45yrs Old, Explant of 10 Year Old Silicone Implants Due to Capsular Contracture - Cheshire, GB

Hi. I have been wondering whether to share my story for some weeks now. I am 6 days post explant & for some reason, today, I decided to let you know my journey & experience so far. Well, I had 330cc implants over the muscle when I was 35, having just finished breast feeding my second child. I am 5 3' and 119lbs. This was a procedure I'd always wanted to have from being a teenager as I was only a 34a cup. For 10 years, they were great and I have no regrets whatsoever in getting them. However, in February of this year, my right breast became hard and following a consultation with my original ps, he confirmed Grade 3 capsular contracture - (the implant would need to be removed, the scar tissue removed which is a capsulectomy or released which is called a capsulotomy) The cost for this was £3,700 and to have the procedure and both implants replaced was £5,123. I must point out that my implants were under guarantee which is reflected in the price. Whilst I wasn't too concerned about the cost, I realized that I did have options and I now had a decision to make. I am not getting any younger and do I want to maybe go through this again my 50's? Currently I am really in to my health and fitness and I felt that they were restricting me, especially now one was rock hard!

So, following a holiday abroad and stalking most of the ladies going through explant on this fabulous site, I made my decision to explant. Our wonderful NHS were amazing. Understanding my reasons which were that I'm a different person now, I want to be natural, me again. My mind set has totally changed. I had 2 consultations, pre-op and operation within 3 weeks of my first visit to the hospital.

I have been taking marine collagen and using E-oil over my chest and breasts for a few weeks to help with the healing process.

The scariest bit is the end result! Fried eggs? Terrified of general anesthetic too. But I know I'll heal better now than when I'm in my 50's.

I was very shocked on the operation day to discover my anesthiatist was a Neighbour of mine. I'll never be able to look at him again in the same way! Anyway, the staff at my local hospital were superb. They calmed me and reassured me the whole way. As it was an outpatients appointment I attended hospital at 12 noon and was home by 7ish. A little dizzy and sore with lots of painkillers. 6 days post op and I feel much better. Not on any meds, but sore and bruised. Still too early to judge the results. Hoping for them to fluff up, please.... Follow up appointment next week, eager to establish exactly what was done. Removal of capsule? Still think I've made the right decision but did have an emotional wobble a couple of days ago when my teenage daughter saw them for the first time! The shock on her face just got me. Anyway, I'll keep everyone updated on my progress. Good luck to anyone who is considering this procedure. Believe me, the hardest bit is making the decision to explant.

Can't quite believe it's nearly a week ago. I was so scared this time last week but now I'm on the other side..... I'm so relieved and happy! All good so far. A little sore and bruised. Been on 4 mile walk with my dog everyday for the past 3 days, but resting up before the kids return from school. Consultant next week to establish what she found and whether capsule removed. Feel really good! Consultant said I may need to see a psychiatrist after but I think this is my therapy, sharing my journey with you guys.

So it's been exactly one week since my procedure. I'm still bruised and a little sore but stopped taking meds a few days ago. Finding it difficult to rest as I'm a very active person. Can manage dog walks & light housework, but do get tired quickly. Missing the gym! Noticed a little bump between my breasts the other day, which has gone down but just praying it's not seroma. (A collection of fluids that builds up under the surface of you skin) I'll get this checked out. Overall, feeling really good, I've been for a pedicure day, I'm driving the kids to school, shopping, etc so nearly back to normality! Consultant appointment for next Wednesday, so I'll know whether the capsules were removed or not. Going to post a few updated photos. Upper pole is a little more deflated this week, but there's still time for this to fluff up.