My story is much like the others. Several children and nursed them. At age 32 had Mentor silicone (I think 280 -300cc) implants placed. Had some serious auto immune issues within the first year. All doctors dismissed the implants as a possible reason. This seem to resolve after one year.
Now 12 years later they are coming out. Can't say at this point that I have medical issues with them other than some vague symptoms that could also be other things. Overall I am very healthy. Just ready to get these out.
I have always felt they were larger than what I wanted. I am careful about what I wear as my body is small and these seem out of proportion to me.
My PS was great on consult. I have gone to a new PS as the original PS is 4 hours away now. Did not suggest a revision and when I mentioned a lift or fat transfer he suggested to wait and see how I felt after the explants. He seemed to think I would be satisfied without additional interventions.
To address the husband issue mine never cared if I got them to begin with so explanting sounds good to him.
I am ready to do this now. I am three weeks from OR date and am very excited to be natural again.
Much thanks to all ladies who have shared their stories. This has helped validate my decision. It is great to have a group such as this.
Updated on 6 Oct 2014:
Called today to be added to the cancellation list. I am feeling bad and want these out now. I wish I had done this years ago. I have told the people who needed to know what I will be doing. Unfortunately that involved my teenage children. The girls were surprised that I had ever done this and the boy asked why I waited so long to get them out. They are not big or out of proportion to me (I kind of think there are, but no one else seems to think that) so it surprised me he said that.
They and my husband are very supportive so I am just ready to do it.
This forum is wonderful and I truly appreciate everyone's stories and support.
Counting down the days... 21 to go.....
Updated on 10 Oct 2014:
Pre-op appointment today. I have decided to remove the capsules as well. He was only going to do this if the implant was ruptured, but I want all of it out. May add to recovery and may have drains, but if I am going to do this I want to be done with all of it. Capsules weren't there before implants so I don't want them there after. :)
Updated on 10 Oct 2014:
I went for my pre-op appoitnment today. When I was leaving they asked me if I would like to come Tuesday, October 16th, as they had a cancellation. I am going two weeks sooner than planned.
Very nervous, but every excited too!
Updated on 12 Oct 2014:
Tuesday is the day. I am nervous, but also excited. I am not concerned about what I will look like. I am excited to think about how I will feel so much better. I was assured again at my preop that most women look fine after explanation. I was an A before so I am expecting that again. Maybe a little droopier since 12 years have passed.
As always your stories have made this process much easier.
Updated on 14 Oct 2014:
whydowedothis October 14, 2014
Today was the day. They are gone! I am not even sore. I had explanation with capsulectomy on both sides. I have not even taken a pain pill since postop! The silicone implants had not ruptured as I was afraid they had. Very exciting is that I do have boobs! Not much but they are there. I was prepared for just skin. I think I will have the courage to post pictures tomorrow. Hoping for a good nights rest.
Updated on 15 Oct 2014:
I feel fantastic. Still no need for pain meds. I was expecting to hurt especially with bilateral capsulectomy. I took some Tylenol before my shower this morning. Instructions were to shower the next day and pat dry the tape. I am uploading some pictures. Remember this is less than 24 hours post explant. They look kind of sad, but I know it will get better. I will have my PS office send me some pre-explant pictures as I did not take any. I was not comfortable posting pictures, but everyone else's pictures helped me so much I feel I should return the favor.
If you are considering doing an explant I encourage you to do so. I cannot believe how much better I feel already!
Updated on 15 Oct 2014:
Updated on 15 Oct 2014:
I am trying to upload pictures, but I keep receiving an error message. I will keep trying.
Updated on 16 Oct 2014:
I still feel good. A little sore, but it's not bad. I see a little improvement in "fluff" already.
Updated on 19 Oct 2014:
I am a little sore today. I think from driving and doing housework, etc. I am not lifting anything heavy, but doing all the normal things. I can't believe how my breast look better each day. Still small and not expecting that to change, but I am good with it. So glad I explanted! I have tried to post pictures many times with no luck.