Removal and Replacement of Ruptured Silicon Implants with Lift. Golden, CO

I had over the muscle silicon implants done in 1991 and was very pleased for a long time. When I had them done the first time the internet as a consumer tool didn't exist, so I there wasn't an overwhelming amount of information available. I had procrastinated dealing with the inevitable need to replace them due to so many stories of infection, complications, or general dissatisfaction when I would start researching it. Real Self is a tremendous help, but it's very easy to become overwhelmed and fearful as unhappy patients are more likely to write online reviews than happy patients.

In the fall I had my usual mammogram done and the radiologist's report indicated suspicion of rupture and noticeable differences compared to the previous year's scan. With that information, it was time to address my aging implants. I had an MRI done to confirm, and intracapsular rupture was shown in the right with folding in the left, but inconclusive regarding rupture.

Thanks to Real Self, I was able to make a short list of doctors to see for consultation, and while all seemed very competent, the difference for me was the confidence Dr. Wolfe displayed. His sense of humor, the policy of treating any necessary revisions at no cost, and honesty about what could be accomplished made the choice of doctor very easy. I would be having a capsulectomy, change in implant location from above the muscle to below the muscle, replacement of my old 275cc implants with likely 400cc (though final decision would be made in the OR based on my size wishes compared to how much the lift and scar tissue removal took away) in moderate plus shape, and lollipop lift.

Despite Dr. Wolfe's confidence that this was a very standard procedure, my tendency to be a worrier meant the weeks leading up to surgery became a very difficult time for me with not sleeping, fear, and anxiety about the procedure. I hate to say it, but the best thing for me once the decision was made regarding doctor and treatment plan was to unsubscribe to Real Self updates and avoid taking on more stories from others until I was done.

I was an emotional mess during the preop visit the day before, but the next morning checking in for surgery as soon as I met Deb, the OR nurse, and the rest of the team it was as if they were hypnotists. I immediately relaxed and truly did believe I was in the best of hands. I have had a few IVs in my history, none of which were a good experience. I let nurses know how anxious I was about the IV and they were wonderful. I honestly didn't know IVs did not have to hurt - that was definitely a first!

Waking up in recovery the nurse team was again wonderful. I kept falling back asleep (not much sleep in the days prior to surgery!) and they were very gracious about how long I was - in my words - overstaying my welcome. Recovering in the hotel room the next 3 days I appreciated having access to the nurse phone line to text with questions and their follow up calls to find out how I was doing and how my pain levels were. Due to the change in location of the implants drains were put in, but as the anticipated 3-4 days with drains stretched to 7, I was more than ready to have them removed. As soon as I reached the reduction in fluid required, the office immediately made time to fit me in on just a few hours notice so I didn't have to have them through the weekend.

I'm almost 3 months post now, and have had one follow up appointment with Dr. Wolfe in person. I'm thrilled with how the healing has gone, and am so pleased to have had the lollipop lift. While everyone likes the idea of the donut lift's lack of a vertical scar, it seems to be overused with mixed results. If you are on the fence about getting a lollipop lift, please know the incisions really do fade, and the change in shape you're able to achieve with this lift is exceptional. The staff recommended the Biodermis scar sheets and I have been using them faithfully.