POSTED UNDER En Bloc Capsulectomy Reviews
After 13 Years I Plan to Be Implant Free...!!
ORIGINAL POST
After 13 Years I Plan to Be Implant Free...!!
NikaKOctober 2, 2019
So, I had a second consultation yesterday with Mr Sterne about removing my implants.
To be honest they have been trouble free (touch wood) but what I wanted in my 30s is very different from how I want to look now in my mid-40s. I am a UK dress size 8 (apart from the boobs) and feel self-conscious now about the size of them. I had 400cc implants but now feel like the time has come to get them removed.
Mr Sterne explained all my options and I did wonder if just having them removed was the best option. I have spent hours trawling this site to help me decide. In the end I decided I am having a full en-bloc capsulectomy with no lift. I never had droopy boobs in the first place so would rather see how they settle over 6-12 months before deciding if I need a lift (or a smaller implant). I really want to be implant free and embrace what I have and to be able to wear what tops I want etc. Mr Sterne agreed this was a good decision :)
So, my surgery is scheduled for 3 weeks today - 23 October - I am incredibly excited and nervous and I plan to post lots of pics for you all (and keep it updated for up to 6 months after) so you can see how it turns out.
To be honest they have been trouble free (touch wood) but what I wanted in my 30s is very different from how I want to look now in my mid-40s. I am a UK dress size 8 (apart from the boobs) and feel self-conscious now about the size of them. I had 400cc implants but now feel like the time has come to get them removed.
Mr Sterne explained all my options and I did wonder if just having them removed was the best option. I have spent hours trawling this site to help me decide. In the end I decided I am having a full en-bloc capsulectomy with no lift. I never had droopy boobs in the first place so would rather see how they settle over 6-12 months before deciding if I need a lift (or a smaller implant). I really want to be implant free and embrace what I have and to be able to wear what tops I want etc. Mr Sterne agreed this was a good decision :)
So, my surgery is scheduled for 3 weeks today - 23 October - I am incredibly excited and nervous and I plan to post lots of pics for you all (and keep it updated for up to 6 months after) so you can see how it turns out.
NikaK's provider
Replies (5)
October 3, 2019
This is awesome news! You've booked your en bloc explant!!! I'll be checking in with you. I think you made the best decision. Implants are toxic and being healthy is far better for us. Cheers to a new chapter beginning this month for us! Xx
October 4, 2019
I think I have too :) Will be putting some pics up in the next couple of weeks (before ones and then will document after too. Feel incredibly nervous and if I could wave a magic wand I would never had it done in the first place...
October 8, 2019
I explanted with Guy Sterne three weeks ago now . Mine were in for 22 years under the muscle and I had en bloc. Guy is a top surgeon in the en bloc procedure and you will be in very good hands with him. If my boobs stay the size they are now then I will be extremely happy with them as they are bigger now than before I had my augmentation. I do realise that they can change a lot over the next few months so not setting my hopes too high either. I wish you well with your forthcoming operation. X
November 1, 2019
I'm doing well and had my six week checkup yesterday with Guy and all went well with test results which were negative. I now have to massage my scars for the next four months. It's so nice to be free of the post op bra after wearing for six weeks, went braless today and it felt great. Your results look very good and here's hoping you continue to heal well and are happy with your outcome x
November 2, 2019
That’s great to hear you are doing well and results are negative!! I can’t wait to be free of the bra! I finally lose the surgical stockings today - hurrah!! Are you planning to put anything on your scars now? I used dermatix when I had the augmentation so will use the same I think this time. xx
November 2, 2019
Hi I am 2 weeks post op. My recovery is so-so. I have extreme hypersensitivity on my breasts. The feeling of intense itching - pins and needles.it is so annoying. Are you experiencing this? They feel tender still. They took the steri Strips off. Scars look ok. I was told to massage them in the shower. Still trying to get used to my boy like body. But I am happy to have them out. They are flat as can be. But this is me. My nipple is a little inverted. Saggy skin. I had them in me the 28 years. I just want this tingling to go away. They say it’s my nerves that need to regenerate. I hope it goes away soon.
November 2, 2019
I am 17 days post op and have basically no feeling to the touch. Mine were in for 31 years! I am trying to get used to the old me too, I am trying to embrace it and will buy some cute bralettes when I can go without a sports bra. I think we all need to give it time to heal and come back to normal. I am raising my celebratory glass of wine now to us brave explanters. I never believed I would go through with it and have been reading posts on here for years. Sweet relief, the other side is what everyone here has said. No Regrets!!!!
November 3, 2019
I am happy they are out. My regret is the surgeon I chose. I went with a female who has an all female practice because I thought they would be kind, understanding and emphatic. Wow. They are not. I have not seen the doctor since my surgery. Just nurses at my 1-week and 2-week post-op. What did they tell you at your post up’s and what should you be doing during this recovery time. I am disappointed with my surgeon.
November 3, 2019
I have the exact same tingling and itchiness. It drives me mad and it feels like pins and needles. I am really hoping it settles as I am conscious of them because of this! I still have the tape on and have to tape weekly until week 6, then I meet with my surgeon again and will start to use dermatix after then. I actually prefer myself without mine. I also haven’t seen my surgeon since my op. I meet with him at the 6 week mark although I know if I needed to see him before then I could. It is such a worry having them removed and then the recovery process. Hopefully for all of us by the time the New Year is here we will look back with no regrets and embrace our itsy bitsy selves!! I am raising a Sunday morning coffee to us. I plan to post my 2 week pictures on Wednesday this week.
November 3, 2019
Hearing you have the itching and tingling is reassuring. I just want it to go away because it is maddening. I took a Benadryl last night to calm my the itch sensation. I got clearance on Friday at my 2-week to workout. Yay- it felt good to. Are you experiencing rib pain? I am a bit sore under each incision. Ribs feel tight. There seems to be more loose skin in my armpit too. I hope that settles and goes away. It was not like that pre surgery. I got clearance to wear whatever bra is comfortable and I could stop wearing the compression bra. Aaahhh. All this newness afterwards. I just want to feel normal again. I am embracing my itty bitty self. We are brave and strong women!!
November 3, 2019
That is a shame that you feel abandoned by your surgeon and we really do need empathy during this process. I saw my surgeon Friday and he took out my drains. However, last night all I could think of was the pains in my shoulder blades and feeling that I am still collecting fluid. Where does the fluid go? UGH! I have next appointment in 2 weeks. I was thinking of taking a spin class this morning, but there is no way I feel up to it.
November 3, 2019
I lift weights so I darent do that until I reach 6 weeks - as per the surgeon! The itching is driving me crazy so I might try a Benadryl too - great shout! I don’t have rib pain as such just a general heaviness still. I am meant to wear this bra for 6 weeks so envious you are back into normal bras too!!
November 3, 2019
I don’t have drains (and never did!) so goodness knows where my fluid has gone! I have aches in my shoulder blades and back though so maybe this is just the norm?
November 3, 2019
I lift weights too and wouldn't think of it until at least 6 - 8 weeks and definitely light weights to rebuild. I have no itchiness at all, just heaviness and soreness. Dr. said the sports bra helped reshape my breasts and should continue wearing for at least 6 weeks 24/7. I had a lot of underarm soreness mostly. When my implants were in and I laid down, they felt like they were moving towards armpits. I can't wait to wear normal bra/bralettes either.
November 3, 2019
I had drains for 17 days! He said they helped reshape me as well. I pray I do not have build up and wind up needing aspiration of fluid. My mind goes crazy during this recovery and thank goodness for this site to at least share some bits. I am an extremely active person and have truly taken a major step back to give myself the rest it needs. I feel very in tune with what is going on in my body so every ping and pang is magnified.
November 3, 2019
I had my drains removed on day 6. I was down to .5ml in a 12 hour period from 36ml the first day. It felt so good to remove them. I did exercise today again. It was good to get back into it. I take a low impact cardio class with light weights. 4 lbs in each hand. It was good. I was leery to stretch my arms above my head because I was afraid of it pulling - and because my ribs have been tender but it was good. I took it slow. I don’t have shoulder blade discomfort. It’s interesting how each of our recovery is same yet different. I just want this itchyness and tingling to go away. I am going on vacation in 3 weeks and I don’t want to be sitting in airplane with discomfort. Well I am comforted to be chatting with you ladies. Keep sharing your experience as I find it very helpful and reassuring to know what we are feeling is part of the healing process. It’s especially helpful since I feel the lack of attention from my surgeon. I learn more in this site than they are providing me. Their staff needs to learn compassion and empathy.
November 3, 2019
Yes, the drains were such a relief to be rid of. I agree that we are have slight different recoveries yet similar. sharing is caring and so happy not to feel so alone. You are healing fast and great if you are back to gym classes!! In 3 more weeks you should feel amazing, just think how far you have come since surgery.
November 4, 2019
Oh boy I feel like I have horrible rib pain today. I don’t quite know what to do with myself to ease it. It feels like it is muscular but I am really not sure - it is really quite intense. It is weird as I feel ok some days and then it goes completely off the next and I feel horrible... Wish I could fast forward a few weeks...
November 4, 2019
I have the rib tenderness too. You are a few days behind me. So it will get better. Mine was more intense than it would subside. Actually after my class it felt better - I think just the stretching of my torso helped. It is tender underneath the scar and my mid section of ribs. My itching wasn’t so intense yesterday so hopefully it will subside soon. Hang in there I think each day we get better.
November 4, 2019
I used one of the microwavable heating pads and draped it on my breasts last night, it helped me so much. Also too 2 xtra strength aspirins. I slept the best in months! I feel like I made huge strides today, feeling great. Meanwhile yesterday morning I was in pain. Each day is different so far, hang in there!!!
November 4, 2019
It is exactly how mine is. This morning I was beside myself and it has eased a little. I have barely sat down today just paced around the house!! I can still feel it though. Hoping I get a good nights sleep tonight. At least I know it is ‘normal’ xx
November 4, 2019
I have one of those pads so may try tonight and take extra painkillers too. I feel like today I went backwards rather than forwards... the support is so good on here x
November 4, 2019
I agree! I just took more aspirin as I feel sore (like someone ripped them out of me) by hand!
November 5, 2019
I feel the same gals. One day it’s pretty good then next day it’s intense again. Mine is the damn tingling still. So tender. I was at work today and sitting at my desk and out of nowhere the extreme tenderness - hypersensitivity. So annoying. It was a bit chilly in my office and then t tenderness can come again. Also when I drank cold water I felt tenderness too. Do you gals experience that?? So weird. It feels like someone is pitching my nipple. So so so sensitive. And nothing is touching it outside of my regular clothes. So weird. Maybe I will try a heating pad tonight. Uuggghh.
Tasteful4995- I have not taken any pain meds or Tylenol since day 6-7 of post surgery. Maybe I should try some to maybe calm this hypersensitivity.
I take Benadryl at night to help me sleep and to stop the itch sensation.
NikaK is your Rib pain still intense?
Tasteful4995- I have not taken any pain meds or Tylenol since day 6-7 of post surgery. Maybe I should try some to maybe calm this hypersensitivity.
I take Benadryl at night to help me sleep and to stop the itch sensation.
NikaK is your Rib pain still intense?
November 5, 2019
I definitely know what you mean about drinking cold water! I am also very tender and sensitive. I think it is the nerves calming down, today is the 1st time I have some feeling when I touch breasts. I feel that the tylenol has helped me with pain and sleeping at night. The heating pad brings relief, give it a try.
November 6, 2019
Rib pain is less intense but I have the worst ever back pain now! It kept me awake most of last night, painkillers didn’t touch it and I took my surgical bra off in the end. I just felt so restricted by it. I am going to dig around to see if I can find something supportive but not so restrictive today. Yesterday was a good day so I feel your pain as I am so up and down with different things going on. I don’t feel the cold water thing. I think I am going to wrap up warm and go for a walk today to see if my back loosens. My scars just seem to ache too. 2 weeks post op today and I think us girls are experiencing all very similar! xx
October 9, 2019
Oh thank you so much for commenting. I know he is one of the best but I suppose I am just worried how much excess skin I will have! 2 weeks today it will be over so not long now. Will be posting pics to help others xx I hope your recovery is going well xx
October 22, 2019
Hey Nikak! From my understanding, if you don't have a lift, you should not assess results for at least 6-12 months following your explant. You will do great! Keep us posted :) Xx
October 22, 2019
Thank you - and I will do. I am definitely planning to wait 12 months to see how I go. Reluctant to spend more money (and have more scars!) if I don’t have to xx
UPDATED FROM NikaK
1 day pre
2 days to go!!
NikaKOctober 21, 2019
So the day is almost here. Here are my before pics. I am very apprehensive and nervous. I just hope after 2-3 months I start to look normal again. Why on earth did I do it in the first place? Unfortunately I have no before surgery pics from 13 years ago...
Replies (5)
October 21, 2019
Wishing you all the best for your surgery and a speedy recovery. Please let me know how you get on and whether you would recommend Guy Sterne. Thank you
October 22, 2019
Thank you for your well wishes. I will let you know how I get on for sure and will post updates. I cant believe it is tomorrow!!
October 22, 2019
Tomorrow is your day! Yayyyy :) I"m so happy for you. You will get to be all natural again and it feels awesome! I'm at just not quite two weeks out here and I feel so much better. I wish I never got the toxic things. I wish I knew they were toxic to begin with!!! It would have been an obvious walk away. Anyhow...wishing you a smooth recovery. You will do great tomorrow and you'll be on this side before you know it!!!
October 22, 2019
Thank you! I sure am feeling nervous. I am just thinking that this time tomorrow it will all be over :) will keep the updates coming... x
October 23, 2019
Hey there! I hope your procedure went well. Just expect some weird feelings in the beginning. I became obsessed with mine the first week of explant, but not in a good way. I kept looking up pics and other peoples afters because mine looked crazy. Now three weeks down the road I’m starting to like them and they’re already looking more normal. So hang in there when you start to get emotional. Expect the first time being intimate to be weird, you might cry after like I did. It’s definitely waves of different emotions. All in all, I’m very happy. You will feel so good and liberated
October 24, 2019
Thank you! It went as well as I could expect. Feeling sore but will stay on top of the pain with painkillers. So glad to be one day post-op!!
October 23, 2019
Hoping you are doing okay! the 1st day is rough but you are on the other side now. I am 7 days p.o. today and it is a healing process for sure. We are warriors!! Rest up!x
UPDATED FROM NikaK
Day of treatment
One day post op :)
NikaKOctober 24, 2019
I already feel like 2 huge weights have been lifted. The op went well and my implants were in tact. I had very very thin capsules around them so one side took him longer to remove it so my PS said I may feel a little more sore that side. My blood pressure went very low following surgery but they let a close eye on me and it came back up after half hour or so.
Feeling a little sore moving around but will keep taking the painkillers and keep on top of it. I have attached photos of the balloons if anyone is interested!!
Mr Sterne and his team are lovely, I felt in really good hands and would have no hesitation in recommending him,
Feeling a little sore moving around but will keep taking the painkillers and keep on top of it. I have attached photos of the balloons if anyone is interested!!
Mr Sterne and his team are lovely, I felt in really good hands and would have no hesitation in recommending him,
Replies (3)
October 24, 2019
YAY!!! congrats to you. Definitely take it easy, I am still sore after moving around the house still with drains on day 8!. Wishing you a speedy recoveryxx
October 24, 2019
Drains after 8 days?! Oh my!! I don’t envy you. A drip was bad enough yesterday evening. I was told I would not have drains and I haven’t. Seems normal in the UK for us not to have them? Are you in the US? Hope they are out soon for you xx
October 24, 2019
yes I am and now they will be in for the weekend and probably next week as I am still draining .UGH!!!!
October 26, 2019
Wow!! I feel for you. I am quite swollen still so maybe it helps with being less swollen? I plan to update with a few pics later so you will see the swelling :( xx
I'm so glad you decided to start your review! Wishing you all the best on your journey and hope you keep us posted!