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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews

Explant Journey - 50 Year Old with 16 Year Old Implants - Murrieta, CA

ORIGINAL POST

I found this wonderful site when I started my...

$6,000
I found this wonderful site when I started my decision making on breast explant surgery. I haven't taken pictures yet - sorry - but I wanted to start researching the process. I got my implants about 16 years ago with a fabulous dr in Newport Beach, CA. I've never had a problem with them and they still look great, even though they have sagged a little. I now live about 2 hours away from there so I wanted to find someone local. I found a ps here on Realself who had good reviews as very thorough and an artist so I went to see him yesterday. The consult was fine and he said I would need a standard lift with the explant. When I asked to see pictures of his work, he said that he didn't really show pictures of explants because they would not be indicative of my results. I just wanted to see how skilled and "artistic" he was. It seemed to me that he still should have showed me some of his work. Thoughts?

bampitt's provider

David A. Newman, MD, FACS

David A. Newman, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.4 | 31 Reviews
PROFILE

Replies (5)

Hi there, are you saying he didn't have pics of explant with lift? Or pics of explant only? I'm in the consult stage also (2 thus far, no pics of explant only), in fact I've only seen pics of explant only here on this site. Since I too have some sag over implants I expect to be fairly saggy after explant, however what scares me most is post op deformity as I have a significant contracture on my right side. Your case seems uncomplicated but if you are considering lift with explant you should see PS work as there is skill involved. I would call the surgical center he is associated with and ask to speak with the OR nursing super or any nurse who assists alongside the PS's there. Get their opinion on which PS has best technic. I wouldn't mention his name...see if it comes up first you might inadvertently find a more superior surgeon this way. I'm an RN so I know that most often nurses have the inside skinny on these things. One other point in closing...it seems there is quite a bit of emphasis here on this site to give explant a wait and see approach as breast tissue has a tendency to spring back and lift may not be necessary, not to mention risk of losing nipple sensation following lift, of course there is potential of that with explant only but indeed greater with lift added in the mix. I'll take a minute to pray for you this morning that the Lord would give you wisdom and discernment and lead you to the right PS. Blessings :)
Thank you for your input, dh60! I asked about waiting to have the lift until about 6 months post removal and he poo-pooed the idea saying that my beasts would look like empty socks. He said he didn't want to show me pictures because I wouldn't have the same results but another poster here said the same doctor showed her pics of explants and lifts.
I meant breasts, nor beasts. Hehe. Darned auto-spell.
The auto-spell just doesn't get any better, does it.
Hmmm...very odd. One doc on this site said he has been impressed by how much skin retracts over time even in older women. Kind of makes you wonder how much is driven by money.
Exactly. Not that i want to immune this Dr's credibility but I've read the same thing. A lot of women don't have any lift- same age of implants and in my age group- and they look fine.
No worries I can interpret your script just fine. Had my 3rd consult today, PS spent an hour with me...can you believe he said he'd give me a professional discount of $1000 on a lift (said he would throw in some lipo around my "bra fat") and assured me that my insurance would cover explant (we'll see)...just sounded too good to be true (compensating for lack of expertise?, I'm a little suspicious). He spent an hour with me answering my questions. When I got home I called his office as I had another question. I then asked the % of his work doing explant/lift...very low (red flag). Also asked if I could speak to a former patient he did explant only and patient who had explant with lift. For the latter request he gave me name/ph # of patient who had implant change out to unders with lift. This gal spent an hour on the phone with me, she said he had done her lift 1 year ago, she wasn't happy with them and had come back for a revision with the unders (2 wks post op). The other one refused to speak to me (not certain if she's super private or displeased with his work, she sounded kind of mad! So disappointed as he's so nice and seems qualified by my radar is on overdrive! Hey I'm Cynthia by the way!
Hey, Cynthia! Yeah, that sounds a little weird . I plan on getting a few consultations . I might go back to the ps who gave me the implants. He does fantastic work and even had a few pics on his website of explant w/lift . There's also a ps in San Diego I want to get a consult with. He has really good reviews here on Realself.
Great balls of fire! I'll have to stop posting from my phone. I meant impune, not immune.

It seems like he should be able to provide photos of his breast lifts. I would press for that or, at least, ask to talk to some previous patients. I'm so glad you're finding RealSelf helpful and that you started your story here! Why are you wanting your implants removed?

I have a similar experience with the need to undergo implant explanations, and my first consult is scheduled 1-1/2 weeks from now with Dr. Wongawort at the Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery, located in Temecula, and I was told that the doctor will show me several photos. I was also told that the plastic surgeon has performed several implant removals, "too many to count" so I'm looking forward to meeting with him. I also plan to meet with other plastic surgeons until I find one that I believe to be the best. I'm leaning towards only the removal at this time, with perhaps a lift. I've had these implants in for 26 years, and for some unknown reason, I've developed multiple allergies and asthma. I wish you the best because you deserve nothing but the best! Good luck to you!! Sincerely, Twila
Hi, I am 47years old and I am also looking forward to explanting my 12 year old breast implants. Like you, I am also seeking to lift my natural breast back into aesthestically pleasing position. I can understand what the surgeon was saying regarding that your results obviously would be different than previous patients, but to your point ,he should still provide photos so at least you can see his general skill and expertise level.
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