POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews
My Best Decision! Explant After 35 Years - 63 Yrs Old – 300CC Silicone - Subglandular – No Lift – Dallas, TX
ORIGINAL POST
The information, pictures and stories on RealSelf...
MoonpiesMarch 10, 2016
WORTH IT$4,000
The information, pictures and stories on RealSelf helped to reassure me that explant without a lift was the right decision for me. I hope my story will help other women make their own decision as to what is best for them. Here is my story.
I honestly got my implants in 1981 because I wanted boobies! I was flat chested – like a boy, and the thought of having sexy boobs just thrilled and excited me. I didn’t want to be huge, just proportionate to my body size; 5’6 and 115 pounds.
I was excited and proud when I got my BA and not a bit shy about letting people know. That, of course, ran its course and after a few years, the novelty of having boobs wore off and I became more private about my BA. They weren’t unusually large when I was younger, but with age, menopause and the extra weight that sneaks up on you, the boobs grew right along with me making my boobs look even bigger.
I never had any health issues that I could associate to having implants, so feel very fortunate on that front. Nor did I have any contracture or pain in 35 years. I started thinking about explanting about 20 years ago for one reason or another, but when a mammogram in Nov 2015 showed a rupture in my right breast, the decision was quick and decisive for me.
I met with Dr Meade in 2013 to discuss implant removal and immediately felt very comfortable with him. I was quite surprised at how much time he took in answering my questions and how relaxed he was in our initial meeting. My dermatologist always seems to be in a marathon race to the next patient, so this was quite nice. I explained I wanted to explant due to the age of the implants and that my breast had become too big. He took his time in answering my questions and explained the different options available. He showed me the new and improved implants, thinking I wanted to trade down to a smaller gel implant, but I had one BIG thing I had to take care of before I could commit to a date. I had to tell my husband! We got married after my BA, and I just could never could find the courage to tell him. Not sure why…he’s the kindest & wisest man I know, and has always supported me in everything. Perhaps I didn’t want his opinion of me to change, but I never found the courage to tell him.
During my mammogram in 2014, the technician showed me that I had a good bit of breast tissue and would probably have a good result, if I decided to explant. She pulled the breast tissue up and off of the implant to show me my breast tissue…my real self. I was impressed! and very happy with what I saw.
My mammogram in Nov 2015 showed a finding that needed additional screening, so I went back for a sonogram. That indicated a rupture with silicon leaking extracapsular from the 2-7 position on my right breast. The radiologist said it wasn’t urgent to get it removed, but to have the procedure done within the next year. There was no sense of alarm on her part, but I was plenty alarmed! I wanted them out ASAP!
It was a LONG drive home from the radiologist, knowing I HAD to tell hubs my BIG secret. I rehearsed all the way home on exactly what I was going to say and needless to say, was very anxious about it. When I got home, I immediately sat down and told him. To my surprise, the only thing he said light heartedly was “what other secrets don’t I know about you?” I busted out laughing and then we discussed what I had learned from the sonogram. He’s been super supportive and made the whole ordeal so much easier than I ever thought possible. He did ask “do I have any input on the next set?” Silly, silly man. That was before I found RealSelf and still undecided on whether to go smaller or to just be done with them.
With the upcoming holidays, it was Jan 6, 2016 before I could get in to see Dr. Meade. I was pretty sure I wanted to explant with no replacement, so he suggested a lift. I immediately said no to that…I just did not want to be cut around my nipple. To prepare me for the outcome of the surgery, he informed me that I may lose a lot of volume in my breast, about 80%, but decided I was okay with that. He did not try to persuade me otherwise. Well, I wasn’t exactly okay with losing 80% of my breast, but knowing other options were available if the outcome was unbearable, eased some of the anxiety.
Dr. Meade had my mammogram results and planned to explant, leaving the capsules behind, but could only determine if that was possible during surgery. I was hesitant with leaving the capsules in, but he assured me he would do what was best for me, which made me feel I was in the right hands.
The way I understand it: the capsule is human tissue that forms around each implant (or any foreign object in the body). Leaving the capsule behind and allowing the body to reabsorb this tissue allows for a quicker recovery and drains are normally not required. Removing the capsules requires cutting the capsule tissue away from the breast tissue and sometimes the ribs, which means more bleeding and drains are required. This is how I interpret what I've read and been told about the surgery, and may not be entirely correct.
I also asked Dr. Meade about a scar revision on my chest from a squamous skin cancer that was removed 3 years ago by my dermatologist. The incision never healed properly, leaving a large keloid that looked like a bullet wound right in the middle of my chest. He said he could do the revision to make it look a lot better.
I've played around revising this review so many times, that I'm going with what I have for now and will post after pics soon. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask me anything. All of you ladies who have taken the time to write reviews and post pictures...THANK YOU! I cannot tell you how much it helped me come to my decision and to be happy with my results.
2/8/2016 - 4 Days before surgery
I’ve been so worried and anxious that I finally called the doctor’s office this morning. Feeling so much better. Dr. Meade’s surgery nurse, Trish, called me back and calmed all my fears. She discussed the surgery and answered all my questions and even gave me her personal cell phone number, telling me to call if I had any more questions. All of Dr. Meade’s office staff has been super supportive and amazing!
2/11/2016 - Day Before Surgery
Anxious and excited about tomorrow! I was expressing my concerns to my husband about some burning or pulling type pain in my ruptured breast and how long I’ve wanted to explant. He brought up how I never communicated those concerns to him, which I replied I was too embarrassed to tell him about the implants and what a dumb decision I made all those years ago. His comment “live & learn” and then “they have served you well.” He always is able to make me laugh and his favorite saying …move on.
2/12/2016 - Surgery
My appointment was at 8:30, but we arrived at the Surgery Center at 6:30. As soon as we arrived, I was checked in and have to say, everyone was spectacular. So happy & friendly so early in the morning. I stripped down to my panties (only cotton allowed) & dressed out in my surgery attire, including compression socks & a robe, then waited on the doctor to arrive. My husband sat with me in the room & when Dr. Meade came in, he discussed what he planned to do and then started marking my breast with my husband sitting there in the chair. I had to laugh to myself, knowing my husband was thinking something crazy. I turned slightly, but hubs was still able to view the show. A few days later I asked hubs what he thought when the Dr. was marking my boobs and he said “damn…he’s the last one to get a feel of you.” A little jealous and quite funny. The nurse gave me something to relax, and that’s pretty much all I remember. I remember climbing onto the surgery table, but not being put under with general anesthesia. I know some women are afraid of going under, but I just thought of it as a nice little nap. My anesthesiologist, Lisa, was amazing. She spent so much time with me chatting and answering questions. I felt confident I had the best care in Dallas and wasn’t a bit anxious about being put under.
The surgery took an hour and a half and upon awakening, I had to think about where I was. It was only a few seconds until realization sunk in…I was on the other side and very happy to be there! I was in a surgical bra with gauze pads to protect the drains and to prevent the bra from rubbing me. I didn’t have any pain and was dressed and on my way home by 1 pm. Dr. Meade talked to my husband and told him that both implants were ruptured, so he ended up taking both out with the capsules. He informed me later that he did not have to take any tissue, which I was happy to hear.
The drugs were pretty much worn off by the time we got home and I didn’t have any nausea or pain. I was anxious to look at my chest, but also a little afraid. I was very pleased with the view looking down as I had cleavage and little boobs. Half the picture was looking very nice. I took a pain pill just to take the edge off and to help me relax. No real pain to speak of, just took it easy and watched Netflix the rest of the day. I asked Dr. Meade for pictures of the silicone implants after surgery, so when I got home, I received a text with pictures of the two ruptured implants. I was planning on giving the hubs the silicone implant for Valentine’s Day, but since both were ruptured, not able to wrap her up as a little joke. A little toy reminder of what WAS.
Two Days Post Op
2/14/2016
Valentine’s Day…Best present EVER…little boobs! Also the day to change the dressings on my sutures and to view the whole picture. Oh boy…not pretty. I was pretty disappointed seeing THAT picture. I remember thinking what the hell. It looked like the bottom half of my boobs were glued to my chest, and wondered if they were sutured to my chest. Then I remembered reading other stories on RealSelf and stayed optimistic that they would drop & fill out. I also had what felt like a golf sized ball on my right breast in the 1 o’clock position this morning, but it quickly dropped down to the 4 or 5 o’clock position and decreased to the size of a marble by evening. It doesn’t hurt and moves around a bit, so will ask my doctor about it on Friday.
2/19/2016 – One Week Post Op
Appointment to remove stitches in my chest scar revision, which looks beautiful! Also got my drains out and it didn’t hurt at all! I didn’t realize how long the tube was for the drains. She snipped the stitches, said take a deep breath and i was out. Nothing to it. My left boob has dropped into place and is much happier, except for swelling on side, under armpit. Plus, when I touch the skin, it feels like a bad sunburn, which is most likely nerves healing and will subside. My right is looking a tiny bit better, but still hung up. She’s pretty angry…one nipple looking normal and peering straight out & the sad little girl on the right is looking downward. I’m not too worried about the way they are looking right now, just happy beyond words that I am finally free of THEM and my boobs are incredibly SOFT! OMG…so soft. I could play with THEM all day!
I had a hard time finding the small marble size mass, but Dr. Meade was able to find it & said it could be scar tissue forming and advised me to firmly massage that area daily. It’s close to the breast bone, so it doesn’t hurt at all. He said everything was looking good and talked to me a little bit about the surgery. Other than that, all is good and scheduled my final appointment for June.
2/26/2016 – Two Weeks Post Op
Things are about the same…my right breast is still hanging up a bit, but getting better day by day. My scar revision is unbelievable! It’s only been two weeks and thrilled with the revision. Dr. Meade was quite impressed with how well it looked, too! He’s amazing with a needle and thread!!
Thinking about my journey and where I am now…how foolish I was to think I could design a better body than what God had planned for me…no one knows better and no can improve on anything He has designed for you. Being older and wiser gives you a better perspective on what's really important.
2/29/2016 – 17 Days Post Op
I haven’t really had the zapping that some women have experienced. I feel more of a tugging or short, quick uncomfortable twinges, but the most difficult thing for me is finding a comfortable bra. I can’t wait to go without! Then of course not being able to get back to normal activities and find I tire so easily. It can get you down a bit. I’ve started back on short walks, which helps, and forcing myself to do a few things. The hubs was a bit hesitant to say this, but says it may be the age thing. I know he’s right…I’m no spring chicken.
I honestly got my implants in 1981 because I wanted boobies! I was flat chested – like a boy, and the thought of having sexy boobs just thrilled and excited me. I didn’t want to be huge, just proportionate to my body size; 5’6 and 115 pounds.
I was excited and proud when I got my BA and not a bit shy about letting people know. That, of course, ran its course and after a few years, the novelty of having boobs wore off and I became more private about my BA. They weren’t unusually large when I was younger, but with age, menopause and the extra weight that sneaks up on you, the boobs grew right along with me making my boobs look even bigger.
I never had any health issues that I could associate to having implants, so feel very fortunate on that front. Nor did I have any contracture or pain in 35 years. I started thinking about explanting about 20 years ago for one reason or another, but when a mammogram in Nov 2015 showed a rupture in my right breast, the decision was quick and decisive for me.
I met with Dr Meade in 2013 to discuss implant removal and immediately felt very comfortable with him. I was quite surprised at how much time he took in answering my questions and how relaxed he was in our initial meeting. My dermatologist always seems to be in a marathon race to the next patient, so this was quite nice. I explained I wanted to explant due to the age of the implants and that my breast had become too big. He took his time in answering my questions and explained the different options available. He showed me the new and improved implants, thinking I wanted to trade down to a smaller gel implant, but I had one BIG thing I had to take care of before I could commit to a date. I had to tell my husband! We got married after my BA, and I just could never could find the courage to tell him. Not sure why…he’s the kindest & wisest man I know, and has always supported me in everything. Perhaps I didn’t want his opinion of me to change, but I never found the courage to tell him.
During my mammogram in 2014, the technician showed me that I had a good bit of breast tissue and would probably have a good result, if I decided to explant. She pulled the breast tissue up and off of the implant to show me my breast tissue…my real self. I was impressed! and very happy with what I saw.
My mammogram in Nov 2015 showed a finding that needed additional screening, so I went back for a sonogram. That indicated a rupture with silicon leaking extracapsular from the 2-7 position on my right breast. The radiologist said it wasn’t urgent to get it removed, but to have the procedure done within the next year. There was no sense of alarm on her part, but I was plenty alarmed! I wanted them out ASAP!
It was a LONG drive home from the radiologist, knowing I HAD to tell hubs my BIG secret. I rehearsed all the way home on exactly what I was going to say and needless to say, was very anxious about it. When I got home, I immediately sat down and told him. To my surprise, the only thing he said light heartedly was “what other secrets don’t I know about you?” I busted out laughing and then we discussed what I had learned from the sonogram. He’s been super supportive and made the whole ordeal so much easier than I ever thought possible. He did ask “do I have any input on the next set?” Silly, silly man. That was before I found RealSelf and still undecided on whether to go smaller or to just be done with them.
With the upcoming holidays, it was Jan 6, 2016 before I could get in to see Dr. Meade. I was pretty sure I wanted to explant with no replacement, so he suggested a lift. I immediately said no to that…I just did not want to be cut around my nipple. To prepare me for the outcome of the surgery, he informed me that I may lose a lot of volume in my breast, about 80%, but decided I was okay with that. He did not try to persuade me otherwise. Well, I wasn’t exactly okay with losing 80% of my breast, but knowing other options were available if the outcome was unbearable, eased some of the anxiety.
Dr. Meade had my mammogram results and planned to explant, leaving the capsules behind, but could only determine if that was possible during surgery. I was hesitant with leaving the capsules in, but he assured me he would do what was best for me, which made me feel I was in the right hands.
The way I understand it: the capsule is human tissue that forms around each implant (or any foreign object in the body). Leaving the capsule behind and allowing the body to reabsorb this tissue allows for a quicker recovery and drains are normally not required. Removing the capsules requires cutting the capsule tissue away from the breast tissue and sometimes the ribs, which means more bleeding and drains are required. This is how I interpret what I've read and been told about the surgery, and may not be entirely correct.
I also asked Dr. Meade about a scar revision on my chest from a squamous skin cancer that was removed 3 years ago by my dermatologist. The incision never healed properly, leaving a large keloid that looked like a bullet wound right in the middle of my chest. He said he could do the revision to make it look a lot better.
I've played around revising this review so many times, that I'm going with what I have for now and will post after pics soon. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to ask me anything. All of you ladies who have taken the time to write reviews and post pictures...THANK YOU! I cannot tell you how much it helped me come to my decision and to be happy with my results.
2/8/2016 - 4 Days before surgery
I’ve been so worried and anxious that I finally called the doctor’s office this morning. Feeling so much better. Dr. Meade’s surgery nurse, Trish, called me back and calmed all my fears. She discussed the surgery and answered all my questions and even gave me her personal cell phone number, telling me to call if I had any more questions. All of Dr. Meade’s office staff has been super supportive and amazing!
2/11/2016 - Day Before Surgery
Anxious and excited about tomorrow! I was expressing my concerns to my husband about some burning or pulling type pain in my ruptured breast and how long I’ve wanted to explant. He brought up how I never communicated those concerns to him, which I replied I was too embarrassed to tell him about the implants and what a dumb decision I made all those years ago. His comment “live & learn” and then “they have served you well.” He always is able to make me laugh and his favorite saying …move on.
2/12/2016 - Surgery
My appointment was at 8:30, but we arrived at the Surgery Center at 6:30. As soon as we arrived, I was checked in and have to say, everyone was spectacular. So happy & friendly so early in the morning. I stripped down to my panties (only cotton allowed) & dressed out in my surgery attire, including compression socks & a robe, then waited on the doctor to arrive. My husband sat with me in the room & when Dr. Meade came in, he discussed what he planned to do and then started marking my breast with my husband sitting there in the chair. I had to laugh to myself, knowing my husband was thinking something crazy. I turned slightly, but hubs was still able to view the show. A few days later I asked hubs what he thought when the Dr. was marking my boobs and he said “damn…he’s the last one to get a feel of you.” A little jealous and quite funny. The nurse gave me something to relax, and that’s pretty much all I remember. I remember climbing onto the surgery table, but not being put under with general anesthesia. I know some women are afraid of going under, but I just thought of it as a nice little nap. My anesthesiologist, Lisa, was amazing. She spent so much time with me chatting and answering questions. I felt confident I had the best care in Dallas and wasn’t a bit anxious about being put under.
The surgery took an hour and a half and upon awakening, I had to think about where I was. It was only a few seconds until realization sunk in…I was on the other side and very happy to be there! I was in a surgical bra with gauze pads to protect the drains and to prevent the bra from rubbing me. I didn’t have any pain and was dressed and on my way home by 1 pm. Dr. Meade talked to my husband and told him that both implants were ruptured, so he ended up taking both out with the capsules. He informed me later that he did not have to take any tissue, which I was happy to hear.
The drugs were pretty much worn off by the time we got home and I didn’t have any nausea or pain. I was anxious to look at my chest, but also a little afraid. I was very pleased with the view looking down as I had cleavage and little boobs. Half the picture was looking very nice. I took a pain pill just to take the edge off and to help me relax. No real pain to speak of, just took it easy and watched Netflix the rest of the day. I asked Dr. Meade for pictures of the silicone implants after surgery, so when I got home, I received a text with pictures of the two ruptured implants. I was planning on giving the hubs the silicone implant for Valentine’s Day, but since both were ruptured, not able to wrap her up as a little joke. A little toy reminder of what WAS.
Two Days Post Op
2/14/2016
Valentine’s Day…Best present EVER…little boobs! Also the day to change the dressings on my sutures and to view the whole picture. Oh boy…not pretty. I was pretty disappointed seeing THAT picture. I remember thinking what the hell. It looked like the bottom half of my boobs were glued to my chest, and wondered if they were sutured to my chest. Then I remembered reading other stories on RealSelf and stayed optimistic that they would drop & fill out. I also had what felt like a golf sized ball on my right breast in the 1 o’clock position this morning, but it quickly dropped down to the 4 or 5 o’clock position and decreased to the size of a marble by evening. It doesn’t hurt and moves around a bit, so will ask my doctor about it on Friday.
2/19/2016 – One Week Post Op
Appointment to remove stitches in my chest scar revision, which looks beautiful! Also got my drains out and it didn’t hurt at all! I didn’t realize how long the tube was for the drains. She snipped the stitches, said take a deep breath and i was out. Nothing to it. My left boob has dropped into place and is much happier, except for swelling on side, under armpit. Plus, when I touch the skin, it feels like a bad sunburn, which is most likely nerves healing and will subside. My right is looking a tiny bit better, but still hung up. She’s pretty angry…one nipple looking normal and peering straight out & the sad little girl on the right is looking downward. I’m not too worried about the way they are looking right now, just happy beyond words that I am finally free of THEM and my boobs are incredibly SOFT! OMG…so soft. I could play with THEM all day!
I had a hard time finding the small marble size mass, but Dr. Meade was able to find it & said it could be scar tissue forming and advised me to firmly massage that area daily. It’s close to the breast bone, so it doesn’t hurt at all. He said everything was looking good and talked to me a little bit about the surgery. Other than that, all is good and scheduled my final appointment for June.
2/26/2016 – Two Weeks Post Op
Things are about the same…my right breast is still hanging up a bit, but getting better day by day. My scar revision is unbelievable! It’s only been two weeks and thrilled with the revision. Dr. Meade was quite impressed with how well it looked, too! He’s amazing with a needle and thread!!
Thinking about my journey and where I am now…how foolish I was to think I could design a better body than what God had planned for me…no one knows better and no can improve on anything He has designed for you. Being older and wiser gives you a better perspective on what's really important.
2/29/2016 – 17 Days Post Op
I haven’t really had the zapping that some women have experienced. I feel more of a tugging or short, quick uncomfortable twinges, but the most difficult thing for me is finding a comfortable bra. I can’t wait to go without! Then of course not being able to get back to normal activities and find I tire so easily. It can get you down a bit. I’ve started back on short walks, which helps, and forcing myself to do a few things. The hubs was a bit hesitant to say this, but says it may be the age thing. I know he’s right…I’m no spring chicken.
Moonpies's provider
Replies (5)
March 11, 2016
Thank you for posting. So helpful and well written. You look fabulous. Continued good health xx
March 12, 2016
So well said! Loved your review. My surgery was 10 days after yours. I am also so relieved to be on this side of the fence. I'm a little impatient for the healing process to go quicker! My very healthy 25 year old daughter needed gallbladder surgery recently. She had a slight complication but all went well. She kept telling me my sleepiness was from the anesthetic...it made her very sleepy/fatigued for days. It is probably a combination of the anesthetic, healing and age I believe. This site is totally amazing for helping ladies like us figure out this complicated trail. Happy healing and welcome back to natural....the new trend!!!
March 13, 2016
Thanks and I agree Luci...can't quit looking and feeling my little ones. They're so warm and soft.
November 11, 2018
I know it's been a while since this was posted but I find myself 2 days post op of pretty much the same thing you went through and I'm scared to death to take off the surgical bra for the first time. I literally feel like there is nothing there. When I peeked down the bra it looks like my nipple is concave and crushed. I know this will take time but how long did it take till you looked "normal" again?
November 11, 2018
Hi Liz66;
Please give yourself time to adjust. The whole process is scary, but you’re going to love the results, once you recover and adjust to your new body. It took a few weeks before my right breast relaxed and settled into a normal looking breast. It’s still a bit smaller than the other, but not really noticeable.
Try not o get too upset when you do look and remember...they ARE going to change. Also, as you age, the natural breast gets fuller. I ended up being a 34A, and very happy being smaller.
Gram1
Gram1