POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
40 Yr Old with 13yr Old, Smooth Saline 400cc Under the Muscle. Implant Deflation & Removal with Lift. Duluth, GA
ORIGINAL POST
For as long as I can remember I wanted big boobs....
cbmeadowsMarch 1, 2016
WORTH IT$7,000
For as long as I can remember I wanted big boobs. I wanted them before I even developed. I can only blame Barbie for this! I grew up being thin with small boobs. I was teased some with the old “mosquito bites” & “ant-hill” comments, but most kids left me alone because I fought back. I put on the “freshman 15” (actually 25 lbs) in college and had small C cups. I was thrilled. But that didn’t last long before I lost weight & was back to my B cup. Then I took a very stressful job, dropped 20 pounds and barely had a size A. At 26 years old I started wearing inserts to be sure that I wanted a larger chest. I did. Like I said, I had always wanted bigger boobs. Then, at 27, I had Mentor, smooth-saline implants 375cc on the right & 400cc on the left. The craziest part was that at this time, my husband & I had been together for 6 years (married for 4 years) and he was NOT a “boob-man”. He told me he would support my decision, but he did not think I needed implants. I wanted them anyway.
It was such a painful surgery. The surgeon told me I would need about 4 days off from work (I had a desk job at the time). I had to take 1 ½ weeks off. I immediately regretted getting them. I couldn’t lift my arms over my head for a year. I lost all sensation in my nipples for 2 years & I lost sensation in my upper back on the right side for about a year. Once my issues with the surgery resolved, I LOVED them. The surgeon did a fantastic job. People I met after the surgery thought they were real. I finally had the body that I had always wanted.
13 years later, I realized that it time for them to come out. I have had 2 kids & breastfed both for about 9 months. I ballooned to a G cup with both kids! I am the same body weight as I was before pregnancy, so there is very little breast tissue. I have stage 2 capsular contraction. I have a lot of muscle pain in my upper back, neck, shoulder and chest. I am an avid weight lifter & have issues progressing due to the implants. My daughter is 9 & my son is 7. I want to set a good example for my children, so the implants will be removed & not replaced. I do not want additional surgeries. So, I began researching explant. In addition, my hair has been falling out for 6 years & has turned brittle, & I’ve had a few other issues that may or may not be implant related (i.e. brain fog, memory loss, digestive problems).
My original surgeon retired. I went to his replacement, a surgeon with a terrible bedside manner and a God-Complex. I explained my situation (as told above) and he said that I would look terrible…like an 80 year old woman. He said that my only option was to replace them with silicone & to go larger. He said the HE would decide how large during the surgery! When I reminded him of my pain, he told me that was the price of beauty. It really took everything I had not to cuss him out, but I refrained and proceeded to waist as much of his time as possible by asking as many questions as I could. I left his office feeling SICK! Thankfully, I found another surgeon who did exactly what I wanted & I look just fine.
I selected Dr. David Whiteman for my surgery. He was fantastic. The choices I made for the surgery may not be for everyone and are a bit controversial. I elected to deflate my implants 2 weeks prior to surgery. This allowed the skin to retract, the cavity to shrink, and me time to deal with my emotions. I am so glad that I did this because when I saw my deflated boobs, I LOST it! I’m not an emotional person, but I cried like a baby! I curled up in fetal position & bawled until I had a headache. My poor husband didn’t know what to do because in 19 years he has never seen me behave like this. My emotional breakdown lasted about 24 hours & I decided to make myself get dressed & go out to dinner with my family. I am so glad that I deflated prior to surgery. I can’t imagine having these emotions after major surgery.
The deflated shells did not feel good at all due to my lack of breast tissue to pad them from poking my skin. A tight sports bra helped, but it still felt very weird & uncomfortable. My skin did retract, but it was obvious that I needed a lift. And, one side was much lower than the other. I read that it is best to wait 6 months to a year before having a lift, but I only wanted 1 surgery. I have asthma & this is my 4th time being under general anesthesia. I elected to have the explant, total capsulectomy & anchor lift at the same time.
The surgery went very well and I felt great after. I was VERY motion sick during the 30 minute car ride home and this happened even though the anesthesiologist put the scopolamine patch behind my ear. I started feeling better about 30 minutes after getting home & then it was like I had not had surgery! Everyone in my family was shocked at how well I was doing. I had drains & that was the worst part; I never had pain. I took the pain pills for 2 ½ days and switched to Tylenol. I took that until I had the drains removed, which was 6 days post-op. I did take a pain pill before having the drains removed and that was not painful. I was worried about it because I had read stories about it being horribly painful. The nurse covered me in steri strips & I felt 100% better. But I couldn’t look at them. My husband said that they looked great and I took him at his word. I did look at them the next day & was amazed at how high they were. I look like a 14 year old. Perky, but flat!
Most days I am happy with my decision. I did have one emotional breakdown day on my 11th post-op day. Thankfully, no one was at home to witness it. I also, get a bit down when I dress up in some of my old clothes. Everything still fits, but it doesn’t look as good, IMO. I have to remind myself of all of the “pro’s” of this surgery and that the only “con” is my opinion of big boobs. Breaking the big boob mindset is hard, but I have faith I can do it. I hear many people say that once you are 40, you feel good in your own skin. I’m not there yet, but I am ready to be!
It was such a painful surgery. The surgeon told me I would need about 4 days off from work (I had a desk job at the time). I had to take 1 ½ weeks off. I immediately regretted getting them. I couldn’t lift my arms over my head for a year. I lost all sensation in my nipples for 2 years & I lost sensation in my upper back on the right side for about a year. Once my issues with the surgery resolved, I LOVED them. The surgeon did a fantastic job. People I met after the surgery thought they were real. I finally had the body that I had always wanted.
13 years later, I realized that it time for them to come out. I have had 2 kids & breastfed both for about 9 months. I ballooned to a G cup with both kids! I am the same body weight as I was before pregnancy, so there is very little breast tissue. I have stage 2 capsular contraction. I have a lot of muscle pain in my upper back, neck, shoulder and chest. I am an avid weight lifter & have issues progressing due to the implants. My daughter is 9 & my son is 7. I want to set a good example for my children, so the implants will be removed & not replaced. I do not want additional surgeries. So, I began researching explant. In addition, my hair has been falling out for 6 years & has turned brittle, & I’ve had a few other issues that may or may not be implant related (i.e. brain fog, memory loss, digestive problems).
My original surgeon retired. I went to his replacement, a surgeon with a terrible bedside manner and a God-Complex. I explained my situation (as told above) and he said that I would look terrible…like an 80 year old woman. He said that my only option was to replace them with silicone & to go larger. He said the HE would decide how large during the surgery! When I reminded him of my pain, he told me that was the price of beauty. It really took everything I had not to cuss him out, but I refrained and proceeded to waist as much of his time as possible by asking as many questions as I could. I left his office feeling SICK! Thankfully, I found another surgeon who did exactly what I wanted & I look just fine.
I selected Dr. David Whiteman for my surgery. He was fantastic. The choices I made for the surgery may not be for everyone and are a bit controversial. I elected to deflate my implants 2 weeks prior to surgery. This allowed the skin to retract, the cavity to shrink, and me time to deal with my emotions. I am so glad that I did this because when I saw my deflated boobs, I LOST it! I’m not an emotional person, but I cried like a baby! I curled up in fetal position & bawled until I had a headache. My poor husband didn’t know what to do because in 19 years he has never seen me behave like this. My emotional breakdown lasted about 24 hours & I decided to make myself get dressed & go out to dinner with my family. I am so glad that I deflated prior to surgery. I can’t imagine having these emotions after major surgery.
The deflated shells did not feel good at all due to my lack of breast tissue to pad them from poking my skin. A tight sports bra helped, but it still felt very weird & uncomfortable. My skin did retract, but it was obvious that I needed a lift. And, one side was much lower than the other. I read that it is best to wait 6 months to a year before having a lift, but I only wanted 1 surgery. I have asthma & this is my 4th time being under general anesthesia. I elected to have the explant, total capsulectomy & anchor lift at the same time.
The surgery went very well and I felt great after. I was VERY motion sick during the 30 minute car ride home and this happened even though the anesthesiologist put the scopolamine patch behind my ear. I started feeling better about 30 minutes after getting home & then it was like I had not had surgery! Everyone in my family was shocked at how well I was doing. I had drains & that was the worst part; I never had pain. I took the pain pills for 2 ½ days and switched to Tylenol. I took that until I had the drains removed, which was 6 days post-op. I did take a pain pill before having the drains removed and that was not painful. I was worried about it because I had read stories about it being horribly painful. The nurse covered me in steri strips & I felt 100% better. But I couldn’t look at them. My husband said that they looked great and I took him at his word. I did look at them the next day & was amazed at how high they were. I look like a 14 year old. Perky, but flat!
Most days I am happy with my decision. I did have one emotional breakdown day on my 11th post-op day. Thankfully, no one was at home to witness it. I also, get a bit down when I dress up in some of my old clothes. Everything still fits, but it doesn’t look as good, IMO. I have to remind myself of all of the “pro’s” of this surgery and that the only “con” is my opinion of big boobs. Breaking the big boob mindset is hard, but I have faith I can do it. I hear many people say that once you are 40, you feel good in your own skin. I’m not there yet, but I am ready to be!
cbmeadows's provider
UPDATED FROM cbmeadows
20 days post
My Advice & Everything I learned
cbmeadowsMarch 2, 2016
I’m sure you all are researching your hearts out. I know I did! I thought that I would share some of what I found and what worked for me. Hopefully this will save you some time. ?
Emotions, Feelings, Etc.
1. It is normal to be scared, anxious, excited, nervous, terrified & happy about explanting. I went through all of these emotions at different times.
2. It is normal to think that you will not like how you look after the explant. It is normal to think you will not be “sexy” or “pretty” or “desirable”. You will be. You will be everything that you were with your implants! Yes, removing them messes with your head. Yes, it is emotional. And yes, you will get through it and love yourself.
3. It is normal to second-guess your decisions. Just remember why you are doing this. Also remember that eventually they HAVE to come out anyway and they need to be replaced every 10 years.
4. It is normal to be concerned about what others will think and what you will say to them. Trust me…most people have not noticed that I look different. And, to the ones who do, I have been honest. I’ve actually received a lot of support from people to whom I’ve told my story.
5. It is normal to have some depression or “bad days” after surgery. Some of it just comes from surgery itself & the rest is just trying to adapt to the new you. Sit with these emotions, experience them fully and then let them pass. Tell yourself you look great. Tell yourself you love the new you. And smile!!!! Even if you force it. Smiling will make you feel better.
Pre-Surgery Tips
1. Buy enough groceries for 2 weeks. Plan your all of your meals & have them ready to eat or frozen if you do not have someone to cook for you. Make sure you have enough toilet paper, Kleenex, etc.
2. Buy paper plates & bowls so you will not have to wash dishes.
3. Go through your entire house and put everything at arm level. You will not be able to reach overhead for a while.
4. Have the following on hand: extra-strength tylonal, stool-softner, fiber pills, preparation-H, ice packs, benedryl &/ or hydrocortisone cream, ginerale, soda crackers, gatoraid, jell-o, soup, motion sickness meds, straws, chapstick, healthy snacks, gum, facial cleaning pads, baby wipes & dry shampoo, thermometer
5. Sniffing rubbing alcohol or peppermint can help relieve nausea
6. Buy several front closure zip up sport bras. Use your band size to determine size. I like the Jansen one sold at Walmart.
7. Figure out how to sleep. You will need to have your head propped up after surgery. Adjustable base bed or recliners work best. Or decide how to prop yourself up in bed or on the couch. Make sure you have enough pillows. Head should be at 45 degrees for the first few days.
8. Make sure you have zip up or button up clothing to wear for a while.
9. Strengthen your stomach muscles so you can use them instead of your arms when getting up and down
10. Make sure all of your bills are paid
11. Do all of the laundry & clean the house
12. Ask your doctor for your prescriptions so you can fill them prior to surgery
13. Fill car with gas
14. Make a medication sheet
15. Cut your fingernails, toenails & shave or wax
16. Have a bedside table or TV tray stand next to where you will sleep & rest
Surgery Day
1. Take a coffee can, vomit bag or something in case you get sick on the way home. Also take cold gingerale & soda crackers. I also wore the SeaBands and asked the anesthesiologist for the scopolamine patch. I was still very nauseated but never threw up.
2. Take a pillow for the ride home
3. Wear button or zip up top and slide on shoes. Crocs are great.
4. Remain calm. Go to the surgery as relaxed and calm as possible. Have relaxing music with you, your favorite pictures, whatever you need to stay calm. Also, remain calm when you wake up in recovery. Allow yourself to wake up slowly like you are coming out of an amazing night’s sleep.
Post-Op
1. Have someone with you at least 48 hours. Longer if possible.
2. Walk around everyday, but don’t overdo it.
3. Move your feet while you are laying around. Flex & contract your calf muscles. This helps with blood flow to avoid DVT.
4. Take your temperature regularly for several days to make sure you don’t have an infection. A low grade temp is normal. Do deep breathing exercises to help get rid of it.
5. If you have long hair, braid it to avoid getting tangles
6. Drink lots of water
7. Eat healthy
8. Use ice pack on your chest if needed (15 minutes on)
9. Heating pad for your back.
10. Itching all over is normal. Wipe down with baby wipes & put on hydrocortisone cream
11. Rest as much as you need to, especially the first 3-4 days
12. If you have to take the trash out at any time, make sure it does not get too full. Instead of using a large trash can, use smaller ones and take the trash out more often.
13. If you have drains…take a pain pill about 30 minutes before they will be removed. Be sure you have a driver if you do this! My drains did not hurt coming out, but I did take 1 tylonal with codine.
Emotions, Feelings, Etc.
1. It is normal to be scared, anxious, excited, nervous, terrified & happy about explanting. I went through all of these emotions at different times.
2. It is normal to think that you will not like how you look after the explant. It is normal to think you will not be “sexy” or “pretty” or “desirable”. You will be. You will be everything that you were with your implants! Yes, removing them messes with your head. Yes, it is emotional. And yes, you will get through it and love yourself.
3. It is normal to second-guess your decisions. Just remember why you are doing this. Also remember that eventually they HAVE to come out anyway and they need to be replaced every 10 years.
4. It is normal to be concerned about what others will think and what you will say to them. Trust me…most people have not noticed that I look different. And, to the ones who do, I have been honest. I’ve actually received a lot of support from people to whom I’ve told my story.
5. It is normal to have some depression or “bad days” after surgery. Some of it just comes from surgery itself & the rest is just trying to adapt to the new you. Sit with these emotions, experience them fully and then let them pass. Tell yourself you look great. Tell yourself you love the new you. And smile!!!! Even if you force it. Smiling will make you feel better.
Pre-Surgery Tips
1. Buy enough groceries for 2 weeks. Plan your all of your meals & have them ready to eat or frozen if you do not have someone to cook for you. Make sure you have enough toilet paper, Kleenex, etc.
2. Buy paper plates & bowls so you will not have to wash dishes.
3. Go through your entire house and put everything at arm level. You will not be able to reach overhead for a while.
4. Have the following on hand: extra-strength tylonal, stool-softner, fiber pills, preparation-H, ice packs, benedryl &/ or hydrocortisone cream, ginerale, soda crackers, gatoraid, jell-o, soup, motion sickness meds, straws, chapstick, healthy snacks, gum, facial cleaning pads, baby wipes & dry shampoo, thermometer
5. Sniffing rubbing alcohol or peppermint can help relieve nausea
6. Buy several front closure zip up sport bras. Use your band size to determine size. I like the Jansen one sold at Walmart.
7. Figure out how to sleep. You will need to have your head propped up after surgery. Adjustable base bed or recliners work best. Or decide how to prop yourself up in bed or on the couch. Make sure you have enough pillows. Head should be at 45 degrees for the first few days.
8. Make sure you have zip up or button up clothing to wear for a while.
9. Strengthen your stomach muscles so you can use them instead of your arms when getting up and down
10. Make sure all of your bills are paid
11. Do all of the laundry & clean the house
12. Ask your doctor for your prescriptions so you can fill them prior to surgery
13. Fill car with gas
14. Make a medication sheet
15. Cut your fingernails, toenails & shave or wax
16. Have a bedside table or TV tray stand next to where you will sleep & rest
Surgery Day
1. Take a coffee can, vomit bag or something in case you get sick on the way home. Also take cold gingerale & soda crackers. I also wore the SeaBands and asked the anesthesiologist for the scopolamine patch. I was still very nauseated but never threw up.
2. Take a pillow for the ride home
3. Wear button or zip up top and slide on shoes. Crocs are great.
4. Remain calm. Go to the surgery as relaxed and calm as possible. Have relaxing music with you, your favorite pictures, whatever you need to stay calm. Also, remain calm when you wake up in recovery. Allow yourself to wake up slowly like you are coming out of an amazing night’s sleep.
Post-Op
1. Have someone with you at least 48 hours. Longer if possible.
2. Walk around everyday, but don’t overdo it.
3. Move your feet while you are laying around. Flex & contract your calf muscles. This helps with blood flow to avoid DVT.
4. Take your temperature regularly for several days to make sure you don’t have an infection. A low grade temp is normal. Do deep breathing exercises to help get rid of it.
5. If you have long hair, braid it to avoid getting tangles
6. Drink lots of water
7. Eat healthy
8. Use ice pack on your chest if needed (15 minutes on)
9. Heating pad for your back.
10. Itching all over is normal. Wipe down with baby wipes & put on hydrocortisone cream
11. Rest as much as you need to, especially the first 3-4 days
12. If you have to take the trash out at any time, make sure it does not get too full. Instead of using a large trash can, use smaller ones and take the trash out more often.
13. If you have drains…take a pain pill about 30 minutes before they will be removed. Be sure you have a driver if you do this! My drains did not hurt coming out, but I did take 1 tylonal with codine.
Replies (21)
March 2, 2016
Thank you so much for the inspiration! I am having an explant with lift and I hope my results are as great as yours!
March 2, 2016
You are welcome. Have faith & as silly as it may sound, try to visualize a great outcome. See yourself feeling great, looking great and being healthy & happy. :-)
March 2, 2016
Wow I'm absolutely gob smacked you've done this for us!... You must have spent so much time on this!...thank you sooo much!... It's fantastic!!!... [RS bleep] You are terriffic and you look terrific! :) [RS bleep]
March 2, 2016
Thank you! I am always happy to help others, and quite honestly, writing this was therapeutic for me...especially the emotions section.
March 2, 2016
Thank you for the list. I'm having surgery in 3 weeks. This is very helpful.
March 2, 2016
Wow, thank you so much for this!! I'm actually saving and printing it out for myself! My surgery is tomorrow! Thank you so much for sharing your story and all this amazing advice!!
March 2, 2016
You are welcome. I'm glad that I could be of help. Best of luck to you with your surgery tomorrow! I hope that all goes well. Happy Healing!
March 3, 2016
Oh woooow! Thank you so much for this! Specially for the feelings sections. im having explant with lift in a few months and Im already going through all those emotions.It helps a lot!
March 6, 2016
March 7, 2016
Thanku! I've heard about it.i haven't joined yet cos I didn't know if everyone s gonna know I joined? I don't really want anyone to know about it...
March 7, 2016
It is a closed group, so anything that you post or reply to will not be seen on your Facebook page and your friends cannot see anything on their wall. It will not show up as one of your groups either. Sometimes it takes a few days to get approved to be in the group. The page administrators are being very diligent about screening people who requested to join.
UPDATED FROM cbmeadows
21 days post
Questions to ask Plastic Surgeons when searching for the right one
cbmeadowsMarch 2, 2016
Hi Ladies, Below is my document that I used while "interviewing" plastic surgeons. Some of the questions are specific to me, so just remove or modify those questions or comments.
Plastic Surgeon Search
Office Questions
• Will ________ do an introductory phone call? (explain issue with the last surgeon)
• Do you accept Humana POS insurance?
• What is included in the surgical fee and what is not included?
• What is my financial responsibility of a second surgery is needed?
• Do you accept credit card payments?
• What is the emergency treatment protocol?
• Does ____ provide after hours contact info, after hours care?
• Does he offer same day appointments for problems? (non-emergency)
• What is _____hospital affiliation? Where will I be taken if there is a problem?
• Where is operating facility? What life support systems are available?
• Is it accredited? (AAAASF, AAAHC, JCAHO)
• Does ______ use a Board certified anesthesiologist or a CRNA?
Doctor Questions
• How did you train in breast explants and what is your experience with the procedure?
• How many/ how long?
• And are you experienced with explanting implants the are below the muscle?
o Will the pectoral muscle be damaged? Can you repair the chest wall if it is damaged (I.e. reattache the muscle to the chest wall so it will not adhere to breast tissue?) How will it heal? How will this affect lifting weights?
• Before and after pictures? (You said no in email…why not? I’ve seen many on realself.com)
• Can you get my records from previous surgeon to determine exactly what he did? (I believe it was a sub muscular placement through the nipple with the split muscle technique. But I could be wrong)
• Reference list? Pts who’ve had either explant or explant with a lift.
• Discussion about just to explant or explant with a lift. (Internal lift)
o Will there be any deformity?
o What can be done to minimize or hault deformity?
o Can you remove excess skin with a lift?
o Can you perform a fat transfer to the breast to add tissue? (pro’s & cons of this surgery & have you done it)
• Explant site? Lift incision site?
• Surgery complications & risks?
o What is your policy on complications?
o Do you cover expenses?
o Do you recommend plastic surgery complication insurance?
• General or local anesthesia?
• What leg compression do you use?
• What is the earliest you schedule surgery? Any reason for delays?
• What are your recommendations prior to the surgery? (diet, lifestyle, exercise)
• Does using lotion (or doing anything else) help to increase skin elasticity prior to surgery in order to minimize sagging?
• Do you give an ABT before the surgery? Can it be taken the night before? (swallowing problems) Or can I have a shot?
• Complete capsulectomy vrs leaving capsule. (how do you make sure I can’t feel the pocket if it’s removed? I believe I read read that leaving it makes it harder to detect breast CA.)
• Will I need drains?
• Do you use dissolvable stitches?
• What are the follow up recommendations after this surgery?
o How to treat swelling, bruising, pain
o Scar cream? (and what scarring should I expect?)
o How long will healing take? Will ROM or nerves be effected?
o Exertion levels per week. (I want to get back to my stretching & exercise program as soon as safely possible.)
o When can I drive?
• When are the follow up apts & how many will I have?
• If I don’t like the results of the surgery, what can I do?
-how many revisions of your own work have you had to do? Outcomes?
****cyst on my face- can it be removed at the same time?
Search Internet
• American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Certified?
• Linked-in, Yelp, FB
• What is web site like?
• Has the doc done any research papers or been in the media?
• Reviews
• Malpractice claims & disciplinary action
Good Advise
• Buy stool softner before surgery
• Buy several sports bras (must wear for several months after surgery)…front closure if possible.
• Massage to avoid scar tissue
Plastic Surgeon Search
Office Questions
• Will ________ do an introductory phone call? (explain issue with the last surgeon)
• Do you accept Humana POS insurance?
• What is included in the surgical fee and what is not included?
• What is my financial responsibility of a second surgery is needed?
• Do you accept credit card payments?
• What is the emergency treatment protocol?
• Does ____ provide after hours contact info, after hours care?
• Does he offer same day appointments for problems? (non-emergency)
• What is _____hospital affiliation? Where will I be taken if there is a problem?
• Where is operating facility? What life support systems are available?
• Is it accredited? (AAAASF, AAAHC, JCAHO)
• Does ______ use a Board certified anesthesiologist or a CRNA?
Doctor Questions
• How did you train in breast explants and what is your experience with the procedure?
• How many/ how long?
• And are you experienced with explanting implants the are below the muscle?
o Will the pectoral muscle be damaged? Can you repair the chest wall if it is damaged (I.e. reattache the muscle to the chest wall so it will not adhere to breast tissue?) How will it heal? How will this affect lifting weights?
• Before and after pictures? (You said no in email…why not? I’ve seen many on realself.com)
• Can you get my records from previous surgeon to determine exactly what he did? (I believe it was a sub muscular placement through the nipple with the split muscle technique. But I could be wrong)
• Reference list? Pts who’ve had either explant or explant with a lift.
• Discussion about just to explant or explant with a lift. (Internal lift)
o Will there be any deformity?
o What can be done to minimize or hault deformity?
o Can you remove excess skin with a lift?
o Can you perform a fat transfer to the breast to add tissue? (pro’s & cons of this surgery & have you done it)
• Explant site? Lift incision site?
• Surgery complications & risks?
o What is your policy on complications?
o Do you cover expenses?
o Do you recommend plastic surgery complication insurance?
• General or local anesthesia?
• What leg compression do you use?
• What is the earliest you schedule surgery? Any reason for delays?
• What are your recommendations prior to the surgery? (diet, lifestyle, exercise)
• Does using lotion (or doing anything else) help to increase skin elasticity prior to surgery in order to minimize sagging?
• Do you give an ABT before the surgery? Can it be taken the night before? (swallowing problems) Or can I have a shot?
• Complete capsulectomy vrs leaving capsule. (how do you make sure I can’t feel the pocket if it’s removed? I believe I read read that leaving it makes it harder to detect breast CA.)
• Will I need drains?
• Do you use dissolvable stitches?
• What are the follow up recommendations after this surgery?
o How to treat swelling, bruising, pain
o Scar cream? (and what scarring should I expect?)
o How long will healing take? Will ROM or nerves be effected?
o Exertion levels per week. (I want to get back to my stretching & exercise program as soon as safely possible.)
o When can I drive?
• When are the follow up apts & how many will I have?
• If I don’t like the results of the surgery, what can I do?
-how many revisions of your own work have you had to do? Outcomes?
****cyst on my face- can it be removed at the same time?
Search Internet
• American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Certified?
• Linked-in, Yelp, FB
• What is web site like?
• Has the doc done any research papers or been in the media?
• Reviews
• Malpractice claims & disciplinary action
Good Advise
• Buy stool softner before surgery
• Buy several sports bras (must wear for several months after surgery)…front closure if possible.
• Massage to avoid scar tissue
Replies (13)
March 6, 2016
Very helpful! Thanks for sharing your experience. At least it's always the best decision to go back to natural. I wished we all had enough confidence and self-love to save us from these experience.
I went to the other side of this hp and it's really crazy how wired people are. And I'm one of these.
Stay strong as you are.
I went to the other side of this hp and it's really crazy how wired people are. And I'm one of these.
Stay strong as you are.
March 6, 2016
Oh how I wish I never got them. I think my desire to look a certain way was so strong that I did not pay attention to the things that can go wrong & that they do have to come out one day. I'm strong as long as I'm not looking in the mirror. ;-) but I'm still wrong on that!
April 20, 2016
Thanks for compiling such a great list! I really wish I had seen this before my surgery!
January 30, 2017
So why is it bad to leave the capsule in? I am getting an explant and lift in two weeks and my doctor did not suggest it. I am getting mine removed due to numerous healthy issues. I am hoping this will relieve all those issues. Btw your post is just amazing and I really want to thank you for putting so much time into explaining your whole process and more
January 30, 2017
I'm getting mine done in 3 weeks. My dr said he usually leaves it in but once he gets in there and sees what things looks like he'll decide whether to remove it or not. I've tried to find as much info on is as possible for health reasons too.
February 20, 2017
Sorry for the late response and I hope this is not too late (i.e. after your surgery). Leaving the capsule in can result in unclear x-rays and hide tumors that could otherwise be detected. I have breast, ovarian & uterine cancer in my immediate family, so it is very important that I have clear x-rays. Also, some people (and some doctors) say that the capsule can hold biotoxins that are in the implants. Leaving the capsule would leave the biotoxins in the body. I wish you the best & hope that you get this reply before your surgery. Oh, if you ask for the capsules to be removed, be sure to ask for pictures. I've heard stories of women who requested removal and they found out later that the caps were left in. I just told the doc that I wanted to see what it all looked like since it was inside me for so long.
February 20, 2017
So I already had my surgery and the doctor actually said they always cauterize the capsule. So that is what I ended up with. Btw how long did you have swelling for? I had my surgery done a week ago and there is still quite a bit of swelling under my armpits.
February 22, 2017
My swelling was minimal. I took arnica bromelain after surgery & I think my lack of swelling & bruising were due to that. But, it gave me HORRIBLE headaches. Unfortunately, I don't remember how long it took for everything to go down. But, swelling can take several weeks to subside, so I wouldn't worry too much about it unless you are having uncontrolled pain or unusual symptoms.
Replies (21)
My advice for what to ask your doc...everything you can think of! I made endless lists. I googled what to ask surgeons for breast explant & chose many of the questions that I found on line. I did learn not to ask anything too early. For instance, you don't need to ask about scar cream & massage at your pre-op. You can't do that until several weeks post anyway. Main thing is to make sure he is accredited & experienced in this surgery. Ask if he will show you pics of his work. If I think of anything else specific I will let you know. Or if I get some time, I may write up a list of things to ask your doctor & post below. But that may be next week when my husband's on another business trip & I'm bored. LOL :-)
Also, I'm sorry you went through that with that one jerk surgeon. I also had one surgeon in Atlanta tell me I would look "deformed" after and that I could forget about dating. I'm wondering if it was the same guy.
You look great and from what I see it only gets better!
Hang in there!
Hey there! Welcome to the community! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. You look amazing!