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Explant of 421cc Sub-muscular Silicone Gel Implants - Transaxillary incision - After 8 Years

UPDATED FROM CS_O1
1 month post

5 Week Post-op

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C
CS_O1
$9,000
I haven't mentioned this in my previous posts, except for the pinched nerve/pulling feeling. A few days after surgery, I noticed a tight tendon-like thing sticking out of my underarm. It prevented my from raising my right arm up above shoulder height. On my one week appointment with my surgeon, he said that it is scar tissue, and injected my underarm with a steroid that is supposed to dissolve scar tissue. He said that it should go away. I asked for an explanation of what causes it, and he did not really answer my question. So I, of course, turned to google for answers. Every time I put in various search words describing my condition, I consistently got results that described axillary web syndrome (cording). AWS is something that breast cancer patients normally get after having lymph nodes dissected or removed. I then questioned whether my surgeon had accidentally damaged a lymph node or lymph nodes. My surgeon never answered my questions about this and asked me to be patient. In good faith, I took my surgeon's word, and have been waiting for it to go away while stretching and using my arm as normally as possible. It is now 5 weeks later, and my range of motion is better, but I have now developed smaller "cords" extending down my ribs, and across my shoulder blade. I pointed this out to my surgeon at our appointment yesterday, but he offered no real explanation. He offered to surgically remove the cord under my arm, but that made me nervous, since surgery is what caused this to begin with. So he injected more of the steroid again. I am still happy with my decision to remove my implants, but I'm not sure I chose the right surgeon. At this point, I am not really sure what to do. I'm concerned this could have more serious implications.

CS_O1's provider

Richard Ellenbogen, MD (retired)

Richard Ellenbogen, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

0

Replies (1)

B
August 4, 2016
I'm sorry, I don't know anything about your cording problem, but wanted to let you know that you look amazing! Your results are what we all hope for. I explant in September and would love to look like you! You made a great choice. :)
UPDATED FROM CS_O1
9 days post

Old Implants

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CS_O1
I elected to have my old implants given back to me. When I saw them, it was hard to believe that these huge things were actually inside of me, between my tiny ribcage and my little pectoral muscles. And they feel so heavy! They are about 2 lbs total, but they feel really heavy to have been sitting in my Little body for 8 years. I am so glad to have them out!

Replies (2)

J
May 26, 2016
i think you look much better without implants and i just can't believe how good your skin looks after having them those heavy implants inside you! its retracted amazingly :) glad you feel good!
A
May 26, 2016
You look so amazing!!! I cannot wait to get my 420cc implants out after I have my baby.
UPDATED FROM CS_O1
7 days post

1 week post

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CS_O1
1 week post op, and I have to say trying on clothes has been kind of sad. None of my clothes seem to be fitting or looking good on. But I'm hoping that will change once I get out of my compression garnment, and can wear a bra with a little padding. Upside, my chest looks much more symmetrical in a bikini top. I am also looking forward to trying on some new clothes that I could never pull off with big boobs (plunging necklines!)

Replies (5)

N
May 24, 2016
Hey you look good! Tell me, are you wearing the compression all the time? I am after explant last week for 425 cc and trying to keep up hope they will retract. But I'm with you I like this better than everyone staring at me like a [RS bleep] star.
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C
May 24, 2016
Yes, I was told to wear the compression garnment for 2 weeks. It is driving me nuts.
N
May 24, 2016
Driving me nuts too! I think I'm gonna wear it longer than 2 weeks just to see if results happen faster...but let's see if that lasts past 2 weeks lol
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C
May 25, 2016
I just want to be able dress normally when I go out. My compression garnment is like a giant elastic band, and looks very awkward under clothing.
J
May 24, 2016
Omg you had such a good outcome! Just curious did you get your capsules removed aswell? :)
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C
May 24, 2016
I am not sure. I did not realize that was a question I should have asked beforehand. I have my first post-op appointment today, and will ask.
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M
May 24, 2016
I pray to God, the universe or whatever you believe in to get the same result as yours, you look fav!! Yes to natural!!
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M
May 24, 2016
Also, where are the scars? you lucky woman!
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C
May 25, 2016
My implants were originally put in through the armpit, so I had them taken out the same way.
LM
May 25, 2016
I think you look great!
I'm scheduled for explant on June 30, and I've had so many emotions. I am terrified I will be deformed so seeing your pics make me feel much better. I hope to have as good results as you have!
Thank you for sharing!
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C
May 25, 2016
I felt the same way. I especially freaked out the day before surgery. I questioned if I was making the right decision. But now I feel so much better, relieved!
H
May 25, 2016
You look so good !