POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews
Gone and... Gone!
UPDATED FROM Sonnybutters
2 months post
Where have the past two months gone?
WORTH IT$2,400
Five words: I LOVE my "new" body!! It's been an incredible two months! New body and a new job! To say I haven't thought about my boobs would be a lie. The thoughts are different than they used to be. The thoughts are so much more positive now. My fiancé tells me almost every day, and this morning actually, that he loves my new/old body. He's so happy that I decided to have my implants removed. He boosts me up so much!
Sonnybutters's provider
UPDATED FROM Sonnybutters
14 days post
Two weeks post op...
Welp, it's been two solid weeks since my explant. I returned to work yesterday after being off since the 9th, and admittedly, it was bittersweet. Lol. I miss lounging!
The healing process has been amazing. I'd like to think I'm at 100% but, I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch. I noticed, at work yesterday, if I bounced too much, like running down a flight of stairs, I could feel in my incisions. They still feel a little raw inside. I hope that's not true because I pulled my steri strips off in the shower this morning. They were loose so they came off easily. Now that the strips are gone I can definitely feel the scar inside. Any pointers on massaging that so it smooths out?
Although the physical healing is going smoothly, my mental healing had a hiccup. Lol. I'm embarrassed to admit that I had a mild meltdown last Friday night. My fiancé and I made plans to have dinner and drinks with a friend of ours, and my almost non-existent girly side reared her ugly head. I couldn't find a dang thing to wear. I put on a cute tank that looked good prior to the explant and I asked my fiancé for his opinion. I wanted his honest opinion. Really... I did. He told me, nicely, "i don't think it's meant for your new body type." Maybe not but it was comfy. I just walked back to the closet and stood there crying cause I couldn't find anything, besides a T-shirt. Bless his sweet, sweet heart. He apologized and just hugged me until I stopped bawl babying. Lol. All was well about 15 minutes later and we had a great night.
For some reason my pics won't upload... I'll try those again later. Have a great day everyone!!
Replies (4)
September 23, 2014
I think a high neck tank looks lovely on small chests. I think regular tanks look fine too though. My husband has been so supportive and only initially expressed concern that I wouldn't be happy. I certainly hope I am but I think I will have days that that too. It will be a huge change.
September 24, 2014
I really need to learn to dress this "new" old body. I'm going to take some of your pics you sent with me when I go. ; ) Thanks again for those!
I sure hope you're ultimately happy with your decision! I just about bet you will be. Being implant free is so comfortable. How are you feeling with the deflation so far?
September 24, 2014
Everything feels great. Absolutely no pain. Although I see no change since the deflation and I've read that can happen. Oh well, surgery is next week so I'm not going to do anything more until then. So much for a slow deflation process!
September 24, 2014
Oh that's great! I've not really heard much about deflation. Is it a way to help the skin contract slowly? Well, Oct 2nd will be here before you know it! You'll look, and feel, great!
September 23, 2014
Aaawwwww Sonnybutters I think having some hiccups is normal. How sweet of you to share this as it confirms that we all need time to get used to the new (old) us! It's only been 8 days for me, and I trip out every single time I put something on and I see so much flatness (especially with this compression thing on). I have a wedding to go to on 10/11 and I am thinking about wearing this same dress I wore a couple of months ago to a different wedding. I'm a little concerned on how it will look on me and the last thing I want to do is go dress shopping. After all, I have a whole bunch of new bras I HAVE to buy! Being vulnerable and expressing our feelings is a beautiful act - thank you for sharing as it helps all of us on guiding our way on this adventure of acceptance! I'm glad to hear you ended up having a great night!
September 24, 2014
Hi Happy! How're you feeling today? Sure hope you're feeling fantastic. : ) Thank you for being so sweet!
September 24, 2014
Thank you Sonnybutters. ...I walked a couple miles today (slowly) and it felt good. I hace a post-op appt. Today so let's see what the Doc says. I seem to just have swelling on the upper pec area on right side and top shoulder are of left side. ? Not sure why but I'm feeling pretty good....thank you for asking!
September 25, 2014
Hi - (I like the shortened happy) happy - how did post op go? Did you find out about the swelling? X
September 25, 2014
Post-op went well. He's not sure why I have swelling in the upper pec area and thinks maybe I pushed or pulled something too hard. Doc suggested I massage the area and place a hot towel on it. I called an old friend of mine who is an acupuncturist and he did a treatment on me. I felt much better and will go back next week for another one. He also gave me a therapeutic Chinese oil to massage in the area. Thanks for asking Bluebell - how are you?
September 24, 2014
I hate to ask but do you have any updated pics! I think your body is amazing! I will be thrilled if I have your result!!!!
September 25, 2014
Wow!! Thank you, 2727!! You can ask anything you'd like. : ) I've actually been trying to upload my 'two week postop' pics but I'm having some trouble. I asked the Realself helpdesk for assistance, I'm still waiting to hear back. As soon as I'm able to, I will definitely post pics.
September 25, 2014
Thanks! I had a revision done in January replacing 14 year old saline with silicone and my new surgeon believe there was nerve damage in the surgery because in in terrible pain. At 37 years old I have decided to just remove them. I was a 32 maybe a cup on a good day so I'm nervous about removing! Were you nervous? My doc says taking them out is the best chance to help the pain. He also said "won't it be nice to never worry about your boobs again?" Why don't they tell us these things the first time around????
September 26, 2014
I have to say I agree with your PS about removing for pain reasons. He sounds like a great surgeon! I like that he asked "wouldn't it be nice not having to worry anymore?" He's taking your health and happiness into consideration over his bank account. That's incredible! Since I've removed mine all of my issues have disappeared. I never had true pain, per say, just more of an uncomfortable, pulling feeling. I always felt crooked. Lol. If I didn't wrap up like a mummy things felt... weird. There wasn't a single day where I wasn't aware of my boobs. Lol. They never felt like my body. Just foreign...
Was I nervous? I really wasn't. I had my few fleeting moments of doubt. Like all of the other ladies I wanted to know what I was going to look like. Like having that info was going to be my deciding factor. Honestly, If I hadn't found this website I'd probably still have my implants. The support on here has, and still is, phenomenal.
September 25, 2014
Wow you look awesome! Mine is in 4 days. Any tips/advice? What post bra did you use? Any lotions or anything special because you look great so I want to use what you used :)
September 26, 2014
Thank you, H8mybbs!! Your day is right around the corner! Are you excited?
You'll love it!! : )
I didn't really do anything extra, or out of the ordinary, prior to surgery or even now. When I had my implants put in, my original PS required I take a grocery list of vitamins and supplements. I didn't ask too many questions then so I don't know his reasoning behind that. This time, with the explant, my new PS told me to stop taking EVERYTHING, except Tylenol (if I needed it), two weeks prior to surgery. After surgery, like everyone is, I was wrapped with an ace bandage. I wore that everyday for the first week. To help keep it in place, and to add a little extra compression, I wore a basic sports bra over it. During the first week I used an ice pack for about 20-30 min every night while laying in bed to help with inflammation. I'm not sure if I needed it but, it felt good. As far as creams or lotions, I don't use anything. I do drink A LOT of water though.
I hope this helps and inside you the best of luck! Keep us posted! : )
September 26, 2014
Grrr... Autocorrect. Lol. That is supposed to say "I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!"
September 26, 2014
Thank you! I drink one coffee in the morning and the test of the day is water. My dr also said no vitamins nothing except Tylenol one week prior. Silly question but I'm stressing over what to wear to the surgery lol what kind of shirt? Also its supposed to be 90 on Monday do you think tighter yoga capris would be ok? But seriously the shirt thing has me stressed out lol
September 26, 2014
You're very welcome! Yeah, Im a sucker for a sweet, creamy caramel iced coffee from McDonald's! I get one almost everyday. Lol.
I wore a tank top (the grey one from my photo above), a zip up hoodie, and a pair of shorts, and flip flops. I think it was in the mid 70s when we left at 6:00am the morning of surgery.
Are you going to have general anesthesia or local? I had general and I was a little chilly on the drive home afterwards. I guess that's normal. I'd think your yoga pants will be fine. You'll be super comfy! The preop nurse i spoke with, the day before surgery, said that a loose shirt, or something that's easy to get on will work. Don't dtress out. You'll be just fine! : )
September 26, 2014
My doc isn't using drains and doesn't do compression! He told me to pick out a nice front zip sports bra with a lot of compression. Victoria secret makes a good one with some padding and said that was fine. I'm hoping the lack of compression won't be an issue. Maybe I'll ask him if I should bind up anyway. Someone on here did and she looks amazing! I've also heard that wearing a push up type of sports bra helps keep the tissue higher! Hmmmm
September 26, 2014
Try to wear a shirt/gym cover up that either has a zipper or buttons for easy on/off access. Your yoga pants should be fine. My feet get cold easily and since they like to keep those surgical rooms cold, I had fluffy socks on. Comfort is the key. No jewelry, not even your wedding ring. Don't stress....Not worth it. Remember it's all about comfort and hydrate with water as much as possible after your procedure. I always put a slice of cucumber and a meyer lemon in my water for healthy skin benefits plus it makes the water taste good.
September 26, 2014
I wore a loose button up shirt with a vest top under so if I had drains it's roomy and practical ( I didn't need drains in the end) with loose casual trousers and comfy pumps - all easy and relaxed - funny I stressed over clothes but in the end it was all
Ok - you'll be fine xxxxx watch a film xxxx
UPDATED FROM Sonnybutters
7 days post
One week down...
Hi! It's been exactly one week since my explant surgery. I couldn't be happier. I had my first follow-up appt, yesterday. My surgeon confirmed that the puffiness isn't actually fluid, like I thought. It's just extra skin that will need time to contract. He said everything looks great and to follow-up again in a month. After my second follow-up I shouldn't need to be seen again. He did tell me that while I was in surgery one of the nurses said "she's gonna want something back in there." I told him, after a slightly uncomfortable giggle, "I don't think so. It feels way too good without implants." He just nodded and smiled. It's a nice feeling being completely comfortable in my own skin. It's amazing being flat and weightless. Lol. I wish I had this feeling of myself when I was 24...
Over the past few days, since my last update, I've been taking it easy... for the most part. My fiancé and I went on a 4 mile walk (he ran) Sunday afternoon. It was so nice to get out of the house. Seems like it's been months... Lol. Yesterday evening we helped a friend move, and I think I may have lifted too much a little too soon. The muscles in my shoulders, underarms, and biceps are a little tender today. : / I'll take the soreness as a friendly reminder that I should workout more often. ; )
Over the past few days, since my last update, I've been taking it easy... for the most part. My fiancé and I went on a 4 mile walk (he ran) Sunday afternoon. It was so nice to get out of the house. Seems like it's been months... Lol. Yesterday evening we helped a friend move, and I think I may have lifted too much a little too soon. The muscles in my shoulders, underarms, and biceps are a little tender today. : / I'll take the soreness as a friendly reminder that I should workout more often. ; )
Replies (4)
September 16, 2014
thank you so much for the updates. please continue to do so for all of us who haven't had the courage yet! you are inspiring!
September 16, 2014
YEAH!!!! You look so so good! Hoping to look that great when all is said and done:)
September 18, 2014
Thanks, 2727!!! I have a feeling you'll look great! I haven't seen anyone on here that doesn't look amazing after an explant, regardless of their outcome. It's all about being natural and, in my opinion, natural is always beautiful!
September 16, 2014
Congratulations on your decision. You look great. I appreciate you sharing your journey.
September 16, 2014
Sonnybutters - you look adorable!!! Healing quite beautifully but DO NOT OVERDO it - are you crazy woman???!!! No more moving boxes silly woman! REST - take it easy!
September 18, 2014
Thank you!! I know, I know. ; ) Lol. I just feel so fantastic that I need to get on with it. I do have to go back to work on Monday and that's what I do, move boxes (FedEx courier). Helping a friend move was my test to see if I'm actually ready. ; ) Not really, I probably should have waited but, when duty calls... ; )
Replies (4)