POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
21 Year Old Saline Implants - Really Want Them out - Orange, CA
ORIGINAL POST
And so the journey begins. I have gained so much...
And so the journey begins. I have gained so much from reading the reviews on this site, it would be unfair not to return the favor.
Twenty one years ago, when I was very young and underweight (5'6" and 105lbs) I decided that I simply had to have breast implants. If I had only listened to my mother who told me that I just needed to gain a few pounds and I would look fine. I went from a size 32A to a full B cup. I was never looking to have [RS bleep]-star boobs, just to fill out my clothes and bathing suits a bit better. I have had two children, breast fed them both, and gained 10 pounds since implanting. I'm really hoping for the best in terms of the final aesthetic result. Fingers crossed.
I guess you could say that mine has been a best-case scenario. I had no capsular constriction, no rupture, the look was natural...just no problems whatsoever. It is only within the last year that I have started to experience some weird symptoms that may or may not be related to toxicity from the implants. I have slight tingling in my arms, frequent urination, and seemed to have developed a case of restless leg syndrome. All of the symptoms are very mild and not debilitating in any way.
I want them out because after 21 years, I know that a rupture is looming in my near future. If I get re-implanted, then somewhere down the road, I will need yet another surgery. I just want to be done. Also, if my implants are beginning to make me sick, getting another pair is the last thing I want to do.
Ladies who are considering getting implants, I promise that your natural boobs are fine. If your partner doesn't think so then there's something wrong with him, not you. My heartfelt advise would be to not do it.
Anyway, I have my consultation appointment tomorrow with the same PS who implanted me, so I'll update soon after.
Twenty one years ago, when I was very young and underweight (5'6" and 105lbs) I decided that I simply had to have breast implants. If I had only listened to my mother who told me that I just needed to gain a few pounds and I would look fine. I went from a size 32A to a full B cup. I was never looking to have [RS bleep]-star boobs, just to fill out my clothes and bathing suits a bit better. I have had two children, breast fed them both, and gained 10 pounds since implanting. I'm really hoping for the best in terms of the final aesthetic result. Fingers crossed.
I guess you could say that mine has been a best-case scenario. I had no capsular constriction, no rupture, the look was natural...just no problems whatsoever. It is only within the last year that I have started to experience some weird symptoms that may or may not be related to toxicity from the implants. I have slight tingling in my arms, frequent urination, and seemed to have developed a case of restless leg syndrome. All of the symptoms are very mild and not debilitating in any way.
I want them out because after 21 years, I know that a rupture is looming in my near future. If I get re-implanted, then somewhere down the road, I will need yet another surgery. I just want to be done. Also, if my implants are beginning to make me sick, getting another pair is the last thing I want to do.
Ladies who are considering getting implants, I promise that your natural boobs are fine. If your partner doesn't think so then there's something wrong with him, not you. My heartfelt advise would be to not do it.
Anyway, I have my consultation appointment tomorrow with the same PS who implanted me, so I'll update soon after.
UPDATED FROM sandyland1
Consultation today
Today's consultation went well. My pre-op appointment is on July 16th and explant surgery will be on August 1st. I've decided not to have the capsules removed. I know some people wouldn't agree with that decision, but I'm more afraid of being under gereral anesthesia for an extended period of time and the added risks associated with a more involved surgery than I am of keeping in the capsules I suppose. Or I'm just a big chicken. If my implants were silicone or if I were very ill, I would have them removed, but under the circumstances, this decision feels right. Hopefully there won't be regrets down the road. I have enough of those to last a lifetime!
Replies (21)
June 24, 2016
Hello!
Great! You have a date scheduled! I have a consultation on Monday. I have had my saline, under the muscle for 18 years and want them out ASAP. I have been symptoms and want my health back before anything can happen.
Are you going to the same doctor?
Thank you!
Sarva
Great! You have a date scheduled! I have a consultation on Monday. I have had my saline, under the muscle for 18 years and want them out ASAP. I have been symptoms and want my health back before anything can happen.
Are you going to the same doctor?
Thank you!
Sarva
June 25, 2016
Me too, saline for 26 years..have symptoms from first month practically, they are coming out three weeks! I am scared though!
June 25, 2016
Hi Sarva. Yes, I decided to go with the same PS. He's a good surgeon and he has a great bedside manner. He listened to my concerns and didn't try to talk me out of explanting so I do feel comfortable with him. Best of luck with your consultation on Monday!!
June 25, 2016
You're saline implants have lasted 26 years? Wow! People are shocked that mine have made it for 21. I can certainly understand why you're scared. I'm scared too but I know we're doing the right thing. They have to come out eventually, right? Seems like the sooner, the better.
June 25, 2016
Congratulation on your date! Looking forward to greeting you on the other side :) you will be so happy once it's over with... You won't regret it! Xx
June 25, 2016
Hi Sandy - Six weeks ago I had my 23 year old saline implants removed and also had a lollipop lift. Like you, I did not have any issues with my implants but just felt like it could happen any time. I also did not have my capsules removed. My PS said they were very thin and will hopefully be absorbed quickly. I am just so happy with my decision. I feel great, and it is so nice to not worry about those implants anymore. I'm not sure what you are scared about, but no need to be regarding the surgery. It was quite painless and the recovery has been relatively easy. The hardest part is "taking it easy". Good luck to you.
June 25, 2016
Hi Muddybuggy. I think what scares me most is that the end result will be something I can't live with. A lot of people on this site look great after explant, so hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised after all is said and done too. I'm so happy that you're pleased with your final outcome!
June 26, 2016
I am very interested in hearing how you feel after this. My implants are 22 now, saline and under the muscle. I have never had any issues, they look normal sized and natural. But lately, my left nipple has been itching like crazy and it looks like the implant is shifting. I want them out but I'm so scared as to what I will look like. Please post!
June 26, 2016
Hi Liz. Wow. Our stories are similar. I'll be interested to see how your journey unfolds. I'm not sure if the itching is due to a rupture, and the shifting you feel is because the implant is slowly leaking. Does your left breast seem to be getting slightly smaller? In any event, I would definitely get it checked out. Even if you don't currently have a rupture, with 22 year old implants, it's bound to happen soon. I'm really worried about the aesthetics after explant too, but some women on this site have had really great results, so I'm hoping for the best. Let me know what you decide to do.
June 26, 2016
It doesn't seem to be any smaller, just looks like it's sitting lower now. And it itches. I've been putting it off for a few months because I just don't know what doctor to go to. My original doc is retired now so I'll have to find a new surgeon. Also, is the cost of get them removed about the same as getting them put in?
June 26, 2016
Hi Liz - the cost to have mine removed was about $2,500 and then the cost of my lift was about $3,800. This included the surgery center, anesthesia, doctors fees - everything. I have seen on here where some brave women had their implants removed with only a local. Their costs were much cheaper.
June 26, 2016
Hi Liz. Maybe the lowering has something to do with the muscle. I'm not sure but you do need to have them checked. I procrastenated for four years from the time I thought I should look into having them removed until the time I actually made the appointment. I wish I hadn't because 4 years ago, I had no signs of breast implant illness, and now I'm starting to have mild symptoms.
I've read that if you go to your implanting PS, you will get a better price for explant, and that seems to be true for me. I paid almost $4,000 to be implanted in 1995, and the explant is going to cost $2,700. That will include lab work, a surgical bra, absolutely everything. If you get the capsules removed, the cost will be much higher as it will be a more extensive and time consuming procedure.
I know that your PS retired so you will have to go elsewhere. Where do you live? If you're in the Los Angels/Orange County area, I would be happy to give you the name and number to my surgeon.
I've read that if you go to your implanting PS, you will get a better price for explant, and that seems to be true for me. I paid almost $4,000 to be implanted in 1995, and the explant is going to cost $2,700. That will include lab work, a surgical bra, absolutely everything. If you get the capsules removed, the cost will be much higher as it will be a more extensive and time consuming procedure.
I know that your PS retired so you will have to go elsewhere. Where do you live? If you're in the Los Angels/Orange County area, I would be happy to give you the name and number to my surgeon.
June 26, 2016
I am in Texas but did some research today and found someone that I think I will call tomorrow. I am very curious about all of these people that have just the outpatient procedure and have them drained. How can they leave the capsule in there? Isn't that part of the problem? I'm so confused about how this works! I think you might be right about the muscle, I've been doing boot camp classes the last few months and it's a lot of chest stuff. I do wear a very constrictive bra though, I don't like them moving at all. I'm also a runner so idk. I just want them out.
June 26, 2016
The capsule that is sometimes left in is the scar capsule that your body creates around the implant. The actual implant bag (for lack of a better term) is always removed. It is all so confusing. If you decide to explant and record your journey here, let me know so I can follow. Ssending good thoughts and wishes to you. Sandy
August 29, 2016
June 26, 2016
Clever decision, you will not regret it!
My best wishes!
Xoxo
My best wishes!
Xoxo
June 27, 2016
Thanks a lot to you for those Spanish words!! :D ¿estás estudiando español? ;)
Be patient the day will arrive, you'll get to be free of these toxic plasctic balls and you will begin a better life without worries.
Take care!
My best wishes! [RS bleep]
Be patient the day will arrive, you'll get to be free of these toxic plasctic balls and you will begin a better life without worries.
Take care!
My best wishes! [RS bleep]
June 27, 2016
Hi Solet. I studied Spanish in high school and college. Then I taught school in East Los Angeles for several years and all of my students were hispanic, so I learned some there too, but my Spanish is terrible!! Yes, I'm looking forward to not having to worry about having toxins in my body anymore. Just one more month.
UPDATED FROM sandyland1
A dirty little secret about breast implants
There is a side effect of breast implants that is very rarely discussed. I'm not sure if everyone experiences it, but I sure did and so did my close friend from high school who got her implants just a few months ahead of me.
Getting implants had a negative effect on my sex life. I know that sounds counter-intuitive. It would seem that you'd have more body confidence, and your partner would find your sexy new curves appealing and everything would be great, but here's what happened to me.
My breasts became what I would describe as hyper-sensitive after being implanted. It actually almost hurts when they are touched. My husband doesn't appreciate having his hands swatted away, and the pleasurable feeling I once got when my breasts were touched is long gone. For reference, my incision was under the nipple.
My high school friend, who got implants right before me had a different but also negative change in the sensation of her breasts ,which also had an effect on her sex life. Her incision site was under her breasts and after implantation, her breasts became numb. It didn't irritate her to have them touched, as it did to me, but it no longer felt good.
I don't know if all women who have implants experience this, but there is no way you can have big bags placed in your chest and have no change in sensation whatsoever. I wish I had known of this before being implanted. It's probably the one thing that would have gotten through to my stubborn, young skull 21 years ago, and I'd really like to know what percentage of women experience this.
Getting implants had a negative effect on my sex life. I know that sounds counter-intuitive. It would seem that you'd have more body confidence, and your partner would find your sexy new curves appealing and everything would be great, but here's what happened to me.
My breasts became what I would describe as hyper-sensitive after being implanted. It actually almost hurts when they are touched. My husband doesn't appreciate having his hands swatted away, and the pleasurable feeling I once got when my breasts were touched is long gone. For reference, my incision was under the nipple.
My high school friend, who got implants right before me had a different but also negative change in the sensation of her breasts ,which also had an effect on her sex life. Her incision site was under her breasts and after implantation, her breasts became numb. It didn't irritate her to have them touched, as it did to me, but it no longer felt good.
I don't know if all women who have implants experience this, but there is no way you can have big bags placed in your chest and have no change in sensation whatsoever. I wish I had known of this before being implanted. It's probably the one thing that would have gotten through to my stubborn, young skull 21 years ago, and I'd really like to know what percentage of women experience this.
Replies (47)
June 28, 2016
Hello,
Same thing happened with me. Hypersensitivity immediately and just hard, large, round balls that would not move. They never ever once felt or feel natural. I also thought it changed my libido. So many sensations were just gone right away. The whole thing is just a sad, sad thing. If only I knew then what I know now. For me at this point, I am just anxious to get the toxic bags out and get back to my real body and self as soon as possible and hope to God everything goes back to 'normal'. Just having inside and wanting them out is creating a lot of anxiety.
Thanks for sharing I think it really does affect everything.
Same thing happened with me. Hypersensitivity immediately and just hard, large, round balls that would not move. They never ever once felt or feel natural. I also thought it changed my libido. So many sensations were just gone right away. The whole thing is just a sad, sad thing. If only I knew then what I know now. For me at this point, I am just anxious to get the toxic bags out and get back to my real body and self as soon as possible and hope to God everything goes back to 'normal'. Just having inside and wanting them out is creating a lot of anxiety.
Thanks for sharing I think it really does affect everything.
June 28, 2016
You too, Seeking Freedom? I really wonder how common this side effect is. I'm not expecting to ever have my normal, pre-implant feeling back. It sure would be nice, though! Have you scheduled an explant consultation yet? Sandy
June 29, 2016
Yes Sandy I also experienced. Maybe after they are out your body will go back. Our bodies are actually so amazing!
I had my 1st PCP consult only yesterday to see if my insurance will cover it. So I had to get ultra sound, x-rays, physical, etc. then go to a breast specialist and then see. Regardless I will get them out even if I have to get a loan.
I had my 1st PCP consult only yesterday to see if my insurance will cover it. So I had to get ultra sound, x-rays, physical, etc. then go to a breast specialist and then see. Regardless I will get them out even if I have to get a loan.
June 29, 2016
Are you going to the same PS who implanted you? I think you get a better deal that way. Mine gave me a discount. It's going to be quite a bit less expensive to get them out than is was to put them in over two decades ago, so that was a pleasant surprise.
June 29, 2016
I thought about that. The only thing is I live in New Mexico now and he is in Arizona. I was just checking to see if my insurance would cover it first then decide if I will go back to AZ or find someone here. Dr. Borsand in AZ gave a price of $2500 but that was before I told them I wanted the capsule out so I am sure it would be and added price. Still undecided for now.
June 29, 2016
I know exactly what you mean but mine was for a different reason. I had a lumpectomy done on my right breast and lost all pleasurable sensation in that breast. That was over 25 years ago. I'm very small chested and am so happy I never got implants. I'm on this sight because at 65 I want to get a tummy tuck. After 3 kids and menopause I've lost the nice flat stomach I once had.
June 29, 2016
Hi Marlyr. Well your lumpectomy couldn't have been avoided so no regrets there. At least you have one good side. You were so wise to never get implants! Nasty things, they are. Good luck with your tummy tuck. At least you won't be putting any foreign objects into your body. Nothing but trouble in doing that. Sandy
June 29, 2016
Thanks Sandy. My husband always wanted me to be bigger. I'm so thankful because I can look in the mirror and am still mostly "up there". Not as plump but no South Sea Island droop that my mom always complained of. Haha. Ladies, keep your boobies. Your sexual pleasure depends on it!!!
June 29, 2016
The only thing that happened to me was one nipple gets hard and the other tends not to unless touched.
It took a very long time though for the feeling to get back into them x
June 29, 2016
I guess you were one of the lucky ones because the feeling eventually came back. For me it never did. Hopefully they will never give you any trouble! How long have you had them?
July 1, 2016
This is so important. I feel bereft having had a BA revision and losing all of my remaining sensation. I had about 50% of it from the first BA 17 years ago, This was a revision to replace old implants and use the opportunity to go smaller. The PS made a bigger dissection to make them less lateral and I am completely numb from the nipples inwards. And for most of the top half of the implant. If I have an itch to scratch I forget and scratch it and then I feel nauseous. 2 months post revision and I can't bear to be touched, it's off the cards. I always felt self-conscious or winced with discomfort during intimacy with the previous implants, but now it's like having something rubber stuck on top of my body. I want them removed because of this, although I may then be completely flat, deformed and without sensation. It's just somehow worse having the fake culprits in my body, probably wreaking more damage. It's a big part of your body and experience as a woman to lose, I feel very weird and alone. It is no way worth it, I feel like part of my body has been carved out and written off. How can that be sexy?! Now I just hope I can breastfeed and retain some proportion of my sensation if I explant as soon as possible. I agree, I don't hear much about this from the women who have implants or explants, and I assumed that they retained or regained most of their sensation.
July 1, 2016
Hi Birene. You're not alone. I'm baffled as to why women aren't screaming this from the rooftops in order to prevent others from making the same mistake, but I have a very strong suspicion that this is a common side effect. I'm sure all women inquire as to the risks before being implanted. I certainly did and change in/loss of sensation was never mentioned to me, nor was it in any of the paperwork I received. There wasn't Internet access back then, so I had no way of educating myself. It would have made all the difference to me. I wouldn't have taken the risk. In any case, you should be fine in breasfeeding your children. I nursed both of mine, although the hyper-sensitivity made it extremely painful. I just sucked it up and did what was healthiest for my children. I hold on to no hope that i will regain my normal sensation after explant (which is in one month from today), but at least I won't have to worry about some of the horrible illnesses so many women experience as a result of being implanted. Best of luck to you. I wish I could give you a hug. It's a terrible club that we belong to!
July 14, 2016
Hmm, just when I think, "Oh, it doesn't matter", I am somehow reminded that it does. I was still a virgin when I had the implants put in, so I'm very sad that I never knew how it felt to be intimate with full sensation. I am so numb now. The main thing is to not obsess over this loss as it won't help of course. I hope you are right about breastfeeding, I think I was relatively okay before the revision to nurse, but I just realised that I have much less sensation in both nipples now as well. I can see that my skin on the breasts gets goosebumps in patches, but one of my nipples does not harden in the cold anymore. I know what you mean about internet access back then, god, we knew nothing! I only feel like a fool for going back for another round of implants to have the last sensation robbed. Prior to this revision I had very sensitive nipples during my IVF treatment cycles, presumably while I was ovulating. But the last cycle I had post-revision I could feel nothing. Poor bodies. Yes, I hope we luck out with our explants to some degree. Mine is scheduled for the 27 July, but I am apprehensive and my original PS is being difficult about helping me or refunding. I actually asked him for a refund, he said no, but then my partner reminded him about the contract. Anyway, he will now 'get back to me'. Thank you for your kind thoughts and hug.xx
July 12, 2016
I had the same thing happen to me.....ive had a few surgeries though and lifts.......but after my last surgery I got the hyper sensation and numbness in my right nipple the most and numbness on the sides of my breasts.......it sucks big time because they just don't feel normal anymore........my kids and dogs are always jumping on me and I'm always trying to protect them. I think about re implanting because I hate my empty boobs but I just wonder if that would make the weird feelings worse. Its a major bummer.......what I wouldn't give to have normal sensation back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when I was getting surgeries a decade ago their just wasn't as much internet info.......or at least I just wasn't as internet savvy as I am today! I wish there was something that could bring the sensation back!!!
July 13, 2016
Hi Remley. I think you look beautiful! Your figure is amazing and you have a beautiful face (kudos for showing it)! If you re-implant, somewhere down the road, you'll have to deal with more breast surgery. Really think about it...easy for me to say, I haven't explanted yet. Best of luck in whatever you decide is right for you!
Replies (16)