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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

33 Y/o Mom with 11 Y/o Mentor Implants - Lewisburg, PA

ORIGINAL POST

I've been looking on real self for about 3 years...

imdoingthisJanuary 30, 2015
$800
I've been looking on real self for about 3 years now, watching many women go through the process of having their implants removed. I have wanted to do it for 5+ years now but quite frankly have been quite frightened by the idea of how I will look after. Just as every woman I have followed has felt. So I decided last year that 2015 was the year and I would use my tax refund as a gift to myself and have them removed. Well, I just got the refund today and got a cold chill because its finally time and Im not going to back out. I called the DR I saw about the removal 2 years ago and scheduled an appointment to talk to him for Feb 6th. I am a cocktail of mixed emotions right now. Excited, ready, quest, scared, etc. I am a single mom and while the attention my breast have gotten can be fun at times, its mainly a pain. I get men talking to my breast instead of me. People feel that its ok to ask me, quote loudly, if my boobs are real. Im a small woman. 5'1" and weigh 110 lbs. My bra size is 32D or 32DD. HEAVY AND PAINFUL. I worry about being comfortable enough naked afterward to even attempt at an intimate relationship with anyone. UGH. Im sure it won't be pretty. I've seen some amazing results on here and I am PRAYING that my results will be the same.

So I cannot actually tell what my implant sizes are because in my embarrassment of actually having implants I discarded the information from my dr who implanted me. Along with the before photos. Bad, I know. But I hated to admit even to myself that I had done this to myself and I wanted no reminders. I will try to find some pics from before and I will take pics later from now and post them.

I will be having my implants removed under local, which is honestly what I am so scared and nervous about. I get quote faint at the sight of blood. My best friend is going with me so that will be nice. Im just praying I don't chicken out. I feel that by putting this on real self that it will help me follow through.

imdoingthis's provider

Ernest Normington, MD

Ernest Normington, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

imdoingthis rating for Dr. Normington:

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Replies (20)

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1986jessica
January 31, 2015
Hi, I had my implants removed under local in office yesterday. I noticed you said you get faint at the sight of blood. You might want to opt and go completely under. I thought my dr was going to make a slight incision and they would literally slide out (mine were already deflated a week prior) well that was not the case. He had to go through layers of my skin, including under my muscle to even find them. At times I did feel pain that, not bad but still I felt it. It took about 10 min on each side. It felt like alot of pressure, and in behind my muscle as he was inside. The feel isn't a pleasant one. I don't tell you this to scare you, only to warn you. You can't move on the table in panic, after all he is working on you and the area is sterile, and needs to stay that way to prevent infection. I moved once and the dr and PA panicked and reminded me the importance of being still. (easier for them to say, I was the one one the table awake while this is occurring ha) I opted to go this route because it was 1000, to go under I would have had to pay hospital and anesthesia fees. Total was over 4000. If I had it all to do again I would do it the same, I after all saved over 3k. I wish us women knew what we know now about implants. There is so much hype, but yet many women do not know the true realty. I hope this helps you. -Jessica
imdoingthis
February 1, 2015
Jessica. How are you feeling now? Are you in a lot of pain? Happy you still did this? Thank you for the honesty. I know I will feel pressure and I am sure I'll be ok with that. I will be talking to the Dr on Friday about how this all happens. I'm hoping they will put a tent up so that my lower half is hidden. Or I'll talk to him about "twilight". I to can't afford to pay the anesthesia and hospital bills. This is the route I must go if I am going to take these out anytime soon. Which is what I want.
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1986jessica
February 1, 2015
Hi, I am on day 3 and I still have slight pain on my right incision, I think that's because I am right handed and use that arm more. I have only been taking Tylenol which seems to work pretty well. I would for sure do this again, but I would have taken either a Xanax or Valium to help with my nerves. I feel like that would have made a world of a difference. My Dr. did not offer Twilight, that sounds like something I would have wanted. I wish you all the luck and you can do this :) please keep me posted. I will update my review today and add pics of the incision so you can see what it will look like after. Oh, you might also want to buy a compression bra. It helps to compress your breasts, and shrink back. I wore a compression corset after I had my twins and I swear by it. I bought the bra off Amazon, the Brand is Marena comfort wear, it has front clasps.
orange93
February 1, 2015
Wow!! you are tough! I had my 30 year old implants removed Jan 7, 1915 under local amnestic and didn't feel a thing. It took over an hour to remove encapsulated tissue and make sure they had cleaned out any leakage on top of the muscle. They also put a pain pump into each side for 5 days and a nausea patch behind my ear for 2 days. I only took Tylenol for a few days after then, I was told to wear a compression bra for 6 weeks, day and night, to compress my breast and speed with healing. I also was told to sleep on two pillows on my back for 6 weeks. I also put ice packs over my shirt when I hurt for 15 minutes at a time. The recovery has not been bad, mostly annoying as I was told not to push, pull, lift, or swing my arms until healed. I like to walk and exercise so this has been annoying. 3 more weeks and I am praying that I can start my old more active schedule. I am so happy that I had those heavy balls removed and I feel so much lighter. They showed me pictures of what they removed and it was gross!! I can breathe better now. I have regretted them for years and finally got the courage to have them removed. I have small breast now, they say it takes about 6 months to settle in to your size....Also Walmart has sports bra's with clasp in the front for $8. Make sure it is not too tight. Also, they put light pads in my bra after they removed the 2 day binding to protect the stitches under my breast. The stitches have water proof sterol strips over them that should be healed by six weeks. I was checked at 2 weeks and the dr. said come back at 6 weeks for a final check if I continue to be doing well. For those considering removing their implants...., my Gyn recommend that I have my implants removed, so I only had to pay $150 thru my Kaiser Health Plan Insurance in Ca. Tell the Gyn that you are in pain and maybe you health insurance will pay for the removal?? Wishing you a speedy healing.....
Gonnadoit2
February 1, 2015
Was removing as much pain as having them put in? That was the most pain recovering that I have ever experienced! Thanks
Cristina1234
February 2, 2015
Did you do lift?
orange93
February 11, 2015
I don't remember having much pain when I first had the implants done 30 years ago. I was young and seem to bounce back quickly. Removing all the encapsulation and implants was more extensive and will take longer for me to heal, especially as I am older. It has not been too painful and I am able to sleep at night. I am not supposed to push, pull, or pick up for 6 weeks to let my breast compress back to my body and heal. At 5 weeks the Dr. says I am doing very well and most of my energy is back. My stitches are almost healed and most bruising is fading. I am thin and am back to walking 3 miles a day. Looking forward to working in my yard again and am so happy to be rid of the implants!
orange93
February 11, 2015
The Dr. removed the implants for possible health reasons and Insurance covered the removal. We did not discuss a lift and I think I am okay without.
Gonnadoit2
February 12, 2015
Hi all, Is there a better place for them to be removed? Under breast? Nipple? I was thinking under breast?
Gonnadoit2
February 1, 2015
Hi I'm in the same boat. I've had my implants for about 22 years. I too, have wanted them out for the past 5 yrs but was afraid. I have decided this is the year (2015) to do it! Tax $ put to good use! I'm waiting on my taxes but I have already made my consultation appt with the ps. Good luck on your decision I hope all goes well! We can do this!
imdoingthis
February 3, 2015
When is your explant appointment? Are you going the local route or are you being put under?
Gonnadoit2
February 4, 2015
Waiting til after the consult in March then as soon as possible. Can't wait I want them out now! I want to be put completely under! I want to make sure I feel nothing! When I had them put in after I was in so much pain it felt like when I sat up they were pouring off me with searing pain. I hope this is easier! Have you set a date?
semmi
February 2, 2015
I'd say get them out and do a lift at the same time. Full lift tho--no benelli. They will be perky and light and you will love them. Just be sure to look at all your docs before after photos--some act like its no big deal to freehand your new areola into two entirely different, not round, shapes!
imdoingthis
February 3, 2015
I am really unsure about the after affects of having the DR cut my areola's. Wont they lose sensitivity? Have you had this?
semmi
February 4, 2015
I actually had an explanation with a benelli lift and not only were my areolas kooky looking but after the lift they spread out across my chest like they were melting. My ps who had been nothing but nice before was not happy having to redo them but he did it. He put in a permanent suture and they are okay now, but just okay. My sister on the other hand had a full anchor lift and hers look fabulous. Both of us have good nipple sensitivity, though you are right, you could lose that if you have a lift. And you will have scars, but with a good surgeon they will fade so much and the great shape makes it a fair trade I think.
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Angie_M
February 2, 2015

I'm so glad it is your turn and you are here sharing your story! Please let us know how it goes on the 6th!

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jostarr
February 11, 2015
all the very best to you hun. I will eventually go through this also. Got my implants since 2006. Still would like to get them removed within the next 2 years. I am certain the Doc will do a great job. When we articulate exactly what we want well there's no problem. Positive vibes and the best to come.
Gonnadoit2
February 11, 2015
Amen sister!
UPDATED FROM imdoingthis
29 days pre

Finally adding pics

imdoingthisFebruary 1, 2015
So I took the time this AM to take some pics to post.

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM imdoingthis
29 days pre

The rest

imdoingthisFebruary 1, 2015

Replies (5)

bamachoppers
February 5, 2015
I'll bet that you will look great! I can't wait to have my balloons out. Getting deflated tomorrow to see how I will look. I feel like I will be able to exercise better.
imdoingthis
February 6, 2015
Omg I totally agree. I feel so self conscious when I'm running and working out. The don't move right, they jump around when I lift weights, and they draw attention that I just don't want. Not to mention the pain. Ugh I'm so happy for you! Are you nervous? I have my appointment at 8am tomorrow to go over the details and schedule the date. I'm so ready.
bamachoppers
February 6, 2015
I am driving 3 hrs tomorrow morning! Appointment at 10:30 and yes I am nervous. I have no idea how much breast tissue I have. I've had implants for over 20 years! I have not been exercising like I used to, because the difference between my boobs is so noticeable...even in clothing! I can't wait to wear a small sports bra! : )
imdoingthis
February 6, 2015
I am sure you are on your way by now. I'm sitting in the dr office, waiting. Thinking. What the hell am I doing?! I'm going to look horrid after. I'll never want someone to see me naked! And I'm single! Argh!
bamachoppers
February 6, 2015
I should have had the implant removed uggggg! It feels like it's folded over! I am really flat but I actually this is the best way to do this for me. You see this doctor took over my first doctor's practice, so he never did actually see my breasts. He said he is glad I did this because now he can see exactly what we're dealing with. I will probably get a lift. Going back in 3-4 weeks to have the implants removed. They feel gross deflated, and you can see them like folded over. I feel like hard edges! I tried to take photos, but you can't see it in them. I went from 36D to 36 A-B??? I cried...it was an emotional thing to watch your boobs shrivel up before your eyes. When my husband hugged me he said "This just feels better". He said when he looks at me, he sees my face first now. Whatever that means!
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