My experience was fantastic start to finish. I'm now 10 months post explant with internal and external lift and fat transfer to breasts. I've healed wonderfully. Not sure how much of the fat actually stuck around but I feel pretty good about myself! The only thing was I did verbalize that I wanted much smaller areolas, but they came out the same size as before. Oh well! My health has much improved with the implants out
I’ve had implants since I was 26 one year after having my first child. I lost a significant amount of breast tissue after breastfeeding. I’ve always wanted bigger boobs, although I was very confident in my pre baby body due to small perky breast. They did get bigger after giving birth but they were completely deflated. I referred to them as liquid boobs not even victory secret cold have kept that a secret ????. Fast forward to my 37 self I wish I knew then what I know now that my breast don’t define me. Our bodies aren’t designed to look the same afterbirth. I don’t regret much or hardly anything other than having implants. Two reconstruction surgeries later. The first one happened 8 years after breast augmentation and a lift for capsular contracture was advised by surgeon “ you are too pretty to take them out and not replace them you will be deformed due to know breast tissue”. Another doctor confirmed it will look really horrid if explant and he can ensure by changing current saline implants to silicone, flushing out pockets and starting medication synthroid to avoid recurrence. So I decided on second go at it and not even 3 months into recovery capsular on the opposite breast as before. True indicator that my body totally rejects all implants. Currently searching for doctor and finally narrowed down on 1. I’m so longer to have these plastic bags out. I’m just so concerned about going about it the best way beneficial to me my health and body. I’ve also been doing tons of research and came across Breast implant illness and realized I haw many of those symptoms too. Updated on 11 Apr 2019: I’ve finally decided who I’m going to trust taking out my implants which in all honesty is a very difficult decision. It took me a longer time but I feel confident in my decision. I’m meeting up with him on Thursday to confirm surgery Nd set a date. Updated on 18 Apr 2019: As before he was very professional answered all questions. A few concerned I had he addressed although not favorable for me he was truthful with his beliefs and technique. One of my concern was a popular doctor on here mentioning losing weight before fat grafting which sounds counter intuitive but his rationale was that it provides quality fat that are less likely to die during the harvest. Dr. Rehnke believes in maintaining body weight or just 1-2 pounds above. Which is okay with me All my other consults recommendations was to over eat on unhealthy food for extra fat. He’s also made me aware again of a new absorbable mesh he’s patented to replaced all implants that I can add along with fat transfer to give shape to the breast after explant. He’s shown me some before and after which looked remarkable. Even use on mastectomy patient who did want implants. I’m not too sure about that as yet. Very terrified of putting anything else foreign into my body. Updated on 24 Apr 2019: Preparing my body physically a mentally and internally for this procedure. Locked in my date and it’s now officially a few weeks from now I will be going under for the third time and I pray the last time for my breast. Updated on 25 May 2019: Preop went well. Doctor Rhenke was very through and very understanding. I discuss with him my concerns of simply removing total capsules and implants as I’m afraid it is making me ill. My health has drastically declined, chronic fatigue, constant joint paints, inflammation swelling, insomnia, brain fog, memory loss, sharp breast pain, breast leaking on the capsulated side. I’ve had a mammogram that was negative for rupture. Also complete blood work that was all normal. My body is physically rejecting these implants and aesthetically they look horrible. June 5th can’t come sooner. Updated on 5 Jun 2019: So much emotion. Excited and neeyat the exact same time. Praying that all goes well today. Updated on 7 Jun 2019: Tons of pain. Internal and external lift with implant removal. Luckily husband is really supportive. It’s important to have support due to limited range of motion and excruciating ???? pain. The hydrocodone prescribed does take the edge of the pain. I’m alternating between tramadol, arnica and occasional Tylenol. Sleeping on my back wasn’t as bad but getting up is another story. It will be in your best interest to strengthen core muscles prior to surgery. I was sent home with my own surgical bra with gauze and no drains. I did take a peek incisions looks brutal, boobs very small but overall I’m pleased with initial appearance. I’m cleared to shower today so will take pics so I can post an update. Also extremely itchy at procedure site and the entire body. Updated on 8 Jun 2019: Today is a much better day in regards to pain. My doctor didn’t use any drains just a bra for compression . I’m actually feeling pretty good and I’m pleased with how they look already. I had a stage IV capsular contracture before explant so I didn’t expect it to be perfect symmetrical wise. I was told by several doctors I would look deformed especially due to little breast tissue but they look really good in my opinion. Very small however but with good projection. I’m concerned about my incision I’ve never had issues in the past but the under incision crease is very prominent. The fact that I’m so much smaller I’m afraid the won’t be hidden well. I’m just hoping they heal well. Pictures do make them appear bigger than they really are. Updated on 14 Jun 2019: I had my follow up appointment. Doctor states it’s too early to worry about my scars and everything is healing nicely so far. He recommended enbliss bralette from soma so I ordered a few since they where on sale. It’s hard to determine my bra size this early due to swelling and healing process Although I had minimal bruising and swelling. I did use the Arnica pellets and cream along with the bohemian supplements. I’m getting use to sleeping on my back I was worried about that. I’m measuring 34b from a 34 DD. Updated on 19 Jun 2019: Not sure where time went. I’m actually feeling better each day. Im up and about. Trying to listen to my body. Got some new very cute bralette such a confidence booster. Hubby is now being vocal about the appearance stating how good they look. He actually said he wants to ask the doctor when he can play with them ????. Although it’s my body it makes a major difference when your partner supports you in such a major decision. As most women who remove their implants the thought of losing their sexuality is usually important. Doc said to wait three weeks before applying any creams or silicone tape. Updated on 20 Jun 2019: Slowly adjusting to them. Still have some ways before seeing how the truly look. The plan is to give my body time to heal and evaluate whether I would get fat transfer to my breast. Updated on 27 Jun 2019: I’m recovering well. Going back to work tomorrow. Updated on 26 Jul 2019: Loving my results. I’m hoping that the asymmetry evens out more overtime. I’m very pleased with the outcome. I’m healing nicely. Scars looks much better as well. My symptoms have drastically decrease and explant was beyond worth it for me. I’m giving myself a year to decide on breast fat transfer. I’m happy I opt out of doing it all in one procedure. The way things look I probably won’t even bother with another procedure and thousands more on vanity.
Excellent Experience From
Dr. Rehnke is an Amazing Doctor. I had done extensive research and multiple consultations with three different surgeons in the Tampa Bay Area before deciding on who I felt most comfortable with. From the first day I stepped into his beautiful office I was treated with professionalism by the entire staff. When I met Dr. Rehnke, he treated me with so much respect and I just knew he was the right Doctor for me. He is truly Heaven sent! Dr. Rehnke took his time to understand my goal and concerns and I felt that his years of cosmetic expertise was most fit with my needs and expectations. As a result during the entire Pre & Post Op process it helped make my surgical experience very comfortable. My Breast implant removal and lift results are incredible. If you are looking for a Plastic Surgeon in the Tampa Bay/ St. Petersburg area, I trust and highly recommend Dr. Rehnke. You will be getting the highest level of care and you will be very pleased with your results.
My experience with Dr Reynke was EXCELLENT. From the moment I walked into his practice, met his staff, I immediately knew I was In great hands and in the right place. I had liposuction/ lipo sculpture on my lower and upper abdomen and I feel wonderful. I'm 1 week post op and my results are amazing and as my swelling dissipates it will only get better. Dr Reynke is personable, easy to talk with and clearly an extremely gifted plastic surgeon. I'm so thankful I chose him for my surgery! The entire process was so smooth... My husband and I are totally thrilled with my new tummy!
I went to Dr. Rehnke many years ago for a mini lift. I remember I couldnt notice the results lol. After that I continued to see the Dr. for fillers and botox. Dr. Rehnke was always very conservative with his procedures and suggestions which is great. Obviously hes not out to sale you something you dont need. He has a very nice bedside manner and I fully trust him. However, his staff has become more obnoxious over time. This is why I stopped going to him. It was impossible to make an appointment before xmas which is understandable but who ever was answering the phone the few times I called before and after Xmas was so obnoxious it was enough to turn me away permanently. His prices went up on botox too. You can go anywhere and find less expensive, qualified nurses to do botox and fillers. Im looking to have a neck lift done this year. Searching for a new Dr. is difficult in this area. Any suggestions are welcome Thank you.
This was my third breast augmentation. My first was a few years ago, I got saline implants and a Areola lift. The implants were too heavy which led to them bottoming out, I was not happy. My second surgery with Dr. Robert Rehnke went fantastic and I loved the results!! After having my 3rd child I decided that I wanted them done again and hopefully for the last time. I went back to Dr. Rehnke and he suggested another lift with a smaller implant and fat transfer. I decided that that was going to be the plan and was very excited. Well this is day 3 of recovery and even though I'm pretty sore as expected I feel pretty good. Very minimal bruising compared to other pictures I've seen and the results are just what I was hoping for. My breast do look different, more natural but much more volume and also the lipo performed for the fat transfer has shaped my stomach just the way I wanted. I am THRILLED!!! Updated on 11 Dec 2015: I love this doctor for many reason but one is that with both breast augmentations I've always had very minimal bruising and quick to heal. He takes his time and uses the latest, less invasive techniques. He estimated I will go down about one cup size. I am happy I went with a very small implant as well as the fat trasnfer. He said I would get both of best worlds (projection and volume) and so far I couldn't be happier. Plus my waist is alreAdy looking smooth I can't wait to see final results.
Dr. Rehnke is a pleasant, honest, and skilled professional. From my initial consult for breast augmentation, he made me feel at ease and informed. He listented to what I wanted and was candid about my options. My preop/surgery went smoothly and I am ecstatic about results! His staff is wonderful!!!
Dr Rehnke is wonderful at injections. The only problem is he is so good it's hard to get an appointment with him. Another disappointment is he does not offer juvaderm for the eye hollows. I think he would be wonderful at it, when I asked why he does not do it he says it's because the results don't always turn out the way they are supposed to. Props to him for being honest.
During a Mammogram and ultrasound it was discovered that my implants had ruptured. They were 20+ yrs old and it was time to make a decision on revision or removal. I opted for removal and a lift. I chose a local plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Rehnke, and had the surgery on June 5th. Since both implants had been ruptured there was a longer surgery time and a lot of clean up of the silicone. It is 2 days later and I am very sore but seem to be healing up nicely. The whole procedure was a positive experience. The Dr. and surgery team were great as was the office staff. I was very pleased with my choices. Updated on 11 Jun 2013: Yesterday I had the drain tubes removed, that was weird. I didn't realize how deep they put them in there, it didn't hurt but the pulling sensation was kinda surreal. Today I was so happy to have them out that I thought I would swing by my workplace to check on things and as I was walking in my thought was, " how do I explain my new look", but it was all okay. No one seemed to care that I have no boobs now! I am having an issue today with rectal pain and bright yellow diarrhea, and to top it off, this is going to be my first day back to work in a week! Has anyone experienced this post-op, or should I call my Dr.? I have no fever, no stomach cramps, no weakness, but I have had some headaches lately and abdominal cramping and loose stools yesterday. Any advice? Updated on 11 Jun 2013: I realized that my desk was never set up to accommodate a person recovering from any sort of breast surgery...the keyboard is set to high and all my supplies are just past my reach. Tomorrow I will make some changes. The worst sensation now is the itching! I can't be scratching like a monkey all day, but if I sit in the breakroom with an icebag for a while it eases up... I found out that I feel more comfortable in my clothes now. I don't have to worry that my fitted shirts are going to be too tight around the boobs and gap at the buttons. No more safety pins. The real test will be when I put on my swim suit and dive in for lap swimming. I hope to pick up some speed now (less drag). Oh, and it might improve my golf swing too. I'm excited! Updated on 18 Jun 2013: I am back to my normal routine. Still have bruising and very, very noticeable scarring but, I can tell all, will be better in time. I do not miss the 32 D breasts. I love that my shirts do not gap between the button and my sweaters are no longer tight. I have lost all the swelling and water retention and my weight has dropped about 15 lbs (5 of that was probably the fake boobs). My back and neck pain are virtually gone! Updated on 18 Jun 2013: Swollen and drains still in, I'm still happy about my decision. Updated on 18 Jun 2013: Updated on 25 Jun 2013: I want to think that I heal rapidly...maybe so. I have started swimming again, almost every day, and the housework, laundry, and yard work are no longer suffering. I would love to say I can afford for someone else to do them, but I'm not that fortunate. I have been going through my closet and drawers, trying on all the clothes that used to fit my 32D chest, and realizing that most of my work blouses and suit jackets are now way too big. I'm lucky that I have most of the sewing skills needed to fit that problem and if I can't fix them I'm replacing them with Thrift Store buys. I found an almost new Ann Taylor blouse and suit jacket in, get this, a size 2! Yes, now that I'm a 32 AA I can wrap a size 2 jacket around me and button it! Of course, this does not mean that the bottom half of me is a size 2, but I'll work on that. It'll never be a size 2, but I'm shootin for a comfortable 6. I have seen a remarkable decline in back and neck pain, but I'm still battling with the chronic hives, which I'm hoping will go away with time. The surgery was well worth it for me.. "Mammas, don't let your daughters grow up to want implants, Don't let them date insecure men if you can, let them ride horses, play tennis and swim. Mammas, don't let your daughters grow up to get implants, tell them they're wonderful just as they are, beauty is on the inside!"
Once implants are put in the body they develop a healing "capsule" made of collagen. Sometimes this capsule is thin and soft and can be left after removal of an implant. It will collapse and melt away with time,once the implant is removed. Other times the capsule is thick and scared and should be removed with the implant when the patient desires explantation. I commonly remove implants, remove 60-70% of the capsule, repair the pectoral muscle, perform an internal purse string tightening of the breast (called an internal mastopexy) and then graft fat to restore fullness. Most patients also require an external mastopexy, or breast lift. With this protocol we can usually achieve a more attractive breast than before the implant was removed. Patients who want a larger breast will require a second fat grafting proceedure.
Silicone and saline breast implants have rubberized silicone bags called "shells". Once implants are put in the body they develop a healing "capsule" made of collagen. Sometimes this capsule is thin and soft and can be left after removal of an implant. It will collapse and melt away with time. Other times the capsule is thick and scared and should be removed with the implant when the patient desires explantation. I commonly remove implants, repair the pectoral muscle, perform an internal purse string tightening of the breast (called an internal mastopexy) and then graft fat to restore fullness. Most patients also require an external mastopexy, or breast lift. With this protocol we can usually achieve a more attractive breast than before the implant was removed. Patients who want a larger breast will require a second fat grafting proceedure.
