Age 56: Explant (Capsular Contracture), Anchor Breast Lift, No Implant Replacement - Chicago, IL

I want to join all communities that apply to my procedure. Good catch. K

Great you are doing so well. My surgery went very well. They used local numbing with sedation, which I was amazed at. No problems at all, it was perfect. Minimal soreness yesterday, but more sore this morning ... did not take pain meds at 4 a.m. this morning, so woke up with a little more pain. I took a pill at 7:30 a.m., then was fine. I went looking for a sports bra per surgeon early this afternoon. Finally found a Playtex Play bra with a zip up front closure that is pretty comfortable. Took a quick peak (afraid to see more right now) and my nipples seem nice and high right now, but know they will drop to proportionate position as swelling goes down. Can't believe there is very little pain, just fair discomfort for the most part. I had the anchor lift ... and hope I will have the same light scars as you. I am very fair skinned and have had issues with scars in the past. Isn't it nice to have soft breast tissue? I am so glad to have the implants out. What surprised you most once you had yours removed, any unexpected positives? Thanks for reaching out and keep in touch. I'll check out your past comments. I may post a picture tomorrow before my first shower. K

Biggest surprise is that I ended up with more breast than I expected. I love that my breasts are so soft. I used to avoid mirrors when naked but now I can't help sneaking peeks every now and then. I have been wearing regular bras after about a week, PS said whatever was comfortable. I can even go bra less and I look and feel great! Thanks for the post photos. As the swelling goes down, they settle to a very natural shape. You were lucky to have a PS who was so detailed, as was I! I am following your posts. Congrats again on getting to the other side and the feelings of relief so you can start enjoying your life again. I had such a feeling of elation afterwards. That was a surprise, too.

Wearing regular bras for about a week AFTER my explant.

I am thinking I may have the same benefit in a little larger breast size due to post menopausal weight gain. But, regardless, I am going to be happy with whatever smaller size. I am looking forward to wearing clothes that I was previously uncomfortable in due to large breasts for my build. They actually seemed to keep getting larger. I'm not missing that matronly look I was developing in many clothes. Now maybe a long necklace will actually lay appropriately on my body instead of swinging from my breasts. I love that can actually see my whole body when I look down. Zipping up my winter coat is a breeze now too. I have to say I am elated as well making these discoveries and most of all not have those large, hard breast. Honestly, I forgot how nice it is to have natural soft breasts. Can't wait to sleep on my tummy relatively soon.

I forgot about long necklaces. I hated that matronly look, too. No more buying whatever clothes fit/disguised my boobs. Now I wear whatever I want, even cute pjs

I think after you complete the information about your procedure when you register on this site, the site moderators assigns you within 24 hours. If you completed the information already, then they may be reviewing now. It's not automatic. Hope this helps. "Teddiemc" is a community manager on the site and can help you. Maybe search for her name on the site and send her a note. (She is two emails below on this page if you can see her comments and her link in blue.)

Ok thank you very much!

Sorry forgot to say your new boobs look great

Thanks, Yes, everything done at once and It's been fine so far. Both my breasts had capsular contracture. Implants, and capsules, removed and breasts lifted during 2.5 hour surgery. I have seen where some surgeons want to wait, but mine had no hesitation doing both procedures in same surgery. My breasts were pretty symmetrical, so maybe that's why. Although, reshaping the breast, as needed, is part of the lift process from what I understand ... I would continue to ask. I would not want to wait either if I did not have to and I knew I needed a lift. You can even post the question on this site and Dr.s will respond. I will post an update after my PS appointment this Thursday.

Thanks!

Thank you x

Thanks so much. Good luck with your surgery on Monday and keep us posted.

Thanks, Dove. I appreciate your kind words. So far, so good. My PS is Dr. Fine at Northwestern Plastic Surgery. He and his staff have been great. Great anesthesia group as well. In addition to the outcome thus far, I was particularly pleased that the doctors chose to use local anesthesia with sedation. Re the lift decision (and that was a little difficult for me to get my head around, because of the potential scarring and I am pain adverse; read "chicken"), I think typically if your nipples are below the breast crease lines when your arms are at rest, then a lift is indicated for best results. Dr. Feng will give you the best advice on this, of course. (I've read excellent comments about Dr. Feng on this site.) My implants were over the muscle, rock hard and the tops even with my armpits. (You can't tell from my before selfie, but my breasts were basically even and symmetrical, so no problem there. Symmetry looks a bit off on the selfie.) I was an A cup before implantation at 5' 4'' 120 lbs. I was 145 lbs at the time of explant. Even with the post menopausal weight gain, one can only imagine how saggy and deflated my breast would have been post explant with no lift. I am hoping I will be a full A or B-, but I'm not really concerned about the final size. Please know that I was so nervous before the procedure and now so happy I pushed forward with the explant and lift. I can't imagine you won't love your new smaller, soft breasts!! Even after 27 years and weight gain, I feel like I'm back to the younger and freer body I remember. Keep us posted. Isn't this site great!!

I can't believe it was under local with a lift, holy moly you must be really strong! I can't imagine. Happy Healing!!

Thanks, MC. Nope, I am a total chicken when it comes to pain. Felt nothing and was totally unaware during the entire procedure. It worked out great.

A good friend of mine went to Dr. Fine for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. She absolutely loved him. Thank you for sharing yor experience. Having just local anesthesia shows you actually are incredibly brave! I'm so glad you are happy with your result. I can't wait to get my implants out! Did you need a lot of help immediately after the surgery? I can't tell if you had drains or maybe I missed that in another one of your posts.... Because mine are submuscular, I think the removal may be quite involved. I hope my anesthesia situation is as favorable as yours was! Take care and I wish you a wonderful healing process!

Thanks, Dove. Sorry, just now saw your message above. The anesthesia (local with sedation) was really a breeze and I was so happy it was an option. I had no idea what to expect as far as any post surgery assistance needed, so I had planned at least a day of supervision/home care (I live alone). As it turned out, I needed no supervision or home care. No drains. I had previously stocked up on broth, pudding (to take pain med), canned peaches (to help keep things moving) and a few frozen food items. It worked out great. As I mentioned, PS told me to make sure I walked post surgery and wanted me to purchase the sports bra the next day, which I did. My shopping outing went fine, though I was a little tired when I got home about 2 hours later. The worst part of this experience has been today's breakout due to allergic reaction from adhesive on the surgical drape. In retrospect, I felt it coming on the past two days. Today was bad ... ITCHY rash on my tummy above belly button and chest above breast to collar bone (no rash on breasts). Taking antihistamine and applying cortisone cream on areas with rash. I need to look at your post, but I think your surgery with Dr. Feng is very soon. Can't wait to hear about it. Good luck. I think you will be so pleased!

Were you able to drive the next day, Georgio? It's amazing you went shopping and tried on bras the day after surgery!

Thanks, MC. I did not see the implants or have any photos taken. However, I have seen others post them on this site. Good luck with your procedure. I am sure you will be happy.

I'm so nervous too I really can't think of anything else stinks because it's so beautiful outside...