Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER En Bloc Capsulectomy REVIEWS

Ready to Explant

ORIGINAL POST

Everyone, thank you so much for your honesty and...

Jac56
$5,142
Everyone, thank you so much for your honesty and openness. Because you have had the courage to go through this I have the courage to do it also . After 30 years and three different sets of silicone implants, ( I am 60, I had capsules each time I got a new set ). As you can see in the pictures I have had a lift and it was botched. My breasts also look lumpy, sort of square, i have capsules and scar tissue. Lol.
My health has suffered as a result of having implants. I won't really get into it but I have recently been diagnosed with THREE auto immune disorders! Can it really be the implants you might be thinking ? Before I started doing research day and night on breast implants and auto immune disorders, I thought well there's a chance, but now that I have read stories and seen pictures of what comes out of peoples bodies, these combined with with my own experiences, I know without a doubt. My older sister died because of Breast implant illness. She also had implants for years then she got sick and passed away from an auto immune disorder, ALS. I must stress that nobody else in our family has had autoimmune disorders. And now here I am sick with a different auto immune disorder and I never thought it would happen to me...My primary care told me that there is a belief in the medical field that breast implant capsules are a result of a low-grade infection. That is scary.
I've been searching for a plastic surgeon for weeks now. Although I was prepared to fly to California and spend $15,000 in order to find a doctor who would take all of the capsule out, I found one here, in OKC.
Dr. Bajaj was on the recommended list on more than one website as a plastic surgeon who would do implant explant enblock. En block means the Dr. takes out the capsule along with the implant. Most doctors will just pull the implant out and disregard the capsule, as a result they're leaving poison in your body. Some doctors will say no that's dangerous I don't do that --well it's not true it's more dangerous to leave the poison in your body --the capsules need to come out !! So I went to her with a list of questions I got off-line which basically were asking her if she was willing to make sure she got all of the capsule, would she send it off Pathology, return the and the implants to me ( in case I need to be involved in a lawsuit ), either do a video or take pictures of the implants and more. I was nervous but when I met her it immediately faded! She was not challenged by the questions at all but instead was relaxed and friendly. I am trying to decide whether not I should get a lift at the same time. She was totally neutral said it just up to me... Just have a feeling that if I don't get a lift done this time I won't go back under the knife. I don't want to regret not getting it done. On the other hand I think I'm 60 years old! Should forget the lift and give my body a break and let it go!! But deep down inside me I have this little spark of hope that I will get the implants out, detox and get healthy again, get a nice boyfriend..But i don't think I will have the coursge to do that if I have the same saggy empty balloons I had before implants ....lol. Currently the lift is scheduled to be a part of the surgery (Its a thousand dollars more)...
To prepare for the surgery Dr. Bajaj told me she needed some preop tests done- getting some blood drawn and doing an EKG. My primary care did the EKG last week and 24 hours later I got a call from the nurse and was told they want to send me to a cardiologist! Now I have this appointment I have to go to and I don't know what it means! The appointment is in a couple of weeks. I hope it's nothing weird and that it doesn't hinder my surgery or the date or anything!!! So I'm taking this one step at a time because what else can I do right? Prayer would be good...All I know right now is that I have an appointment for breast explant en bloc, and it is January 11.
Thank you for listening I love each and everyone of you !!

Jac56's provider

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, FACS

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (16)

December 11, 2016
Hello! Thanks for sharing your story I'm of the belief you WILL feel remarkably better when they are out. I think more clearly, have zero joint inflammation, I sleep way less and better and I wake every day before the sun with no alarm. My resting heart rate has dropped and it stays lower when I exercise. It's only been a few months but I just know I'll only feel better as time passes. I'm super shot on breast tissue too (might ask Santa??) But it's okay. I didn't bounce right back a week after surgery like some because of the time I had the implants and how darn big they were in proportion to my size but at two months things are 1000% better than they were. You know what? My husband who's never been a boob person (ironic) finds my real ones irresistible! Congrats on gathering the courage. I am happy you'll be joining such a wonderful circle of women who explanted. My only regret is that I didn't do this much sooner. Wishing you luck with your pre IP testing and your surgery. Merry Christmas too!
December 12, 2016
You're recovery is awesome! And only after a few months! I have read that it can take a couple of years, as the silicone migrates to parts of your body and hides there. Did you get a lift?
December 12, 2016
No lift. My surgeon said let's wait and see! When the nipple is above the fold there's a good chance you won't need one. You've got so much support here! Hugs!
December 11, 2016
I am so very sorry for all that you and your sister have experienced and for your loss. Think about the lift as there will be deeper scars and that cannot be reversed. I am six weeks since explant (cc with seroma, capsules removed) and look better than before the BA, had implants since 1992 450cc, way too large as I am a size 2. I am your age. It did take a couple of weeks to settle and I look better each day. Later if I feel that I would like more volume fat transfer is available. I had major headaches since implants and not one since explant. I thought I had fibromyalgia but I am sure the condition was a result of the implant toxins. I am so happy that the surgery is soon and maybe there will be a cancellation (if you have that option) and the time could be sooner. I am sure that your EKG is fine, that happened to me once before surgery and the Dr felt the need for a specialist since it is for surgery pre-caution (replacement to silicone due to saline leak). The surgery is easy and recovery is quick. I was able the made the best decisions and not afraid after reading all of the sweet girls that shared their experience on this site and am so very thankful to them. I know that you will be happy with the results and feel 100% better. I am praying with you. xo
December 12, 2016
Oh that is so good to know about the EKG maybe that's all it will be for me as well! Oh my gosh not one headache for you since explant- that's very telling isn't it! I'm so glad you got better, it gives me hope. after explant I plan to do a major detox program then I guess I will just have done everything I can. Thank you for praying with me :)
User Avatar
December 12, 2016

Welcome, and thanks so much for sharing your story. I'm so sorry for the loss of your sister. I'm glad you've joined us in this amazing, supportive community. Please keep us updated so we can follow your story, and if you're looking to build a support network, please feel free to browse the Breast Implant Removal forum. It'd be great to see you joining in the conversations going on in there!

December 13, 2016
Thank you for sharing!! From what you've learned so far, do you think the autoimmune diseases are from the capsule based on silicone AND saline or just silicone? Hugs and good luck with your EKG. You'll be fine!
January 3, 2017
On the EKG cardiologist basically told me that we probably got a false reading because of the implants. well between that and the mammogram issues there's another reason to take them out ! I think it's silicone that has migrated into my body and bloodstream. but I have seen horrific pictures of saline implants where the nozzle has leaked and black mold has grown in the persons body. It's possible any breast implant can cause autoimmune disorder because it's basically the bodies ability to recognize foreign matter that needs to be eliminated thus attacked. I mean when you really think about it it's insane to think you could put something in your body and it won't mind. Of course of it minds!! But I also think we can forgive ourselves because when I started this path we did not have the Internet to get informed about what we were doing nor was there much evidence at that time. it was just a different era where you went to the doctor you ask them what they thought and you based your actions on what the doctor said but thankfully that era is over because of technology !!
January 3, 2017
Mold?? Oh wow!! Thanks for the info. It does make sense that the body would attack something in the body but it seems all kinds of things go into the body daily, like pace makers, tubes, metal, etc. Various items go into the body to fix different things. I wonder if all those items cause issues?? Something to think about! Yes, technology has changed a lot and given us so much info. Sometimes it's overwhelming. Good luck with everything!! XO
December 13, 2016
I just had my silicone implants removed today! I am a cancer survivor and had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction in 2013. I had capsulation, headaches, irregular heartbeat, variables in blood pressure, back tightness and pain ever since. Zero health issues prior. I chose not to replace and am embracing what is now my new normal. I'm not sure if my doctor did and enbloc, I did ask him if he was taking the scar tissue not just
Implant and he said he would. Should I have asked for pictures of implants after surgery?
January 6, 2017
How are you doing? Have your health issues improved?
January 13, 2017
How are you feeling?!
UPDATED FROM Jac56
6 days pre

My explant surgery is in one week. I suffer from...

Jac56

My explant surgery is in one week. I suffer from breast implant illness, I need to get the silicone out of my body ASAP. Right now I'm having second thoughts about my decision to wait on the lift!! Initially I decided not to do the lift (even though I will have very sad little baggie breasts that desperately need one). My thinking was that it would be better for my chest wall if the surgeon just took the implants out, and focused on getting all of the capsule out / worked on the chest wall. Also because my breasts are going to have such little tissue and be so saggy it seemed wise to let them settle in first then the doctor would know what she had to work with and thus would do a better lift. Also, as I'm a teacher, I would have the summer to recover from the lift. Although I will have five days off after the explant surgery day....but I am 60 years old and I know it'll probably knock me on my butt a little bit! One of the biggest issues I'm looking at is that I have been diagnosed with multiple autoimmune disorders and I've been working very hard at healing my gut, this is been successful as my symptoms are much better. So if I get two separate surgeries it means two separate rounds of anabiotic's on my gut, plus the pain meds and everything.... and it will cost a few more thousand dollars if I wait on the lift. My PS just totally left the decision up to me... I also think I'm very impatient and I'm feeling like I just want to get this thing done and done one time and move on with my life!! I appreciate your your comments and input as I'm getting down to the wire!!

Replies (9)

January 4, 2017
Remember with little tissue there is bigger risk of tissue death - especially the nipples. I had 700-800 ccs over the muscle for almost 25 years. I thought there would be skin everywhere. There isn't. Your implants are small you'll snap back. Wait on the lift.
January 4, 2017
Thanks Lisa!!
January 4, 2017
But its totally normal to have all of these thoughts! Here's another thing. You won't believe how many of bus with chronic fatigue and widespread inflammation get better immediately after the implants were out. I can't even explain how much better I feel. Like I'm 25 again. Sending a hug to you!
January 4, 2017
I would say wait 6 month and then you desided if you need a lift. The shape of your breast will change and the skin will shrink over the 6 month a lot! Order on Amazon bio oil and massage your breast two times a day started two weeks before your surgery. Good luck to you!❤️
January 7, 2017
Thank you for the information. Did you continue to use the bio oil afterwards? I don't have it yet but I will go ahead and order it if I need to !
January 5, 2017
Please tell us about your final outcome. I am close to your age and experiencing symptoms that are alarming. I appreciate your sharing your experience.
January 7, 2017
I'm sorry to hear you have symptoms. Just in case this might help you-
after being diagnosed with autoimmune disorders, ( culmination of symptoms going on for two or three years), in my research, I found a book called The Infection Connection. The doctor talks about environmental toxins that can cause inflammation illness autoimmune disorders. Breast implants are on the list. There is research that says implant capsules are a result of infection. I found that alarming!! I've had three different sets of implants over 30 yrs and each time I have formed capsules so that could mean I've been walking around with a low-grade infection in my body for 30 years? But one way or another there is no doubt they are toxic, invasive and an
affront to our bodies. I think this information is a blessing the really because it helps me to affirm the fact that these toxic bags of poison must be removed from my body. in addition to getting the implants out I am addressing healing a leaky gut - and I didn't even know I had one!! Until I read a very informative book called The Autoimmune Solution by Dr. Amy Meyer. She explains about autoimmune symptoms/disorders and how many many people are affected by these diseases and many are really just borderline on developing..There are quizzes you can take, information about the thyroid etc. and all of it resonated with me. It has a gut healing eating protocol that I have been following for seven weeks. It is very very specific you don't eat or drink anything that is not on her list... it requires a lot of cooking you don't eat one bite of processed foods...because I'm fighting for my life here I was so ready to delve into it and lo and behold on day four, some of the crippling symptoms in my hands and feet especially my feet begin to dissipate and I had no doubt in my mind it was the diet !!! It also surprised me to think I have a leaky gut?!? So it gives me hope that I can maintain my symptoms anyway plus getting the implants out.. I have put my body through a lot and I owe it that.
Thank you for responding to my post and I hope you have a good day today. XO
January 7, 2017
Wishing you the best and praying for you. There are so many of us going thru this and want you to know that you are not alone! Stay strong.
January 11, 2017
Thank you! Your kind words mean a lot !!
UPDATED FROM Jac56
5 days pre

Preparing for explant

Jac56
I have six days to go now and just want to make sure I have everything I need. I I have several bras, a couple for a day and a couple for sleeping in, some button up pajama tops , bought a 10 pack of cotton panties so I won't have to worry about doing laundry often -- got paper goods for the kitchen, this weekend I will do lots of cooking and put healthy meals in the freezer, trim my hair, clean the house, and finish painting my last bedroom! ( I like to stay busy and it will definitely help me with any anxious feelings that creep up). Also bought Extra strength Tylenol , have magnesium for constipation , Hibiclens cleanser, 4x4 in gauze pads, polysporin antibiotic cream per my doctor's instructions. Dr. said to wait until right before surgery to get my meds filled.
As far as the wound -nurse said later I will apply another cream that will help me heal and help with scarring. Ive read about girls taping their incisions but i'm not clear on this -- was that for a lift and not just explant ? Do you all agree with my nurse? Or do i need anything else for the wound and healing?

Replies (11)

January 6, 2017
Ice packs and/or frozen peas. They were my best friends for a week. The swelling was the worst part for me. It's almost here!
January 6, 2017
Oh thats right!! I was going to get some ice packs at Walgreens-- thanks!!
January 9, 2017
Hi honey, just to wish you lots of luck for Wednesday, mine is Thursday so I know how you must be feeling right now xx
January 9, 2017
Hello! Thanks for the well wishes!! have everything ready so far bandages meds and all that. Just trying to get all of my projects done around the house since I won't be able to lift anything for a while. Got the crown mold molding and baseboards painted in my spare bedroom finished tonight, furniture all put back in order... cleaned out the freezer tonight . Just finished trimming my hair. I'm behind on cooking -I had planned to have meals in the freezer at this point but I don't. Def doing that tomorrow night... Time is really gone by it seems like just yesterday I was saying I had surgery in four weeks now it's like 48 hours !! I am due at the surgery center at 11:30 AM I wish it was early in the morning. I'm going to be starving and won't be able to eat!! How about you Roseanne, how are you doing on getting everything together ? what time is your arrival time?
January 11, 2017
Hi Jac, you have been busy!!! I am not as organised as you lol but as ready as I'll ever be! Will be thinking of you today! Sending you a big HUG xx
January 10, 2017
Tomorrow is your big day! I'll be thinking of you. Send us a note when you're feeling up to it!
User Avatar
January 10, 2017

Good luck tomorrow! We're all thinking of you :)

January 11, 2017
Thank you Kelsie!!
January 11, 2017
Good luck tomorrow, you'll be free very soon now!! Saying prayers for you....