Ruptured Implant...Decisions Decisions

Oh no.....just when I started this post I wasn't sure who was going to remove them. I had quite a few consults. I ended up choosing an amazing Dr. who listened to me. Took them out under local in the office and charged me $1,200. Dr. Daniella Rodreguz in St. Clair shores Michigan

Hi grace....I'm very happy with my decision. My husband I both think I look a lot bette and my chest feels better. I look at old pictures and think I look a lot heavier because of them. They suited me well when I was young.

thanks for your reply. Have seen many "scary" cosmetic results from explant. Did your PS & you feel that you'd get a good aesthetic result. Don't know if you answered this before but how long did you have them in and what was your starting pre-implant size and bra size with them. Your pic really looks great. And your comment about them looking heavier as we age (think if you maintain the same rib cage size and waist size it's all good but few can stay Exactly the same slimness in these areas post meno). Any hoo....thanks for your review and comments.

I had them in for 21 years. I'll be 54 next week. I stay fit. I was flat when I got them in...

mine have been in for about 24 yrs..34b to start 34D when under muscle. I almost wish I would wake up with your situation and have to act. Waist size was 23 back then. Size 6-8 now so not the midriff or waist it was back then. You look great in the pic. So many do not this it makes the decision tough.

I figured I would take them out and see how I felt after some time. You never know until you do. My left is missing more tissue and There were times when I felt deflated and a little unsure...but never enough to want to get implants again...I figured There are other procedures to improve the appearance instead of an implants....now I don't even care. A good push up bra works wonders

Grace if you like the way you look with them then leave them. You kinda have to be able to let go of whatever hang ups you have that prompted you to get the implants in the first place or you may not be happy. There are a lot of women who are deformed from implants. I was one and you know what - I don't care!! It feels so good to be free I'd do it a million times over. When we have those so long we forget how good it feels to be real - to feel the mattress supporting your front, to feel the warmth of the person who hugs you, to not have to feel the extra weight on your neck and your shoulders. There's as many types of breasts as there are people but real beauty comes from a woman who's comfy with herself and who's eyes sparkle from happiness. True story. I'm not telling you these things for any other reason than to let you know that implant removal is an emotional journey, yes your body will look different, but you also look at your body differently too.

If you like the way you look and don't want to look like some of us with terrible outcomes, wait until you don't care any,ore before removing. Just some advice from a happy healthy explanter. do what your heart tells you and you'll never go wrong.

thanks

i actually went to the gym today and did very minimal exercise..10 min on stair master, leg extensions and leg curls. im not suppose to do any upper body lifting for about 10 days

Thank you....I'm just really getting used to being small chested again. It's a change. But it's amazing how your body can bounce back. My breast look so much better than when they first deflated...
The capsule forms around the implant because it is a foreign body. It is your body's response to the implant. A saline implant is basically a silicone bag with sterile saline inside. Since my implant ruptured my body absorbed the saline and I was left with the silicone shell deflated inside me. I just had the implants remove (the shell as I called it) and not the capsule that forms around it. Some Drs want to do unnecessary removal of the capsule. I'm sure there are instances where the capsule may need removing , but if you don't have capsular contraction or heavy thickening of the capsule than most likely it doesn't warrant invasive surgery under anesthesia . I have found that most women on this site are very happy after removal. I would never put implants in again. they served me well the years I had them but Now I'm over it

thank you for the info! my implants have hardened some so I may have CC. in this case i may not be able to leave the capsules in. thanks so much for sharing your info! it's a big help!

i went for 3 consults...its a good way to gather info.

Thanks! I'm setting up my first consult.

good luck

Hi..I read your story..Good luck with your Explant. Just remember, what you initially see right away will slowly change. I still have quite a bit of missing breast tissue, but my chest feels so much better without the implants. I'm very happy with the choice I have made?....it does take a little getting used to. I was a small A when I initially got them and I have never had children. Besides, there are some really great bras out there now that really help.

The ? Is a typo....lol

I was thinking the same thing. but i think the fluid accumulates due to the actual surgery. One of my implant that is deflated will bother me off and on. I think it is folded and it pokes me. It happens to be the same breast that was never very comfortable. I cant wait to get these out. I have 2 more consults this week and then will make my decision by Friday

That makes sense, guess it is more to it than just pulling out the shell. I am having my shells removed under local on the 5th. It will be 2 months since deflation. Would love to hear what the doctors say about the fluid accumulation.
Can you feel or see your shell?

i can feel my left one..it will poke at me in the lower corner toward my arm pit. Each PS is different about the capsule and I guess it makes a difference if it is thick or not. Did your PS mention anying about fluid accumulation or possible problem without touching the capsule. each case is different

no the shells are at the bottom of both of my breast and follow the curve around. I asked him about the pocket and he said it will just close up. He said my capsule are thin. Never mentioned fluid accumulation, I am just so confused about the capsule's and the shells. I mean surly the capsule is not down where the shell is. I have heard other ladies on here talking about stitching the capsule up and cleaning the pocket out. He acted like very small cut and just pull the shell out. It is me asking for the shell to be removed. He thinks wait for 6 months and see what they look like then. Just can't stand that shell poking out.

yes...i have had prices for both. just under local in the office with a 4mm incision under the crease of the breast or under twilight anesthesia but possibility of capsule removal depending on what they look like with drains. Its definately more expensive and more invasive and that is why i am getting 4 opinions. my last consult said she has done it under local without complications of fluid build up.....heres the but.....unless you close the capsule or if it is thick you run the risk of fluid accumulation which your body may or may not absorb. Then it would need aspiration. But if it continued then you may need a second procedure. I just dont know how high the risk is. just like capsular contracture...i guess you can never tell who its going to happen to.

4cm....not mm

I am calling now to make another consult appt. I just need to be 100% clear about this. I was hoping some of the other ladies that had been through this would have commented.

Archer,.. The capsule is the shell of collagen that forms around the actual implant as a response to the foreign body.. The capsule isn't really open, it's just filled with, and surrounds the implant..Once implants are drained, or removed the capsule collapses down on itself. There's the possibility that your body will produce fluid to try to fill that space where the implant had been.. If that happens, generally the body will reabsorb that with time as well. The capsule is adhered to the muscle, or if on top of the muscle, to the breast tissue in the body itself, not to the implant, so removing it can actually cause more damage,.. Greatly increases the Risk for increased and unnecessary bleeding.. Unless you have a ruptured implant that contains silicone gel, or a high grade CC, general PS consensus is leave the capsule in.. Just remove the implant.. Mine done under local, in office, no fluid buildup, bleeding, risk or cost with General anesthesia .. Hope that may help answer some of the questions you had, saw you said you wished more had commented… Keep us all posted!

Thanks...that what i was thinking. Its amazing the difference in price between surgeons so i dont mind going for 2 more consults.

I agree. I scheduled for Monday the 28th and it can't come soon enough.

That's awesome. Glad your happy.

i made my decision today to do it under local on monday the 28th. i still have to confirm it with work. They told me i can go to work the next day. I just need to get these out fast. my left one that was drained is giving me discomfort because it is folded and poking and pressing on things and i have a continuous uncomfortable feeling. The Dr I am going with is $1500. My consult todays price was $2100

You should be fine to go to work, just suggest super soft cotton under sports bra if that's what you plan on wearing. In case you didn't see the post, One woman suggested a cotton t shirt under bra, can't remember who but it was genius idea! That's a huge price difference! Will be thinking of you, the 28th can't get here quick enough!!

I read that post too. Thanks for the tips and the support.