Explant and Mastopexy Journey

I felt like they were worth it for the first 5 years, except that from the beginning, it was harder to breathe. I think this is because the pec muscles are stretched so tight? Imagine wrapping your chest in a tight Ace bandage and putting 2-3 pound implants in there too. But otherwise, I loved them for a while. Then yes, I did feel like I got some of the BII symptoms because I got some strange autoimmune issues flaring up. I also got a lot of pain with the right breast. And the capsules see to be tight--will see what they look like once they are out and the surgeon can examine them.

Overall, NO, I totally regret the entire experience. I wish like hell that I had gotten more opinions and taken more time exploring options for some sort of lift, or just leaving them alone. I wanted more fullness in the upper part of the breast and my original PS was right in that a lift would not achieve that. Only implants can fill out the upper part. I think that my husband liking big boobs was a factor. He did not want me to do the surgery but I felt insecure, looking back. I wish I hadn't. Now that smaller more athletic breasts are in, and big boobs are out, I am very motivated. Imagine saving $7,000 original cost, plus almost $18,000 plus travel costs for the explant and reconstruction. I think a lot of us who got them feel really really frustrated at our younger selves.

Congratulations on getting through your surgery. I now know what they all meant by "welcome to the lighter side." I feel like I got 10 lbs off my chest! I don't have much for a lift, and was on the fence about it, but decided that I had better do it due to the waterfall effect of my own tissue and the muscle damage I have. I am smaller than pre-implants which is fine. I would be ok with being flat too--truly. But what I really wanted to avoid was the sliding breast/skin. Looking like a 28B so far. Will see. I think we had the same surgery date? June 8?

My first suggestion is to relax and know you are in expert hands. He will tell you to listen to him and not the internet, which is great advice. He knows you and your case, your situation, whereas no one online knows your particulars. If you are not on the FB group for his explants, I advise joining because there are tons of shared files with info to help. Get lots of front button tops from Amazon if you don't have any now, because you'll be in them a few weeks. He doesn't want arms overhead. Get some front zip sports bras that are not too tight--go for pre-implant size, try on. If they fit you pre-op they will fit you post op. Wash them ahead. Again don't spend too much because you might not like them or want a bigger/smaller size. This ended up being my favorite: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DV5LK8W/refppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ieUTF8&psc1 in beige and black. The other colors fit differently. They are not so firm that I can't zip them myself. By 3-4 boxes of 4x4 gauze (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LITWW0S/refppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ieUTF8&psc1) and about 3 1-oz tubes of plain Neosporin--got mine on Amazon--cheaper than Walgreens. You'll need this amount if getting a mastopexy ("lift"). If not, just explanting, then will need slightly less because your incisions will be smaller. Watch his pre-op videos a few times, and that will help you remember everything. The people in his office were so helpful and kind. They were able to move my surgery up by a day because I had flown in on the weekend and someone must not have been able to keep their slot. They also then moved up my time to the second surgery--but that was presented as a choice the day before and I absolutely wanted to go earlier in the day if I could. So, if you're interested in being flexible, let them know. I'm sure things happen to people's travel plans or health or lives that interfere with their surgical times/dates and you might be able to get a more convenient time. The people at the surgery center were also amazing. I loved my anesthesiologist and nurse. They listened to me when I explained my sensitivity to anesthesia and took excellent care of me. I never needed any of the narcotics prescribed. I took the Celebrex as ordered for the 5 days and although it made me dizzy an hour later, I had no other problems with it. The extra strength Tylenol really took care of a lot of the achiness. The worst discomfort was truly the first 48 hours and I cannot say I was in pain--just tender and achy the first 24 hours. Again, best advice I have is to listen to him and not try to do it your own way or modify anything. He has the stellar outcomes because he is so precise and practiced. He does this procedure day in and day out and has it down. As scary as it is to face any surgery, it is far scarier to face living with these in for the remainder of our lives.

I was lucky mine were not ruptured, but the silicone still leaches into the body regardless. I am post op day 13 as I write this and I can BREATHE! I am sleeping so well, better than I have in years. I feel so rested. I am thinking so much more clearly. I really cannot believe how much of a difference it is so soon to have these out. If you're going to do it, go to the best. :)

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions and put me at ease. I met with Dr chun today, and you are right, he definetly knows this procedure, since he has done so many. I'm still a little scared, but I know I am doing the right thing with the right doctor. Thanks again for your suggestions. They are all so very helpful. I will post my story, with pics in a few weeks. Keep on healing!! Xoxo

He knows what he is doing and has the track record to prove it. Knowing how well all of his patients are doing, who have listened to him that is, brought me complete peace of mind before and after. As he says, listen to him, not the internet or what anyone else (even his other patients) says they are doing. Only he will know what extent of work was done for you and your anatomy. He has his time-tested protocols for a reason. Wishing you peace and healing. Hope you will let us know how you're doing on the other side!

Wishing you all the best in your healing! I feel incredible at 7 weeks--it is a distant memory! I am being extremely careful of course and following all the instructions, but have absolutely no pain or discomfort now, my incisions look so minimal. Just went out in a bikini for the first time this weekend and I saw all these women with their new implants and felt like they have no idea what they are in for. Even if they have no rupture or breast implant illness, cosmetically, the breasts still age over the implants and in my opinion need further surgery to keep looking nice. So glad I am done with it!