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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

47 Years Young, 15 Year Old Saline Implants Need to Go. Mesa, AZ

ORIGINAL POST

After 15 years, I am ready to have itty bitty...

snaps
WORTH IT$1,500
After 15 years, I am ready to have itty bitty boobies again! I was small-average pre-kids (34B), but after nursing 3 kids I went to a 34 A, nearly AA. Nothing. Nada. So I wanted boobs again, like I had had when I was lactating (up to 34C+). I went with an out-of-town doctor who did transumbilical BA (through the navel, so no scars around my breasts). I don't think I sized very well ahead of time, since I ended up with very large implants, around 500cc. Since then, I have gotten active, and have been running marathons for 12 years and just a few years ago started doing triathlons. My newly-active lifestyle doesn't need to be augmented with big boobs-they really stick out, amongst the other female athletes who are mostly thin and flat. I feel like a freak show! So time to get them out. I went to two doctors, and even though I like the 1st one better, she was more expensive, did the surgery out of a hospital and uses general anesthesia, which I don't do well with, The second doctor, who I saw today, is older, his office isn't as high-tech (for cryin' out loud, they had a typewriter in the office!) but he has his own surgical center connected to his office and he can local with twilight. And he's about $900 cheaper, so I decided to go with him for a surgery date of 10/28, after my last triathlon of the season a few weeks before that. He says I don't need drains and that since I don't have much tissue and the implants are smooth/round, it should be pretty easy (about an hour surgery) and I could go back to work in a day or so, just no lifting, tons of moving, etc. I've been reading others' experiences on here for a few months now, so I'm always interested in what others have experienced.

snaps's provider

Karl B. Hiatt, MD (retired)

Karl B. Hiatt, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (23)

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September 9, 2015

I love typewriters! But seriously, I hope all goes well for you and I sincerely thank you for starting your story on RealSelf. Please keep us posted! :)

September 9, 2015
Sure will! I keep counting the days, and it seems so far off (7 weeks tomorrow) but I know it will be here before I know it. Hopefully enough time to save up money to replace a chunk of my wardrobe that won't fit anymore!
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September 9, 2015

The time will go fast! And shopping for new tops will be fun. :)

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September 9, 2015
Hi there. Read your story. With having them in for some time, have you thought about having a capsulectomy? I did, and having drains help with releasing all the fluid from the breast cavity and not causing infection. It was the best thing I did.
September 9, 2015
My ps said I shouldn't need them. Another doctor I went to for a consultation said the same thing, so I'm going to go with what they recommended.
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September 9, 2015
Oh ok good. I wish you luck. :).
September 10, 2015
Thanks! You too!
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October 25, 2015
Hi Ms pink 03,
I have 24 yr old saline sub peck, 1 deflated. I'm struggling with explant or explant with capsultoxmy ! I can't seem to find research that conclusively says that's the best route. I have minimal side effects (memory loss, fatigue, hair loss, visual prob, low libado), so I'm torn on whether total cap is really necessary? Any others out there as well, pls chime in!!!! I'm desperate to make the right decision!
Kind thx!!!!
November 15, 2015
Lots of controversy on this isuue! I, too, was wondering what to do as well, because my implants are soft and show no signs of CC or leaking. (Saline submuscular, 320-250cc's). In all my research, I discovered it is a very individual preference depending on the surgeon. Unless there is an indication to remove, many leave them in. The doctor I am going to routinely removes the capsules, or at least part of them. I want every trace of them out, including the capsule so this is fine by me. I think the bottom line is: If you trust your surgeon, follow his/her advice on what they do with the capsules. Seems boths ways have had good results based on the stories here on this forum. I do wish it was more straightforward. I think the recovery is tougher with casulectomy for sure though. Best of luck to you!
October 12, 2015
Can't wait to see your update as I am scheduled with Dr. Hiatt on November 23rd. Good luck and happy healing.
October 12, 2015
I have my pre-op this week, so I'll post more info then as well. Getting excited!
October 15, 2015
Wishing you all the best for your surgery and a speedy recovery. If your experience is anything like mine you will love having your natural body back. I had forgotten how natural breasts feel ... so soft and warm! Keep us posted!
October 24, 2015
So glad to hear you're happy with your decision! I'm sure I will be too!
October 24, 2015
Good luck. I feel the same way about my 20 year old saline implants, and I am struggling with removing them. I applaud your courage. Let us know how it goes!
October 24, 2015
I will update after surgery on Wednesday, 10/28!! Getting excited, nervous, anxious, little bit of everything!
UPDATED FROM snaps
Day of treatment

DONE!!

snaps
Had them out today! SOOO easy! Just had twilight sedation so I was awake during the whole thing. It was done in the doctor's surgical center connected to his office. I was in and out in a little over an hour. I did take one percocet to be on the safe side, but honestly I don't feel pain right now. I will probably take one tonight just to ward off any nighttime pain, but honestly this was 100x easier (and much cheaper) then getting them in. I was really nervous the past few days. Wanting to get rid of these huge fake, attention getting balloons, but also knowing they represent a chunk of my womanhood. I just got divorced and been on a few dates with a guy. I told him they would be going away and he was ok with that, but I know the way I relate to men will definitely change and it will be an adjustment. I am truly looking forward to not stick out so much (literally!) and having my check scream fake.

Replies (16)

October 29, 2015
that would be my CHEST screaming fake. Can't find a way to edit my posts!
October 29, 2015
I looked just like you on my explant day then fluffed up nicely over the next couple of days! Happy healing and fluffing;)
October 29, 2015
Yeah! Looking forward to fluffing :-)
October 29, 2015
So happy for you! Give it a little time and you will fluff up. Have fun shopping for new tops and enjoying the all natural you! :)
October 29, 2015
Congratulations! I'm so happy you are feeling well and that everything went well for you!
October 29, 2015
Congratulations! I am so happy for you. You seemed to have breezed right thru. Keep us posted!
Gram1
October 30, 2015
Hi there! I feel the same way about my implants, they are so big and I hide them all the time. I'm also from Arizona and have been looking for a doctor. I went to one consult and the doctor was just trying to talk me into getting more implant, I don't want that. What doctor did you go to???
October 30, 2015
Dr Hiatt in Mesa. He did bring up replacement several times but I was firm in my decision. I would definitely recommend him though.
November 1, 2015
Thank you so much
UPDATED FROM snaps
2 days post

Post op

snaps
Feeling very free! A little squishy and sloshy, but over all feeling really good. Took one day off and back to work today no problem.

Replies (1)

October 31, 2015
Fluffing fairy has visited!!