POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
A review for us senior citizens
ORIGINAL POST
A review for us senior citizens
ljones21February 6, 2017
WORTH IT$8,200
I finally was approved by my HMO insurer for the explant surgery. When I met with my Dr., he explained that he couldn't do a lift with the same procedure and that whatever fat I had might be removed with the surgery. I din't like his assessment so I looked for other physicians. I was referred to Dr. Gordon and immediately liked his professional demeanor and felt very reassured. The peace that I have with this choice is worth the extra money.
ljones21's provider
Replies (8)
February 13, 2017
I'm glad you look into another physician. My Dr. is doing the explant with lift at the same time. I felt the same way as you......after having them for so long and with the extra weight gain I have I just know the lift would be beneficial. And I didn't want to have to have another surgery down the road.
February 17, 2017
How did the surgery go? Is everything progressing as you hoped? I was thinking of you and hoping that you are on the road to recovery.
April 10, 2018
I also have an HMO. I've found in-network plastic surgeons, but they won't take the insurance because I had the original implants put in 36 years ago by choice. I am now having medical issues. How were you able to get your surgery approved? And how did you get the lift included with the explant surgery?
April 11, 2018
How did you get our HMO insurer to pay for your explant surgery? I had my implants put in by choice almost 40 years ago and they now have both intra- and extra-capsular ruptures. Every plastic surgeon I've contacted says that since they weren't put in due to cancer or reconstructive surgery, it's cosmetic and they won't bill the insurance. Advice please? I'm really getting so frustrated with dealing with this and getting no where. Thank you....
UPDATED FROM ljones21
18 days pre
Well, I now have less than one month before…
ljones21February 10, 2017
Well, I now have less than one month before the surgery. I'm finding that I'm constantly thinking of exactly what to do. Many have suggested I wait for the lift to see what my natural breasts end up looking like. I just know that after having them in for over 30 years and being 65 years old, they will be droopy and flat. I also don't want to have to go through two separate operations. I hate the way the scars look on the lift but hate the way nipples pointing down to the ground look too. I get really mad at myself for getting implants in the first place, (my husband begged me not to), and then leaving them in for so long. One breast has been hard as a brick for the past 15 years and the other has been painful for over a decade. I plan to post pictures daily after they come out because looking at all the other pictures have helped to give me a realistic view of what to expect. I'm hoping my story might help someone else.
I have started working out everyday and plan to lose another 8 lbs before D day. I want to be in the best shape possible before. I am 5'5 and weigh 156 and looking to get down under 150. Once they are out, I definitely don't want to start losing whatever little fat I have left in my breasts. I've picked up a few tips from some of the explant queens on this site, such as use Bio Oil before and after, get super hydrated and work on strengthening the pecs and back muscles. Please let me know if there are any other suggestions out there.
I have started working out everyday and plan to lose another 8 lbs before D day. I want to be in the best shape possible before. I am 5'5 and weigh 156 and looking to get down under 150. Once they are out, I definitely don't want to start losing whatever little fat I have left in my breasts. I've picked up a few tips from some of the explant queens on this site, such as use Bio Oil before and after, get super hydrated and work on strengthening the pecs and back muscles. Please let me know if there are any other suggestions out there.
Replies (5)
February 18, 2017
I'm 55 and I had implants for 30 years. My first set was in for about 25 years. Second set around 5 years. I had just about every complication possible. I explanted 3 weeks ago and I am so happy. My tiny girls are far from perfect but after what they've been through I'm thrilled with what I've got. I feel lighter and younger and graceful. Zero regrets. I think you are going to be so happy once you are free of your implants. Best wishes!
February 22, 2017
Thanks so much for your kind words. You know what I'm going through. One of the main reasons, we are all in this predicament is that we didn't like our bodies in the first place. Age and experience places us in a better position now to accept it, but I still don't want to end up looking deformed. I'm getting all stressed out as we get closer to the date because I would hate to pay all of this money (out of my pocket) and still be unhappy. My daily prayer is that I learn to accept me in whatever form I end up in. Your kind words definitely help, lighter, younger and graceful. I'm looking forward to feeling just this way.
February 22, 2017
Your boobs look waaaay better than mine did when I had capsulectomy 5 years ago - not sure if you saw my picture of grade 4 CC - yikes freaky. Even after all that I have small boobs I am way happier with than I ever was with implants. The nice little secret is that if you've been through menopause before explant most women are amazed at their results. We gain some fat and softness up top. When I had implants at 26 I was flat, totally. Although I'm only an A cup it's way more shape than I had. Hurray for middle age! Never thought I'd say that...
You are going to do great. Keep us posted on your journey! XOXO
You are going to do great. Keep us posted on your journey! XOXO
February 23, 2017
I did go back and look at your photos and now you've got me second guessing the lift. I think you look perfect and normal. And I'm certain I've gained 25 lbs since they were put in which means I should have some extra breast fat. My Dr. told me the skin had stretched all out and I have stretch marks to prove it. But I sure would be happy to not have the ugly lift scars, general anesthesia and DRAINS. I'm going back and forth with this decision and making myself crazy. Your results were amazing and in my estimate, you look just like them little skinny models. Stay positive.
February 23, 2017
I'm so thrilled with my slimmer look!
From what I've read on here, most PS say have the explant and then wait and see what your final result is before having a lift. For us mature gals that usually means several months. I understand women not wanting the expense and pain of two surgeries but you just might not need a lift. If you can just have explant under local it's sooo easy.
Check out 2daylifelesson photos. Her change from after explant to final result is amazing.
From what I've read on here, most PS say have the explant and then wait and see what your final result is before having a lift. For us mature gals that usually means several months. I understand women not wanting the expense and pain of two surgeries but you just might not need a lift. If you can just have explant under local it's sooo easy.
Check out 2daylifelesson photos. Her change from after explant to final result is amazing.
UPDATED FROM ljones21
Day of treatment
On hold for a couple of days
ljones21March 1, 2017
Well today was supposed to be my pre surgery prep meeting and I've been waiting all month for it. I woke up this morning with my list of questions and ready to make my final payment. I knew that after today there is no turning back. I'm so ready to get these rocks out of my chest and at the same time so worried about so many things, I just needed to talk to the Dr. and get his reassurance. two hours before my appointment time, I receive a call that the Dr. won't be in today and I can't see him till Friday. Although it seems like such a small thing, this has really messed me up. It's like being ready and strapped in for a flight, just to be told the plane won't leave for two days. I'm hoping that this is not a bad sign of things to come. We're off to a rocky start. I shouldn't be so nervous about the whole thing, but I am. Also, it's probably psychosomatic, but now my breast is is really hurting. I can't wait to wake up in my own bed the day after, Free!
Replies (10)
March 2, 2017
While you are understandably anxious try to think positive! Tell yourself how great you are going to feel and look! It's worth waiting for. I don't think postponement for a few days reflects badly on your doctor. Things do come up - family issues etc. Better for you PS to have whatever was going on resolved and not preoccupied so that he is completely focused on you. You will do just fine. I am super wimpy and my procedure was a breeze, no pain and nothing scary. Best wishes- you're close to earning your explant warrior badge! (((Hugs)))
March 2, 2017
Thanks so much for the kind words. I'm trying not to focus on it and just get busy with other things. I definitely feel as if my life is on hold until this is all over. I don't want to even go out. I don't want anyone to remember what I looked like and maybe they wont be so surprised when I emerge. Crazy I know. I have lost a few pounds and feel good about that. I bet it does feel really good to go outside and carry on all your regular activities without those garbage bags in your chest. So looking forward to a good deep breath.
March 3, 2017
It's so funny - before my explant I bought silicone bra inserts and padded bras cause I was so worried everyone at work would stare and whisper. Well I wore the inserts a few days. Now I'm just wearing regular 34A bras and feel totally unselfconscious. Two people asked if I lost weight "yes thanks for noticing" lol!
Otherwise no one has seemed to notice. I guess honestly not many people are that interested in a 55 year old's boobs!
I can almost not even remember what the implants felt like. I just feel like me, so great to be natural. You are going to be so happy I think once you are free!
Otherwise no one has seemed to notice. I guess honestly not many people are that interested in a 55 year old's boobs!
I can almost not even remember what the implants felt like. I just feel like me, so great to be natural. You are going to be so happy I think once you are free!
March 6, 2017
I would imagine that once you complete your recovery you may be tempted to ignore this site. I can tell you that while on hold for my Dr.s return, all I do is read the happy explant stories and see the healthy bodies and it just lifts my spirits. Fortunately, I don't worry about what people are thinking. I will certainly share my story with anyone with the nerve to ask. I just want to feel free. I get like this every spring anyway, but this year I want to be totally free. I love your story and a few other ladies story, because they are lovely and light, encouraging and uplifting, giving me the courage and desire to join you. Now, you're doing a service to others like me and I will continue. Be blessed
March 6, 2017
I am so very glad to hear that I have been of help! I have tried to be fearless in sharing photos and the emotional ups and downs in the hope it may help others feel they are not alone. Especially my first post explant photo, which is painful to look at, but shows how dramatically the body can recover, to give others hope. I think our biggest fears are of disfigurement which is scary indeed since for most of us, more implants are out of the question.
It's amazing to have natural girls that, although not perfect (but whose are at my age?) - are warm, soft and move! I predict you will be thrilled with the natural you. I plan to stay on here and encourage others along the way, and continue to be encouraged myself!
Sending all positive thoughts your way for your big day!
(((Hugs)))
It's amazing to have natural girls that, although not perfect (but whose are at my age?) - are warm, soft and move! I predict you will be thrilled with the natural you. I plan to stay on here and encourage others along the way, and continue to be encouraged myself!
Sending all positive thoughts your way for your big day!
(((Hugs)))
March 6, 2017
Hugging you back and feeling better. I'm going out to take a long walk, take my mind off of surgery. One question though. I have not been able to get in for my preop appt yet and my surgery is this week. I've heard from others that they were advised to stop taking all supplements a week before. Were you told that as well?
March 6, 2017
Yes, no vitamins and no ibuprofen or asprin. However, I forgot and took some ibuprofen a couple days before and the day of surgery they said it was ok and I had no problems. Probably more of an issue if someone has history of bleeding issues.
March 3, 2017
That's a bummer. But much better for the surgeon to get resolved whatever it was. Thankfully it was the pre op appt. I had a 4 hr delay for my surgery start time!! That was not fun at all. He gave me the option of rescheduling but that would have been very difficult since we were out of town.
You hang in there. This just gives you more time to prep and focus on getting yourself physically and mentally ready. It'll happen when it's best for you. All is good.
You hang in there. This just gives you more time to prep and focus on getting yourself physically and mentally ready. It'll happen when it's best for you. All is good.
Hey there! Welcome, and thank you for sharing your story. I hope you'll enjoy being a part of this amazing community. Here's a link to the forum, in case you didn't know about it. Happy browsing :) Have you shared your plans with friends and family? How did they react? Please keep on updating us so we can support you. Good luck :)
I'm glad you feel you have enough support on RealSelf, and I totally understand your choice to keep your decision private.