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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

42 yo, 10 years with 325cc silicone, submuscular - IMPLANT REMOVAL w/ Lift - AHH...the relief!

ORIGINAL POST

Like many of the reviews I've read, let's just say...

exhale
WORTH IT$5,300
Like many of the reviews I've read, let's just say that I was "inspired" to have BA surgery at the ("silent") encouragement of a gentleman at the time. I was 31 years old and a small 34B. I was never concerned with my breast size until meeting this man. Regardless of the "why" I did it, it's done and over. For the last 10 years, I have regretted more than appreciated it. Five years ago I went back to the original PS for a consult on removal. He gave me my options, but I did not proceed. I love the work my PS did initially, so my resentment towards my breasts is only in my decision with getting them in the first place. This summer after going on vacation and having to wear a bathing, suit sealed my decision. I was so self conscious of my breasts that it compromised my enjoyment. I can't wait to have these toxic, heavy, foreign objects out! I am set to have them removed and a lift in a few weeks. The PS says that I am about 50% natural breast tissue and 50% implant. I had 350cc, silicone, submuscular implants. The PS said I had a slight tubular deformity, so the implants would give my breasts a more round appearance. Over the 10 years, I feel as though my native breast tissue has fallen over the implants, and the implants are in the same spot they were originally placed. Regardless, they are coming out. I am nervous, but feel liberated to know that I am convicted to my decision. It is so comforting to read all of the testimonials of all of the women and their liberation. My screen name of "exhale" is purposeful; I can't wait to finally exhale and breathe in a sigh of relief after these things are out. I believe it will be worth it in the end!

Replies (8)

August 28, 2014
Hi Exhale! I am actually looking into doing the same thing. Have had mine for 6 years and they are way too big. I was going to get them removed without a lift but am having second thoughts now and worried they will sag. I have a consultation next month. I'll check back on here to see how you did. Good luck! :)
August 29, 2014
Hi Javagirlxo. I was about 99% sure about removal before my consult. After sparking with my PS, I was convinced. He did mention I would have scars where there were once none. I told him that I fully accept the appearance of the scars and my body will heal as best it can. The scars will be a reminder of my journey. Good luck with your decision.
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August 29, 2014
Thanks for sharing your experience with implants. Sorry they bother you, but you are in good company here. 50% breast tissue sounds pretty darn good. Did your doctor say if you will lose any breast tissue with the lift?

Please keep us posted on this. I predict more carefree and lighter days for you in the near future! :)
August 29, 2014
Hi Angiemcc. My doctor does not predict I will lose much, but size is not my main goal. My motivation for a lift is more to address the tubular deformity pre BA. Jokingly I said that I would end up "small and perky" and he pretty much agreed. I didn't not pin point him to a size, but I suspect a small B. After the discomfort of my implants all theses years, I can't wait to feel lighter. Thanks for your input.
August 29, 2014
Hi Exhale! As you posted your review, I was having my 360cc subglandular silicone implants removed and a lift done. I am only on day 2 of my implant-free existence but can say without reservation it was the right thing for me! I too have dreaded wearing a swim suit in public for the past 14 yrs, especially around my kids and their friends. Now I can wear those cute athletic bikinis (like they sell at Athleta) and not the big, dowdy cup-sized suits I used to need to give me the coverage I needed. Congrats on your decision and enjoy the process of reading this site to really get you prepared for living a more carefree lifestyle without implants to hide or otherwise hold you back!
August 29, 2014
Hi Jasjet! It is so comforting to read your post and read that you can be sympathetic to my plight. I hated wearing a bathing suit! I hope your healing process is smooth and look forward to updates.
August 31, 2014
Way to go Exhale. I feel your sentiments exactly. Is your initial PS going to do this procedure? I love mine, but I live on the other side of the country now. Any comments or suggestions from you or others? Should you go to the Dr. That put the implants in?
September 1, 2014
Hi Battlecat. Yes, my original PS is doing the surgery. My only advice to seeking a surgeon is having confidence in their work and trusting that they will carry out your vision, not theirs. Also, some PS cost will vary. I believe that having a surgery such as this is not a time to be cheap, but I understand that the cost of elective surgery is out of pocket. There are many experienced PS out there. Do your research and be convicted to your decision to explant. I feel my PS is very honest with me. When we discussed the breast lift, he wanted to make sure that I understood (and accept) that there will be scars where there are none, which I do. My scars from my original surgery are barely visible. I attribute that to good genes, being tenacious with using silicone scar strips, and luck. Bests wishes with finding a surgeon you trust.
UPDATED FROM exhale
21 days pre

Picture pre BA, 2001

exhale

Replies (15)

September 1, 2014
Congrats on your decision. It takes a bit to get there but it seems once we're there we want them out now! That's how was. It's been two weeks for me and I'm thrilled. Looking forward to hearing of your progress!
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September 1, 2014
Good luck - when is yr op? Mine is 17 th sept xxxx
September 1, 2014
Hi Bluebell. Mine is in 26 days! I'm counting!
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September 2, 2014
Good luck xxxx - I'm Trying to ESP busy so the days go quickly xx
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September 2, 2014
[RS bleep] we will both feel so much better by Christmas :)
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September 1, 2014
What a great story. Thanks for sharing. They are going to look great!! My next step would be an explant also as I can't imagine having 3 Bas, but I wish sometimes I would have comsidered it for my 2nd. I guess it was too soon for me -- only a year after my first, so I went with spending a ton more money to fix what was broken and I am happy with results, but not the money.
September 2, 2014
Hi there. I'm almost 6months post op after my explant and lift. My left was tuberous and my right bigger. There are not enough words to describe how happy I am now. If you have any questions feel free to message me. Can't wait to read the rest of your story:)
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September 2, 2014
Congratulations exhale on scheduling your explant! It is obvious from your story that you have given this a great deal of thought and it is the right decision for you. Keep us posted!
UPDATED FROM exhale
14 days pre

Is it normal to be consumed?

exhale
The closer it gets to my explant date, the more I think about it! Every time I get dressed, or if I'm working out and feel my muscle pull away from my implant, or if I think what I'm wearing may reveal the unnatural shape of my breasts, I'm thinking about my surgery. I'm also feeling a little scared about the lift and the pain I may feel after. Any advice?

Replies (11)

September 9, 2014
I can only speak for myself, but I was completely consumed by thoughts of my explant and lift for weeks before my surgery! I think it's normal, especially because you wonder what your results will be, how you will feel afterwards, how your life will change... what others will think, etc. I am about 11 days post op and was very surprised how little pain I felt. I used my Rx pain meds for about 3 days, on schedule so I didn't ever get overwhelmed by pain. But on day 4, I was able to manage the pain with extra strength Tylenol and was completely off meds by day 6. Now I'm more worried about what tops I can wear to conceal the compression bra I have to wear 24/7! Haha! It's super fun to experience the light, free and natural feel of being implant free. I am surprised that no one around me has noticed (I didn't tell anyone I had implants or was having them removed) because I think the difference is so dramatic...I guess it just goes to show you that no one is looking at you as critically as you are looking at yourself. Try to stay busy with other things to keep your mind occupied. And have fun reading RS updates and looking at pictures of cute, small and natural Boobies :). 2 weeks will pass before you know it.
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September 9, 2014
Jasjet - your comment was do encouraging and helps me ~ I can't wait to feel the way you do it sounds liberating - I'm getting a little anxious but mostly excited and waiting for relief as my cc is worse and it feels like the left side is also suffering :( Keep healing fellow explanter xxxx
September 10, 2014
Jasjet, you soothe some of my fears. I won't be sharing my explant surety with anyone not in my close personal circle. I doubt they will even notice, as I've been a master at hiding them. You're right, the time will go by quickly and I'll be on the other side soon enough!
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September 9, 2014
Many of us on here are obsessed (in a good way!) From the first moment I found this website I have been a sponge just taking all the stories and experiences in. Exhale, of course you are consumed right now - you are excited at the prospect of being YOURself - all natural and beautiful! Fear creeps in sometimes - what will they ultimately look like? Can I live with the outcome? Will I look sexy? All valid concerns but the bottom line is - beauty is an INSIDE job. Keep us posted - there's a huge cheering section going on here at RS!
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September 9, 2014
Exhale - I'm obsessed too ~ my hubby says that to me every day but understands why - it's a life change and a very personal one - this site helps us understand the journey and to not feel alone. I have read so many stories of how people felt and their journey and recovery and it's so reassuring xxxxxxx good luck on you journey xxxxxxx
September 10, 2014
Thanks Bluebell! It is life changing and a big decision. I discovered this site after I decided to explant. It has only reinforced my decision.
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September 10, 2014
Hi exhale ~ me too but thankfully I found the site the week b4 my consultation & helped me to have the determination to not be persuaded to do anything other than what I wanted :) It will be great once we are on the healing side, I think even when you know 100% it what you want/need you still Just want to know whst your final look will be - this site has certainly given me courage and confidence xxxx
September 9, 2014
Hi exhale! Just wanna tell you... everything you wrote is "me"..... from the shape of you breast before to the reasons you got your implants. I am now 6 days post op.....and waiting for tomorrow to see the results! I had 370 cc , cohesive gel under the gland, making me a "D" that I have been trying to hide with flattening sports bra for the past ten years. I wanted them more for fixing the " shape" than to increase the volume...I ended up with the same shape... but bigger! wrong move then. I now expect to be a proud little "B"! I want you to know, it went well and I woke up without pain, with the removal they proceded with a lift and an reduction of the areola 30mm diameter.I got the full incisions package (reversed "t") or in French we say (ancre inversé). I took tylenol every 6 hrs the first day but nothing after that. my left nipple seams to be extra sensitive while my right seam normal...I also have what feels like "water" in my right breast, ( nothing to worry about, they will ponction this out and the body takes care of the rest they said) So tomorrow I am getting out of my bandages and into a compression bra for 3 weeks day and nights. I will be having positive thoughts for you on your operation day! You have inspired me with the reasons why you got your implants at first, Your story could have been mine! I know beleive that if a man makes me feel I am the wrong size.......that may be that I am with the wrong "man". Take care my friend, everything will be just fine!!!!! Bonne journée! ( please excuse me if I" ve made spelling mistakes, I am French)
September 10, 2014
Marie, wow! Thank you for all of your positive comments and thoughts. It inspires me to be positive and only focus on the positive, which I belief contribute to a good recovery. The mind powerful! Keep us posted on your recovery! Au revior, my friend!