POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
3 year Update! Post-explant of 12yr old saline overs and Capsular Contracture
ORIGINAL POST
I did a lengthy review under Breast Implants, so...
WORTH IT$1,500
I did a lengthy review under Breast Implants, so anyone interested in why an implanted woman like me would HateMyImplants, you can check out my other review. Here I am going to try to keep it to a review of Explantation.
A little info: I'm 35, had implants 12 years. They are smooth, round, mentor saline implants. I believe they are 360cc 'overfilled' to 400cc. My incisions were inframammary. I was a cute 36A before surgery. Post surgery a bulging 36C, and after 2 kids settled at small 36D. Capsular Contracture in my Left. It's developed along over the past 4 years, and now is really noticeable and intolerable. I'll be looking to get these implants removed through my existing under-breast scars and capsulectomy. I am currently planning no lift. My goal is to have (relatively) symmetrical breasts again. Capsular contracture has really made the Left distort and move, and I'd just love to have a small matched set again.
I'll update when as I go through consultations and each step of the explant process. TTYS, girls.
LuvRealBoobsInOR's provider
UPDATED FROM LuvRealBoobsInOR
2 months pre
Hope all you ladies enjoyed your holidays. After...
Hope all you ladies enjoyed your holidays. After much research, I've narrowed down my top picks for potential surgeons to remove these implants. I am now scheduled for 3 consultations, and I hope to choose my surgeon by the end of this month and get a surgical date ASAP. I'm nervous, not about the aesthetic results of the explant - just nervous about going under general anesthesia and having surgery. I want these stupid foreign objects out of my body, but to get that done I have to let someone cut me open and fiddle around with my body... So it's sort of a mixed feeling.
Replies (2)
January 12, 2013
I'm sure you will do great! I explanted yesterday and haven't had any trouble at all, no pain pills needed, nothing. I'm guessing you will have to remove your capsule, though, so that might make it a tiny bit more painful, but you'll be fine! Being natural is so great!
August 17, 2015
Your story sounds just like mine. I am scared to go under general anesthesia too because I almost stopped breathing when I had a hysterectomy 7 years ago. It was a horrible experience I thought I was going to die. I am terrified of going through that again. The sheer thought almost makes me have a panic attack! No joke.
UPDATED FROM LuvRealBoobsInOR
2 months pre
Had an excellent consultation yesterday. The PS...
Had an excellent consultation yesterday. The PS and his staff were wonderful, and they listened to me first - then gave me options for my explantation. They NEVER tried to push me toward replacement implants or a lift! I really appreciated this, and felt they respected my wishes as a potential patient. What they DID do, after my breast exam, was explain different techniques and options for the explant - local vs general anesthesia; capsulotomy vs capsulectomy vs leaving the capsules in; what would necessitate use of drains or not; option of leaving the fibroadenoma in vs removing it; and how these different options would each effect both my recovery time as well as the price of the procedure. I am extremely pleased with the tone and thoroughness of this consultation. I felt the surgeon did not try to steer me toward what he wanted, but rather tried to respond to what I want (explant) and explain how his skill and medical expertise could be used to achieve my goals. I give the guy an A+, I actually chose him from extensive regional research. The only thing holding me back from signing up for the surgery date is that I have 2 more consultations scheduled next week... But I would be extremely comfortable using this surgeon, so I have at least one option! I will see what the other 2 have to say and what their demeanors are next week, and I think I will know for sure who to pick by then.
Replies (2)
February 7, 2015
You stated that you did a regional search for PS. Just wondering how you determined the expertise of the PS you chose. I want explant only but leaning toward lift as I have a little sag over my implants...same problem as you had with your implants re one up one down from baker 3 contracture. I've consulted with 3 PS thus far and still not 100% confident in either. How did you determine expertise of the PS you chose? Thanks so much, you look wonderful post explant!
June 3, 2015
Sorry for the late reply. I approached finding a plastic surgeon like choosing to hire someone - I researched their education (medical school), board certifications (say NO to "cosmetic surgeons" (could be any specialty from OBGYN, ENT, internal medicine - cosmetic surgeon does NOT necessarily have training in surgery let alone plastic surgery!!!, they should be board certified in PLASTIC SURGERY - the surgeon I chose is board certified Plastic Surgeon, but also had other specialized training and expertise in BREAST surgery), additional training and medical fellowships. I chose the 3 with the best resume/CV... Then I went on to interviews. You are hiring someone for one of the most important jobs ever - treat it just like you are the boss. What can they do? What's their training, experience, attitude? Would you want to work with this person, and trust them - will they work hard and do a good job for you? Final consideration is how much does it cost to hire them? The combo of answers makes the choice clear. Start with checking websites (should answer board certification and education questions), then calls (their support staff's attitude when you ask about explant and the surgeon's breast surgery/reconstructive surgery experience should tell you a lot), then meet those surgeons who pass those steps. If they are rude, unsupportive, or unskilled in the consult - move on. You're worth all the fuss and trouble of finding the right surgeon.
Replies (4)
I'm so glad you started your story on RealSelf! I do wish everyone who was considering implants would come over to this community first and read through some reviews.
Good luck on your consultations and please keep us posted!