POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews
38yrs old, Removing implants after 18 months - cant wait!
UPDATED FROM Healthoverlooks
It's been a while!
$2,000
I haven't updated for a little while - because nothing has happened to update you with. Well, I say nothing has happened but the truth is my kids have been keeping me busy and my hubby's business is going through a bit of a tough time to the extent that we discussed paying for the surgery (or rather how we would pay for it lol!) and we literally cannot afford it at the moment. To say I'm gutted is an understatement to say the least - add a big dose of disappointment and frustration into the mix as well as a chunk of sadness and that's pretty much where I am right now.
I don't mean to come across as self pitying - I know that it will happen and hopefully sooner rather than later! I guess I just need to have faith and work things out another way.... Where there's a will there's a way, right? I have considered asking my mom to loan me the money but my hubby really doesn't want me to have to do this - I, on the other hand am thinking it might be my only option if I want to explant before the end of the year! I can understand his thinking - we don't have any credit cards or any loans and he want to keep it that way - but I know that the longer I have implants, the more anxious I am to have a removal date booked in. I am also aware (and my husband has reminded me of this) that I told my surgeon I would see him after summer vacation - he wanted to see me towards the end of the year, but that ain't gonna happen! - with my hubby to discuss explant procedure and expected outcome for me ( I know that he doesn't have a crystal ball, and that all explant cases are different so it's a bit silly really!).
I find myself reminding my husband with a random 'I'm still
having these things removed you know' or a 'I still don't like them - they're uncomfortable and I don't feel like me' or ' I honestly don't care what I look like after explant - I just want these implants out!' - it's also a reminder to him that it's still something that I think about A LOT even though I don't talk about it all the time or cry because of the implants /my stupidity/ regret at having them still. We had an interesting discussion the other day and I remember saying "you know, I've never really clicked with these boobs. Right from day one I knew they weren't for me - and here we are almost 17 months later and I STILL don't like them. I think my ps thought i would eventually grow to like them and be seduced my the aesthetic rather than think about how lovely it will be to feel comfortable in my own skin again" - hubby's response : " yeah, I know. We will get it fixed ASAP. I am working really hard to get the money so we can make this happen and you can be back to you again". Love this man of mine!
To anyone else that is in the same boat as me - stay strong, stay focused and have faith that better (implant free) days are ahead. For some of us it takes a bit longer to make it happen, even when we want it to happen like yesterday ! But it will happen lovely ladies x
I don't mean to come across as self pitying - I know that it will happen and hopefully sooner rather than later! I guess I just need to have faith and work things out another way.... Where there's a will there's a way, right? I have considered asking my mom to loan me the money but my hubby really doesn't want me to have to do this - I, on the other hand am thinking it might be my only option if I want to explant before the end of the year! I can understand his thinking - we don't have any credit cards or any loans and he want to keep it that way - but I know that the longer I have implants, the more anxious I am to have a removal date booked in. I am also aware (and my husband has reminded me of this) that I told my surgeon I would see him after summer vacation - he wanted to see me towards the end of the year, but that ain't gonna happen! - with my hubby to discuss explant procedure and expected outcome for me ( I know that he doesn't have a crystal ball, and that all explant cases are different so it's a bit silly really!).
I find myself reminding my husband with a random 'I'm still
having these things removed you know' or a 'I still don't like them - they're uncomfortable and I don't feel like me' or ' I honestly don't care what I look like after explant - I just want these implants out!' - it's also a reminder to him that it's still something that I think about A LOT even though I don't talk about it all the time or cry because of the implants /my stupidity/ regret at having them still. We had an interesting discussion the other day and I remember saying "you know, I've never really clicked with these boobs. Right from day one I knew they weren't for me - and here we are almost 17 months later and I STILL don't like them. I think my ps thought i would eventually grow to like them and be seduced my the aesthetic rather than think about how lovely it will be to feel comfortable in my own skin again" - hubby's response : " yeah, I know. We will get it fixed ASAP. I am working really hard to get the money so we can make this happen and you can be back to you again". Love this man of mine!
To anyone else that is in the same boat as me - stay strong, stay focused and have faith that better (implant free) days are ahead. For some of us it takes a bit longer to make it happen, even when we want it to happen like yesterday ! But it will happen lovely ladies x
Replies (5)
FC
December 9, 2015
http://implantinformationnetwork.yuku.com/topic/5354/Dr-Susan-Kolb-s-Silicone-Immune-Treatment-Protocol#.Vmi4l5VIhMt
R
December 10, 2015
I really enjoyed reading your review & look forward to any updates. Your experience is similar to mine. A lot of what I feel inside & out you eloquently stated. Thanks!!
B
June 12, 2016
Hi healthloverlooks, after reading your posts, I just wanted to say introduce myself :) I feel like, aside from my right skin post surgery, I really am a worst case scenario. I didn't post the pics that really show how awful j looked because I have been so open with everyone I know about my journey and there are too many friends and acquaintances who could easily pick me out on this site. Everyone is already talking about my explant! Anyway, I was really scared and adhered and hardly had any tissue left. I just had a scar revision with get transfer though and I am VERY happy! I am just praying I don't scar again. I wanted to reach out to let you know because I think you will be very happy too. I had mine for 14years and breast fed two kids, then had an implant exchange one year before my explant. How I wish I removed mine only one year post! But it's liking like I'm going to have my happy ending. You are right... Where there is a will there is a way and I think you will feel such a weight lifted once you follow your gut and take them out of your body. I do hope you find yourself in a position soon where you can afford it and make the best choice for you, whatever that choice is :) take care! Xx
K
August 10, 2019
Hi Healthoverlooks, thank you so much for candidly sharing your journey to date. I too am considering an explant after having my BA approx 3 years ago at age 39 (no kids). Like you, I thought I would love my new bigger boobs as I had wanted them for many, many years but the reality didn't measure up. My PS (a very highly regarded PS in Sydney, Australia) did a pretty good job although they start higher up in my chest than I'd like and they're bigger than I wanted (I was a B, wanted C, ended up with D-DD!). But I have similar concerns and issues to those you mentioned - constant back pain especially when not wearing a bra due to the implant weight (I used to LOVE going braless!), I think they make me look much bigger than I am and being broad in the shoulders and chest already, I am having issues fitting jackets, shirts, dresses etc. I am also no longer able to wear whatever lingerie I want. I am only able to wear ultra thin/lace underwire-free bras that don't add ANY extra padding to my top half or I won't fit into any clothes. How ironic, I now have the boobs to fill beautiful bras but can no longer wear them! I also worry about the health risks. But beyond all of the above concerns, I worry that if I have them out, the end result will be awful - deflated and scarred breasts. I actually had pretty nice, perky boobs to begin with, despite them being small, so I'm feeling pretty stupid for messing with them, given the financial and emotional cost so far. Looking forward to your next update and hearing whether you explanted and whether you're happy with your decision and the result. Good luck! x
UPDATED FROM Healthoverlooks
WTH
What the heck! I just got an email from the assistant of my ps staying that she spoke to her manager about cost of implant removal and I've been quoted €3150 - despite the clinic saying on their website that it would cost €2500, and despite my surgeon saying that he would do me a very reduced rate on the stated price. Super cross right now as I honestly think they haven't consulted with the surgeon about his costs being reduced. Uggghhh!!!! I emailed them back asking why they are trying to charge me higher than the stated clinic price on the website and then I will speak to my surgeon about the actual costs involved as ultimately he will decide I guess. Feel like crying right now!
Replies (5)
V
June 2, 2015
Do you have photos of your current status?
H
H
June 2, 2015
Just checked on their price list and it seems as though they quoted me for replacement of implants (without cost of implants) rather than straight removal of implants. Just praying that it's a misunderstanding rather than them trying to rip me off.....
D
June 6, 2015
Nick Collis does operation under local for £1300 plus £100 consultation fee im so glad I did it under local saved £4K aswell ! haha
H
July 13, 2015
I'm considering it tbh as my surgeon wants to do general - but costs are same when I look at travel to the uk/Newcastle and hotel on top of the surgery costs etc etc...so not sure x.
L
June 3, 2015
So I didn't read all of the posts but read the first one and skimmed the rest. I had my explant Sept 29 2014. I also experienced pain in my right breast. Unfortunately the explant did not eliminate the pain. It doesn't seem as bad but it still comes and goes. I just wanted to tell you so you know ahead of time that explant may not reduce that particular pain. My original ps also told me it was pinched nerves or whatever and would go away, haha he was wrong. Either way explant for me was THE BEST decision! I love the way my boobs feel and I no longer worry about a silicone rupture. I'm now pregnant with #2 and notice they are dropping but I don't care because I'm natural and happy. Best of luck with your decision! Also, I'm in the US so no idea how your insurance works but my health insurance covered my explant because of the pain. It may be worth while to see if yours will cover it. My OB dr deemed it "medically necessary"
H
June 5, 2015
Thanks for your kind words. I'm not in any real pain any more, but I just feel top heavy and will be explanting in the fall
D
June 5, 2015
Good luck with your explant please read my update im in bed typing this to you im delighted with my decision and hope you can feel the same as me My left implant was definitely "dodgy" and I feel great already I have to visit hosp on 17th June for dressings to be checked . I have better circulation already in my whole body im just waiting for the fluff fairy now I have bigger breasts than before my explant though and even if they stayed the same as they are today id be happy ! Its a huge relief for my body I regret the 8 years ive put my joints under so much strain Good luck huni . Debbie in Teesside x
H
June 5, 2015
Thank you so much hun. I'm dead set on explant, even though my implants aren't causing me any problems now because I just don feel like me with implants in. Just want the worry gone to be honest. Jut read your updates and I'm so happy for you. Happy healing deb x
D
June 6, 2015
Thankyou I know my boobs don't look page 3 but I feel great ! I hope you feel this way too soon its best thing I ever did I had a great sleep last night without feeling like I had someone sitting on my chest for first time in 8 years !
D
June 5, 2015
Keep going !!! My explant was this morning im delighted ! xx
H
UPDATED FROM Healthoverlooks
...forgot to mention
Hubby has said that if I'm really not happy once the implants are removed (I'm pretty sure I will be, it's all a matter of perspective right?) then if I want, I can have fat transfer....the jury is definitely out on that one as I've decided that if I'm explanting then that'll be me done with elective surgery lol
Replies (1)
L
June 3, 2015
I read your entire review. The impression I have is that both you and your husband enjoy the "confidence" you gained from the implants, but that you are suffering the experience of living with them in your body. After my journey with implants and explant
L
June 3, 2015
(Continued)... I view most breast implants to be an attempt to surgically deal with self-esteem/body dismorphia/mental issues. Your natural boobs, as shown in your before picture, are absolutely beautiful and not at all deformed or in need of reconstruction. If you had a lack of confidence or self-esteem, it makes sense to really explore WHY in your own mind you felt this way. Clearly plastic surgery when it is corrective/reconstructive (such as mastectomy, or actual deformity) can be wonderful... But WHY do so many women (the vast majority who get implants) feel that lovely, natural, normal breasts are wrong and in need of surgical "correction"? There is a worldwide mental pathology, propagated by the media, [RS bleep] industry, Photoshop, sexism, and objectification of women that is damaging the self-esteem of perfectly normal, healthy, beautiful women. It is in our MINDS - surgery does not fix mental issues of self-esteem. I support all women to do what is mentally and physically healthy for them. Of course if women need reconstructive surgery for physical issues, then it is a blessing. If women feel "not good enough" mentally to be confident in lingere and bikinis (when they have perfectly beautiful, normal, healthy breasts) and seek "cosmetic surgery" to fix what isn't broken... Then it's time for all of us women to ask ourselves WHY we feel this way? Who told us our normal, cute boobs require painful and dangerous repeat surgeries to be beautiful and sexy? More importantly, why do we believe them? Would we want our daughters to believe their normal, beautiful, healthy bodies are "wrong and deformed" enough to risk health and life for a surgical fix? Is this what the feminist movement and equality for women means? Confidence is what is sexy, and it is a much more logical and direct route to build that confidence from within our own minds than from laying down on a surgeon's slab and being cut open. How many of us would amputate our healthy legs to get prosthetics?! WHY as women do so many of us feel our beautiful, natural bodies are disfigured to the point of prosthetic breasts? It's a hard lesson to learn, but ultimately as women we must question WHY we don't feel "good enough" and beautiful when we have perfectly healthy and lovely natural breasts. Who's ideal are we getting cut open for? None of us make this decision in a vacuum, free from outside influence... In fact, no matter how many women claim to be doing this for "ourselves" we ultimately do it to fit a fake and abstract ideal that is brainwashed into us from the media and [RS bleep] industries. If women want to embrace their sexual objectification - then I still support free choice. I'm sad for women like me who tried to fix mental/self-esteem/media/photoshop issues with surgery though. Best wishes to you in your journey, most of all I wish you true self-love and confidence from within.
B
June 9, 2015
Wow I appreciate your comment so much it's like you just put everything from my mind into words. Its sad that society we live in consider women with big boobs and butt are "hot" "attractive" all of the health related issues are the reasons I canceled my surgery. I was having a million thoughts of "should I or shouldn't I?" I am pancake flat chested but I'm all natural and healthy and I don't want my BA to be my regrets in life. I can compromise my money, my time but I can't comprise my health. I've read all of the positives and negatives reviews on BA and my mind was all over the place and to be honest, I'm still debating. I am not anti plastic surgery by any means, it's just putting foreign objects inside body isn't my option.
L
June 9, 2015
Dear booboo. If you're still debating, just remember that having a BA is not like your own boobs but bigger. I was always conscious of my implants and hated the tightness of them. How my whole boob would move when I tensed my chest muscle. I had my 260cc removed yesterday after over 3 years and I feel so relieved. Yes I'm definitely flat but I don't miss how uncomfortable my fake ones felt.
H
June 10, 2015
I agree - they are not like natural
Boobs at all! Don't be fooled into thinking that they are.
I have learnt a lot from this journey - and most important of all is that I wasn't broken in the first place and that yes, after breastfeeding 4 children my boobs were totally normal. I feel confident in my decision to explant and I refuse to EVER feel embarrassed or ashamed for just being me in my god given natural state. I feel a deeper sense of happiness about being flat chested because, well, that's just who I am. No one cares about what size bra I wear - and so neither do I now. I'm me. It's tAken me having the implants to appreciate I was good enough before - and I will be perfectly imperfect after explant. No regrets for implants, I refuse to feel
Guilty over this whole saga, or waste any more time or energy on these silicon boobs. I am getting my explant. I am returning to me....and I couldn't be happier about that!
I am more confident now about being natural than I ever was before and I can see the beauty in the journey that both I And my boobs have been on. It's called life and living and growing older and wiser - and the confidence and how empowered I feel because of that has made this journey worthwhile. I have found a peace that I never had or never would have had if I hadn't been in the implant /explant roller coaster.
This site is awesome x
H
June 10, 2015
Thank you x
The peace I feel within and the self assurance I feel with my decision to explant is something I never felt before. As the weeks roll on, that self assurance and confidence that I'm doing the right thing by explanting just grows. I've got to a point of not caring about what the world thinks, but just caring what's best for me....and that's being healthy AND natural x
L
June 11, 2015
I couldn't agree with you more. Before my BA three years ago I was obsessed with boobs - how flat mine were and how full others looked. I tried the implants but never felt at ease with them. Now choosing to Explant and back to my flat (post breastfeeding 4 kids) boobs I know that, actually I'm happy being me and it is what it is. I don't think I would be feeling this if I hadn't given implants a go. Before having the implants removed I did regret my decision to have them but now, 3 days after my Explant, I have embraced the whole experience as just that.
L
June 11, 2015
I love your comment, thanks for putting everything back into perspective again. I have to say as someone who doesn't have "naturally beautiful" breasts, I still wouldn't go under the knife to change them. Although I have thought about it many times, when I realised just how much of a risk to my health they are, my mind was definetely made up. Nothing is worth sacrificing your well-being, whether that be physical or mental.
We do live in a society that imposes unrealistic ideals on women and it's unfortunate. But we can only change that by refusing to conform. If you don't like something, stand up for yourself and change it. I refuse to say "It sucks we live in a world where womens natural bodies aren't appreciated, because now I have to get surgery to feel better about myself." NO. Say "Screw your ideals, sure we might live in a world where womens natural bodies aren't appreciated but that doesn't mean I'm going to buy into it. I don't believe in this body-shaming society and refuse to take part." This seems like the direction we're heading in though, and I'm really happy to see the recent change in women empowering women.
H
July 18, 2015
I agree ladytalulah - it's their problem, not mine! Now if all women would wake up and realise that they're natural bodies are just fine, then what a better place we'd live in!
Feeling a bit anxious but keep thinking that if I could bear the pain in putting them in, there shouldn't be any problem taking them out. Can't wait to have these uncomfortable evils out of my body.
Will start bra shopping after Xmas as my sport bras are all put on through my head as need to get one with front zip. Thought I read some reviews mentioned she got from asda.
Hope to hear your update soon.
Xx