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!"