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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

61 Years Old Removing 400cc Under the Muscle Implants

ORIGINAL POST

Hi ladies, I've been reading so many of your...

SORENOMORE
WORTH IT$5,600
Hi ladies,
I've been reading so many of your stories and discovered I'm not alone. Try as I may, there is no hiding these big, hard, misshapen, painful and leaking boobies. I was flat as a board and athletic when I was young. Got my first set of implants at 26 after breast feeding two babies. They were 300cc silicone over the muscle, wonderful and I loved them. Another boob job at 46. Dr. Wells here in Lexington, KY told me I needed a lift, but I didn't want to get that invasive so I said no, just replace. He gave me 400cc silicone under the muscle and I hated them from day one. I would have done better had I taken his advice and gotten a lift and smaller implants. Oh well. This time I will listen to the docs' advice.
A recent mamogram and ultrasound showed leaking silicone in both breasts.
These honkers need to go. Here's my goal:
1. Health. Get the leaking silicone out of my body.
2. Comfort. I have pain from capsular contracture.
3. Beauty. OK, I just don't want to look like a monster in or out of clothes.
Sounds simple, huh? Not so much. I'm not in the best health due to epilepsy and high blood pressure, so that's a thing.
I have two consultations scheduled. Dr. Turner 10-5-17, that's tomorrow! Dr. Levan 10-18-17. I attempted a consultation with Dr. Levan two weeks ago, but they sent me to the ER with a blood pressure of 225/125. See what I mean about not so easy? I must say, Dr. Levan and her staff were super professional and caring when I saw them that day. I liked her personally and she has 20 years experience. I'm already leaning toward her due to her experience. The advantage of Dr. Turner is he specializes in breast reconstruction, but he has way less experience. I want the leaking giant implants out, a lift, and am not sure if I can take a concave look so am open to an itty bitty implant if advised. Still don't know what to do about that.
I will have to get permission for the surgery from my neurologist because of the seizures. I have this thing called a VNS which is kind of like a pacemaker for the brain. It is implanted in my chest wall above my left breast. It's about 2 sq inches in size and lies under the skin next to the scar.
I'm posting some pics that I took of myself. If these pics are not good enough representations I will ask a friend to take more for me, just let me know.
The journey begins...

SORENOMORE's provider

Therese-Anne LeVan, MD

Therese-Anne LeVan, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (14)

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October 4, 2017
Good luck with you consultations, Patty!! You will do great and will be so happy once it's done! I am so happy and free after 33 years of implants!!
October 5, 2017
Thanks Floridabeachgirl! Had consultation today and it was prominsing. Expensive!
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October 5, 2017
It is so worth it!! you won't regret it...look into Care Credit - you can get 18 months interest free...
October 29, 2017
Good luck ♥️
February 9, 2018
Thank you for sharing your story. You have guven me the courage to make an appointment with my Doctor. Im 57 years old with Implants behind the muscle also. I want them out. Your story inspired me to move forward. Thank you.
February 9, 2018
Jagwood! I'm so happy for you! And thank you for reading my story, I'm so happy it helped you decide what to do. There are so many ladies on this site to help you through your journey, and you will really want the help. So many questions can be answered by so many here that have experience. Everyone's story is different. Everyone's situation is different. Everyone's result is different. What remains the same is that each and every woman I've spoken to is glad to have their implants out. Keep in touch and best of luck on your journey. Go on as many consultations as you need to make yourself feel comfortable with a plastic surgeon. Ask lots of questions. Heck, ask folks here to help you know what questions to ask. And always remember, you are the one you are making happy. So don't let a plastic surgeon or anyone else make you think you can only do this surgery one way. That's just not so.
February 9, 2018
Call me Jeannie. I love hearing everyones stories. Yours caught my attention because of our ages. My implants were put in not for size but for perk. 15 or more yrs ago i had a breast lift and my doctors recommended the implants to me perk due to muscle loss. Im not sure if i want to go through all of the stitches , scars and the healing process again but i know i will sag if I don’t. Your breast look great. I know uou had complications with one breast. I wonder if this is common. I read slso the effects of implsints and health issues caused by the implsints. This explains it where im concerned. Keep me updated on your results. You look Great!!!
February 9, 2018
Sorry for all the spelling error. Working off my phone
February 10, 2018
So glad you did this to take care of your health!
March 30, 2018
You will love explant! Which means no more surgery. The concave area will look better in six months and not noticeable when your postop. You have to be patient. I would wait one year before you decide to add an implant. Remember any implant means future surgery. The best of luck to you.
UPDATED FROM SORENOMORE
2,017 years post

Some big hurdles overcome! Hoping for a January 2018 surgery date

SORENOMORE
Care Credit approved financing, Neurologist approved surgery, one consult done and one more to go. PS recommends removal of implant and lift. Capsular contracture and silicone leaking in both breasts. He thinks I have enough breast tissue to look OK when the implants come out. I've been talking to my friends who can't imagine what I'll look like flat. I'm not getting much positive reinforcement from them. They don't know what encapsulated silicone implants feel like. Ouch!

Replies (55)

October 9, 2017
Good luck. I will look forward to updates x
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October 9, 2017
Hi Patty
Don't let anyone discourage you that doesn't know what you are going through! For me and many other ladies on this forum it's the best decision ever! You won't regret it! You will feel free and happy! I only wish I had done it sooner. Blessings!
November 20, 2017
Agreed!
October 10, 2017
Thanks beach girl and busy bee. I had lunch with all the girls today and explained how I needed their support. They got it and they gave it! I'm sure I will have much support before, during, and after from them. And probably casseroles, flowers and presents, which we all know helps a lot.
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October 10, 2017
that's great!! good luck...always wonderful to have support from family and friends...we are also here for you as we have gone through the same...all the best...blessings
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October 18, 2017
Since you breast fed 2 children (as I have) you probably have enough breast tissue to look OK...maybe get a lift too? If you feel to flat there are padded bras;) one of my final decisions in getting the implants out and not replacing with the smaller one is the risk of another capsular contracture, I had 3 different Drs tell me that because I had had 2 capsular contractures already I may have one again, I was told some people's body just don't accept implants...I don't know, do you want to risk that?
October 18, 2017
Yes Tara
I have made the decision to have the implants removed and NOT replaced, and I will have a lift. No more foreign bodies in my body. My stomach is going to stick out further than my boobs! I can not wait to find out how it feels to run without these boobs. I have heard so many women on this site talk about insecurities of little boobs. I keep reminding myself that the big boobs I have now make me feel insecure. Number 1 is health.
November 19, 2017
If you've read updates, you know I opted against the lift. Good thing I did, too. The surgery was way longer just getting all the crap out and I'm not sure my ps would have even done it. I feel I look fine without the lift, and yes, I'll probably wear padded bras now and then. Mostly I want to go bare breasted!
November 7, 2017
I’m also explanting - don’t have a date yet but my consultation is next week. I too have friends and family who keep telling me I’m gonna hate my boobs without implants but like you, I can’t bear the hard painful lumps anymore, they’ve got to go!! Good luck on your journey xx
November 19, 2017
They don't get it. The girls on this site do get it, so listen to them. We know what we are talking about.
November 20, 2017
You will love coming back to yourself i can tell you that. I personally had a lift after explanting and couldn't be happier. I am in my 5th week. Coming back to better health.
November 20, 2017
Thank you for your comments; I’m obsessed with all things explanation right now!! I am so ready to be a natural version of me. Delighted you are happy
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November 22, 2017
Harvey2016, I had my explant 2 months ago and my breasts are not pretty, but they are not as bad as I thought they would be + I'm out of pain and I'm healthier. In addition I bought some nice bras from VS and I look good in my clothes, so it will be OK for you, health is most important...good luck:)
November 22, 2017
You are so right. Thank you for your message. Don’t know what I wold do without this site; so many amazing women. Thank you for sharing your journey and good luck in your recovery
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December 1, 2017
Did you do explant at the same time as lift?
UPDATED FROM SORENOMORE
2,017 years post

HELP! I'm having second thoughts...

SORENOMORE
Been on consultations, picked out my PS and gotten financing. Everything is prepared and I am ready to schedule explant and lift, EXCEPT, now I'm having second thoughts about the lift. The implants are coming out no matter what, but do I really want to have a lift at my age? Help!! I need advice. I wonder how much difference there will be in my looks if I have a lift or don't have one. Nobody sees me naked and I've had no request from [RS bleep] to do a centerfold. I'm worried about how invasive the lift is. I'm worried about scarring, because I tend to scar poorly. I'm worried about infection and my nipple health. I'm WORRIED. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Replies (17)

January 8, 2018
I’m in your same boat sister and I don’t know what to tell you. My doctor told me that if I got the lift he would have to take quite a bit of tissue out. That would leave me even smaller than I was before. If I leave my tissue and just get the explant, He says it will lift up finding a bra. I can’t afford to do the lift later so I have to decide now as well. Just pray to figure out what’s right for you.
January 8, 2018
Sorry, I didn’t read this thread all the way through! Scrolling now to see how it went!
January 8, 2018
Also, be sure to go through a gazillion pictures here on RealSelf both with and without a lift. It will really help help you make a decision.
February 2, 2018
Now I wish I had gotten the lift because 38C flappy boobs hurt when I ride my horse or pretty much anything with or without a bra. I'd rather be flat and firm.
February 2, 2018
I had the lift after. I had enough skin for a c cup but tissue for an A cup. I'd pick shape over size every day of the week.
February 2, 2018
you are right. We learn as we go. For me, it’s comfort, not looks. But, if I were to get a lift, maybe my chewed up lefty could look more normal. I’ll ask ps at next appt which is a couple more months away. Not sure I’d do it, regardless.
January 13, 2018
hi I am 59 yr old just had explant 420cc way to big for my frame and thin build. I opted for a lift as well at same time as 28yr ago had removed with no lift and was very disappointed as my body still looked young and breasts old and saggy and not. option after two yr so ended up getting more implants and they once got out six weeks ago with lift and could not be happier. 7 surgeries in all and I was over it so wanted to get all done one hit. no infection and I had drains and capsule mostly removed except bit that had grown on my ribs , dr said they would of broken had he gone further. I have a review on this site and photos, they don't look as bad as photo however there is still swelling and most sutures now dissolved which a bonus. I wish you luck on your journey and any questions I am glad to help where I can. the best thing will be to get them out and see your new energy levels rise and feel good moments . kind regards innsandouts
February 2, 2018
Hi, again! Thanks for your comment. I'm almost 3 months post op without a lift and now kinda wish I had gotten the lift. My breasts are 38C and saggy. I have to wear a bra or my breasts hurt. I didn't want to put myself through the extra surgery just for cosmetic reasons, and still don't want to pursue anything for cosmetic reasons. I wish I had done it just to keep my breasts from flapping around and being sore without a bra.
February 2, 2018
It is totally a personal decision to remove extra tissue when you don't have any breast matter.
January 25, 2018
flat skin because you don't have any tissues there anymore so if I was you I would get the lift because all the tissues are gone so just get the list so that it won't look so saggy and if you don't want to do that I recommend that you get the saline which I have and I'm 50 years old and they really feel real good I haven't had any problems even though I do have high blood pressure but I can say they feel real they're not hard they're not giving me any trouble but the only thing about them is that you really can't sleep on your stomach your side is okay and your back is okay but just try to do the best that you think it's for your body at your age it doesn't matter of the age is how you feel good luck
February 2, 2018
Thank you for your response. My position is a bit different. I got my implants at the age of 40. I thought I had perfect full B blind with sweet cherry nipples. When I was first asked if I wanted implants I was surprised that my husband of 10 years whom I felt I loved so much thought that I could improve my breasts I felt insecure. I agreed after a year. When in that first year I found out he was cheating on me and when he wouldn't renew our vows on our 10 year anniversary. I asked him for a divorce. I divorced him and he remarried within a year after breaking up with his girlfriend and bought his new wifeimplants within their first year. My point be I g that we should all use
February 2, 2018
Our own best judgement. I agreed to just add a extra umppph. So I wouldn't need a lift in the future. No I am afraid I have more sagging than if I would have left them alone. My mistake. Point being that if I can shed just a little light on the cons of hitting implants that ruin your thyroid. Make your period last over 90 days with carterization the only thing that stopped the bleeding. I complete mucous breakdown. Self admitting to the phyc ward. And IBS. And stomach issues. Oh...and my pinky finger is all jacked up from rheumatoid arthritis. Gabapindin pain meds for years that can cause seizures. Along with my eyesight went to hell. I have cleansed my body with a paleo diet. I live off the recipe from Dr Axe's leaky gut syndrome. I have found through trial and error
February 2, 2018
...found that an antihistamine relieves many of my issues with less interference with my health. Antihistamines treat allergic reactions. I believe that my body has developed an allergy to the foreign matter under my muscle next to my ribs above my stomach. They should have been removed years ago. I wish I had never had them in the first place. Lesson learned in Utah.
January 29, 2018
I am planning explant without a lift. I have had saline under the muscle for 20 years. This July I will be 60 years old. I am posting in support of you not having the lift. You are the only concern....you health, comfort and happiness. Additional scaring isn't worth it in my book. Just saying.
February 2, 2018
That’s exactly how I felt when I got explant. Just wanted, needed those awful things out. Now they are out, I find I’d rather be flatter and less floppy because floppy hurts. Also, lift wold help equalize breast size. I’ll talk to ps next follow up. Probably won’t put myself through it, though.
February 2, 2018
I think if you have some of your own breast tissue then no.
February 4, 2018
I read a lot on this site, and most of the opinions from the docs say that it is best to wait at least 6 mos for time to heal before you do a lift. You might be surprised what your body does. I've decided to have my 350cc saline implants removed without the lift....but I have to wait until April, 2018. Looking forward to it, but still a little anxiety about the outcome. Keep us updated on yourself. Good luck!