Explant with Anchor Mastopexy. 350cc Mentor silicone

Implanted with 350cc Mentor silicone back in 2008 with a modified J-scar/lollipop lift. Originally a 34D with large areolas that I disliked. Mild Ptosis. Had complications with original surgery to include wound dehiscence at bottom of areola connecting to the vertical incision bilaterally that healed up OK. Implants were submuscular. Tore my right pocket during healing, not very noticeable implant droop but my pec muscle distorted that implant a lot. Also had an infected suture around the areola so I eventually had a scar revision and tried to clear out the yucky abscess from the suture. I ended up with a suture granuloma underneath my areola from that revision! I was not a fan of the scar revision as it left my areolas enlarged again with wider scars. Original surgery was done in AL, revision was done through my insurance in CO. Looking back, I wish I had only pursued a lift and left out the implants.
Now I’m older with my work being very physical and I’ve gained weight. I always have to buy larger tops and specialty bras online since it’s hard to find 34/36 E-F in stores. They would get very cold if I was skiing all day. I have intense burning pain in my rhomboids that I attribute the weight in front. I just got plain tired of being huge and looking huge. I had no need for the implants anymore. I wanted to be done and free of more breast surgeries. I wanted my body back- but better!
I researched explants for a few years before biting the bullet and making an actual consult. I choose Dr. Vath based on his photo gallery, location, and training. I had to wait about 6mo for the consult, which was not free. He came out to the waiting room himself and brought me back to discuss my goals. We talked about what I wanted and then we did the physical exam. He took one look and said “yep, this will work great.” Then he inspected more and thought about his plan I guess but I was at ease that this Doctor knows what he is doing. I had no qualms about his ability. I don’t need great bedside manner from a surgeon, I want skills and outcomes. However, Dr. Vath is very kind and I think he has good bedside manner.
The whole Center has been amazing with customer service. Everything is explained, everything is also in writing, education was given verbally and in writing, & easy text access to ask questions of nursing staff. My appts went as explained! Minimal wait times. Carrie helped me with financing, scheduling, and random questions. My preop nurse was excellent at patient teaching and also easing my anxiety. The meds were sent to the right pharmacy on time. We also took my preop pics. I had a comprehensive folder to refer to that explained everything I needed for surgery. I could not wait but I had to because this practice is busy!
Surgery day came, along with great anxiety. I had an excellent Pre-Post recovery nurse, I believe she was Hannah. She also explained everything prior to it happening and it was all on time. We got ready, she started a warmed IV for me in 1 try, and went over post-op teaching with me. Then I got marked by Dr. Vath and I got really nervous! I just get nervous with all surgery. I knew my goals and that I was in great hands. Then I met my Anesthesiologist, who is a MD- not a CRNA which is important for many reasons. He explained everything also! Haha there’s a theme here and I think this practice may use something like AIDET to guide patient expectations. I felt informed through everything. Thank God, everything was cleared and settled and signed so I could finally get the anxiety med! Then we rolled back into Dr. Vath’s OR, I got onto the table, everything was setup on me and I went to sleep! Then I woke up like they told me I would back in recovery and I felt good. Minimal nausea. Good pain control. Everything just went so smooth.
Day of surgery, pain was about a 6/10 but manageable with RXs. Clear instructions. Amazing initial results. Very fine suturing skills and they look better than ever. Performing daily drain care for the next week until my first post-op check up. Very minimal bleeding. Compression bra was supplied, along with a cute lanyard to attach my drains during showers.
Overall amazed with the flow and conciseness of this practice. Very nice to have a free standing surgical center to avoid hospital waits. Dr. Vath also has hospital admitting privileges in case of an emergency.
Pros: excellent communication from all staff, great patient teaching from nurses, and a Doctor who loves what he does.
Cons: booked out far in advance due to popularity.
Price is what it is- it’s your body and you pay for what you get. Don’t be cheap with this!
I would recommend my surgeon to everyone. I will likely see him again later on in life if he is still practicing for some tuneups on my face when it’s time.

Drains are out, bruising is moving along, and most of the steristrips are coming off. No need for OTC pain meds at this point. Mentally, I’m acclimating to my much smaller areolas. I’ve never seen myself like this, so it’s very foreign. But overall relieved and happy with this surgery.

I am so so so happy with my results. My chronic pain is gone! I wish I had done this years ago. Dr. Vath provided me with a better quality of life. Scars are fading, sensation is great, and I’m so much more comfortable with my natural tissue.