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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews REVIEWS

Awake for explant of breast implants! I had implants for 20+years!

ORIGINAL POST

Initial surgery - senior in high school...

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grateful natalie
WORTH IT$3,601
Initial surgery - senior in high school (1997)
revision - 2009 - i only visited one surgeon and told him (Dr. Bruce Kadz of Beverly Hills) that i wanted them out. he talked me out of it. i told him i wanted them smaller. they ended up being bigger. i have (as i did with my first set) serious capsular contracture issues. i experienced pain regularly, up until a few months ago when i had a benign breast lump removed. they removed it because it caused me great pain.

so, now, i found a great surgeon, Dr. Nichter, and he is going to drain my implants NEXT WEEK. i visited a few surgeons back in November 2016 and chose Dr. Nichter for many reasons. Yesterday, randomly, the office called me and left a voicemail to see if i was still interested in the explant. That evening, my sister offered me a loan to get my implants out. And today, I paid for the entire surgery and booked my surgery for 2/2 at 2. I am stoked!

I'm going to be awake the entire time.

Over the years, i have held animosity towards my mom because she is the one that propositioned me and funded the breast implants when i was a child. i have accepted my responsibility in the matter, even though i was only 16 during our first discussion of it. she did not make me do it. i chose this. It has eaten at me a little bit every day for the last 15 years or so. i think that by taking them out, it will change my perspective and allow me to fully forgive her and myself.

I also have always felt uncomfortable hugging people. It just has never felt right with these two hard things in the way. I want to feel free to hug.

I am also very excited to do yoga. The implants were a consistent reminder of my choices and they would simply just be in the dang way. I am thrilled that in the near future i can practice yoga without this huge obstacle in my life.

i think my life will change for the better. i am very nervous about the way they will look afterwards. my capsular contracture has become very bad and well....i'll post pictures of before and after.

grateful natalie's provider

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 230 Reviews
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Replies (5)

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January 28, 2017
I can relate so much to your story. My mom was a big factor in my getting implants and I have always resented it. She never missed an opportunity to tease me growing up (in front of boyfriends especially) and planted the seed by suggesting that I should get implants. I don't think I would have thought of it on my own. It started early. I remember clearly in that time when all girls are getting training bras in middle school that she refused to buy me one saying I didn't need one. So I went braless way past all the other girls and was teased and humiliated. When in my 20's I finally asked her for the money to have implants she did not hesitate even though anyone could have realized I was clinically depressed and in no state to make that kind of decision. Then when I got horrible Grade 4 capsular contracture she was not willing to help me pay for removal. I don't know that I can ever really forgive that but I don't resent her as much as I used to since she is just an old lady now. It's shocking that any mother would allow a 16 year old to have cosmetic surgery. You should not blame yourself for that regrettable decision. She should have told you that you were beautiful as you were. That was her job. Research now shows that teen's brains are not fully formed until they reach their twenties. Their decision making and judgement are not developed yet. So developmentally you really were not capable of making such a serious decision. I do hope that explant will bring you peace and I am sure you will be more comfortable as your natural self. I also had two sets and nothing but problems and had my explant a day ago after having implants for almost 30 years. It has been very emotional. I will say that physically it feels great to have them gone. Also, do not be afraid of the surgery. I am a wimp and I was fully awake and talked to the doctor throughout the procedure. The feeling of relief when he pulled the implants out was very powerful and I'm glad I was awake to experience that. Please keep us posted and best wishes for your surgery. It sounds like you are ready. Hugs XOXO
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February 1, 2017
Thank you so much. Your words really hit home and meant so much to hear. Two days left for me. I am so ready.
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January 29, 2017
Sending you support! Stay positive, think positive!! You will be healthy and whole!! xoxo <3
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February 1, 2017
Thank you. Healthy...sounds awesome
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January 30, 2017

Welcome, and thanks for sharing your story with us. Here's a link to the forum in case you've missed it. Are you feeling more nervous or excited? Please update us and let us know how you're doing. Good luck!

UPDATED FROM grateful natalie
1 day pre

2 Days Until Explant. What an Emotional Roller Coaster!

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grateful natalie
I had no preconception of how emotional this was going to be. I've had my explant procedure scheduled for less than a week and now only 2 days left.
Over the weekend I had a major realization. For the past two decades I've been pushing down emotional pain and a little bit of physical pain. Once it really hit me the surgery is taking place, it was like all the emotion came uncontrollably to the surface. And that is a lot to come out of only two eyeballs. I was extremely emotional and saddened about what I have put myself through and now, finally now, I have an opportunity to rectify it - to a certain extent. Afterwards I do expect some undesirable appearance with the loose skin and nipple placement. I've 100% accepted and am confident that this is the most healthy choice I have ever made for myself. 
I'm literally taking my body back. I will be free. I'm so excited. 
My boyfriend and sister are very supportive and I know that I am blessed. My mom won't even acknowledge the situation. That's okay. I forgive her. 
I took these pictures today. I've never done anything like this but I do believe that this is a healthy process. For so long I have been ashamed of myself for the decision I made when I was 16. And now, at 37, I will no longer be ashamed. I will not carry this heavy shame anymore. By posting this, I'm letting go.

Replies (3)

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February 1, 2017
I had my explant last week and my mom hasn't bothered to call or even text. Our mothers are the ones missing out on relationships with awesome daughters! Their loss. Yep make sure you are buckled in and ready for that roller coaster. I thought I was and then after the surgery I curled up and cried on the couch for two days. The explant brought back all the feelings of loneliness and self loathing I was experiencing when I first had the implants. I had to grieve for that young woman. Give your 16 year old self a big hug and tell her it's ok, it's all ok now. You ARE making the best choice for yourself! I can't express what a relief it is to be implant free, to have no more plastic surgery in my future. The biggest piece of advice I can give is do not, I repeat, DO NOT freak out at your appearance right after surgery! If you look at my pictures you will see that I looked as though a truck ran over my chest. One of the ladies on here said stop crying, put your bra on and don't look for a while. Best advice!! I am seeing so much improvement already and expect more in weeks and months to come. (I will be posting more pictures weekly). I am 55, had implants for almost 30 years and a full capsulectomy 4 years ago. And I was extremely flat when I got them. So if my poor body can bounce back yours most certainly will. Key is patience!! Not my strong suit... We are here for you!! You will do great! Big ((hug)) XOXO
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February 1, 2017
You are so right. I'm trying stay positive without setting an expectation.
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February 2, 2017
We are here ... cry all you want.
UPDATED FROM grateful natalie
Day of treatment

Day 1 of Freedom

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grateful natalie
I was very stressed and concerned about the procedure I was facing. That has all dissipated . I feel good. Can walk around Maybe a bit woozie. The next ew days will tell. I have boobs still so I guess that means I win!

Thank you for all the support. I will rest and post pics next week. Farewell.

Replies (3)

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February 3, 2017

Congratulations! Can't wait to read your next update. Take care!

February 3, 2017
Good luck! Happy healing! You'll be healthier free of those implants! Stay positive- we're here if you need support!
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February 3, 2017
Yay!! You are on the way to a healthier life! Gentle ((hug))