Paul Albear, MD

As others say, after spending a year following this website I feel like I should share to possibly help someone else.
I've been hiding my arms for 30 years. In my case, they were ruined by the age of 12, this is what 30 year old stretch marks look like after weight loss. I struggle with clothes, tops have to be larger than needed or way too tight on the arms, the fabric must stretch and the sleeves must come to at least the elbow to hide the flapping crepey skin. The technician at my last mammogram actually said "OMG, what happened to your arms". Cosmetic surgery was never on my "to do" list but I've finally realized the only way I'm going to be comfortable with myself, and the only way to fix this is with surgery.

Updated on 5 Aug 2016:
The nausea is the worst part right now. I won't be removing gauze to see anything until Sunday.

Updated on 5 Aug 2016:
I can't seem to edit to the prior post.

Updated on 7 Aug 2016:
I know it will look good eventually, but I'm having trouble stomaching what it currently looks like. It's very tight, was afraid to move it around too much when I showered.

Updated on 9 Aug 2016:
Still very tight but getting better. Taking pics is a bit difficult.

Updated on 11 Aug 2016:
Day 6
If your having this procedure I'd recommend you buy compression sleeves in multiple sizes. Mine no longer fit, all I can do is wait for new sleeves to arrive at this point. Once the swelling goes down I'll revert back to the original smaller size.
It feels weird, numb and tight, with limited range of motion.

Updated on 20 Aug 2016:
Most of the arm lift reviews I've read on realself are easy peasy, couldn't be happier at two weeks. You see some with complications but you don't expect it will happen to you.

I received my properly sized recommended garment on day 7. This garment was sleeves that hook to each other on your back. I do not recommend a garment like this to anyone who has incisions through the armpit. After a day and a half I developed a tension sore in my right armpit from the garment irritating the incision. For days later the left armpit started with the same issue. Doc says no big deal, it's a common occurance. The recommended treatment is silvadine cream which I cannot use because it is sulpha based and I'm allergic to sulpha. The sore starts as a white spot and then grows each day. It looks like it has a white puss on it but I would describe it as the skin breaking down and turning white and mushy. It's really very painfull too.

I googled and what I found is that this happens to about 25% of arm lift patients. So my instructions are, keep it clean, keep it covered and be patient.

My swelling remains the same and my left hand has resembled a balloon glove for the last four days even with a substantial amount of ibuprofen. Showering, dressing, driving and working my desk job is still difficult.

I purchased and returned about ten different garments. This is the only one I found acceptable http://nouvelleinc.com/convertiblecompressionarmsleeves.aspx

Trying to be patient...

Updated on 2 Sep 2016:
Still swollen. The stitches came out after these pics were taken. Right side tension sore isn't oozing as much, left side hasn't caught up to right yet.

Updated on 13 Sep 2016:
I've been informed that my surgeons office is closing. Finding him was the hardest part of this whole process. I need revisions, and not sure he will do them. I've been informed by his nurse that he can only do them if awake and in office and before the close date of 11/10. I will discuss it with him in a few days when I go back. I'm attaching pics of where the incision ends below the armpit, it is not smooth and has holes/indention area. This didn't seem like a big deal until I found out that I might not be able to get a revision. It does cause an issue with wearing sleeveless since you can see it if I pick up my arm, and being sleeveless was the whole reason I did this. So very disappointed that I'm losing this doctor.

Updated on 16 Sep 2016:
Went back to doc. today. He will be doing an in office revision on 9/30 to smooth out where the incisions end under my arms (mentioned in previous post). I will try to take some new pics tomorrow. It's been two weeks since I added pics, figured out this morning that what I thought was scabs was actually glue and now that I've removed all that glue the arm incisions look much better. Still just as swollen unfortunately.

Updated on 17 Sep 2016:


Updated on 18 Sep 2016:


Updated on 1 Oct 2016:
Had the revision on the 30th but no idea what it looks like due to the many steri strips. I only have to wear sleeves 8 hours a day now, that's a relief. The opening in the right armpit has closed and the left is shrinking. Swelling in the left arm went down a little but the right hasn't changed yet. I was nervous about having the revision while awake in office but I didn't feel a thing.

Updated on 16 Oct 2016:
The revision area looks much better, no more folded/creases area at the base of the incision. I've switched from the nouvelle sleeves to a pair of mastectomy sleeves which I feel provide better compression around the elbow area. I still have swelling. I have puffed out areas at the base of each incision near the elbows, hoping the change in sleeves will help that even out. I've been using maderma on the healed areas but am not allowed yet to use it where the openings were, down to the revision area.

Updated on 16 Oct 2016:
Used the photo grid app...

Updated on 31 Oct 2016:
I was using maderma but have been advised that silicone tape and sheets are better. I found this on amazon, it was the cheapest option with good reviews. It said you can remove and reuse it, I'm skeptical on that but will let you know in the future how that works out for me.

Updated on 5 Nov 2016:
I'm three months out and this really is a long healing process. I still have swelling and shooting pains from nerves mending. The openings are closed but the skin in the armpits is still very tight and limits range of motion. The areas of the openings keep shedding very dry skin. I've given up on the silicone tape, it stuck well but was very annoying having tape on all day long.

Updated on 30 Nov 2016:
I'm supposed to be done with the sleeves now but I'm still wearing them at night because I swell without them. Still have some numbness and occasional sgooting pains. The openings keep flaking up and skin peeling off. The opening area on the right is ahead of the left, I can fulling extend the right arm iver my head but not the left. Technically, I could fully extend the left but it would cause that dried area to crack and hurt.

Updated on 25 Dec 2016:
My doc closed his practice so I'm going to have to pay someone else to do this. It's been almost five minths so I don't think my elbow areas are going to smooth out. When I bend my arms I get folds...

Updated on 5 Feb 2017:
I still get numbness and tingling. Swelling still comes and goes. The elbow area is too full, the skin folds when I bend my arms. I'm hoping to get that fixed soon. Still better than they were before though.

Updated on 5 Feb 2017:


Updated on 5 Aug 2017:
A year ago I was saying "omg, what have I done". Today it's "I'm so happy my arms don't look like that anymore. I added my surgeon's pre op photos, and photos from today. I still need a revision in the elbow areas. I also still have random swelling and numbness but I'm ok with it, you get used to it and it's less bothersome than the loose skin swinging back and forth prior to surgery.

Updated on 12 Dec 2017:
I had my bulges at the elbow revised yesterday with a new doctor. I will post a new review soon for that. I don't want to just add them here because it is a different doctor.

Updated on 13 Dec 2017:
The revision review can be found here:

https://www.realself.com/review/brandon-fl-arm-lift-revision

Hello everyone! I am in the process of having my 3 year old silicone high profile implants removed. They are in a subglandular position.

In December I started to be able to feel a piece of my implant poking through my tissue very close underneath my skin. At first it just felt like a bubble and my original ps said my tissue had just thinned and nothing to worry about. I told him it really bothers me and he suggested that I just get used to it because they still look great. I was having pain and also afraid to work out, have sex or bounce at all for fear that it would get worse.

Fast forward a few weeks and it starts to feel different and even worse. It is easier to feel now and when I'm laying down it feels like a sharp, hard line. I decided to explant with no replacement or lift so that I don't have to worry about it any more.

I went for 3 consultations and the first left me angry and upset (he said I have to replace or lift because I will be hideous and that I should think of my husband and not be selfish). The second was very nice and thorough and said he would do explant only or explant and lift but he really wanted to do a lift. The third, Dr. Albear, was so kind and understanding and the first to do a thorough exam. He agreed with me that something doesn't feel right and said the implant may be folded or broken. He put me at ease and suggested that we take them out and see how it heals in 6 months. He said I'm young, not a large implant and they've only been in for 3 years so they will probably bounce back pretty nicely.

I signed up for the removal that day and did my pre-op bloodwork today. Now just to wait for Feb. 12th!

Updated on 5 Feb 2016:
The nerves were beginning to set in and I had a few questions so I gave Dr. Albear's office a call. His amazing nurse Jeri called me right back even though she was off from work yesterday. She was so sweet and answered all of my questions. She also told me that now that we are a week away from surgery I will probably have all kinds of questions and to call any time and she'll get right back to me.

The surgery center also called this morning and went over all of the details and the representative was super helpful and even put me on hold to go verify a medication question with the anesthesiologist and came right back with an answer.

I am so thankful to be going through this with such caring people. It is a blessing and makes this scary process so much easier.

Updated on 12 Feb 2016:
Had the surgery this morning and everything went fine. Dr. Albear is wonderful. I'm in a post surgery bra right now that I can't remove until Sunday so I will post pics then. I feel great about my decision. It's hard to tell in this bra but I'm feeling optimistic about how they will look and either way I know it was the right thing to do. I feel so much lighter already and like I'm myself again if that makes sense. I'm slightly nauseous from the anesthesia but other than that I feel good. I'm not taking any pain meds and there is pain but it's is bearable.

Updated on 14 Feb 2016:
I got to take off the compression bra and take a shower for the first time since Friday. It felt so good! I'm pretty happy with how my breasts look for 2 days out from surgery. I know it could have been much worse for all that I've put them through. I'm feeling great - still no pain meds and no regrets about my decision to explant.

Updated on 15 Feb 2016:


Updated on 19 Feb 2016:
I'm feeling good and I feel like they are starting to firm up some but I'm sure they still have some chafing to do. I managed to work Tuesday - Friday and I'll try to rest this weekend.

Updated on 27 Feb 2016:
It's been two weeks since my explant surgery. My breasts feel firmer now and more like they did before BA. They have filled in a bit on the top I think - they look less concave from the sides at any rate. I'm thankful every day for being on the other side of this removal.

Updated on 12 Mar 2016:
I am so happy I made this decision! I feel so great and love how my body feels again. My breasts feel soft and warm and everything is easier - sleeping, exercising, less neck and shoulder pain.

Updated on 29 Apr 2016:
Quick update - Around 6 weeks I noticed my breasts starting firm up and tighten up pretty significantly. They just continue to look and feel more and more like they did before I ever had surgery. I am thrilled with my decision and the outcome and hope that my posts give strength and hope to other women in this situation. Take care!

Well since I can remember I have always been heavy chested for a slim girl. But once I began depo birth control I gained a lot of weight. My then perky 34DD turned into a 38H, add on another 2 years and a baby, I was ready to get rid of them. It was hard to find a doctor that I liked who would accept insurance. So once I found Dr. Albear, I knew he was the one. Never a long wait, friendly staff, and Dr. Albear was never in a rush. The day of the surgery I was extremely nervous, being that I've never had any surgery before. Once Dr. Albear came to make his marking the nervousness had gone away, I was excited about what he was going to do. After surgery, I felt fine and actually stayed awake for a while. But I was dosing off from time to time. I didn't feel much pain, but I did stay ahead of the pain pills so I wouldn't have any pain. The only thing that I hated was the drains, I felt handicap with them in. When I first saw my breast I wish he would've went a bit smaller. Now, I feel that they are a good size but I wish they could've been lifted a tad bit more because gravity does kick in. Overall, I'm happy with my experience with Dr. Albear and would definitely recommend him.

Updated on 21 Sep 2015:
Just wanted to post a pic of my scars. You can see the scars under the fold of my breast & were the drain tubes were. The anchor scar is not that noticeable. Overall, I don't believe my scars are bad. Plus I never put anything on it yet.

Dr Albear seemed to care a lot about me and his patients. The wait time was a little long, but well worth it after.his office manager Shyra was so sweet and organized and his receptionist seemed to be his medical assistant also was very welcoming and prompt. The flow of the office staff was AWESOME!

Hi. I am 12 days pre op for my tt and super excited and nervous! I found this website and decided it would be a great way to track my journey and experience. I will update pre op photos soon. I am currently laying awake in bed unable to fall asleep because of all the excitement!! The days seem to tick by...

Updated on 20 May 2014:
Ok. So I'm 9 days post op. I am getting more excited by the hour. This hideous mush of a stomach is dommed! Lol. I purchased my first supply today. Hibicleans. (Spelling) I have heard several other items along my search, but please, if you know of any thing before or after surgery that will be beneficial let me know :) I'm going to attempt to upload a few photos of my before tummy. I warn you, they are selfies on my iPhone. Hahaha.

Updated on 21 May 2014:


Updated on 24 May 2014:
Eeekk!! I am less than a week out from my long awaited TT. I still do not have a specific time scheduled, but I wa told it will be in the am. I have purchased M.O.M. , stool softener, hibicleanse and ordered Arnica. I don't have much else to post...I just anxious! Lol. Since I don't have a time yet I set a count down to 6am on my phone. Here's my unofficial countdown! :)

Updated on 29 May 2014:
Holy smokes! Tomorrow is my big day. I just paid all the surgery center fees. It's officially real! I have to be there at 8am. To keep my mind busy today I'm spending as much time with my kids as possible today. Heading to the park now. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers tomorrow ????

Updated on 30 May 2014:
So, I'm about four hours post op. I am at home in my comfy chair, listening to my children complain. Hahaha! No complaints on that though ;) I'm thankful everything went well. He said he removed about 2.3 lbs of skin and fat. I have two drainage tubes. I am in mediocre pain. It has waves of more severe and less. I will post pics on Sunday when I can shower. Until then, I will probably be sleeping a lot.

Updated on 31 May 2014:
Ok, so I am 1 day P.O. It is truly not that bad so far. (Knocks on wood) My husband has been fantastic! I have alarms set on my phone for walking, pain meds and antibiotics. The worst part so far is getting up out of my chair. It's not a recliner but an oversized leather chair with ottoman. My kids are doing their best to help take care of mommy! ?? My drains are being emptied every 12 hours. There seems to be a small amount of fluid though. Like 10cc on each side. Hopefully that's a good thing and they will be removed soon. My P.O. App is set for Thursday but he said if I needed him he could squeeze me in Wednesday. That's all for now! Happy healing everyone!

Updated on 1 Jun 2014:
Alright, so I took my first shower tonight. Once my husband and I managed to get all the tape off we got to see the belly. I am SUPER swollen!! Super. I knew swelling is part of the healing process but geesh! That being said, even with the swelling I can tell it will be beautiful once it heals :) All my lose skin seems to be gone. Now just to keep up with cleanliness and try to minimize the swelling and I will be extremely happy!!!

Updated on 1 Jun 2014:
Guess I have to do another post to add more photos.

Updated on 3 Jun 2014:
I am 4 days PO today. I have a lot on my mind. Here goes! I am really happy with my new belly!! It's smooth and wrinkle free :) it's beautiful!! Still swollen. With a brand new red incision across it, but it's still beautiful!! I look forward to the day that I no long have bandages on it and I can just simply look at my tummy any time I want. Lol. My pain level; I am a very independent person. I am a CNA by profession so I am a care giver. Not a care needer. That being said....I have needed my husband quite a bit during this time. I ran out of my pain meds yesterday even with taking them as prescribed. Sooo with more pain comes more needing. I called my PS and basically begged for one more Rx to get through til atleast my drains are out. Which will hopefully be Thursday. When I am properly medicated I don't ask/need help. I feel better about myself.
Anywho. I have zero regrets of my surgery! Love it! The ONLY thing weighing on my mind is going back to work on the 16th. Will I be able to? Will I be healed enough to walk 12 hours? Thinking about it makes me nauseous.

Updated on 6 Jun 2014:
Ok. I'm exactly one week post op today. I had my follow up yesterday and he removed my drains! Woo hoo! He said 48 hours post removal I could switch to a spanx garmet. So that will be tomorrow. I still love what my tummy looks like, I just hate the scar healing process. It looks gross. And I hate the swelling. I just want to go back to regular life already with my new pretty, flat and healed tummy. Guess I just have to be patient.

Updated on 29 Jun 2014:
So, at four weeks PO is there is quite a bit to update on. My incision split open at 2 weeks PO and I have been on an emotional roller coaster ever since. It's healing a little everyday. I am slowly getting more energy as well. I am on Instagram a lot more under user name newmet30 come follow me for more updates.

Updated on 29 Jun 2014:
Newmett30 for Instagram.

Updated on 11 Jul 2014:
My Incision is closing on it's own. My body is creating new skin everyday. Slowly but sure. This journey has ha it's ups and downs. On emotional days it feels like it's taking forever! On good days I really love my tummy and waist! I just wish my incision was healed and I could work a regular schedule and workout. But still waiting..... 6weeks PO today.

I went to my consultation, kinda nervous, I have spent so many years trying to hide the belly that I now had to show to my Dr. and assistant, but they both really put me at ease, Dr. Albear really is caring , and understanding, he completely explained the whole procedure, I go in this Friday December 27th to make payment, and get my pre op info and required testing info.Thank you to my awesome husband who bought this for me for Christmas, he is a PT so recovery will be a bit better with someone who handles post op patients all the time, being my guy is a plus !!! I will ad photos soon . Nervous and excited all at the same time,!!! Looking forward to the Flat side in 2014 !!!!

Updated on 26 Dec 2013:
My stats are 5" 6" 160, down from 215 , my goal weight is 145. Tomorrow I go in for finalizing paperwork, list of tests that need to be done, what to do and not to do pre-op, pre-op photos.. why does that scare me most ? I had a tough time just posting the ones on here , I keep thinking next year this time I'll be wanting to show my photos !!! Excited and Nervous !!!!

Updated on 27 Dec 2013:
When back to Dr. Albear's office today to make pymt for surgeons part of surgery, met one of his office staff Gigi !! awesome lady so friendly and caring, she took the before pics, now here I am in front of a long mirror in bright lighting with my hubby standing right there.. he hasn't seen me in my (nude) self in bright light in years.. I seen how bad my thighs hips and buttocks are, not as bad as tummy, but it's the first time I had really seen myself. I contacted Shyra, to see how much it would be to add this, I am hoping we can afford it...! I would really like to get all this done at one time to recover only one time.. Anyone else do this too ?

Updated on 30 Dec 2013:
I heard from Shyra today concerning possibly more lipo..., I didn't realize she is out of office until next Monday, at that time she will let me know about additional costs.
Had my pre-op blood work done, making my to get list, making meals to freeze, hubby is getting walker from work, have raised toilet seat and chair for shower coming this week. And thank you thank you to all the wonderful ladies giving me support and understanding, truly means the world to me !

Updated on 30 Dec 2013:
I am getting things around to wear for after TT and Lipo, Dr. has told me I will have drains, so my question is, what do you wear to hospital that will work with drains and is easy to put on ? I have an hour trip home and really don't think PJs are a good option, but maybe they are I don't know...what do you all think any thoughts? what did you wear ?

Updated on 6 Jan 2014:
I just heard from my PS office scheduled for January 10th, TT with muscle repair, lipo of flanks waist hips thighs and buttocks . I am so excited that I couls afford the additional procedures I really wanted to do !!! I just came in from my usual 45 minute walk, now to the Beach Body 10 minute Core Cardio and a good round of upper body weights to keep strengthening that upper body for post surgery WOO HOO ! I'm juiced !!!!

Updated on 9 Jan 2014:
Tomorrow is my day, I'm feeling excited !! I have stressed a lot, worried.. went back and forth, but now I've decided to just go with it and believe in my PS believing that it will all work out well.
Cleaning organizing like crazy. I still don't have a time on my surgery , hospital to call sometime today. I will be glad to have the time and know everything is all set.

This is a strange situation for me, back story... my husband,( Awesome Man !!! ) He is a type 1 diabetic, since birth.... I have seen him through numerous seizures, surgeries and recoveries over the years I really only know how to be care giver. This is the first time I'm doing something for me, feels kinds selfish, but exciting all at the same time!

Updated on 10 Jan 2014:
Ready to head out today is the big day ! or I should say little LOL !!! Looking forward to doing this and coming home to the recliner. Exciting, and hoping for the best !!!

Updated on 10 Jan 2014:
Resting@ home Things went well Tt Mr &lipo hips flanks inner thighs. Such a wonderful facility and especially outstandingstaff ! Sore and so glad to be in my recliner 2 drains ..I haven't looked at belly yet really tired I add more info later thqnks so much for the well wishes !!! Super happy to be on the flat side!

Updated on 12 Jan 2014:
Slept well easier getting up & sitting some swelling pretty sore but hey ....I had a BM funny what makes me happy right now! Thank you for checkin in on me ! Sure means alot

Updated on 13 Jan 2014:
My care giver in my situation is my husband. Doing so much to help me and keeping up with pets and general chores. I am so grateful to have such a totally caring umderstanding care giver. Ladies do remember the caregiver who is by yoir side throughout this whole rollercoaster journey.... that is Love !!!!

Updated on 15 Jan 2014:
Went to PS to have drains removed only one removed i right drain still too many cc , a min. No infection all looking good at this point. I had troubles getting in and out of car ... using walker at home but didn't take or a pillow .. ugh ..2 hour round trip. I am in so much pain today felt like I pulled
stitches loose also several quick stops made seatbelt hit scar really hard. Trying to stop pain pills took tylenol no relief all nite, not wanting to get up and walk at all with the pain. I took painpill this morning helping alot able to walk each hour , but worried I will run out of painpills, I called PS to se if I can get another script for pick up when I have 2nd drain out Friday ..

Updated on 21 Jan 2014:
Finally adding post op photos, I had computer issues. Feeling better still numb tummy I had right drain removed Friday, but still very sore. as well as belly button, hoping not infected. General soreness from Lipo waist hips and inner thighs. Tomorrow I have check up with P.S. I will post additional photos soon when all glue is off incision area

Updated on 25 Jan 2014:
I had a op visit @PS I was worried about redness and sore belly button area PS sez I have some necrosis below belly button due to prior belly button ring scar being pulled lower . To have stitches removed this uocoming Wednesday.

Updated on 30 Jan 2014:
Was to have stitches out and check with PS about necrosis, but car dead and as I forgot to post flat tire, with an hour one way trip no time to fix snd make it in time. But with some research I have been applying salt water to infected belly button and light lymphatic massage that I found on you tube necrosis seems to ne lessened and belly button less oozing and redness. On the other hand, was walkinh outside with my dog, she ran infront of me and I wiped out on cement patio really scraped up hurts more than belly lol !!!

Updated on 10 Feb 2014:
Soon I will update and add photos, my hubby had a diabetic seizure this morning, he is a type 1 diabetic, I have seen him through many seizures, but today I am still so weak and sore I cannot help him, such a helpless feeling, I helped him around as mich as I could but I am hurting so much and exhausted.

Updated on 16 Feb 2014:
Finally adding new photos taken today You can see the belly issue with possible necrosis, also a prior scar, kidney removal, PS did laser there to help flatten looks better already than prior sx my thighs still swell and hurt everyday, but have gone down quite a bit with the lipo. Belly incision still red and swollen, right side still hurts a lot with random stabbing pain, but getting less each week, over all I am happy so far !

Updated on 18 Feb 2014:
Walked my doggie girl blew out all the leaves in back and front yard, took hot shower and time to relax feeling happy and so accomplished today this jas xure improved my mood !

Updated on 6 Mar 2014:
I fogot to ask my ps yesterday about taking a bath I am 8 weeks po Friday, I am so wanting a tub bath anybody else know?

Updated on 7 Mar 2014:
Seen po wednesday he thinks I am doing well necrosis seems to be slowly resolving on it's own ps taking a wait and see, Im not thrilled with my thighs hoping its still swell, pics I took in afternoon showing all the swell, will do more next week in am pre swell

Updated on 10 Mar 2014:
Ugh.... woke up this morning to a busted bleeding area washed it put on antibiotic cream and bandaged it, freaked me out.

Updated on 14 Mar 2014:
Keep having issues with incision opening not remaining closed, sorry I haven't posted in awhile trying to rest as much as possible, Ill keep posting pics evry few days with updates. Thanks so much all my real friends for your concern and well wishes, I am certain it will be fine in no time !

I needed hernia repair and decided that, after 4 children, I would combine the procedure with a tummy tuck. It ended up being the perfect solution as the general surgeon was able to repair my hernias with my own skin from the tummy tuck instead of mesh. I am two weeks post-op and am thrilled with my results so far.

Hello lovely ladies. I have gleaned so much information (and inspiration) from your stories and I've decided that its time to begin to share my story.

Years ago in the mid-80s I decided to get breast implants. I wasn't terribly unhappy with my size (34 B) but it seemed to be what everyone was doing at the time. My husband said that it was up to me if I wanted to do it, but I'm pretty sure that he wasn't unhappy with my decision. He's always been very supportive of all my decisions over the years...and he is now as well.

Fast forward to the present...well a few months ago. My gynecologist called me after my annual mammogram and said that my right implant was bleeding silicone. He also told me that it was about the same amount that showed on my mammo the year before!! WHAT? No one bothered to call me last year! Evidently this was not present on my mammo of two years ago...but still!

I had already decided that I was over the big-boobed look, but didn't have the financial resources to do anything about it (hubby under employed for the last few years). I also have a very atypical form of Multiple Sclerosis and wonder if my implants might have something to do with that. I know, I know, there have been studies done that refute this, but they only followed those ladies for about nine years post implant. I have slight numbness in the three middle fingers of my right hand and now, recenty have been battling frozen shoulder on the right side (same side that is leaking). I don't expect these issues to go away upon explantation, but it would be a nice added bonus. I've read on other sites that women have had similar issues and they felt better after their explantation. Placebo effect or not...I'll take it. I also have capsular contracture on both sides (right more than left) so its really time to do this.

I've put on a few pounds over the years so I'm now a 36 D-DD. I'm hoping that I'll at least remain a B cup, but if I don't I'm all right with it. I've taken up running and my boobs are just an annoyance when I run. Like other ladies here have mentioned I have to buy shirts in a larger size to accomodate the "girls"which makes me look bigger all over.I've also found that I try to buy bras that minimize my chest because i feel like my boobs look disproportionately large for my size (fake). I'm looking forward to looking a little more streamlined.

My doctor is Paul Albear and I really like him. I saw a few surgeons before him any they all gave me the "you'll be unhappy with how you're going to look" and "don't you want to re-implant?" speeches. He was the only one to not suggest anything beyond explantation. He said to give it a good six months after surgery to let things settle and see how I feel.

I also found out that my insurance covers the explantation because its medically necessary, so now cost is not an issue. YAY!

My surgery is tentatively scheduled for November 8th, so I've got one month to go.
I'l post some current pre-op pics.



Updated on 13 Oct 2012:
Well I've been reviewing everybody's pre and post op pictures and it hit me that I've probably got a good decade in age on most of you. I'm trying to find someone that "looks like" me to help gauge what my end result might be. I'm hoping that my skin still has some elasticity left. Does anyone know of any good products or techniques to encourage the "fluff fairy" to visit? Lol.

Updated on 4 Nov 2012:
Well I've removed my surgery date for now. The PS's office had an issue with whether to do the surgery in a one day surgery facility or a hospital. The PS was under the impression that, because I was using my health insurance to pay, the surgery had to be done in a hospital (not the case). Then he said that he needed cardiac clearance before the surgery, which I already had, so the cardiologist's office had to fax my records to the PS's office ( I don't have any cardiac issues, but they at one time thought that I did). This all took a lot of back and forth phoning on my part to all these doctor's offices. THEN my surgeon was out of town for awhile...sigh. I think maybe, finally I'll get my surgery date scheduled some time this week (fingers crossed). I'm beginning to wonder if he really wants to do the surgery. I just want to get it done before the end of the year as I've already met my deductible, and if I do it next year it will add $750 to my portion of the cost :(

Updated on 5 Nov 2012:
Well I now have a surgery date...November 30th. I called my PS's office first thing this morning and scheduled it. I'm so ready to do this. I'm not even that concerned about what I'll look like after. I guess that's the up side of having so many scheduling delays. I'm looking forward to looking like a 56 year old should look. Now I just have to settle down and wait and try not to get too nervous in the meantime. Twenty five days seems so far away.

Updated on 29 Nov 2012:
Well, I haven't been on here much lately because I've just been playing the waiting game - but no more. My surgery is happening tomorrow morning at 11. Eeeek!!!!! I'm so nervous, but anxious to get it over with. I'm going to stay busy tonight by washing the sheets and cleaning. I guess its kind of like nesting when you're pregnant. Lol. I'll post pictures when I can. Until then...

Updated on 30 Nov 2012:
Thanks for the well wishes everyone :) . We're on the way to the surgery facility now. We'll talk later.

Updated on 1 Dec 2012:
Well, it's over. When we got to the surgery facility we found that they were running behind so I didn't go in for surgery until about 1:30. When I woke up it was around 4 PM. My surgeon thought that my surgery would be pretty straightforward, but when he got in there he found that both sides had ruptured and there was silicone everywhere. I also had a lot of calcification that he had to get rid of. I think he had to remove a lot of tissue, so I may be more of an A cup after the swelling goes down. I haven't peeked inside my bra yet, but whatever I find in there will be alright by me. I'm not that sore and I haven't taken any of my pain meds yet at all. He initially didn't think that I would need drains, but ended up having to use them because of all the digging around that he had to do. I am definitely glad that I did this. I already feel leaner, and I'm looking forward to buying tops without regard to my size and how I look in them. But more important than that... I feel healthier already. So glad to get that junk out of my body. I'll post pictures later. I feel a nap coming on. Lol

Updated on 3 Dec 2012:
I've finally gotten around to posting post-op photos. This is before my first shower and you can see the imprint of the gauze on my skin. Other than that, I think they look OK so far (considering what I've put them through). During my shower I noticed what other ladies here have said...I'd forgotten how soft boobies can be.

The output to my drains is decreasing each time we measure it, and the nurse said that if its less than 20mls per day that my PS will probably pull them when I see him this Wednesday. I hear that can be a little "ouchy" but I'm so ready to be rid of them.

All in all, I'd say that my boobies are very forgiving of me and I can say that I'll never put them through anything like this again... Lord willing.

Updated on 2 Jan 2013:
Well its been a month since my surgery. My boobs are still a little sensitive as are the scars, but this is improving every day. My right breast is pretty numb on the right side from my nipple over but my doctor said that the sensation will most likely return (he actually said "With a vengeance, sometimes"). I still think that it has all been worth it. I've been trying on some of my shirts and I'm so happy about the way I look in them. I don't miss being "big" AT ALL. My daughter and I went to Victoria's Secret the other day and I found some pretty bras to try on. I didn't buy any though, as I'm still a little too sore for underwires just yet. The clerk there measured me and said that I'm a 36 C. I don't feel like I look like a C cup... its probably due to more side boobage than before. Like other ladies here have said, my boobs seem wider. I think they've maybe tightened up a little bit but not that much. Time will tell and, hey, I'm 56 years old so I'm not expecting super perky boobs anyway. I find myself standing much taller as I'm not trying to hide my big boobs. All I know is that I'm THRILLED with the new me.

Updated on 23 Feb 2013:
Well, its been around 10 weeks since my surgery. I'm feeling a lot less sore, but still a little numb on the right side. I afraid that if the fluff fairy was going to visit, she would have been here by now... but no worries... I'm still happy with my result. And, more importantly, happy that I relieved my body of the stress that I was putting it through. On that front, my neurological symptoms have shown no change, but I'll be patient. Like I said before, they were in for 28 years... my body has a lot of undoing to do!

I have noticed that a little nagging, constant soreness that I had between my shoulder blades is now gone. Probably a combination of less weight in the front and better posture. I don't feel like I have to hide my giant bazongas anymore!

All in all, I would say that this is the best favor I've ever done for myself. Now... on to a happier and healthier life :)

Also, one more thing... thank you to all of you ladies who have had the courage to share your journeys. It certainly made my trip a little less lonely.

Updated on 30 Nov 2013:
Hello again ladies! I've been very absent lately but its time for my one year update. Things have been uneventful fortunately. My breasts are finally feeling like they're all mine again. I have no soreness anymore and my numbness has finally gone away. My neurological symptoms, although mild, are still the same, darn it. But I feel blessed to have good health. I just wanted to share what the removal of 29 year old implants on a 57 year old looks like at one year, in case anyone is in a similar situation.

I'm a sixty six year old woman that lost ninety pounds after a lap band surgery, my arms were extremely saggy. I felt uncomfortable in a sleeveless. The surgery was done as an outpatient at a clinic. I felt leary ov having the procedure Outside of a hospital, but once I got there, i was Put at ease.


i am very happy with my decision to this procedure. Now I feel confident even in a strapless. Good job Dr. Albear! Thank you.

I had always been a 32A bra size and as a 25 year old woman, I knew it was time to make my dream of having a breast augmentation reality. Dr. Albear was so dedicated to educating me about the process and was attentive to addressing my questions, concerns, and wants. He cares about the patient and is realistic regarding the options, results, recovery, etc.

I had zero complications and regular follow up appointments meant that any new questions that arose were answered promptly. This procedure and the choice of this doctor have been the best decisions I have ever made. At a 32D bra size, my breasts are now perfect for my body type and I always get compliments on how great and natural they look (my number #1 request).

More importantly, I feel so great about myself all around and don't feel self-conscious that my breasts are too small, too big, too "fake"-looking, etc. He really gets to know the patient based on them and their body type, not just another procedure. I really could not be happier with my breast augmentation and recommend Dr. Albear to anyone and everyone.