31, No Kids, Saline Unders Since 2002 - Birmingham, AL

I had saline sub muscular implants via trans axillary placement in 2002 by Dr. Paul Howard. I was 19 years old and that's not a good age for such an important decision. I have a muscular/petite frame and had entered the gym rat world, so I was lean with big muscles and small boobs. So I felt I needed to "balance things out". Well, I went from a small B cup to a bountiful C. They looked great and I had no problems for years. By 2006, I was married and living in New England. The women in my life up there taught me so many things about the strength-femininity connection. I knew back then, that I wanted the implants out, but I felt it was unwise to have any surgery if there were no problems. Fast forward to 2012... My husband and I embarked on a paleo/ancestral lifestyle to tackle some minor autoimmunity in both of us. His cleared up and he lost 55 lbs. I lost weight 28lbs but still have battled some eczema, etc. Simultaneously, my implants started to drift a bit: some bottoming out and moving towards my armpits. This was uncomfortable but I knew that weight loss could impact them. I went down to a small C at this point. This summer, a playful hug from a family member sent a shooting pain through my right breast that nearly caused me to faint. I knew something was wrong and I had become soooooo very aware of my implants. I could "feel" them all the time if that makes sense. Like I couldn't get away from them. The pain did not subside, so I started researching on this site and decided to explant. I called up Dr Howard only to find out that he was on medical leave from a kidney transplant (from his wife!). So they told me I could wait or get a referral. Ultimately, I asked to be referred and they recommended Dr. Chris Schaffer at Hedden Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, Al. I made the initial appointment. The consult was exactly what I had hoped for. Dr. Schaffer was direct without being pushy, confident without being arrogant and never suggested revision, which I appreciated. We discussed potential outcomes and he seemed to feel that my size/age/non-nursing combination would lend towards an aesthetic outcome that wouldn't require lift or grafting. He also said he could remove the implants using my original trans axillary incision sites and would be leaving the capsule in place, as he felt they were very thin and pliable.
So, I had the procedure done last Friday at the Greystone office. I arrived at 6:30 am and checked in with a very friendly receptionist. I was called back and took a urine test, then changed into a towel wrap. An RN came in and helped me finish up signing paper work and took photos. She was patient with me and had a nice sense of humor. Then, the anesthetist came in and asked some questions. She was lovely and had a wonderful demeanor. She placed my iv in my arm with no discomfort and told me everything that would be happening. She walked me into the OR and I got myself on the table. I was already feeling "something" then she placed a mask on my face and that's all I recall! I woke up in recovery and a nurse and nursing trainee were there to assist. They were so super nice. I accepted some water after shunning the sodas and crackers. I probably did a short sermon on gluten and I'm certain I offered commentary on one of the surgeons eating Jif out of a jar. I thought about it at least. Moving along, Dr. Schaffer popped in and asked me how I felt and told me to come back Wednesday and reminded me to rest, etc. He also noted they the implants were harder to remove than expected and to expect more soreness due to "extra tugging". The nurses sat me up and adjusted my ace wraps and helped me to get dressed. I was queasy so this took a few attempts. They were so patient with me. Then they rolled me me out to the waiting husband and he drove me to Starbucks for an acceptable après surgery snack. I slept most of the afternoon but was able to eat a bit Friday night and went on a short walk around the neighborhood. I tried to change shirts Saturday morning and barely made it to the bed before blacking out. I am a total pansy so this is not a surprise. I finally got into a fresh shirt and clothes and slept off and on the rest of the day. I did take the pain medication prescribed on Friday night and Saturday night. I also took the anti nausea mess Saturday morning. All I took on Sunday was two Tylenol and my antibiotic. Sunday, I unwrapped, took a shower and then my mother washed my hair in her utility sink and braided it for me. Thanks to this site, I was not appalled by my appearance at first sight. They looked exactly as expected... Small, kind of sad but not terrible or non existent. I picked up some bras today and bought smalls and 34A in all brands. So they are smaller then before. But, I assumed this would happen because I am the smallest I've been, in overall size/weight since 8th grade! I was a 6 (138lbs) in clothes in high school and now I wear a 2(124lbs). So I was sort of expecting them to be smaller since I am too. So, I'm glad that I was mentally prepared for this as well.
I am in a snug sports bra for now. I will ask on Wednesday if I can start taking some breaks, as I don't seem to be having any swelling.
I DO have before pictures and I WILL post them as a series after my appointment on Wednesday...if he clears me for some bra free time. They look pretty smashed after hours of underarmour time! So I don't want to scare anyone! I also can't lift my arms high enough to use this iPad to take pics. Sorry for the delay, as I know this is an important feature to people visiting this site.
Overall, I am glad that I went ahead with explant. 1. I am a libertarian with a side of prepper, so I'm not optimistic about the future of healthcare in this country. I figured I might as well get them out while I have the money and the options. I opted to forgo revision for the same reasons. 2. Having implants had become inconsistent with my real self (pun intended). I feel like having them was weighing on my subconscious. 3. I have some minor concerns about the long term effects of having a foreign object in my body and the possible impact on autoimmunity. Though this was not a primary concern. 4. I am young and in pretty good shape so now is better than later.
It is my goal to update this review for a long time, because those types of reviews helped me the most.
I will see y'all later this week!

Hey friends! Had my checkup with Dr Schaffer on Wednesday and it went great! Nurse Pennie (Penny?) helped me get into a robe since my arms were still a bit sore. Dr. Schaffer seemed pleased with my progress and cleared me to start using my arms more freely. He also said the steristrips could come off in another week. Thank god... I totally forgot how annoying trans axillary bandages are. He was very encouraging about my results and noted that they look great. I don't have to come back, which is a relief and also a disappointment, since I have enjoyed getting to know the team!

Let it be noted that the peanut butter mentioned in the first review belongs exclusively to an anesthesiologist and not a surgeon.

Let me know if anyone has any questions!

Steri strips came off right underarm last night. Incision looks great!

I was jumping into bed last night. Yes jumping. Put my left hand down to catch myself and felt a strange sensation in my chest muscle. Not painful just weird. Woke up a bit sore today so I'm gonna take it easy for a few days and try to not do that again!