55 Years Old, Removing Saline Implants After 12 Years - Kansas City, MO

This morning I had my 12 year old saline implants (Mentor, smooth, under muscle filled to 360 and 370) removed and I am ecstatic. I had no real medical issues, but I have become less and less enamored with them over the years and it was time to let them go. I have experienced back and shoulder pain for quite some time, and it seemed they were just feeling more and more heavy and uncomfortable. I also HATED the experience of hugging people - and I'm a hugger! Knowing these were eventually going to need to be dealt with for general "maintenance", I just decided I don't want to be fake anymore. Truth be told, I never really bonded with them. I had wanted a C cup, and ended up a DD. The older I get, the more and more I feel matronly, and I'm tired of hiding them. So out they went!

My surgery lasted about 45 minutes, in a surgical center under general anesthesia. Pain is very minimal, with the exception of this very tight bra! I see the surgeon in two days, at which time he will put me in another bra and I will be allowed to shower. Then I see him again in two more days, then a week later. I love my doc and am so thankful he was able to do my explant. My timing seems very fortunate as he is getting ready to retire. He gave me three options when I met with him - leave them alone since there are no medical issues, re-implant with significantly smaller silicone implants, or explant. He never challenged my decision. He says I have a moderate amount of breast tissue and should be fine with the end result. He did indicate I may sag a little, but I'm 55 - 55 year old boobies sag. He did not see a need for any additional reconstructive surgery.

I won't be posting pics. I know how much photos help, and I appreciate those of you brave enough to share yours, but I am not willing to post photos of my breasts on the internet. I hope you will respect my decision in that regard.

As of this very moment, I am completely and totally pleased with my decision. I wish all of you considering this step the best of luck. I have been seriously researching this for a year, and had my first consult one year ago this month. Do not rush your decision. Unless you have a medical condition, there is no point in jumping into surgery - any kind of sugery - until you feel 100% sure. Take care all!

First day post-op and things are going very well. I took pain medication yesterday, but none today other than ibuprofen. Most of my discomfort comes from this very snug compression bra, but I can live with it. Slept pretty well last night and even found myself drifting to my side a couple of times without issue. I expect to see the early results tomorrow at my first post-op visit. I'm prepared for sad little boobies, but I'm perfectly fine with it. My back pain is already gone and that's a miracle in and of itself.

Went in for my first post-op appointment today and got to see the little darlings for the first time. They are actually adorable! The nipple on the left side is a little smooshed up - but I owe that to that ridiculously tight compression bra I've been wearing. Doc says it should straighten out and look great in a couple of weeks. And boy was it fabulous to lose that bra! The tight compression was necessary to ensure I don't get fluid, and while it was not fun, it beats getting fluid without a doubt. I've not had a pain pill other than the one the day of surgery and I am doing just fine with ibuprofen. I'm cleared for a shower (thank heavens) and just need to take it easy for a week or so. That means no lifting anything heavy and no repetitive tasks like vaccuuming, which completely breaks my heart. I've been able to sleep on my side since the first night. I've been working from home since the day after surgery and will be back in the office on Monday. Other than some tenderness at the incision, I'm feeling great. As I said before - if you take your time in making this decision and recognize that in the end, you will likely end up very close to where you started, this is not a difficult journey. For those who are expecting to somehow look better after explant than you did before implant, I strongly suggest you give it some time before deciding. Once you're ready to go - it's been my experience (and I realize others have had less than pleasant experienes, which I completely respect) this is a very easy recovery.