39 YO, Implant Removal W/reduction & Lift 42DDD - Orange County, NY

Hi Kimigirl, I have a similar story to yours... I'm 43 with implants for 20 years, ready to get them out! I too have struggled with weight fluctuations. My implants and size look very similar to yours. I started out with a D implant and now they are DD from the weight I've gained. Now I feel like they just make me look bigger than I am and having to always buy a larger shirt means they never fit in the waist-- which again makes you look bigger!
I could probably live with all that if I didn't start to have capsular contraction in my left breast. The pain is getting worse and I'm also having pain in my chest, rib cage and back, sometimes even my hips and sciatic nerve. Are you having any physical problems or just want to be smaller and lighter?
I look forward to watching your progress as I'm just beginning my explant journey, finding a good doctor and a way to pay for it all. Best of luck!

Hi greenladyjen! I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease approx a year ago ( I've heard / read conflicting info over whether or not this could be related to the implants as mine are saline filled). I sleep every night on a timed heating pad for my lower back and actually I'm typing this as I am sitting against it now. I am 5'6" and agree that I think these things make me look bigger and "hunched over". I can't wait to get this done with!! I send you all the best in your journey, my friend!!! Your day is coming!!!!

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I'm a 36GG and I'm meeting with surgeons to try to decide whether to explant then lift or explant and lift at the same time. I so want them out - I'm jealous that you have a surgery date!! Wishing all the best for you in your upcoming surgery! Xoxo

Congratulations for starting your explant journey. I'm sure it will be life changing for you in a good way. I have a question... and I hope it is not rude... what will happen to the tattoos on your breasts? I have extensive tattoos but not on my breast so they weren't involved. However, I've noticed my mole and other 'land marks' on my breast skin have moved or have been removed during my surgery. Tell me to get lost if I am being nosey - I'm just interested :)

Hi! I have no idea what will happen to the tattoos. I think I'll be ok with it whatever happens to them though. I'm just ready to stop being achy all the time! Lol

I have had my implants removed and a lift...which of course includes a reduction. I am only 2 weeks out from surgery so I can't give a final opinion. So far, even though I am horribly bruised, my healing is going well. My nipples are alive and kickin' .... there's no problems with the blood supply and they have sensation. My PS assured me that there are very few cases of 'nipple death'. I was not afraid of that happening....yes, there's a chance...but the chances are really small. When you look at my pics try to look past the horrific bruising. For some reason, my body just freaked out and I had a lot of bruising but mine is a lot worse than probably anybody else I have seen on Real Self. I went from a 34 DD to 34B and I am super happy with my size. Once I am healed it will even be better. The healing process is no joke, but the time does pass and you do feel and see progress. I would say the first 4 or 5 days is the worst...then it's just slow progress and you have to be careful with your activity but you can go about your day....a little painful but nothing that you can't deal with. Good luck with your surgery! You will do great. Can't wait for the updates. xoxo

Hi, I just came across your story. I had a lift with implants a few years ago, and had quite a reduction of my nipples with no problems. I had an explant and reduction 3 days ago, again reducing the nipple, and am doing great! I am also 39. I had a post op yesterday and he said everything is going very well. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask anything.

Hi, I was about to do an update on my profile, but will wait till my Pathology results are in. They are way overdo, so I hope by my next post op that the results are in. I see that you are a few days away from your surgery. Woohoo, soon you will be on the other side with those of us who have explanted. My surgery was April 25, 2016. My doctor - Dr. Edward Park in Upland, California & his staff were amazing throughout my visits, surgery, and post op appointments. I had an Explant, reduction, and lift with an areola reduction. My implants turned out to be McGhan textured saline implants which in my case were really silicone shell texture, with saline ... which meant many chemicals inside the shell. I was told they were discontinued due the implants having issues. In further research, I found that they were recalled in December 2005. Strange, I never got the memo!! My new PS, was not the PS who did my surgery in 1998. That PS is no longer practicing, as I believe he retired. My case is a little different due to my Braca Gene. I've already had Ovarian Cancer, so the chances of Breast Cancer for me are very high. The implants had to go, and even thought of going ahead with a mastectomy, but then my alternative would've been having an implant in again after the mastectomy. Now, I found out there are other alternatives, but I went ahead and had an Explant, etc. Several doctors had already mention it the mastectomy. I had gained 25 -30 lbs since my surgery in 1998, so I had plenty of breast tissue now. I had slowly been loosing weight since last year to get back down to 115 lbs. I made it to 117lbs, and still had enough breast tissue, as was told by my PS. I had my surgery on April 25, and all went smoothly. The usual post op pains. No drains, and was on antibiotic. Dr Park saw me 3 times post op, and I have another appointment coming up. He gave me Scar Medic to start massaging into my scars. I also, got a surgical bra, labs, included in my cost. Most important part was he listened to my desires, and what I wanted out of the surgery. He mentioned mastectomy, but when I said I did not want it, he didn't mention it again. I felt very comfortable with him, and his staff. He will make you laugh. I requested photos, and reports of surgery, pathology, and I will be getting those next week. I love my results! My breast are a B cup size, lifted, enough breast tissue ( he was correct), small areola, scars were as expected, and no surprises. I am very happy with my results. I've had a few hiccups since last week. I caught the flu from a sick family member..not a good thing!! Next, I have UTI...go figure... So I've been in pain, and with a horrid cough. My sutures did not like me coughing, but I tried my best not to pop any stitches. I'm better with the flu. It's 95% gone. If I still have the UTI by this evening, I'll be going to my primary physician tomorrow morning. The girls ( boobies) have survived the trauma..lol.. of the cough, and are healing well. They have dropped down to the more natural look, and after all these years, I really love my natural look. No more implants for me! So Kimigirl2012... I wish you the best of luck with your surgery. Take good care not to try and rush your recovery. Keep those arms taped to your side..uh just kidding about that..lol. But, be good to yourself, and don't lift your arms any higher than your PS tells you to. Take time out for you!! Rest, and relaxation. Hugs, kisses, and see you on the other side..countdown 2 more days! Blessings going your way for a smooth surgery, with an awesome recovery.