32 Year Old, 2 Kids, Removing 350 cc after 5 Years to Be Healthy Again! - Leawood, KS

I got implants after having my first child, I was really into fitness and running ... lost my post-baby boobs, was not even filling out my B bras at that point. I was teaching fitness, and it seemed like everyone in my area had fake breasts. I did feel flat like a boy all the time, so I decided to get implants. I was also not in a good place with my husband, we had a really rough patch. He was into bodybuilding at that time, so just being around all the fitness/figure oriented people was not great for my confidence. I went with 350cc silicone under the muscle, hoping to get to a C cup. Mind you, I did not want large breasts! I just wanted to fill the volume of what I lost. I don't have any pre-surgery pics, but I was flat on top with a tear drop shape ... so still nice and round on the bottom. My breasts also naturally sit lower on my chest, so I was hoping for some cleavage.

After the surgery, they were ok. Very hard to get used to! Especially with working out, ever since then I just can't get back into the swing of things. They ended up being D's .. not happy about that!

Fast forward a couple years, my husband and I finally turned the corner with our problems (thank you Lord) and things were looking up. I had my second child. My breasts grow during pregnancy quite a bit, so there I was with DD's ... and they haven't gone down from there! When I first got implants, the PS said you normally lose tissue with each pregnancy. So I figured if anything my breast size would go down, not up. He is 2 1/2 now, and I don't have weight to lose. So being stuck with DD's is miserable, so embarrassed, always covering them up. Did not make me more confident, which was the initial goal. Hard to be active. Definitely feel more sluggish and unhappy.

I have also been having pains, especially in my left one for quite some time now. Over the last few months, they got worse. I finally went in to figure out what the deal was. My PS said they look ok, the left may be bottoming out a bit. It was enough for me to just decide to get them out. I don't want to deal with more surgeries, I am always scared there are other issues going on that I can't detect. I'm just ready to be natural again! After finding this site, I was so happy to know I could just get them out without doing a lift!

So the explant is this afternoon (my post wouldn't let me select today), we'll do in office under local. Removal only. My PS didn't think I would need a lift at this time, I sure hope he's right! I just don't want any more surgeries, already regretted this expensive life lesson. I will update you all on how it goes!

It's been about 24 hours since my explant, and I honestly feel really good. Flat as a pancake in my compression bra, but totally expected that! I have taken one pain pill today so far, but nothing else and probably won't take another until this evening. I work from home on a laptop, so I have actually gotten a few things done today.

Here's how my surgery went:
Arrived 30 min prior to procedure, brought my pain meds (had taken an antibiotic that morning). Nurse came out into lobby, had me sign my consents and then made me take 3 valium, one hydrocodone, and one anti-nausea pill - holy crap! I didn't feel too out of it though, really just relaxed I guess? Not loopy at all. But how odd to make me take the meds in the lobby ... felt really weird to me, no privacy. Then she said "Now you can just sit here and bake, then they'll come get you." Um ... geez, her nurse bedside manner is just terrible.

They took me to my surgical room at 2pm, which was full of all kinds of equipment and even the trash can was full. Seemed a bit unorganized and "cold" to me, but I think I'm just jealous of other's who had the "zen spa" experience at their PS office. The nurse that took me in was nice, didn't say much though. So I started drilling her with questions about the procedure, why they remove the capsule, why I wanted them out. She answered them fine.

PS came in, he is very pleasant. I had to lay on a surgical table, arms straight out to my sides. Covered everywhere, even a sheet to shield me from seeing ... but it kept falling onto my face ugh! Felt claustrophobic. He numbed me up locally, felt a little pinch. They sterilized my skin. Then he got started, told me each step. Opened up my old scars under the breast. When it was time to get the implant out, they were definitely pushing and yanking! I thought for sure I'd wake up today totally miserable from that, but I'm really fine. Then he cauterized as much of the capsule as he could, that part was not great ... no real pain, but discomfort. Then they washed it all out with water - very weird sensation! And on to next side, I bet each side took around 5 minutes or so. They cleaned me up, did the steri strips with gauze and tape, then put my bra on. Oh yeah, drains on both. I had to ask how and when to empty them (those nurses just don't talk much!). It was fast as I could have hoped, just wished the nurses would have chatted with me during.

I walked out and rode home with the hubby. Took a pain pill a few hours after, rested in bed. But I can get around fine, can even lift my arms if I need to (they said I wasn't restricted to that). Supposed to shower tnite, removed gauz and keep steri strips/drains. I have only drained 10 cc on each side, so I may be able to get them out by Thursday. But I'm scheduled to get them out in 1 week.

So early to tell on the shape and look of them, but I am soo happy I did this! I feel lighter, I actually have energy. I know I need to watch that and not do too much though, I have read that you can crash on day 3. Thanks to all for the support and for posting your stories! I'll keep you updated on my progress. Posting 2 post-op pics, those are from the day of surgery.

I was only draining 10 cc's each side in a 24 hour period, so I called and they took my drains out today (holla!). Just a pinch to pull them out, came out fine though. Feel so much better, less restricted! Pain today is fine, I don't feel like a need a pain pill. Maybe before bed, we'll see. Since I have gauze where the drains were and my compression bra, I don't have any good photo updates. I'll wait for those things to come off, probably do a 1 week post-op pic. Anyone else's stomach super bloated or puffy? I have read that it can be at times due to surgery and pain meds. Hoping that goes down, they told me to not work out this week (can walk) but that I could ease back into things after next week. I go in next Thursday for a follow-up and to clip the ends of the stitches.

100% no regrets, even if they stay this flat! I would much rather be small chested than have those big toxic bags in me. Even my husband said today that I'm in a much better mood, he feels the relief too I think. He has also been a rock star for helping me with the kids, I think I better get him a nice thank you card or something :).