlessness, anxiety and sleep
Percocet 5/325 - and/or Ibuprofen 800 mg - for pain
Updated on 3 Jan 2019:
This past week feels like nesting - 40 years ago before I had my boys. Things will change tomorrow and I won't be able to do much. So far I've packed my 36G bras, finished laundry 100%, and scrubbed EVERYTHING like crazy. My bed pillows are ready, meds in place, fridge full of drinks(not wine-yet), Note app on my phone to record drain amts, loose easy fit clothes out, fruits, veggies, healthy snacks, baked chicken, and a big bowl of SF lemon pudding for comfort. Everything is prepared and in place for a smooth recovery. Not really nervous. Just cartwheels happy in 24 hours I'll be home eating my lemon pudding and much lighter.
Updated on 4 Jan 2019:
I'll write more details tomorrow. One pic is before leaving for surgery. And right after arriving home without those darn implants. Bye Felicia! Had my SF lemon pudding as soon as I got home. It was delicious! I've also drank a lot - Life zero water, Crystal light, plain water, and now SF Cranberry juice. My husband and I watched a DVR movie. Just now got to bed. Feeling pretty good.
Updated on 5 Jan 2019:
I arrived at Dr. Maxwell surgical center at 8. By 9 had my paper gown on, nurses put warming blanket on, leg pump maybe for circulation, started an IV, put my sexy blue hat on and carefully went over my paperwork again. I must say every single Nurse or staff were simply awesome. Even though I was a tiny bit nerbous they put me totally at ease. Dr. Maxwell marked my chest for the best possible position for my new boobs. She asked me if necessary could she transfer a little bit of fat as one is a bit different (most women are). I told her yes …. She's amazing and I have total confidence in her. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Hunter came in next to ask his questions. I immediately felt comfortable and confident with him. He even complimented me on my enthusiastic attitude. I told him I always feel sad for the angry, depressed, unhappy people (realistically we're all just a heartbeat away from something out of our control happening and turning our worlds into a jigsaw puzzle with some very important pieces missing). I had my own share of losses, out of my control upsets and struggles…. but 95% of the time I'm in a positive frame of mind. As far as being excited and overjoyed about my surgery day finally arriving I was over the moon and it had to show. What really put my nerves to rest were all the amazing women on RS who posted their stories. I have been ready to explant these water balloons for a long time. Although I remained fond of them and well they were "ME" for 13 years. By Felicia!
They rolled me into the operating room, gave me the "don't have a care" injection and began creating my 62 year old dream boobs.
The next thing I remember 4 hours later was waking up with my awesome Nurse by my side. She gave me a Percocet because my pain level was around 5 or 6. Got me dressed and rolled me out to my anxious husband. Dr. Maxwell already talked to him when she finished so he was pretty calm. We have these little keychain pennies that say Lucky Us on one side. If we're going through anything stressful and are separated we each keep ours in a pocket.
Drive home took 40 minutes over smooth roads :) I didn't feel terrible at all. My husband hooked me up in my recliner with several bottles of my favorite drinks, and most important a bowl of SF lemon pudding which he added a cookie crumbled on the top to give it some extra bling yumminess. Then we watched a movie.
Drains are not bad - I've drained the left 3 times….the right zero.
The pain is not bad. I took one Percocet at 6 last night and Lorazepam at 8 before bed.
According to my Fitbit I slept 3 and half hours which I expected after surgery. I got up at 2 as I was in some pain and took another Percocet with the Arnica and Bromelain. I'm going to take an Aleve after I eat breakfast. I'll get a better view of my breasts when I take a shower later today. Just peeking at the tops I expect I'll be 34 B. But time will tell. I ordered a couple Fruit of the Loom bras from Amazon as I've read many posts they are the most comfortable and perfect for this recovery period - and they are only $8 each. It's 6:30 a.m. here in Tucson. My one concern this morning is the top of my breasts are a bit red. The left one is draining and is the most red. The right one is also a bit red but draining very little. Once I take this bra off for my bath I'll be able to see if the entire breast if red. Can't remember reading anything about it. Hoping it's nothing.
Updated on 6 Jan 2019:
Still not sleeping very well on my back. I did wake with a bit of pain this morning - 7 on the pain scale. Usually it stays around 3 to 5. I took a Percocet and now am pain free. Still drinking crystal light, Ocean Spray 5, bai Antioxidant Infusion, vitamin water zero [RS bleep], 2 diet Dr.Peppers and plain water. My JP drains have very little today. So I'm sure they'll remove them tomorrow afternoon. Cartwheels happy about that. Just took an amazing shower and washed my hair it was awesome. My husband and I like what we see so far. I feel so much lighter. And with my thin arms they fit my chest.
Updated on 7 Jan 2019:
Today at 2 p.m. the drain tubes should be removed. Cartwheels happy, - get OUT! Swelling is down and bruising is much better. I woke up in pain - scale at least 6. Thankfully the Percocet kicked in fast. It was my last one and I'm hoping she gives me a few more today. From what we can see my husband and I think they look awesome. I'm loving the itty bitty look so far.
Updated on 7 Jan 2019:
Cartwheels happy. My new fruit of the Loom recovery bra from Amazon fit perfectly. I love my new boobs and can't wait to feel 100% so I can wear my new clothes. For now I'm exhausted and going to sleep. Let the healing continue. I return the 15th for outside stitches. Meantime just need to patiently wait for them to settle.
Updated on 13 Jan 2019:
All my research and preparation was crucial however I still had to actually walk the walk. It is a process and having all the answers doesn't make the walk any less painful etc. First pain medication; my Surgeon prefered ibuprofen over opiods. Yes I ate before taking it and took every precaution. Still it left me with stomach pain and I had to stop after the day 2. With 5 Percocet on day 1 and 5 more given on day 3 it just wasn't enough. I had a thumb joint replaced and my pain level was much worse but I had less pain during the recovery because I was prescribed plenty of percocet. Everyone's pain tolerance is different. Evidently mine is low. With that said its been a journey reminding myself this is a process and I don't get to jump to the finish line without walking the walk. So far my bruising is much better, my pain level is much lower, and I seem to be healing as expected. My left breast was always a bit smaller and still is. They have months to go before the final result so ?. Other than the pain I'm really happy with the results so far. I return Tuesday, January 15th to have the stitches removed. Then I can start using scar cream which will feel wonderful. They do feel tight and dry. I'm looking forward to the day I'm able to do more exercise besides just walking as I miss it although I have caught up on my dvr recordings and Netflix. So far it's been worth it and I'm loving the little boobies!
Updated on 15 Jan 2019:
Went for 2nd checkup and had my stitches removed. All were dissolvable except around my left nipple. So it was quick and pain free. In fact my pain is gone except for being a bit sore. I return for my final Doctor visit February 14th. :-)
Updated on 18 Jan 2019:
By day 12 I was feeling much better - pain free - more energy - over all in a better place. Posting a new picture as they are healing and changing a bit. So happy I finally got rid of the implants. It was time.
Updated on 20 Jan 2019:
Wanted to share. Found this super comfortable yoga bras on Amazon. They are amazingly comfortable. They had silly little nipple inserts which I removed. Not expensive so wasn't concerned if they last forever. But these are worth pucking up for the recovery period and/or sleeping later.
Updated on 3 Feb 2019:
Still a bit sore and one tiny little bruise fading slowly but I feel amazing. Swelling is gone and the left is a bit smaller which it always was. My right is kind of wonky which it always was. I feel loads lighter, younger, thinner, and totally loving dressing now (good riddance matronly). I measure 34C but that might change which is fine with me. I return Feb.14th for my final checkup. And my release to return to my normal routine. I am SO happy and feel better than I have in years.
Updated on 4 Apr 2019:
The only thing I would change is waiting so long to get my implants removed. Nerves and such kept me from doing it sooner. I feel amazing and love everything about my little boobs. I have 6 new 34C bras but my favorites are still the after surgery sports ones I bought from Amazon. I have no more shoulder/back pain and feel loads lighter. I use Palmer Oil/lotion but not really concerned with the scars. I'm finally, after many years, in a place of not thinking about my breasts on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. Life is GOOD!
Updated on 14 Jul 2019:
Six months later boobies feel soft, natural, and "normal". I wear 34C bras and I do not miss the 36G girls one bit. A weird thing happened at 5 months ... I noticed what appeared to be a tiny stitch coming out beside my right nipple. I started pulling it and after 2 inches came through got my husband to help. Crazy it ended up being 7 inches long - pic attached. Yes it was freaky but didn't leave any pain etc. I did wash the place it came out with peroxide and neosporin for a week afterwards. I need to see Dr. Maxwell one more time and will ask her about it. This implant removal was the best thing. Going into my retirement adventures healthy and feel amazing every single day.
Updated on 26 Dec 2019:
One year later and I'm doing amazing. All healed, 1st 3D mammogram perfect, and life is good. Living without 36G very heavy boobs is awesome. Living with 34C normal boobies feels darn good and no worries for future problems. Getting the bags removed was worth it! No doubt!