Can't Wait to Be Free!!! - Cleveland, OH
I was lucky enough to find this website and have...
I was lucky enough to find this website and have been encouraged and supported with my decision to explant. Of course like everyone else the concern is, "what will you look like after?" At 51 it is time. I've had these toxic implants since 1990 originally and had them replaced in 2005. They were intact in 2005 and don't think they have ruptured. I live in CA so heading to Ohio is quite a stretch and costly.. My PS here would do it for $1500.00 but has only explanted 4 this year.. I don't want to take a risk of this not being done properly.
Over the last 3 years I have been wanting them removed. When I talked to my PS the first time he stated that I wouldn't like the result. When I call recently the office scheduler was telling me about all the latest and greatest new implants. No thanks... I would have never had implant had my breasts not looked so bad after having my son and breastfeeding. Not concerned now with my decision. Being young and vain it never entered my mind about long term effects. I started getting intense migraines that same year but never correlated to the implants...It is hard to tell about other symptoms like pain, etc as I'm going through menopause. Dr. Feng also is an expert with bio-identical hormones so will be getting help for that as well. Don't think I will need a lift. Keep in mind what it is costing includes what I have to pay for airfare, hotel etc.
Got my packet yesterday with all the information and the lab slip...I'll keep everyone posted on my journey and will offer support wherever needed.
Fake no more's provider
Replies (22)
Questions for PS for everyone considering or having explant surgery. FOund this while researching and thought it might be helpful...
QUESTIONS FOR SURGEONS FOR REMOVAL OF IMPLANTS
Ask if he/she is familiar with 'the en bloc procedure' for removing implants.
Ask how many procedures of this nature he/she has performed, and when the last one was performed.
Have the plastic surgeon explain, step-by-step, how the procedure will take place. Begin with how you will be "prepped." for surgery. If you have the sub-muscular placement, discuss if and how the muscle will be repaired if any damage or trauma has occured to the muscle.
Ask if it would be possible for you to view some "before and after" photos of explantation surgeries he/she has performed. If the plastic surgeon did not mention drains in the explanation of how the procedure will be done, ask if he/she will use drains to prevent accumulation of fluid and infection.
Ask about your original incision site; how it will heal after being cut again.
Ask if the surgeon can cut away the original scar. You might also want to discuss scar revision after explant if needed. Will this be included in the total cost of explant or will there be an additional charge.
Ask how long the surgery will take and what type of anesthesia will be administered and will it be administered by an M.D. Ask if you will need a lift, and if so what kind do they recommend?
Discuss the different types of lifts and what would be best for you.
Ask how long initial recovery will take.
Ask the length of time it will be until you are able to function independently at home.
Find out how long you will need someone to stay with you after surgery. It is advisable that someone stay with you for the first 24 hours and possibly a little longer. depending upon your recovery progress.
Ask how long it will be before you can resume normal activity. Everybody recovers at different rates, but most women are 'out-of-commission' for about two weeks, and cannot raise their arms above their heads for a month or longer.
Find out how long you are not to lift anything heavier than three pounds, how long you should not drive, and how long should you wait to participate in any strenuous activities such as jogging, sex, exercising...etc. .
Ask what size he/she expects you to be after the surgery.
Ask if he/she will prescribes antibiotics after surgery to prevent the complication of infection.
Discuss all post-op medications he will use and what their purposes are.
Ask if it would be possible to fill them the day before surgery to provide the convenience of them being available directly following surgery.
Ask if he/she will film the surgery on video if you desire. If so, request a copy for yourself.
Ask whether or not you need to supply a blank tape. If this is not possible, ask if you may provide a camera to have the surgery photographed.
Ask what type of bandage he/she will use and how long it is to remain on.
Ask when you will need to start wearing the sports bra.
Ask for the phone numbers you will need to get in touch with him/her after-hours. Request that any cysts or other suspicious tissue be sent to the pathologist for examination and report.
Tell him/her that you would like to have any removed suspicious tissue and cysts returned to you with your implants. You may wish to have another pathologist examine them at a later date.
Explain that you wish to have your implants returned to you. Ask which pathology service he/she uses and ask for their contact information.
Ask him/her the proper procedure to use to ensure that your implants are returned to you. They are yours and belong to YOU.
Explain that you would like to request copies of the Operative Report and the Pathology Report from this surgery.
Ask about proper procedure to ensure that you receive these copies.
Once you have selected a plastic surgeon and have set a surgery date, be sure to discuss the following with your doctor: List all medications that you take, including the strength and frequency that you take them. Inform your doctor of any drug allergies that you may have. (Also, let your doctor know if you are allergic to latex or talc.)
Make a list of all of any symptoms you may have, include dates that they began, and how they have progressed since they began. Include a history of all surgeries you have had. The most recent operative report (if there has been more then one surgery) will contain helpful information about your implants, such as: the manufacturer, the model number, the lot number, and the will indicate how the implant was positioned. (Include any pathology reports that you might have.) Also take your original augmentation operative report with you. This gives the surgeon even more information on your surgery. Also, bring any recent MRI, mammogram, xeromamogram, or ultrasound reports. If you have had any recent lab work, bring these results with you, even though, your doctor will probably have them repeated prior to surgery. A comparison of the most recent lab work and the lab work he will do will be helpful to your doctor.
New mammograms are not recommended prior to surgery due to the risk of rupture during the procedure, request an ultrasound or MRI if possible.
Hi All I did it.. Feels great to be be natural and...
Replies (8)
I'm very happy for you that you're able to get this done and be au naturel again. Please keep us posted throughout your journey!
Here's a great thread in the forum from Green Temple about her explantation experience. I hope you find it helpful! Will you be posting your photos within your review?