I was not in very much pain for the first two weeks but the last two weeks are very painful. I didn't realize it was going to hurt so bad. Yesterday I was better so hopefully they will not be so angry! So far I think I will really like having a normal size and buy bras off the rack. Best of all, the way he did it my chest wrinkles went away. I look like a your girl??????
I'm motivated to remove my implants because the right one has become hard and also I feel as though having large boobs isn't that much important to me any more. I do crossfit and they get in the way when doing some lifts and running is more difficult with them. no more foreign bodies in mine! The implants were fun in my mid to late 20's now I've just grown tired of them and they inhibit me in many ways. My right breast has become very hard and is round like a ball, while the left is still somewhat soft and becoming a little saggy. I can't wait to have these things removed from my body and hope to God I can make it through the first few months of unsatisfactory aesthetic results. I'm hoping they bounce back and if they don't I may have to go under the knife again and get smaller ones put in. I really don't want that though! Wish me luck, surgery tomorrow at 8:30am Updated on 25 Oct 2012: Okay, so the surgery went great. No problems and I felt zero pain from the moment I woke from anesthesia. The pro's to this procedure is I feel super light now and it feels great to just be me again. My goal in doing this was to look more natural and feel that way also. I've accomplished that. I knew, through looking at all the stories here on Realself.com, that my result today would not be perfect or even close to normal looking. I'm a very thin woman due to my intense workouts and have a thin frame and thin skin! I'm going from a 450 filled to 500 to nothing. It's not pretty. I'm going to be patient and take the advice of all the ladies on this site and just wait a full month before I do any judging. If I totally hate the final outcome, I can always go back and get smaller ones put in, despite my desire to be "implant/foreign body" free. I feel like this site informed me very well of what to expect and I'm so glad I found it! Will post pix when my little one goes to sleep. Updated on 25 Oct 2012: ok, can't believe I'm posting these but it's all for posterity's sake I guess. If they don't improve after about 6 month's I'll definitely be getting them fixed. Updated on 31 Oct 2012: at this point I can now check the "was it worth it" box as a yes. I did my crossfit workout today which consisted of a butt-load of running. Let me just say that I felt like I was weightless compared to running previously with 36D implants in. I ran one of my miles in 6:13. Anyone on the fence, please just go and get it done. I want to remind everyone reading this that I had 6 consults with 6 different plastic surgeons (including the one who took my implants ) and ALL said I would need a lift and replacement implant otherwise I would be very unhappy and look really bad. DON'T listen. Make the decision to do those things at least 6 months after you have them removed. My right breast had CC but he didn't remove the capsules during explantation in the event I may want a replacement in the future. He said that leaving them intact would make it easier to put new implants in down the road if that's what I wanted. No Thanks! Will post my 1 week post op photos tmw Updated on 1 Nov 2012: so the girls are starting their slow ascent back upwards. I noticed, though, that the left areola at about the 5 oclock position has a little raised white area and my doc should be letting me know what the heck that is. At this point I have to say implants are a double edged sword. In one sense they suck because they mutilate your body (incisions, stretched skin) but in another sense they are good. I say that because they get you to realize just how great your body is after all (WITHOUT THEM IN). Some people, myself included, would have probably never gotten to the place in their mind that their original boobs really are pretty nice unless you've been through implants and removal of them. Updated on 8 Nov 2012: 2 weeks post-explantation and I LOVE my new (old) body. It's so much fun to put outfits together now that I don't have those huge boobs. Working out is awesome. I'm back to 100% at Crossfit and having no problems whatsoever with pain. My workouts have improved since removing them. I feel lighter and have better mobility when doing the lifts and pullups, and just about every other movement that is involved. Here's my 2 week photos. I went to Victoria's Secret and got fitted. One bra, I'm a 36B and the other I'm a 36A. Sooo, guess it just depends on the bra as to what size I am. Updated on 5 Dec 2012: Well, it's been over a month since the procedure and I figured I'd post one final group of pics. I still feel like this was one of the best decisions I've made in a long time. My boobs actually look better now than before I had implants. I'm thinking there must be some residual scar tissue build up in there and that is what has given me such nice fullness, especially in my right breast. To anyone on the fence about getting them out-I say go for it. I even have been able to master double unders (crossfit) in the time I've had my implants removed. All that excess weight and boob-bouncing was really holding me back with my workouts before. I love being implant-free! oh and p.s. scars are healing nicely. left one is a little bit more noticeable but I don't really mind. oh and p.s.s. my nipple sensation is better than what it was with the implants in. I hardly had any sensation at all then. I wonder why I have it now? Updated on 2 May 2015: Well I figured I'd post the reality of what the breasts look like after nearly 2.5 years since removing the 450 filled to 550 cc implants. I'm really not that happy with how things are looking and feeling at this stage. The incision on the nipple has become more obvious and both breasts have pretty dense scar tissue inside which feels kind of lumpy. Also, due to the loss of volume they've started having a somewhat deflated look which makes me self conscious now that I'm dating again. I'm seriously considering getting a consult for some very small implants just to fill me out a little better. Maybe 200 cc or something. Also, maybe a small internal lift is in order? Something definitely needs to be done though. I'm thinking this will b be a good decision for me as I'm unhappy with the loss of volume and elasticity I had for the first year post explanation. Updated on 13 May 2015: I decided to perform a little experiment. I haven't worked out for 2 straight weeks and have been eating a steady diet of steak, mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables along with a bagel, cream cheese and coffee every morning. Been trying to get a sandwich in at lunch time too. I've noticed improved volume. Now I'm wondering what to do because I love working out but it appears working out makes me too lean. Tonight's dinner included creme brule with a filet mignon and I feel like I'm stuffed beyond belief. Updated on 19 May 2015: I'm seriously starting to think of quitting Crossfit and taking up a new form of fitness that doesn't include so much upper body. The change in my breasts has been unreal. This is 3 weeks no Crossfit Updated on 7 Sep 2017: Well things have held up pretty well and I'm still pretty happy with the results. I think not removing the capsules did give me some extra volume, however, the boobs feel somewhat lumpy because of it. A small price to pay for the extra volume I guess? I always wear a sports bra or something that will keep the girls "up" and rarely go bra-less in attempt To keep sagging at bay. It seems to be working for the most part. On my end it looks like the photos uploaded upside down? Not sure how to fix that Updated on 26 Dec 2017: Well I’ve pretty much continued to wear a sports bra at night and always during the day the girls seem to have maintained pretty well. I quit Crossfit about 2 years ago and actually have boobs which have some fat in them now. Updated on 3 May 2019: Hi all! So I decided to take the plunge again after being implant free for 7 years. The doc that did the explant left the capsules in, which did provide more fullness to my breasts but also left them feeling lumpy and distorted the way my right nipple looked. The bulk of the scar tissue/capsule was right above and behind my right nipple and as a result of it pushing forward the nipple always wanted to point downward a little. Also, I was somewhat self conscious when my husband felt on my breast because there were areas that were hard and it just felt weird. I went to an amazing surgeon in Texas this time, Dr. Ciaravino. He removed the scar tissue that had been hanging out in there for the past 7 years. Over the years I’ve had several mammograms becaus every doc that did a bReast exam on me was concerned I might have something to worry about. After several mammograms and biopsies I decided to just get them done again and have all the scar tissue removed which kept causing concern. Also, I kind of miss having larger boobs so I decided to take the plunge, pun intended or course. Today I’m 1 week post op from breast augmentation, over the muscle (since my chest muscles are apparently too tight to place an implant under them) 400cc mentor gummy bear, high profile round. I’ll post my progress as I heal over the next 3 months and will also continue to post updates over the years. Updated on 10 May 2019: Finally softening up a little and able to massage them without the incisions being so uncomfortable. I can tell they are dropping a little either that or I’m just getting used to having big breasts again. It’s been 2 days now that I’ve been able to sleep on my side- thank god. It was tough only sleeping on my back and when I’d roll over to my side accidentally in the night it was excruciating. Nips are highly sensitive which I think is a good thing. I lost sensitivity after the first surgeries because they did the incision around the areola. This time it’s under the breast fold. Updated on 18 Nov 2020: It seems as though people really seem to like the long term before and after stories so I figured I would go ahead and post what I look like today so many years after having the implants removed, letting time pass, and then getting new implants seven years later
I've wanted to do this for a very long time (common theme with this procedure) but just recently received approval from insurance (Kaiser). I'm trying to be realistic about my expectations but I don't want smaller versions of what they look like now and that is my biggest fear. I've found a PS, Dr. Rajiv Iyer, that I'm very happy with (Orange County). He's been great answering all my questions and making me understand the procedure. But he's cautioned me that I'm not the "normal" BR patient. I don't have large breasts that are compounded by a weight problem. I'm 5'5 and 120 lbs. I'm currently a 32G (Chantelle). I would be happy with a nice full C. I was a full D most of my life but after my 5th was born they never went back to normal size after I stopped breast feeding. I'm not doing this only for pain relief, I'm doing this because I want them to look better. I'm ok with the scars but I really want good shape. Any advice anyone has to offer, I'm open to it! Updated on 29 Aug 2014: So I'm seven days away and I'm wondering about how I'll look after. Not immediately post-op but when it's all said and done. I've read that a vertical scar (with a small incision in the crease if necessary to remove excess skin) gives better shape and projection than the anchor. Any feedback would be appreciated. Updated on 29 Aug 2014: I found a breast reduction picture with a similar frame to mine and my "before" breasts. I also liked the finished look. So I photoshopped the reduced breasts onto my body! The before and after are pretty interesting!! Hoping my result is similar to this. Updated on 4 Sep 2014: 24 hours till I'm changed forever. I'm feeling all kinds of emotions right now. Mostly excitement and a small case of nerves. But, thankfully, I'm not scared. I've been taking bromelain along with Trameel for the past 5 days, hoping that having it in my system will help speed healing and curb some swelling and bruising. Also hydrating like crazy (alkaline water and my Sunrider Calli) and eating clean with lots of protein. I've bought everything I need (I hope) to make me comfortable for recovery. My nightstand looks like an aisle at the drug store! Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me. I don't know if I would feel as confident about this without your support. The clock's ticking... Updated on 5 Sep 2014: My surgery is done, everything went as expected. I'm quite sore (they are rock hard from swelling) but I'm taking my pain meds like clockwork. I haven't been able to see my newbies yet. Just my nipples (which was a surprise) they're so high! I do look a lot smaller, too. But that was the goal, right? I think I'll end up a C-cup. Thank you to everyone for the prayers, healing wishes and most of all: your friendship! I'll try and post pics tomorrow. Pain meds are kicking in and sleep is calling my name... Updated on 8 Sep 2014: It took me a couple of days to post again but, hey, I'm busy healing!!! Still getting used to my reflection. I know that how I look now is not how I will look in a few weeks, few months, etc. Haven't hit the emotional wall some other women have...yet. Aunt Flo should be visiting in about 10 days so we'll see...Overall I'm VERY happy. Haven't had perky boobs since I was 18. The incisions don't bother me, a little itchy but I just take Benedryl if it gets to be too much. Had the drains removed today, virtually painless. Cleaning the incisions before they pulled them caused more discomfort. So far, so good. Wondering exactly where I'll end up size wise. I found out today he removed 397 from the left and 384 from the right. Compared to what other women have removed it doesn't seem like very much but on my frame it's made a HUGE difference. If you haven't had your surgery yet and fear is whispering "what ifs", kick it to the curb!! I don't regret this AT ALL. I'll post more as my evolution continues. This picture was taken this morning before drain removal. Love the new and improved me!!! Updated on 8 Sep 2014: Ladies....some help, please and thanks. :) Updated on 12 Sep 2014: Yesterday was hell. Pure. Simple. Hell. Pain? Check. Emotional basketcase? Check. Exhaustion? Check. Moodiness? Check. Massive allergic reaction and rash to blue sensitive skin tape along my incisions? Check. Cried like a baby? Check. Glad that day is over!!!!! All joking aside, day six was hard, in every way possible. My family wasn't sure whether to hug me or run for cover! Thankfully, day seven dawned with a new attitude. Still have the lovely rash as a nice parting gift but I feel better physically and emotionally. Onward BR friends... Updated on 21 Sep 2014: Today I'm 16 days post-op. Healing has been tougher than I thought it would be and I've had no real complications! I wouldn't say I'm in pain but more discomfort – constantly – which is very debilitating by the end of the day. My new breasts are hyper-sensitive. Not just my areola/nipple area, all the skin!! The water from the shower is uncomfortable, any material touching my breasts is uncomfortable, going into a cold grocery store is absolutely awful. I'm not taking pain meds, just ibuprofen at the end of the day because of the soreness. I'll be glad when I get over this hurdle. Actually, I'll be glad when my breasts -- along with the ever present discomfort -- are not the first and last thing I think of every day. Yes, it's great to have smaller, perky breasts. Did I think I would still have this level of discomfort after more than two weeks -- nope. At this point it feels like I traded one type of discomfort for another. I know as time passes that my overactive nerve endings will probably settle down. But the doc said I could wake up with it gone tomorrow or it could take months, which I never expected. I know I sound like Debbie Downer but this is the reality (at least my version) of having this life altering surgery. Do I regret it? No. Would I do it all again? Ask me tomorrow... :) Updated on 3 Nov 2014: I haven't updated for so long because I've been trying to come to terms with where I'm at. I haven't posted pictures for a long time for the same reason. My nerve issues are not completely gone but it is tolerable and getting better every week. The areas that are still ultra sensitive are much smaller (not both of my entire breasts the way it used to be). But as I've continued to heal I REALLY don't like where my nipples are placed. They are way too high (especially my right) for my new size and because of that my breasts have the bottomed out look. I tried on a bathing suit and if I move a certain way out pops the right nipple. Also, they are obviously two different sizes and shaped differently. I know that they are going to continue to change over the next four months but the nipple placement doesn't. And while I get my breasts are sisters, not twins, they should look related, and they don't! I have an appointment next Monday and I will discuss this with my PS. I just don't know if I want to be operated on again. Recovery has been really hard for me. I don't even know if there is anything that can be done. I never considered that nipple placement would need to be discussed with the doctor before surgery but I guess I should have. It wasn't a question I thought needed to be addressed. My incisions have healed great, no problems with spitting stitches. Still very sore at the end of the day and can't wear a regular bra yet. My energy has pretty much returned to normal and the pain caused by my large breasts is gone. So the medically necessary part of the surgery was a success but the aesthetic part is a real bummer.
