POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
58 Years Old, 12 Year Old BA, Implant Removal - Denver, CO
ORIGINAL POST
I got my breast augmentation in 2004 (under the...
TaraRoslynMay 29, 2016
$3,300
I got my breast augmentation in 2004 (under the muscle) along with lipo (thighs, back, neck, hips) and an upper eyelid lift. I had saline, not sure of the fill, also not sure what size I was beforehand (it's been so long!) I can't remember how long it was (maybe a year?) after the procedure that I looked down one day and noticed that my left breast was larger than the right. I thought I had a leak.
I went to my PS, he indicated that it was possible it was a very slow leak, but couldn't be sure. Whatever it was, it didn't get any worse. However, I didn't really like the "sloshing" sound from the saline implants, so I decided to switch them out for silicone in 2008 - 500 cc under the muscle. The left breast was still bigger when I looked down at them, however, no one else could tell- they looked exactly the same.
About a year ago, I noticed that the implant on the left side was poking out and that you could see a lump. I've been exercising, working out with a trainer and have leaned out, so it could be that I just don't have as much tissue as I used to. Really, the left side has always been "looser" feeling than than the right. I wonder if I had a bit more capsular contracture on that side. By the time I scheduled the removal, I could feel more of the implant on the side.
I did talk to my PS about doing a revision, putting in basically a "sling" to strengthen the pocket. I decided not to.
While I liked my BA and the way I looked, I got a little tired of having problems finding tops that fit or that didn't emphasize my boobs so much. I chose bigger implants that I probably would have in the first place because I hadn't had the lipo yet and I weighed about 20 pounds more than I do now. The 500's seemed to balance me out.
And, while I've certainly enjoyed having bigger breasts, honestly, I am a little "over" them.
So, I decided to get them removed.
The surgeon I went with is the same doctor who put them in both times. Dr. Buford was supportive of my decision, he's very knowledgeable and caring.
I went to my PS, he indicated that it was possible it was a very slow leak, but couldn't be sure. Whatever it was, it didn't get any worse. However, I didn't really like the "sloshing" sound from the saline implants, so I decided to switch them out for silicone in 2008 - 500 cc under the muscle. The left breast was still bigger when I looked down at them, however, no one else could tell- they looked exactly the same.
About a year ago, I noticed that the implant on the left side was poking out and that you could see a lump. I've been exercising, working out with a trainer and have leaned out, so it could be that I just don't have as much tissue as I used to. Really, the left side has always been "looser" feeling than than the right. I wonder if I had a bit more capsular contracture on that side. By the time I scheduled the removal, I could feel more of the implant on the side.
I did talk to my PS about doing a revision, putting in basically a "sling" to strengthen the pocket. I decided not to.
While I liked my BA and the way I looked, I got a little tired of having problems finding tops that fit or that didn't emphasize my boobs so much. I chose bigger implants that I probably would have in the first place because I hadn't had the lipo yet and I weighed about 20 pounds more than I do now. The 500's seemed to balance me out.
And, while I've certainly enjoyed having bigger breasts, honestly, I am a little "over" them.
So, I decided to get them removed.
The surgeon I went with is the same doctor who put them in both times. Dr. Buford was supportive of my decision, he's very knowledgeable and caring.
TaraRoslyn's provider
UPDATED FROM TaraRoslyn
3 days post
A couple more details
TaraRoslynMay 30, 2016
I completely forgot to mention my size. I think before the BA I was a 36B or C. As I said, I weighed more then than now. After the BA, I was a 34DDD. Then, after working out with the trainer for a few months, a 32DDDD. Will post some post removal pics soon.
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM TaraRoslyn
3 days post
One other thing -what do you tell folks?
TaraRoslynMay 30, 2016
Got this done last Friday, wondering what you tell folks who might notice or ask? Or, does anyone really have the moxie to ask what happened?
My family of course knows about the BA, no one else does for sure.
So-- how to explain why I'll be wrapped up in an ace bandage for a few weeks?
My family of course knows about the BA, no one else does for sure.
So-- how to explain why I'll be wrapped up in an ace bandage for a few weeks?
Replies (3)
May 30, 2016
I finally came out and ANNOUNCED TO THE WORLD ... my family did know I was going to be having the explant, but it was secret to the world. But most all my other family and friends have known how very ill I have been. My husband and I talked about it. MOST people had no idea I had Implants. But we figured, if we can help anyone making decisions, or needing to begin asking about illnesses and such, I might be able to change a life. So we announced that I had been extremely ill and was having my urgent explant surgery and that was it. Many women and even men ask me how I knew my illnesses were related to BII and such. Coming out was the best thing I could do for the world. I was shy at first, then I looked at the BIG picture.
You can also get a COMPRESSION BRA (Walmart has them in the sports bra area) the front closures which are nearly exactly like my compression bra from the surgery center. SO you probably can ask to use a compression bra if you want. Or bra with wrap on at night (until drains are out). MY surgeon did not want me wrapped, he likes the incision to heal straight, and too much sideways pressure can cause wrinkles in the scar he says.
But most of all REST more than you think. Sleep cures, heals. Bone broth (homemade chicken soup also) has very curative and strengthening powers) and lots of fluids to get that junk out of you. REST and HEAL... You won't be feeling like running all around for a bit.
I wish I could show you my compression bra... NO one would know anything if you didn't want to share your information. Those bras at Walmart (white, cotton, front closures, soft and hold you firmly) are awesome... Check with your doctor!
good luck <3
You can also get a COMPRESSION BRA (Walmart has them in the sports bra area) the front closures which are nearly exactly like my compression bra from the surgery center. SO you probably can ask to use a compression bra if you want. Or bra with wrap on at night (until drains are out). MY surgeon did not want me wrapped, he likes the incision to heal straight, and too much sideways pressure can cause wrinkles in the scar he says.
But most of all REST more than you think. Sleep cures, heals. Bone broth (homemade chicken soup also) has very curative and strengthening powers) and lots of fluids to get that junk out of you. REST and HEAL... You won't be feeling like running all around for a bit.
I wish I could show you my compression bra... NO one would know anything if you didn't want to share your information. Those bras at Walmart (white, cotton, front closures, soft and hold you firmly) are awesome... Check with your doctor!
good luck <3
May 30, 2016
Thanks very much for the insight. I would like I'll be able to get some kind of sports bra or something. I'm just two days out from explant, feeling pretty good. Kind of tired. Should get the drains out tomorrow. Since I did this over a holiday weekend, I have them in a little longer. They're kind of annoying, actually, but needed. I've only taken one pain med. That was yesterday.
May 31, 2016
Tara, it sounds like you are doing well. I am really glad for you. YES, get a COMPRESSION type sports bra to support yourself for a month or two... They are nice for sleeping in also for later.
<3
<3
Replies (4)
Hey there! Welcome, and thanks for sharing your story with us. I hope you'll get lots of support from the community. Congratulations! I'm so glad you had such a good experience. Have you checked out the Breast Implant Removal forum yet? This is a great post to get started on, so I thought I'd share it with you. Hope you'll enjoy reading it, and maybe you'll join in the conversations going on in there :)
Breast Implant Removal Tips (Pre-op, Surgery Day, and Post-op)