POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
Breasts ruined by implants 1.5 Yrs Ago, Early 30s
ORIGINAL POST
I wrote a review on my breast implants and the...
HopedforbetterSeptember 8, 2016
I wrote a review on my breast implants and the reasons I wanted them removed, but I would also like to start a review here as well because I'm looking for support and advice about explant.
Long story short, I had BA after stopping birth control pills because of melasma. My breasts lost several sizes and looked deflated with extra skin. I was happy with my breasts before although I had always been somewhat large and wore a 32DD before the birth control was stopped and much larger in pregnancy and with nursing. I am 110 lbs and 5'4. I've had nothing but problems with the implants, I wanted to be a D-DD at very largest and ended up an 34H cup. The donut lift looks terrible, breasts are shaped very strange, covered in broken capillaries, 2 hard red nodules now, I have lateral displacement deformities that are very uncomfortable and so embarrassing. Permanent sutures very painful and one spot irritated and getting larger and thicker still even after 1.5 yrs... Breast implants were a huge mistake. For more details and photos, please see my review on implants.
I would like to help someone who may be looking into implants and inform others of the things that can go wrong. I was not aware of many of these complications and my surgeon did not foresee any problems at all- insane I have had so many! I wish I had found this site before surgery. I'm also looking for support from other people going through the same thing and looking for information. No one in my life/family can relate to what I'm going through and I only told a few close friends about my surgery-so I'm constantly trying to hide these giant ugly boobs. I'm so afraid of trusting another doctor and going through surgery again, but I know it's just a matter of time and choosing the right surgeon. I can't afford physically, financially, or emotionally to have another mistake. I welcome any thoughts or suggestions.
Long story short, I had BA after stopping birth control pills because of melasma. My breasts lost several sizes and looked deflated with extra skin. I was happy with my breasts before although I had always been somewhat large and wore a 32DD before the birth control was stopped and much larger in pregnancy and with nursing. I am 110 lbs and 5'4. I've had nothing but problems with the implants, I wanted to be a D-DD at very largest and ended up an 34H cup. The donut lift looks terrible, breasts are shaped very strange, covered in broken capillaries, 2 hard red nodules now, I have lateral displacement deformities that are very uncomfortable and so embarrassing. Permanent sutures very painful and one spot irritated and getting larger and thicker still even after 1.5 yrs... Breast implants were a huge mistake. For more details and photos, please see my review on implants.
I would like to help someone who may be looking into implants and inform others of the things that can go wrong. I was not aware of many of these complications and my surgeon did not foresee any problems at all- insane I have had so many! I wish I had found this site before surgery. I'm also looking for support from other people going through the same thing and looking for information. No one in my life/family can relate to what I'm going through and I only told a few close friends about my surgery-so I'm constantly trying to hide these giant ugly boobs. I'm so afraid of trusting another doctor and going through surgery again, but I know it's just a matter of time and choosing the right surgeon. I can't afford physically, financially, or emotionally to have another mistake. I welcome any thoughts or suggestions.
Replies (106)
September 9, 2016
I hope everything works out for you and Im sorry to hear you are experiencing so many complications... Everything will turn out fine love, sooner than you think...!! We all have regrets and have made the same silly mistake of implants... it is jus an expensive one...lol Welcome to the forum..
September 9, 2016
Thank you very much. I'm so ready for this chapter to be over! And yes, such an expensive mistake. Huge investment financially and also emotionally and even our time we put into all this. I have been trying to come to terms with what has happened and not keep living in the past and wishing I didn't make this mistake. I did, it done, I know I will not be the same after. But I have to move forward anyway and try to stay healthy and keep myself in balance.
September 9, 2016
Did you have your explant surgery yet? And if so, how did everything go?
October 2, 2016
Yes... so true, we pay emotionally, financially, w our time, focus.. its a lot.. i did not have my exaplant yet.. i was hoping to do it around Xmas... but bcz i am a performer, er'one wants Nutcracker n Nativity... so I think it's best that I wait until January..? What confuses me, is that they look great, no complications, but mentally I can not except them.. i look at b4s n i cant believe i was so insecure..smh I can't wait... iI'm kno i wont look the same, but it will be ME! Praying for you... we will get through this, we are women, we are strong, and we can do anything!
October 7, 2016
And I totally know how you feel w the before pics- I should have been happy w what I had naturally instead of always trying to improve things. I had no idea how bad things would be with implants.
September 10, 2016
I'm so sorry for the suffering you have gone through and the regret. We can all relate! I too have had nothing but complications for 25 years of implants. They never looked or felt good and all I've ever done is try to hide them. More embarassing than my flat chest by far. And then there's the money...bought those plastic surgeons a nice boat or two...
You are still so young and once they are gone you will heal up nicely (the magic of estrogen!) and be able to move on and not look back. I'm scheduled to get mine out in December and so ready! Do take your time and get several consults so you pick someone you trust and feel safe with.
Hugs xoxo
You are still so young and once they are gone you will heal up nicely (the magic of estrogen!) and be able to move on and not look back. I'm scheduled to get mine out in December and so ready! Do take your time and get several consults so you pick someone you trust and feel safe with.
Hugs xoxo
September 10, 2016
Congratulations on making the move to get them out!! That must be even harder having them for 25 yrs and being so used to them. I think you will feel so free and amazing afterwards! I know I will!! I guess I attribute a lot of the problems I've had to my PS as many were surgeon error and I just want to find someone who has done many lifts and explants and scarring postop is very favorable. I'm meeting w my ps who placed the implants about the possibility of a refund/compensation and to discuss my issues. I am very nervous, but I really hope they are willing to do something to make things right. I'm afraid of him offering revision because I don't think I could trust him again.
September 10, 2016
It's funny - I think it's actually easier having them out now at my age of 55. One of the great things about getting older is you care less and less about what other people think. At my consult the PS I'm going with said he could do new implants and I told him nope, I've had nothing but problems and don't think the third time is the charm, I'm all done. He told me "you know many women your age opt to just have them out and not replace them, priorities change." He didn't tell me I would look awful or regret it. I wish I had not replaced them 4 years ago but just was not ready. I thought BA must have improved so much over 20 years that I would have a perfect outcome. Well it seemed to make sense at the time...
I think one of the biggest problems with surgeon error and bad results with BA in general is that if a surgeon screws up and you go to a new one, they won't dis your first surgeon. They're all in the club. Sometimes they even blame it on you -you didn't massage or your body is reacting wrong...or you're mental - they look fine and you just need to get used to them, etc. etc. I've had several consults over the years and told them my breasts are still numb and they say "oh that's really rare" and act like I'm imagining things. Anyway, trust your instincts and go with someone you feel good about. Also, check out their photo gallery. Some have BA photos that look so bad I really question their aesthetics and their skills even for explant. I chose a surgeon that had photos with more natural looking results. Good luck!! XOXO
I think one of the biggest problems with surgeon error and bad results with BA in general is that if a surgeon screws up and you go to a new one, they won't dis your first surgeon. They're all in the club. Sometimes they even blame it on you -you didn't massage or your body is reacting wrong...or you're mental - they look fine and you just need to get used to them, etc. etc. I've had several consults over the years and told them my breasts are still numb and they say "oh that's really rare" and act like I'm imagining things. Anyway, trust your instincts and go with someone you feel good about. Also, check out their photo gallery. Some have BA photos that look so bad I really question their aesthetics and their skills even for explant. I chose a surgeon that had photos with more natural looking results. Good luck!! XOXO
October 8, 2016
I am still anxiously counting down to explant on December 8th! When I had my revision 4 years ago I think it got a little better. Which was a nice surprise as I thought a second BA would mean more nerve damage, but that was not the case. I don't have high hopes but even just a little more would be wonderful. I will certainly post about my outcome so stay tuned...
February 22, 2017
Please don't go back to the same surgeon. If he placed them 25 years ago (mine were 27 years old), and never told you to replace them every 10 years, then he surely does not have your health and best interest at heart. There are two types of surgeons. Those who recognize the dangers of Breast Implant Illness, and those that don't. Choosing the wrong Dr. actually puts you at even more risk. My best friend just had her 9th surgery removing silicone from all over her upper torso and neck. She went back to the same Dr. who put them in. He didn't recognize or "believe in" the dangers of silicone and all of these other chemicals that we've now been exposed to. He took out what was left of the shell, leaving the capsule and a ton of free silicone all in her chest wall. She has been so sick for many years, and just last week had 7 more silicone filled lymph nodes removed from high in her neck and her collar bone. She had horrible mold issues, and has just been through hell for the past 9 years! Please check out the Breast Implant Illness Website, and the corresponding Facebook Page, "Breast Implant Illness by Nicole". You will find a wealth of information and can interact with over 14,000 other women in the same boat. Good luck to you! Like I said, mine were 27 years old, and one had ruptured, but both had leaked. I still have more lymph nodes in my underarms filling up with more silicone. Please don't ignore any warning signs!
February 22, 2017
Sorry I missed this...no I'm afraid the damage was so severe it's permanent. But I'm used to it. My original PS was incompetent. I'm not sure he was even certified. The surgery was under twilight in his office - not even a hospital! The bad decisions we have to live with...
February 22, 2017
O.M.G. That is horrible and INSANE!!!! One more reason to explant. What a nightmare for your friend, I'm so heartsick to hear this. Thank you for sharing.
September 10, 2016
Ughh... I used to be a lot more athletic, but it's been very hard to keep up after these giant boobs. I look at these things every day and still think I can't believe this has happened to me... This has really changed my life so negatively.
September 15, 2016
I'm sorry about that! I have the same problem, I have my breast augmentation 3 months ago. Whit a 400cc uhp soft round. N they look exactly like yours they sag so much. I'm hoping my doctor can do something about it. Hope things get better for you cuz all this process is so depressing!
September 15, 2016
Mine changed so much in the first 8 months unfortunately not for the better. Have you talked to your surgeon? With all the problems I've had, I'm done w implants and just want removal and lift. What I had before BA was a lot better! So sorry you're in the same boat and I agree it's so sad to try and improve a part of your body only to make things worse after all the pain and not money invested. So not right.
September 15, 2016
I'm going to post a photo of what i looked like at a month postop and you can see just what a change it was. The sagging definitely got so much worse. They do their drop and fluff and you're just left with what feels to me a lot like sandbags on my chest I'm carrying around. Way too heavy for my frame.
September 15, 2016
I have a appointment with my surgon on Tuesday. Im just hoping n preying. Because my breast look so much worst that before my BA. It's been only 3 months n they look so bad at this point I don't know if I want implants no more.
September 15, 2016
Wishing you all the luck at your appointment, please let me know how it goes. They sure change a lot over the course, but not always for the better. You're still early on, but I don't think sag can improve without a lift esp with heavy implants.
September 15, 2016
Thank you! I went to a few consultations before the surgery, n all of the doctors think at that time that I don't need a lift. So wen I got this doctor he tell me that my breast would look so nice with the correct size n implants. I sow him my expectations n he told me I will get you there. I'm going true a lot right now I just hope he will fixed with no cost cuz I spend all of my money on this.
October 7, 2016
Hi hopedforbetter it went good he is going to fix the surgery but. I have my surgery today in a bit. I hope this time everything comes out the way I was expecting. How it go with your doctor?
October 7, 2016
Today?!!! Oh my goodness!!! What exactly is he going to do? I see my doc on the 18th.
October 7, 2016
In my first surgery I chose to go on top of the muscle, n my implants sag so much so this time he is going to re construct my Brest do a lift n re do my areola n place the implants under the muscles. I'm happy but at the same time I'm scared.
October 7, 2016
He is going to reconstruct my breast n place the implants under the muscle. In my first surgery i chose to go on top. He is going to do a full breast lift n do my areola. I'm happy but at the same time I'm very scared.
October 7, 2016
I'm wishing you all the best Diana!! It's always scary to go through surgery I know... I'm dreading it myself but will be such a relief to get it over with at the same time. I sure hope things turn out better this time. I'm asking myself that question too, could I trust my same doc to do revision again if he offers.
October 7, 2016
Thank you so much I wish you all of the best as well, I feel you cuz I was asking my self the same question if I sold trust the same doctor. I chose to go for it I'm just prying that everything goes well this time.
October 9, 2016
Hey everything went well yesterday I'm just hoping i see the results i want to see after right now i can't see anything cuz I'm all rap up.
October 9, 2016
So glad to hear everything went okay and you're all done! Make sure you take it easy and lots of antioxidants now!! How are you feeling?
UPDATED FROM Hopedforbetter
Wondering...
HopedforbetterSeptember 9, 2016
Would really like some opinions on a couple of things, ladies out there w some experience on this:
Lift at same time of explant? I see breasts change so much in the many months after explant on this forum. I would really like to get both over with at once and be done with it- but I'm wondering if it's better to let them "settle" into their after implant position before having them lifted? Or if it makes any difference at all for the final outcome lol!
Also it seems like adhesions are a big problem after explant. I have animation deformity with my implants now when I flex, does that mean it will remain the same after explant? Do you think the longer implants are in, the more of a chance of this happening?
Lift at same time of explant? I see breasts change so much in the many months after explant on this forum. I would really like to get both over with at once and be done with it- but I'm wondering if it's better to let them "settle" into their after implant position before having them lifted? Or if it makes any difference at all for the final outcome lol!
Also it seems like adhesions are a big problem after explant. I have animation deformity with my implants now when I flex, does that mean it will remain the same after explant? Do you think the longer implants are in, the more of a chance of this happening?
Replies (27)
September 10, 2016
Hi Hopedforbetter.....I can tell you about the adhesion....yes, you will still have the animation deformity after the implants are removed. They don't tell us that when they place the implant under the muscle, the muscle is cut and will never be the same. I have read where they can sew the muscle back down, then I have read that sewing it down does not work....so much conflicting info it's really upsetting. I have read that you can have the breast tissue released from the muscle, then I have read that doing this may cause damage or perforations in the breast and that it will just do the same thing.....I was told by one plastic surgeon that the only way to fix it is to put implants back in ABOVE the muscle....I was told by another one that I do not have enough tissue to go above the muscle....It's very frustrating. I asked a question on here about the adhesion and many PS said it would get better over time. It's been 8 months since my explant and my breasts have fluffed up very nicely. Where there felt like a "hole" in my chest where the implant sat and my muscle was stretched so thin that it felt like skin over ribcage, has filled back in and feels like a normal breast again.. THIS I am very happy about.....but....the severe deformity when I flex is still there. I'm still trying to figure out what to do. I purchased the Noogleberry hoping it would help. It seems to be helping with the sagginess and filling in the upper pole, but it has not helped with the adhesion at all. My next step is to see a myofacial release massage therapist. Good luck [RS bleep]
September 10, 2016
Wishing you all the luck!! That is a complicated issue and jeez- crazy so many opinions on that which absolutely conflict! I think so many of these surgeons know alllllllll about putting implants in, but when it comes to taking them out (come on guys, these are not lifetime devices!!!) they sure leave a lot to be desired!!!
That is very sad to me. Honestly, this whole thing is such an emotional experience. I think we attach a lot of value w our femininity to our breasts and don't even realize..but knowing I pretty much ruined my peck muscles really sucks. They def feel much different after implants and I can't exercise the same way. For example, I loved rock climbing before, I just don't have the upper body strength anymore sadly. I could do push ups before surgery- not now. In my particular situation I will have to have lift, I wonder if they can try to address any adhesions at that time. I will definitely ask about that if there is anything at all to be done. I do very much want capsules removed and to have en bloc removal- but I have no idea how much breast tissue this will take from me. Ughh.
That is very sad to me. Honestly, this whole thing is such an emotional experience. I think we attach a lot of value w our femininity to our breasts and don't even realize..but knowing I pretty much ruined my peck muscles really sucks. They def feel much different after implants and I can't exercise the same way. For example, I loved rock climbing before, I just don't have the upper body strength anymore sadly. I could do push ups before surgery- not now. In my particular situation I will have to have lift, I wonder if they can try to address any adhesions at that time. I will definitely ask about that if there is anything at all to be done. I do very much want capsules removed and to have en bloc removal- but I have no idea how much breast tissue this will take from me. Ughh.
September 10, 2016
I am only a week out from explant but your story hits so close to home, feel free to read my posts. I had my implants in for 1.5 years and after 1 revision surgery I decided I had enough too. I can not answer this question other then I had a lift and my PS said that will help with the muscle but he couldn't guarantee 100% recovery and the pain I have I the chest Dailey. But he did say it will help. I took a peak at my boobs today and sadly after a lift I really think I'm gonna be hopefully at least a B cup. Sad but I'm ready to be implant free. So bummed I'm got less boob then what I started with but hoping I will be happy with perky and not having the stress of bras and working out and issues w workout clothes fitting. Hang in there and I am here if you need to vent or cry with me ;)
September 10, 2016
Thank you so much and same to you- please reach out anytime! There are so many kind women on this site going through similar challenges, it is really nice to know I'm not alone. A lot of you know a lot more about explant than the docs seem to going through it and doing your research! I have been doing some crying today actually- ughh. Life is tough right now and things definitely changed a lot for me w implants.
I realized I read your review recently too and I want to congratulate you on your explant and being done w implants! I can't wait to feel so free. There is nothing I like about having a chest this big. I know they look different now but hope so much you learn to love them and embrace being smaller and implant free! Did you have a second lift with explant?
I realized I read your review recently too and I want to congratulate you on your explant and being done w implants! I can't wait to feel so free. There is nothing I like about having a chest this big. I know they look different now but hope so much you learn to love them and embrace being smaller and implant free! Did you have a second lift with explant?
September 11, 2016
I decide to have a lift with my explant. I knew I hated my pre boobs because I felt they were saggy so I didn't want to have that same feeling. However I do know having the lift did leave me smaller then before I pants ;(
September 14, 2016
I have been wondering these same questions regarding getting the lift immediately or to wait a while after. I too have a deformity when I flex my pectorals but I don't know if it is the animation deformity that you mention but I do have displacement one one size and the implant sits up almost right under my collar bone. I would love to hear what your ps recommends or if you hear any good advice regarding the lift etc!
October 17, 2016
Thank you and please let me know the same for you! I see a lot of docs who do both at once and they turn out nicely so hopefully it will be okay to do both together.
October 12, 2016
I had implant removal and a lift at the same time with very little beast tissue, as I'm an A post implant removal. But I am so happy to have it over with and they are sitting where they are supposed to. I honestly wish my original PS would have just lifted my small breasts fix years ago! My end result is great, it was just a long journey to get here. My PS drained my implants four weeks before removal so I would have an idea what they would look like without the lift. I had a lot of sagging skin and a fold in one nipple, the lift addressed and fixed all of it. I removed my implants after five years due to CC. Interview surgeons until you feel confident that you have the right one. Best of luck!
October 17, 2016
Thank you! It probably helped that you were able to drain the implants and let the skin settle some before your lift too. I have silicone, so I will not be able to do that. I'm afraid of the scars I will have, but I think it will have to be a lot better than where I am now and hopefully I can be comfortable after. It also seems like lifts heal a lot better without the pressure of implants too so hopefully that will be in my favor!
October 25, 2016
Yes i inquired about a lift initially as well n somehow were sold on the most expensive implants... they assume that mentally everyone can except foriegn objects or be ok after that rough surgery of implants..?
October 25, 2016
Yes, the ps acted like it was no big deal what so ever- I asked a thousand questions and he just kept responding w telling me he anticipated no problems and brushed off every concern I had. It is a very difficult recovery and it took me a long time to get back to doing normal activities. So true what you're saying though, and you never know how you will feel w the implants until afterwards. All the changes that are negative I never could have anticipated!
October 24, 2016
Im getting a lift at the same time I explant... for a couple reasons. 1) I only want to go through surgery once. I can't afford 2 separate surgeries as it would add a couple thousand dollars to my bill. 2) Going under anesthesia is always a risk... Id much rather have it all done at once and not go through that more then necessary. My dr assured me he is quite capable of doing them at the same time & getting a wonderful result. My appointment is next week. Good luck to you.
October 28, 2016
Explant33, I can agree with a lot of your reasoning and I'm very afraid to undergo surgery again. Let alone go through it twice. Let me know how things go for you please and take care!! Xx
UPDATED FROM Hopedforbetter
Does anyone else have hard red nodules?
HopedforbetterSeptember 10, 2016
Wondering if anyone else has had this issue w their implants- I'm having tiny hard red lumps appear under skin. If I try to squeeze it's painful and nothing comes out. I saw my OB a couple months ago and she said it wasn't something I should worry about (like cancer) but she couldn't really tell me what it actually was. I've had one for at least 6 months, now another one has appeared. Hard to see in photo, but it's more something that can be felt under skin. Ah- the joy of breast implants... NEVER had anything like this before.
Replies (23)
September 10, 2016
I don't have nodules but I have red rashy skin on my breasts and my upper arms that appeared a little while after I had new implants put in. I have tried all kinds of soaps and creams on it and nothing works. I am now wondering if it is because of the implants. I am really hoping it goes away once they are gone.
September 10, 2016
Hmmmm... Does it itch? I think we can't fully know what a foreign object made w chemicals is capable of doing to our bodies and how our bodies react to it.
November 1, 2016
I had several that would pop up. I think it was silicone coming out because t would squeeze it and stuff would come out, then take weeks before it would heal. Not like a pimple. It seemed to be very deep.
November 1, 2016
Yes, very deep! And painful to squeeze. Nothing comes out of mine thus far though and they are both still there.
November 1, 2016
Congrats RoseM, I'm so ready to be done and it hasn't even been 2 yrs. This has been the worst mistake, I hate that I did this to myself.
November 1, 2016
Mine were in for 28 years and hard as rocks!! Over the years I thought about removing them but life got in the way. Don't be too hard on yourself, when we had them put in we thought we wanted them, Hind sight is 20-20 right? A wonderful l quote is "to everything there is a season" I consider myself very blessed that they were removed and covered by my insurance because of the rupture. I believe many insurances will cover it because its really is not cosmetic. If you have capsular contracture I believe insurance deems them "medically necessary" to be removed. Hope this helps. Have you joined the Facebook "explant removal" group? Its a great group!
November 30, 2016
I have one of these... How did you find out it was ruptured. I have 10 yrs old implants and the one with this bump has been hurting lately.
November 30, 2016
It felt funny, went to my obgyn, she felt it too. She sent me to a radiologist, within two weeks Kaiser took them out. They were disgusting! Have you been on the FB site explant info implant removal site. There are so many women on their, sharing stories! Check it out.
January 18, 2017
Mine were 27 years old, and I would get these bumps off and on for several years. One breast suddenly began hurting in a weird, indescribable way, I had test after test, all said they were fine. They were wrong. Once I found someone who knew how to read an ultrasound, she found the rupture immediately, right where the pain was. Once they were out, that one had indeed ruptured, and it had been leaking for years. Don't ignore what your body is telling you, even if the Doctors are telling you they are fine.
January 18, 2017
Yes. I felt the bump was silicon working it's way out! Different then any type of zit I ever had!
November 2, 2016
Hi Hopedforbetter, yes...i have exacly the same nodules and i hope like you that, when those fake, dangerous implants will be out all will be more normal and better
January 2, 2017
I believe they are related to your implants....they look horribly painful. I didn't read all the comments, but I hope you're having them removed and not replaced. If you'll read through the Facebook Page of Breast Implant Illness by Nicole, you'll find many many women who've had those and so many other symptoms, most of which disappear upon explant. It's your body telling you to get those things out of you! Good luck!
January 2, 2017
Thank you! And definitely removing without replacement- implants are definitely not for me!! Worst mistake ever.
I have looked into Dr. Feng and I really like her philosophies and her work as well. But there is a review that has stuck w me on an explant she did that had really bad results. It was shocking the way the patient was treated after mostly that was so disturbing to me, the office even threatened her about her review on real-self and were terrible to her after she had already had such a bad result. I would just hate to have something go wrong and be treated that way. I need to know if I have another bad outcome what my options are and that my surgeon will take care of me.