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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

Forced to Make a Choice Due to Biopsy Puncture of my Implant! - Denver, CO

Name: Forced to Make a Choice Due to Biopsy Puncture of my Implant! - Denver, CO
Item: Denis L. Gonyon, Jr., MD (account suspended)
Author: GONE4GOOD

ORIGINAL POST

I am a bundle of mixed feelings. On the one hand,...

GONE4GOODFebruary 3, 2015

I am a bundle of mixed feelings. On the one hand, now age 60 and after 11 years of moderate-sized above muscle saline implants, I find them annoying and somewhat of a source of daily discomfort. There was nothing wrong with them, until I found a lump, which they said needed biopsied -- suspected fibroadenoma. But, it turns out that what appeared "solid" as a mass simply was not! I watched as the ultrasound-guided biopsy was performed and saw whatever the lump was appear to shrink once the needle hit it. Fast forward -- now ten days later, with a negative pathology report in hand, I now have a deflating implant. I see the insurance company's recommended plastic surgeon next week to decided what to do. I am thinking I want both implants removed, but I have hardly ANY breast tissue over these implants. I am afraid of the resulting appearance -- just hanging skin? I am forced to make a decision because of another's mistake, and I do not want to make a wrong decision. I can pay more out-of-pocket and get replacements, but I have not felt good for the last few years, and bras are terribly uncomfortable by the end of the day. I am only a 36B, but I am stretched to the max it seems. I do not want to be totally flat again, as I had to alter all my clothes in the past -- yet, I do not want to keep them if continued screening is going to be a huge hassle the rest of my life. Since having my implants, I have not been able to have mammograms -- fought the insurance company -- finally they agreed to MRI screenings after two radiologists insisted that was the only thing that could be done. I have only had two MRI screenings in ten years (last one was 5yrs ago). Instead of an MRI this time, the order was for ultrasound of the lump, followed by ultrasound-guided biopsy -- I wish I had never agreed to allow this biopsy! Watching my breast deflate since that procedure has been devastating. All of this was avoidable -- had the doctor just ordered another MRI instead to see the lump. I am so uncertain of what to do now. I had my implants done via a TUBA method -- through the belly button -- so I never had ANY incisions -- now I will. I am very scared about any/all pending options. My husband is very scared for me also. This is such a shock to both of us, and it makes any decision of what to do now almost impossible. There are many of you that are glad you had them out, and I am leaning that direction, but what about those of you who had little to none for tissue afterward? Is hanging skin enough to make one happy?

GONE4GOOD's provider

Denis L. Gonyon, Jr., MD (account suspended)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (29)

Jayne18

February 4, 2015

I share your concerns....I am 65 with 32 yr old DD Breast Implants from my natural B. After reading many stories here and also Dr Susan E. Kolb's book: "Naked Truth about Breast Implants...from harm to healing." I am convinced that exlpantation is what I need to do. The bottom line...breast implants don't last. And it's more than just the Breast feeling a bit harder as time goes on.... I know now that BI cause immune problems sooner or later. I know it will be traumatic to go back to natural....and likely smaller than my original size and look at a young age... I hoping Fat Grafting will be an option for me and removal of saggy skin. I likely will wear bra with silicon inserts if neede....I want my clothes to fit close to as they do now. Plus The last thing I wound need is for my physical appearance to draw attention .....since it is such a personal issue. What happened to you was a terrible unexpected shock....but it might sound corny but I believe the order that things happen is for a reason. Keep the idea of Fat Grafting as an option for yourself. Google Dr. Susan E. Smith and I think you may come to realize what you need to do. It takes guts to decide to have a surgery....and I'm praying for some. And this site is helping me along...... Good luck...

GONE4GOOD

February 4, 2015

I agree that there is a reason for everything, and the fact I have grown weary of feeling so uncomfortable by evening with them (ripping off my bra by dinner time just so I can breathe better) might mean it is past time to get them out -- and might mean something yet undetected is going wrong in there. This situation thrusts a decision into an immediate timeframe is all. Thanks for the support, as I feel really alone and scared, even though my husband says he is fine with whatever needs done. Ultimately, I know he doesn't want me going through surgery with weeks of painful recovery to end up horribly scarred with nothing but two skin flaps hanging off my chest when it is all said and done. I will ask about the grafting and about lift options when I see the surgeon on Monday.

Jayne18

February 4, 2015

I hear you....feeling really alone and scared....ditto to that for sure. I 've always had to be self reliant....not looking forward to trying to get help with the down time. But considering my situation with these painful hard ruptured BI....it's time. Hope your appointment goes well... Good luck

byeimplants

February 4, 2015

I had the same thing happened to me except I had a mole removed from my breast and the doctor punctured the implant. At that time, my decision was to replace my implant. With the implant deflated you have a pretty good idea what you would look like without them. It helped me years later when I finally decided to get rid of them. If you are not sure maybe it's not time to explant yet. It is a big decision.

GONE4GOOD

February 4, 2015

The implant is only slowly leaking -- top is collapsing, so I don't know how it might look fully deflated yet. I had implants in the first place because I was so tiny and when I bent over, my boobs looked like two skinny cow utters -- OMG I do not want to see that again! But, realistically, I have been uncomfortable by the end of each day for over two years now, having to rip off my bra for relief by dinner time, so I would rather remove them for overall health -- to just feel better overall. I am just hoping some type of breast lift is a part of the options offered to me so I would feel more confident that I would not see cow utters again. I am sorry you also had this happen. I think if I chose to replace it, there is a high chance I would end up with both removed anyway at some point, simply due to feeling crappy every evening for so long now. Maybe there is more going on that test didn't show, so this could all become a blessing in disguise.

byeimplants

February 4, 2015

You described why I decided to get implants in the first place. Empty cow udders?- that was me:) You may be surprised though as I was when I realized I had more breast tissue after having implants in for fifteen years than before. My breasts are larger now after the explant than they were before implants. Sorry to be confusing. I just meant to say it may be a good idea to wait until the implant is more deflated to be able to decide whether you can live with the result of being small again. I know that you are uncomfortable and may be also ashamed to show your husband what your breasts look like with one implant deflating. For me it was an amazing show of love from my husband how he completely accepted me with small breasts, big breasts, one breast...and now with small breasts again. I realized he truly loved me not just what I looked like and he was more concerned about my well being than anything else. Your husband sounds the same. Maybe that can make your decision a bit easier. I wish you the strength you'll need to make the decision that is best for you.

GONE4GOOD

February 4, 2015

After first opting for the replacement after your punctured one, what prompted the removal of them later on? How long after having the replacement did you decide to remove them?

byeimplants

February 4, 2015

I had them deflate twice. First time for no apparent reason. Second time the dermatologist punctured it. After that fiasco I let myself talked into getting silicone implants by the PS. This time the doctor went much wider than I asked and my breast were touching in the middle. Besides fearing ending up with a 'uniboob' I started covering myself up I hated that look so much. Then the pain started. I lived with the pain for four years not knowing I could remove my implants. Finally the PIP scandal broke and I thought I had one of those implants. Then I started researching ex planting and I found this web site. The ladies here gave me hope that I could look normal again and that is how I made my decision. It took me four operations and fifteen years to accept myself. Not a road I would recommend my daughter or anyone for that matter. You can see my photos in my review if you'd like. I am very happy with my decision.

GONE4GOOD

February 4, 2015

So today I started making some phone calls to find a surgeon closer to where I live and to research reviews of local docs. I am determined to get at least one second opinion before I agree to anything. I am completely ready to have both of them removed, regardless of the "look" afterward -- it just seems right to me to get it done. I have no promise that the insurance/network will take responsibility for the damage or cover any costs. I am finding it may cost less overall to stay local, so that would be a bonus! Driving 120 miles roundtrip and navigating through Denver several times for multiple appointments is not something I look forward to. I will do it once to see the network referral doc on Monday, and then I will meet with a local doc (10 miles away) on Thursday. If I am not mistaken, the local doc is the same one who did some work on my personal medical doctor/friend years ago. If he is, then I know I am in good hands staying closer to home.

Renmart

July 1, 2016

I did mine in Metairie in LA. I spent a week there and although it added to the cost it was worth it. I did fat grafting at the same time so there was one procedure and I feel so much better. At 67 I looked hideous with two bricks on my chest!

bamachoppers

February 7, 2015

I am almost all skin. I had mine deflated today. It feels really good, but doesn't look too great. I may get a lift. Since I got mine deflated and not removed, they won't fluff until they're out! I am looking forward to the next step whatever it is. I am wearing a small tight sports bra and it feels really good. My husband says when he hugs me it's a better fit! : )

GONE4GOOD

February 7, 2015

How long will they leave them in? I was under the impression that there was a limit of time, yet there seems to be some controversy about the length of time.

GONE4GOOD

February 7, 2015

It is nice to have supportive husbands!!!!! Mine is insisting that whatever the end result, he loves me and just wants me to be healthy. He loved that I had balanced myself with just minor implants, but he says he can live without them easier that trying to live without me! :) I do think they have been making me somewhat sickly -- not bad -- but, I have noticed changes for almost 3 years now and had fatigue that was not normal.

bamachoppers

February 7, 2015

I've read that it makes no difference, but I can see and feel the empty shell. Eeeeek they feel weird! I am going to have to get them out soon! They are very saggy, and hubby keeps telling me that the skin will shrink as the pockets close. How does he know this? : )

byeimplants

February 7, 2015

I walked around with an empty shell in one breast for almost a month. It felt beyond weird! I must say though that the way it feels to you right now is no indication at all of what your breasts will feel like once the implants are out. Once you are done with surgery, your skin will retract a lot! And your breast will feel warm and amazing again. They will be squish ire than before implants but that cannot be helped when they have been through such trauma! Have faith, you will look great! Sounds like you have a supportive husband, I know that that meant the world to me and it made everything ok in the end.

byeimplants

February 7, 2015

He is right, hugs will be so awesome

Jayne18

February 7, 2015

I was told that age dimishes the ability of the skin to shrink back....due to lose of elastin/collegen. Also size of implants and how many years implanted.

green55

February 7, 2015

I love what your husband said!

bamachoppers

February 7, 2015

I am really sorry t hat you have to endure this. I took years to make my decision. To have it thrust upon you is just sad.

GONE4GOOD

February 7, 2015

I am seeing this more as a blessing even if the outlook it yucky. I am refusing to replace them since all implants have 10 yr lifespans -- I won't go through this at age 70 -- no way -- hard enough at age 60. I am now more convinced than ever than what "appeared" to be a lump was likely a part of the implant breaking through the capsule. I will see what the surgeon says Monday, but I will insist on an MRI before being cut open because I want him to know what all may need to be removed. After MRI, I would like them deflated if I have to wait too long for the surgery because the one that was stabbed now has an ice cream scoop dip on top and is sloshy and not comfortable at all. I plan to ask about a lift too.

UPDATED FROM GONE4GOOD

Forced to Make a Choice Due to Biopsy Puncture of my Implant!

GONE4GOODFebruary 4, 2015

So today I started making some phone calls to find a surgeon closer to where I live and to research local docs. I am determined to get at least one second opinion before I agree to anything. I am completely ready to have both of them removed, regardless of the "look" afterward -- it just seems right to me to get it done. I have no promise that the insurance/network will take responsibility for the damage or cover any costs -- frankly, I do not care to fight that battle anyway. AND, so far, I am finding it may cost less overall to stay local, so that would be a bonus! Having to drive 120 miles roundtrip and navigating through Denver several times for multiple appointments is not something I look forward to. I will do it ONCE to see the network referral PS on Monday, but then I will meet with a local PS (only 10 minutes away) on Thursday. If I am not mistaken, the local PS might be the same one who did some work on my primary care physician several years ago. If he is, then I know I am in good hands going to him, plus staying closer to home.

Replies (4)

Angie_M

February 4, 2015

Oh gosh, so sorry all of this has happened! If you do go through with removal, there are some fab bras out there now. Only helps when you're wearing them, but it may be enough for you? Please keep us updated on this process.

GONE4GOOD

February 4, 2015

Thanks -- I am scared, lonely, crying, and just feeling a bit lost today -- but, I know my decision to remove both of them and to not just replace the punctured one is the right choice. I just wasn't ready for this to be a decision forced on me. I guess I am still in shock. I am afraid I will end up with two tiny beagle ears flapping in the wind instead of anything that looks like boobs -- laughing a bit-- I will find some humor to get me through. I am a strong woman, and I have been through worse (lost a child years ago), so I can get through this too.

Angie_M

February 5, 2015

It's not fun to have a big decision forced down your throat, unlike something a little gentler that you could come to terms with over several years. I imagine that losing a child is much, much worse and if you survived that, you can survive anything.

You also might be surprised to have more breast tissue than you think you do. I know that as I've aged I've filled out a bit more.

Hang in there and know that we are here for you! PM me any time.

byeimplants

February 5, 2015

I am so sorry. You have been through the worst thing possible. This is minor. Why don't you take them out and leave the possibility open for yourself to redo them later on if you are unhappy. There is also fat grafting and I have seen some remarkable photos of that. Don't cry, you have options.

UPDATED FROM GONE4GOOD

Forced to Make a Choice Due to Biopsy Puncture of my Implant!

GONE4GOODFebruary 5, 2015

One of the members on here responded to me with a suggestion to check out information provided by Dr. Susan Kolb. So, I found her website today: http://www.***********.com/
If you scroll down a bit, she has two videos -- one regarding silicone implants, the other regarding saline.
When I got saline implants 11 yrs ago, my doctor told me unless I experienced a traumatic event (car accident, etc.) there was no need to think I would ever need to have them removed. I remember asking about the life-span and questioned the truth about a potential 10-year limit at that time. He assured me there was no reason to think they wouldn't last for the rest of my life if there was no contracture or complication affecting them. I am confident he was sincere in what he knew at that time. He said he was using the very best, highest quality products available for his patients.
Who knows how long mine would have lasted had the one not been punctured during my biopsy. I am now thinking the accident may have been a blessing, and I am fully assured that removal is absolutely the best option for me. I have struggled with being forced to make this decision due to the damage incurred, but today I am feeling grateful that it happened! I do want to be implant free!

Replies (1)

Renmart

April 13, 2015

I was never told about a 10 year limit 40 years ago and also when I had them replace 20 years ago. Both are now ruptured and I had decided I wanted them out even before I knew this. All man made things deteriorate over time and these products are no exception. The body changes as you age and I feel they look abnormal at my age,65. Fat grafting seems to be a safe alternative and I will do this so I at least have some shape. I don't remember what its like to not have implants. All I recall is I had very little breast tissue before. We need to work from the inside out and not get caught up in the image so much. Being free of these implants will be wonderful. Health is more important than just looks. There are options that are less toxic.

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