POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
49yo, 510cc Implants to Be Removed, No Lift, No Replacement :-( - Fontana, CA
ORIGINAL POST
Hi Ladies, I have been following explant patients...
WORTH IT$15
Hi Ladies,
I have been following explant patients on this site for about a month and the letters and pictures have been so helpful. Now I want to share my own story as I near my surgery date.
I am 49 years old, and nearly 25 years ago, after two babies, I went to a plastic surgeon for breast implants because I was very unhappy with my sagging barely-B breasts. I told him I wanted an implant large enough to lift up the excess skin. I ended up with 600 cc textured silicon implants, putting me at a DD to DDD. To be honest, I have mostly enjoyed them all these years. I have received a ton of attention with them. Sad that it was important to me but I have body issues.
Over the past two years I have changed my life by becoming vegetarian, dropping 60 pounds, and exercising daily. I have grandchildren and an active life. I am tired of these heavy things on my chest. I am tired of cold, hard boobs and giving everyone a side hug. I am tired of indentations on my shoulders from my giant bra straps. My neck and shoulders and back hurt all the time. I love to run, but it is really hard on my chest and I have to wear 3 bras. When I look in the mirror, I see a really heavy woman with matronly breasts, but I am 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) and weigh 135 lbs (61 kg). Not skinny but not exactly obese!! Yet I feel HUGE.
In the past 2 years, my breasts have become harder, and I have a strange flatness under both nipples. Also, with the weight loss, I have hardly any tissue covering the implant, so a funny fold in the implant is visible on top of my breast, so I can’t wear any cute necklines without this strange shape showing.
I recently had a mammogram and was shocked by the size of the implant comparative to my own tissue. I had never seen my mammogram before. I was also alarmed by the fact that my implant pretty much masks everything on the mammogram. I mean, I could have a golf ball sized tumor in there and it would not be possible to view it. That’s alarming.
I have being going back and forth on one issue: do I explant only, or explant with a lift? If I go through Kaiser (my insurance-- based in California), they will only do an explant. I wasn’t sure if the cost savings was worth putting myself through 2 surgeries if I really need a lift. And I was sure that I would need a lift, since that was part of the initial reason for getting implants, and my body did not improve with age…
So today I went to Kaiser because I read on this site that they might do the explant for free. (I also have two more appointments with private PSs next week for their input.)
I was examined by the PS. She measured my breasts and reviewed my mammogram. She said I have some contracture. I told her about my issues: neck pain, hardness, shape changes. She said the mammogram does not show an obvious leak but there could be a leak within the capsule. She said I have almost no breast tissue and I will be flat-flat, like an A, and they will sag and hang LIKE FLAPS. I am envisioning a pancake. At this point in the exam I was thinking that’s it, let me just get a lift at the same time with a private PS. Then she said something that I have not seen mentioned on this site before. She said she does NOT advise a lift at the same time as explant in my case because I have such a small amount of tissue, such huge implants, and so much skin would need cut off that it would affect the blood supply to my nipples and I could LOSE THEM. !!!????? What the…?????? She said maybe a private PS might want to try it, maybe he has more leeway with the chances he can take… At that point, I knew I would not try to talk anyone into doing a simultaneous explant and lift. I am not risking losing nipples! Has anyone else heard this??? I am so glad I went to Kaiser first, because they seem to be conservative in their approach to everything and I like that.
However... I am grieving today. I feel stupid for ever getting these giant rocks in the first place. I look ridiculous. I am grieving for the pancake boobs I will soon have. I am not ruling out a lift in a second surgery, but now I am also thinking, who cares what my boobs look like. Really I could use a tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift etc etc it never does stop. Why do I need perky boobs when the rest isn’t perky? Mostly I want to be healthy and not worrying about leaks. And neck pain. And I don’t want to be planning another explant surgery when I am in my 70s so I am not considering a replacement.
I feel so sad. I am going to look like a man. No, much worse than a man. I am going to attach pics of my mammogram, and current pics of my enormous breasts. ? For some reason they want to flip upside-down after the upload. Sorry!
I want to say, thank you to all of you who posted 1 day post op pics and etc. I had really thought I would do the same thing for the next person in my shoes, but I don’t think I can bare to look at them. It is going to be horribly gruesome. Do any of you think, with a really good bra, like a VS Miracle bra, would I look somewhat ok? Is there any bra that can help? I’ll just never be naked in front of my husband ever again.
Ugh, sorry to be such a downer. Today was a hard day—slap to reality.
By the way, to anyone else in California—to get my implants removed, Kaiser is charging me $15 co-pay! That’s it!!! I LOVE KAISER!!! All I had to do is get my primary care doctor to refer me to plastic surgery, and it was approved today as a covered procedure. The surgeon is really respected and seems to know her stuff. She took her time with me and I feel as good as can be expected.
I have been following explant patients on this site for about a month and the letters and pictures have been so helpful. Now I want to share my own story as I near my surgery date.
I am 49 years old, and nearly 25 years ago, after two babies, I went to a plastic surgeon for breast implants because I was very unhappy with my sagging barely-B breasts. I told him I wanted an implant large enough to lift up the excess skin. I ended up with 600 cc textured silicon implants, putting me at a DD to DDD. To be honest, I have mostly enjoyed them all these years. I have received a ton of attention with them. Sad that it was important to me but I have body issues.
Over the past two years I have changed my life by becoming vegetarian, dropping 60 pounds, and exercising daily. I have grandchildren and an active life. I am tired of these heavy things on my chest. I am tired of cold, hard boobs and giving everyone a side hug. I am tired of indentations on my shoulders from my giant bra straps. My neck and shoulders and back hurt all the time. I love to run, but it is really hard on my chest and I have to wear 3 bras. When I look in the mirror, I see a really heavy woman with matronly breasts, but I am 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) and weigh 135 lbs (61 kg). Not skinny but not exactly obese!! Yet I feel HUGE.
In the past 2 years, my breasts have become harder, and I have a strange flatness under both nipples. Also, with the weight loss, I have hardly any tissue covering the implant, so a funny fold in the implant is visible on top of my breast, so I can’t wear any cute necklines without this strange shape showing.
I recently had a mammogram and was shocked by the size of the implant comparative to my own tissue. I had never seen my mammogram before. I was also alarmed by the fact that my implant pretty much masks everything on the mammogram. I mean, I could have a golf ball sized tumor in there and it would not be possible to view it. That’s alarming.
I have being going back and forth on one issue: do I explant only, or explant with a lift? If I go through Kaiser (my insurance-- based in California), they will only do an explant. I wasn’t sure if the cost savings was worth putting myself through 2 surgeries if I really need a lift. And I was sure that I would need a lift, since that was part of the initial reason for getting implants, and my body did not improve with age…
So today I went to Kaiser because I read on this site that they might do the explant for free. (I also have two more appointments with private PSs next week for their input.)
I was examined by the PS. She measured my breasts and reviewed my mammogram. She said I have some contracture. I told her about my issues: neck pain, hardness, shape changes. She said the mammogram does not show an obvious leak but there could be a leak within the capsule. She said I have almost no breast tissue and I will be flat-flat, like an A, and they will sag and hang LIKE FLAPS. I am envisioning a pancake. At this point in the exam I was thinking that’s it, let me just get a lift at the same time with a private PS. Then she said something that I have not seen mentioned on this site before. She said she does NOT advise a lift at the same time as explant in my case because I have such a small amount of tissue, such huge implants, and so much skin would need cut off that it would affect the blood supply to my nipples and I could LOSE THEM. !!!????? What the…?????? She said maybe a private PS might want to try it, maybe he has more leeway with the chances he can take… At that point, I knew I would not try to talk anyone into doing a simultaneous explant and lift. I am not risking losing nipples! Has anyone else heard this??? I am so glad I went to Kaiser first, because they seem to be conservative in their approach to everything and I like that.
However... I am grieving today. I feel stupid for ever getting these giant rocks in the first place. I look ridiculous. I am grieving for the pancake boobs I will soon have. I am not ruling out a lift in a second surgery, but now I am also thinking, who cares what my boobs look like. Really I could use a tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift etc etc it never does stop. Why do I need perky boobs when the rest isn’t perky? Mostly I want to be healthy and not worrying about leaks. And neck pain. And I don’t want to be planning another explant surgery when I am in my 70s so I am not considering a replacement.
I feel so sad. I am going to look like a man. No, much worse than a man. I am going to attach pics of my mammogram, and current pics of my enormous breasts. ? For some reason they want to flip upside-down after the upload. Sorry!
I want to say, thank you to all of you who posted 1 day post op pics and etc. I had really thought I would do the same thing for the next person in my shoes, but I don’t think I can bare to look at them. It is going to be horribly gruesome. Do any of you think, with a really good bra, like a VS Miracle bra, would I look somewhat ok? Is there any bra that can help? I’ll just never be naked in front of my husband ever again.
Ugh, sorry to be such a downer. Today was a hard day—slap to reality.
By the way, to anyone else in California—to get my implants removed, Kaiser is charging me $15 co-pay! That’s it!!! I LOVE KAISER!!! All I had to do is get my primary care doctor to refer me to plastic surgery, and it was approved today as a covered procedure. The surgeon is really respected and seems to know her stuff. She took her time with me and I feel as good as can be expected.
kdiane966's provider
Replies (69)
July 25, 2015
Congrats on your choice to have the explant!!! You look great and you will look and feel even better without those heavy toxic bags in your body, as I do as of today!!! I had the saline out today just to see how my implants will look with a little "fluff" (hopefully!) and then within the next few months I will have the explant. I already feel great, less neck, back and hip pain and less pain on my left breast!! What a relief!!! My breast look very deflated but I have faith that they will get better and no lift will be needed....as I believe the same shall happen for you!! :) It's also interesting that I too became vegan a year and a half ago and it was just the next step in healing to get these bags out!!! You should possibly check out OrganicGirl on this site, she is very inspiring and may help you through your journey. Best of Luck to you!!! P.S...How wonderful Kaiser pays all of it but $15!!!! What a major blessing!! :)
July 27, 2015
Im curious..........you mentioned you had the saline out today? Did you have the PS remove the saline in the office and then will return at a later date for explant? I want my implants removed and considered this as an option to determine if I may or may not need a lift. Im planning on explant and wait about 6-12 months to determine if a lift is needed. I've has 2 consults with PS and both recommend waiting on a lift. They have said its difficult to tell what a persons skin will do and how it will reshape on its own. I live in California and would love to find a PS that removes saline first. Are you in California? Who was your PS? Also does anyone know if you have the saline removed and return later for explant will drains be required after surgery? Sorry so many questions........
My implants look fine but I feel they are too large (530cc and 420cc) I want them out and am not interested in downsizing to a smaller implant as some recommend. No more money on breasts :(
My implants look fine but I feel they are too large (530cc and 420cc) I want them out and am not interested in downsizing to a smaller implant as some recommend. No more money on breasts :(
July 31, 2015
Hi Karnick!! I am sorry for the delay in response :) Yes, I had my saline out first, I had mentioned to the Dr. that I was concerned with going thru too many surgeries and that at the time of explant, I would prefer to do the surgery and lift all at once if needed. He came up with the solution to remove the saline first, it barely hurt...just the prick of the needle! I did have a little pain for the first 5 days from the relief of pressure of the saline bags, getting used to having almost nothing up top, I wear a close fitting sports bra that connect in the front all of the time in hopes it will lift my itty bitties :)
I will go back in October for my explant, at the time of the saline removal my Dr. (Andrew Wolfe in Golden, Co ***- ***-**** ) had mentioned he feels I probably will not need a lift....I have recently read that waiting 6 months to a year is better for a lift....my breast do not look that saggy ( I was a B and went to a full C under the muscle ) and I feel with time they will heal. I have already returned to work and have started a little bit of weights to hopefully build up the pectoral muscles. I am not in California but I am sure there is a great PS that will work with your request of saline out first....I feel it will make the explant surgery so much easier, the body has a chance to heal a little at a time. Your choice to explant and rid of something that is not a part of you is going to make you feel so relived and happy....definitely scary for all of us but we are taking our lives back and will be healthier for it in the long run!!! I wish you the best of luck, I know taking them out is not an easy choice but a lot better than having the alternative ( back pain, nerve issues, neck pain, auto immune issues, sleeping issues, having to have replace over and over again....I think most of us will be happier putting on a cute tiny bra and exercising obstacle free and energetic :) God Bless :)
July 25, 2015
I totally understand your worry... I too am removing my implants. I've had them for 13 years and ready to get these things out! I'm at the consultation stage. Have two more next week. The surgeon I talk to already wanted to do removal, lift and smaller implant! I do not want any more implants! And I also feel in my heart that doing the lift same time would not be best thing to do either. I also don't have much breast tissue (34A before implants) there was absolutely nothing wrong with my boobs. They were perfect! Why in the world did I get these things?! I regret it so much! But what's done is done I can't turn back time. Just another life lesson learned. I have my mammogram on Thursday...hoping and praying everything goes well. The PS didn't give me much hope but at the end of the day she is human just like us and we don't know everything. So praying to God and putting my complete trust in him to answer my prayers and prove her wrong. With God all things are possible. Never give up hope! I hope and pray everything will be better than expected forums both and all the other wonderful ladies going through the same.y heart goes out to you. Please keep in touch and let me know how you get along and I'll do the same. With God all things are possible and he will take care of us xoxo
July 25, 2015
Thank you for your kind comment. I have to say, it is nice having others walk the same path. It's nice to know I am not alone facing these difficult choices. I'm a bit irritated by everyone telling me to get a replacement. My BFF said I will be going from being a "10" to a "1". Hmmm. Don't need that negativity. Am I right???
July 25, 2015
Aw, that really makes me sad your BFF said that to you. She has no idea! In my opinion we will be going from a 10 to a certified 20 friend! Don't listen to the negative it will just bring you down. You don't need or deserve that at all! Water or gel balloons in your chest don't not make you more beautiful or sexy! And if anyone out there thinks different isn't worth your time! I really hope you keep in touch with me. God bless you friend. I pray everything goes exceptionally well for you. xoxo
July 25, 2015
Exactly! Thanks for your support! Yes, we must stay in touch and stick together. Seriously, how did we as a society ever come to think it is normal--- sticking bags of gel into our chests in the quest for beauty!! Makes me think someday archaeologists will exhume skeletons and be puzzled by the strange human ritual of stuffing bags of gel into our bodies. They will probably conclude that it was some sort of sadistic torture used to punish women!!
July 25, 2015
Thank you for sharing so honestly. Huge sigh. I can relate to so many of your emotions. I recently made the decision to explant but haven't had any of my consultations yet - three scheduled for next month. If I could go back and undo the BA I would but it's done. I went shopping today and caught my reflection in the mirror and felt such fear of what I will look like completely flat. Before my BA I could never be comfortable in a bra because I didn't have enough breast bump to hold the bra down. Haha! So when I planned my BA I dreamed of how great it would be to wear pretty bras that would stay down. But guess what? I never did feel comfortable in a bra! Maybe I didn't shop around enough. I've been wearing sports bras for the most part ... also because a tight sports bra squishes them down some and makes me feel less self conscious. Such agony we put ourselves through to conform to the standards of society. I cannot believe your good fortune with Kaiser! That is fantastic. And never worry about being a downer. We are all here to support each other. :)
July 25, 2015
Thank you so much for your reply. I so appreciate hearing from other women going through this. I hear you about the bras. I wanted to wear pretty frilly bras with lace and bows. Guess what? When you have 34 DDD you get to wear the hideous minimizing bras for big girls with 2 inch wide shoulder straps and scaffolding built into the cup. I am Houdini at taking the damn things off-- i can do it while driving a car! Because I hate them so much!!! If someone stops by my home unannounced, they are liking to find a bra flung here or there because I hate them so much!
July 25, 2015
Thank you for the huge belly laugh! I have also been known to rip off the bra in the car! hahahah! :)
July 26, 2015
If things are not everything you hope after the ex plant/healing, you may wish to get injections of your very own fat to plump your breasts up just a bit. About 65 percent of what they inject sticks around. No surgery and no foreign objects in your body. I hope all goes perfectly and you heal quickly! x
July 26, 2015
Oh! I hadn't considered that! So they suck it out of my bat wings and insert it into my breasts?? I am going to keep that in mind! Thanks!
August 16, 2015
I've since researched this and it is not for me. I think I'm done with surgeries!
UPDATED FROM kdiane966
8 days pre
Coming to terms with this
So I woke up with one throbbing breast and realized this really needs to happen. These rocks have got to go! I had been moping about, wallowing in a little self-pity, and while sitting on the sofa with coffee this morning I was checking on my son's instagram (they call it stalking-- i call it parenting. Potato, potah-to). He posted a pic of him at an indoor climbing gym, a selfie taken about 60 feet up, with me on the ground belaying the line. I am like a stick figure at the bottom of the shot, 60 feet away, and all you see is stick arms and legs and two bowling ball boobs!!! FROM 60 FEET AWAY!! I look like a cartoon! Ok, these things have to GO!
So today, I took my daughter shopping and looked at tops. Girls with big bazookas don't wear a lot of ruffles on top-- it adds weight. Well, I was on a mission to find ruffly fluffy tops to hide my imminent flatness. I found some stuff, we shall see if it fits. Isn't it funny how an innocent top or sundress on a small busted woman looks [RS bleep] on a busty woman?! Well! I wonder what I will look like all flat.
Ok so here is a confession. I bought some breast forms/pads and pocket bras on amazon today. I am so stressed out about returning to work flat! I am a teacher (grade 8), and it will be noticed, by students and faculty alike. My friend says, so what, tell them you got implants removed! Who cares! In Southern California its the equivalent of dying your hair or taking off acrylic nails!! Or getting a spray tan! Everyone does it!! I don't know... I just can't come out and announce that. My mother, who by the way is doing cartwheels of joy over this decision, says tell them its none of their business! Because it isn't! I don't know... I was thinking wear super padded bras and breast forms, then slowly stop doing it.
So my students return to school about 2 weeks post surgery. I am not taking days off work for this. I am saving sick days for the important things in life-- travel. Hahaha
I got the new Ikea catalogue today in the mail. On page 320 is a woman sitting on a kitchen counter, wearing jeans and a loose tan sweater. She is thins and flat chested and, in my imagination, completely self aware and confident and smart and healthy. This woman never considered breast implants. This woman loves life and family and doesn't have a vain bone in her body. She is healthy, does yoga, is vegan and smiles all the time. I want to be her. I will be her!!
So today, I took my daughter shopping and looked at tops. Girls with big bazookas don't wear a lot of ruffles on top-- it adds weight. Well, I was on a mission to find ruffly fluffy tops to hide my imminent flatness. I found some stuff, we shall see if it fits. Isn't it funny how an innocent top or sundress on a small busted woman looks [RS bleep] on a busty woman?! Well! I wonder what I will look like all flat.
Ok so here is a confession. I bought some breast forms/pads and pocket bras on amazon today. I am so stressed out about returning to work flat! I am a teacher (grade 8), and it will be noticed, by students and faculty alike. My friend says, so what, tell them you got implants removed! Who cares! In Southern California its the equivalent of dying your hair or taking off acrylic nails!! Or getting a spray tan! Everyone does it!! I don't know... I just can't come out and announce that. My mother, who by the way is doing cartwheels of joy over this decision, says tell them its none of their business! Because it isn't! I don't know... I was thinking wear super padded bras and breast forms, then slowly stop doing it.
So my students return to school about 2 weeks post surgery. I am not taking days off work for this. I am saving sick days for the important things in life-- travel. Hahaha
I got the new Ikea catalogue today in the mail. On page 320 is a woman sitting on a kitchen counter, wearing jeans and a loose tan sweater. She is thins and flat chested and, in my imagination, completely self aware and confident and smart and healthy. This woman never considered breast implants. This woman loves life and family and doesn't have a vain bone in her body. She is healthy, does yoga, is vegan and smiles all the time. I want to be her. I will be her!!
Replies (18)
July 26, 2015
I can relate with everything you've shared. I had mine out in March. Had them for 30 years, half my life! The first set 20 years and those were in proportion with my small frame. When they got hard I wanted them OUT! But the plastic surgeon told me I'd look like a deflated balloon and be so depressed if I removed them. So I was intimidated and agreed if they were smaller this time . But the dr. discussed it with my hubby...who is the reason I had them to begin with...and without consulting me went a lot larger. I kept waiting for the swelling to go down! Any way I hated that they did that, hated that I was easily intimidated, hated the way I looked, felt, on and on. So in March I didn't ask, I informed Don I was going to Texas to have them removed. I was scared to death!! I LOVED Dr. Melmed!! He assured me I'd look "normal". I was so scared of being deformed. I tried to convince myself at my age it didn't matter....but it does. When the bandages were removed the following day I was so happy to see my "little boobies!" I'm probably a small B. I love it! I feel more comfortable. Men actually look at my face when talking to me and I feel they treat me with more respect. My mother had suggested to get padded bras and slowly size down but I decided against that. And surprisingly no one, and I have 8 kids, has mentioned it. Everyone just compliments me on how great I look and I've lost a lot of weight. I haven't, I just look more trim lined. I am finally opening up to my closest girlfriends about this, but would be mortified if anyone knew. It had been my deepest darkest secret for 30 years. I look at pictures of me and look ridiculously out of proportion. It's embarrassing. Anyway, good luck. You won't regret it. I am soooo happy!!
July 26, 2015
Also, Dr Melmed mentioned I'd notice difference in my health. I haven't had this much energy in 30 years! My frequent headaches are no more. Stomach issues gone. If you're near Texas, or even if you're not....I flew there from Virginia...look him up. He is great, staff amazing, was a pleasant experience.
July 26, 2015
Thanks so much for your reply!! I also think I am going to look really skinny after having them out. I just measured my chest (below bust) and it is 31". The full part of my bust is 39". That's insane!!!!!!! When those puppies are gone, I think everyone will think I'm anorexic or something. I don't care at this point.
How is that even legal, for a surgeon to discuss size with the spouse and take liberties with that. Why aren't husbands flipping out about their bodies, getting six-pack ab implants and penile implants, and having their wives confer with the doctors over size issues!!! This really irritates me. My friend said, "well this is a decision for you and your partner..." Excuse me! This is my body! I am not keeping toxic plastic bags of gel stuffed in my chest because he likes the aesthetics!!!! GGGRRRRRR!!!!! Sorry!
How is that even legal, for a surgeon to discuss size with the spouse and take liberties with that. Why aren't husbands flipping out about their bodies, getting six-pack ab implants and penile implants, and having their wives confer with the doctors over size issues!!! This really irritates me. My friend said, "well this is a decision for you and your partner..." Excuse me! This is my body! I am not keeping toxic plastic bags of gel stuffed in my chest because he likes the aesthetics!!!! GGGRRRRRR!!!!! Sorry!
July 26, 2015
Oh wow! I love your comment. I agree that it is a decision for the woman carrying the implants only and not the freaking partner. Bah!
July 26, 2015
Hi kdiane966 - I just finished having breast surgery - except I had a reduction. I went from 44 H to a 40 DD after reduction and a 40 lb weight loss. My PS thinks I will go down to a large D. I cannot tell you the Impact having smaller breasts has had on me. I feel inspired! I cannot wait to heal enough to get back into the gym and lose a little more weight. I have to get rid of all my tops and dresses because they all say on me now! You need to do this for you and you WILL be that woman in the IKEA ad and you will be beautiful! I could so relate yo your comment on innocent tops and sun dresses looking like [RS bleep] on my G/H breasts. A whole new world has opened up to me and I love it. Best of luck with your surgery!
July 26, 2015
Thank you tammy8813! Congrats on your successful surgery outcome! How great that it has inspired you to hit the gym!!! I am hoping I will be able to run again post explant wearing a single bra! Would be heaven!!!
July 26, 2015
I totally get everything you have daid and was also told i would be left with nothing. I am 3 days post op and yep flat as a pancake yet perfectly happy! Feel great... i have put a Couple of picture on x x
July 26, 2015
Thanks for your comment! I just looked at your pics and you look fantastic!!! What I wouldn't give for boobs like that... Wish I could get a lift. If my results are truly horrible, I will likely lift next summer.
July 27, 2015
And i think im extremely flat!! Its crazy how we see ourselves isnt it!! Praying to god things perk up a little. X x
July 26, 2015
Thanks for the great post! My story is very similar. Was an A cup now a 34D. I have had over the muscle saline implants with CC for 18 years. Ugh. Just want my little A's back. Going for evals in Aug. Keep us informed☺
July 28, 2015
Thanks for your comments! I go today for a second opinion about the lift, but I'm pretty set on not getting one right away. God luck to you!
July 28, 2015
What's funny is how little people notice !! I also teach school and had my explant mid-year....everyone thought I just lost weight !!! :-))) thank you for sharing !! xo
UPDATED FROM kdiane966
5 days pre
Second opinion day
Hi Ladies,
So I went to a private plastic surgeon today for a second opinion. I'm glad I went because I was starting to think maybe I can put this surgery off, what's the rush... Well he said "Your implants are HOW old? 25 YEARS? WOW! That's really old!" Hmmm. Then he said the reason for my recent capsular contracture after so many years of no problems is likely a silicone bleed-- not a big rupture, but there is likely bleed going on in there. Ick. Ok, I want these out yesterday!!! He is very kind, the pictures of his "afters" were amazing, but he would charge $8000 for removal /capsulectomy and $12,000 for removal/ capsulectomy/ lift. Wow, that's a chunk of change.
So I am sticking with Kaiser (insurance). He said my breasts will be likely A cup and a lift would reposition the nipple, but he said "you look like an athlete. I bet you don't care about the appearance, just the ability to run?" Wow, that's pretty much true. I just want to r-u-n!! Without these giant obstacles! I am totally letting go of the appearance thing. And I no longer feel giant boobs are even attractive. At least not on me.
My pre-op for Kaiser is Wednesday. I am so excited. This time next week I'll be sitting propped up with bags of ice on my bandaged up flat chest. Hurray!!!!
So I went to a private plastic surgeon today for a second opinion. I'm glad I went because I was starting to think maybe I can put this surgery off, what's the rush... Well he said "Your implants are HOW old? 25 YEARS? WOW! That's really old!" Hmmm. Then he said the reason for my recent capsular contracture after so many years of no problems is likely a silicone bleed-- not a big rupture, but there is likely bleed going on in there. Ick. Ok, I want these out yesterday!!! He is very kind, the pictures of his "afters" were amazing, but he would charge $8000 for removal /capsulectomy and $12,000 for removal/ capsulectomy/ lift. Wow, that's a chunk of change.
So I am sticking with Kaiser (insurance). He said my breasts will be likely A cup and a lift would reposition the nipple, but he said "you look like an athlete. I bet you don't care about the appearance, just the ability to run?" Wow, that's pretty much true. I just want to r-u-n!! Without these giant obstacles! I am totally letting go of the appearance thing. And I no longer feel giant boobs are even attractive. At least not on me.
My pre-op for Kaiser is Wednesday. I am so excited. This time next week I'll be sitting propped up with bags of ice on my bandaged up flat chest. Hurray!!!!
Replies (9)
July 28, 2015
I hope you have a quick and speedy recovery!
July 28, 2015
Wishing you the best! Thanks for the update. $8000 seems very high ugh
July 28, 2015
I know. I feel sad for girls who really want them out and don't have insurance or $8k sitting around. Thank you for you good wishes!!!
July 28, 2015
You really make my day every time...thanks for the update and for your continued support in mine. I just awoke from my nap and here you are. BTW, the woman pictured on the IKEA catalogue, page 320, might very well be, once, an explant patient ;) imagine that? God bless
July 28, 2015
Lol thank you asrfree63! You have been my inspiration! I'm not quite as zen about it as you were yesterday. I'm trying to not panic. I am doing really lame DIY projects to keep my mind busy. (Building a ledge shelf in the bathroom. Because that's so necessary...) I got the "chicken cutlets" I ordered in today's mail. Silicon bra stuffers. They are teeny tiny and ridiculous. They went into the trash can!! Lol
July 29, 2015
Your words are full of oomph and fun to them; no pun intended! I visualize them and I smile with some controlled chuckle ;) Your DIY's are good for now, they keep you busy and who knows about the "ledge shelf," might come in handy! With grocery shopping, consider purchasing some chicken/beef broth, fruit, probiotics or yogurt to help with your antibiotics, nuts, fiber of some kind (pain pills could cause constipation, ugh!) Have a sweet day; I'll be here!
July 31, 2015
Good luck with your surgery... it will be fine had mine out last Friday and doing great. Mine were 25 yrs old also., and ruptured on the right side. All the best!
July 31, 2015
Thank you so much for your comment! The support from ladies on is site has been so positive. Glad to hear your recovery is going well!!!
I was told by several PS before that my breasts would need a lift...but I would rather not take a chance on any other complications. So my doctor, Dr. Doezie did cover his reasons in NOT doing a lift along with my capsulectomy procedure; the lift could very well interfere in the healing of the explant. Just as you shared here, the incision around the areola and down could loose oxygen in the blood supply because the oxygen demand is shared and thus (may) killing cells which could affect your nipples! Thank you for that, hopefully, it will help others who may read your story. I will try and update my review to cover this subject too, just in case!
You're still young. First thing's first, plan your explant and wait for a little time to heal and allow your breasts to go back to its natural place! Your healthy lifestyle may surprise you and your body will react in a positive way.
I am beyond thrilled for you at Kaiser! Congrats! I had Kaiser over 20 years ago, about the same time I wanted to explant, but didn't. Foolish me! I go in in less that 3 days...a few months back, I thought of Kaiser again for financial reasons but that would mean I have to wait another 6 months or more. My contracture is uncomfortable and more pain is developing. With the way the Obamacare is going, Kaiser may not cover my explant in 2016! So, yes, for those of you readers who are in CA and are with Kaiser and considering an explant, just do it, see a PS now!
I will be following your story and hope you come up with a decision soon and have peace with it! God bless!
You are right. I have my health (so far so good), and a full life with great job and family. This should be a small thing. I am getting there.
And yes, this "nipple necrosis" issue is horrifying!!!
Good luck on your surgery! I can't wait to see your post pics, and I feel guilty that I am not going to post my post op pics only because if I remove the bandages I will probably look and faint.
See ya ;) Keep cool, hot days are coming!