POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
Looking Forward to a Lighter Future! - Chicago, IL
ORIGINAL POST
I have had my saline implants for 20 years. Other...
LuckyMe51August 14, 2013
WORTH IT$3,500
I have had my saline implants for 20 years. Other than a bit of hardening on one side, I haven't had any problems "specifically" related to them. I got them at a time in my life where they gave me some extra self confidence. I am tall and thin, and wanted a bustier look. Well, now I am over them, and tired of carrying around the extra weight! They don't tell you that normal bras don't fit you well because your implants weigh them down. Finding a good bra that was attractive always eluded me. I am now in my mid-40s and feel top heavy. After finding this forum, I realized I wasn't the only one out there!!
I found a surgeon from a physician's referral, and I am VERY comfortable with her. I am having a simple removal with a local anesthesia in October. I can hardly wait! I can't wait to wear simple bras again!
One more detail - I developed fibromyalgia in the years after my implants. Although it is managed with medication, I have always hoped that removing these things would help improve my condition. I would dearly like to get off all medication.
I don't regret getting implants. They served their purpose. It is now time to be rid of them! I have a wonderfully supportive husband who is a "leg man" anyway!
Here are my before pictures. Can't wait to post after pictures!!
I found a surgeon from a physician's referral, and I am VERY comfortable with her. I am having a simple removal with a local anesthesia in October. I can hardly wait! I can't wait to wear simple bras again!
One more detail - I developed fibromyalgia in the years after my implants. Although it is managed with medication, I have always hoped that removing these things would help improve my condition. I would dearly like to get off all medication.
I don't regret getting implants. They served their purpose. It is now time to be rid of them! I have a wonderfully supportive husband who is a "leg man" anyway!
Here are my before pictures. Can't wait to post after pictures!!
LuckyMe51's provider
Replies (7)
August 15, 2013
Just wanted to say, hi and welcome. You are for sure not alone ! This site has been such a help to me and I'm sure it will be for you as well. Take care. :]
August 16, 2013
Hi LuckyMe, I developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and so far I have noticed an improvement. Good luck with your explant and I hope you see an improvement in your health too :) xx
August 21, 2013
I am so glad to hear that Loobeedo! I know it definitely can't make it worse!
UPDATED FROM LuckyMe51
29 days pre
Had Pre-Op Appt Today!
LuckyMe51September 17, 2013
Today I had my pre-op appointment! Surgery is one month from today! The doctor was very patient and explained to me what to expect. She gave me all of the prescriptions that I would need to have filled prior to the surgery. She showed me where my incisions would be - just above the inframammary fold. I am having local anesthesia, so I will be awake during the procedure. She also said I would be wrapped in a bandage when I leave the hospital, and should keep myself wrapped for the first week. I can unwrap to shower, but rewrap after. After 1 week, I can wear a bra. She indicated that I didn't need a tight compression bra - the Genie bra I had on today (a smaller size) would be just fine. I see her the day after my procedure, so any questions that I have afterward, I can ask her then! I am very excited. No nerves. Hope the next month just flies by! Can't wait to post my new pictures. Thanks for all of your support!
Replies (7)
September 17, 2013
That's great about you getting your explant date ! ! ! I hope the next month flies by for you. So nice that you have a supportive hubby too. keep us updated :]
September 17, 2013
Awesome! Im excited for you :) My friend who's had implants 8 yrs also has fibromyalgia...I'm grateful I'm getting mine out before I suffer something similar.
October 12, 2013
It looks like many women with saline implants choose (or their surgeon chooses) not to have a capsulectomy. Did you choose not to or did your doc decide it isn't necessary? I am very confused about whether I should have that or not.
October 12, 2013
My surgeon said that when she gets in there she will do what needs to be done. There is some capsular contraction on my right breast which she said she would address when she got in there. So, we shall see!! I have complete faith in her and know that she will do what needs doing! I will let you know what she says after the surgery.
October 12, 2013
I had some capsular contracture in 1 side, and had NO capsule removal and was fine, and have healed symmetric. My surgeon said if the capsule is not thick, and you have no silicone leaking into the capsule, there is no reason to remove. I can't feel any "capsule" tissue even though I had saline overs. I do think once your surgeon gets inside she will have a better idea if your CC capsule is thick (and needs at least partial removal) or thin enough to leave alone. In general, after a year reading reviews I am coming to the conclusion that the least invasive surgery to get the job done is best. No more should be surgically done than what is necessary for the individual patient. This is why the "capsule removal" issue has no clear-cut answer. Explants turn out great both ways (capsules in or out).
October 13, 2013
That sounds very reasonable. The doc who took a look at mine did say my capsules seemed thin and I have no contracture. Going the minimally invasive route does seem prudent. I have trouble envisioning how the front adheres to the back once the implant is removed. I guess it does happen though. One thing is certain,,, I would want a bra that makes them sit up as high as possible during healing/re-adhesion. Does that make any sense? I'm a worry wart.
October 13, 2013
If your capsules get left in, you should compress (sports bra, with ace type elastic bandage wrap over) to keep from developing seroma. When they removed capsules, seems surgeons give the girls drains (carving out the capsule obviously can cause some blood etc). If capsules stay in, the main worry is that they can refill with your own body liquid. Compression and REST keeps this from happening, and allows the internal surfaces to come in contact and heal together, if they don't make contact (such as seroma, where fluid separates them) then they can't heal together. It does seem mysterious before you explant - but it really makes sense, these pockets were created with a scalpel. Like any other "cut" on any other part of your body, your body just closes and heals it up if given the opportunity. The only thing maintaining the capsule/pocket is the damned implant, lol. When the implant comes out the body goes right to work closing the pocket back to normal. Don't worry so much about bras that "lift" them until after the first few weeks, in the beginning compression and rest is everything. Good wishes to you, congrats on your decision to explant!
UPDATED FROM LuckyMe51
3 days pre
4 more days!
LuckyMe51October 12, 2013
Can't believe my day is coming up so quickly! Very excited to get my implants out. I am already looking at all the clothes in my closet that will fit me so much better! I'll keep you posted!
Replies (16)
October 13, 2013
Very happy that you have your explant date and are looking forward to it....it is a very exciting thing ! Do some window shopping for pretty new bras to help pass the time....it's fun. take care : ]
October 13, 2013
Hi all I am new here and need some advise... I had my implants done back in 1995 20 years ago ( ironically enough to the day ) well last week I woke up Sunday morning to an alarming situation my right implant had deflated ... I was in complete shock after all these years I have had no issues ever I have always been happy with them and did this just for me ... Well now I am tossed about what I should do .. Keep them an have them fixed or just remove them and hope that I do not come out deformed ... Please help me I am scared..
October 13, 2013
I think you need to go to a doctor and have him/her examine you. Given one has ruptured, your medical insurance might pay for the procedure to explant, or repair. If the implants are 20 years old, it is a good idea to think about either removing or replacing. But def go to a doctor right away and get a proper diagnosis. Hugs to you.
October 13, 2013
That's the thing I did see dr an yes sure enough it was deflated an I think I made a rash decision to replace ... Now I am not so sure .. I also have an in larger lymph node in the same breast ( right side ) ...
October 13, 2013
I agree with luckyme, go to the dr. first and see what they say....my opinion would be to get the removed but I just had mine out and am so happy about it that I would tell anyone that has had there for a long time to get them out ! :] It is something you should take some time and think about.... do lots of research on this site, there is so much great information...as questions and look at pics. You are going to be fine.....you will feel better after the dr. takes a look and tells ya what is going on for sure. take care
October 13, 2013
You can always call your doctor and cancel the appointment for now. Then you will have time to think about it. If you were happy with your implants, then you could simply replace them. If you read the section of this forum devoted to breast augmentation (instead of the explantation section), you will hear from many, many women who are thrilled with their new breasts. So, it really comes down to what you personally want to do. There are no right or wrong decisions. But you do need to make one relatively soon, because you have a ruptured implant. Not sure about the enlarged lymph node. Could just be you are fighting an infection or cold. Have you have a mammogram? Was your doctor concerned about this lymph node?
October 13, 2013
Yes I have had a mamo that's how the lymph was detected... An I do think I have ultimately made my choice .. I'm just scared I guess that I will not heal right or something.. An I have read just about every post on here with removal an am pleased to hear of so many success stories ...
October 13, 2013
Hi, you also have to think about the fact that if you replace them you will need future surgery to replace them again or explant. Given enough time all implants rupture. I had a friend who never had an issue with her implants and when one ruptured she had them replaced...I don't even think she even thought about having them taken out and not replaced. Anyway, it's been a few years and now she is starting to have some issues. So you never know. Ultimately, only you can decide on what you can live with.
October 14, 2013
We are all here for you whatever you decide. It's all good, if you make an informed decision!!
October 14, 2013
Thank you so much .. I will update after wed... I'm glad I found you ladies ..
October 13, 2013
Sending you positive vibes this week. I can't wait to hear how it all goes :)
October 14, 2013
Thank you!! I am just thrilled to have my husband scoop litter boxes for a week!!
October 17, 2013
Thank you so very much .. I have had to delay surgery because of finances .. Feeling a little depressed walking around lopsided ..
October 17, 2013
Hang in there. You have something to look forward to now! Did you find out if your insurance would cover any portion?
October 15, 2013
Hope it all goes well, I'm booked in this Sunday for removal, looking forward to it :)
Thanks so much for finding us and sharing your story on RealSelf. This is a wonderful community of ladies! Looking forward to following your journey and hoping you feel super liberated when you're back to natural.