59 Yrs Old with 27 Year Old Implants...I'm Done. - Oxford, MS

I was 33 years old when I got my smooth saline implants over the muscle. I went from a 38AA to a full 38C. I never had a problem until two years ago when I developed a cc on the right side. My ps told me point blank that without implant replacements, I would be concave and wrinkled due to my age, thin skin and the fact that I had very little breast tissue. He assured me I wouldn't like the results and he was clear that replacing the implants was the best solution esthetically.

After reading the Real Self Testimonies for months, I knew I wouldn't get implants again. Your personal accounts helped me realize that there was a chance that problems could crop up with new implants and I didn't want to have anymore surgeries. You all said that you didn't regret your explantations and nearly all of you were happy to be natural again. So I went forward hoping for the best but expecting the worst.

I scheduled my surgery for the removal of both capsules and implants for February 28, 2014. My procedure was done under general anesthesia and it took about 1.5hrs. I don't remember anything about the surgery except waking up after it was over. Unlike most of you, I wasn't wrapped snuggly in anything, and was sent home in the shirt I came in with the drain collection bags clipped to it. My right breast filled with fluid more than the left due to the scar tissue removal from the cc. Though the drains were annoying to deal with (dressing around them and tracking the fluid output), my biggest inconvenience was having to sleep on my back until they were removed. The drains were in for 6 days. My ps removed them (it was painless) and told me I could resume my elliptical exercise, just don't use my arms for a couple of weeks. He said he didn't need me to come back and to call if I had any problems. I haven't had any problems. I'm blessed with a husband who is totally supportive. He helped me through every phase of the surgery and homecare after.

As you can see by the pictures, I'm definitely not "esthetically perfect", but I'm not the monster that the ps was predicting either. I can breathe deeply for the first time in 27 years and I can lay on my stomach comfortably again. I hope my golf swing will improve since I don't have to reach around a protruding, unyielding chest and I'm looking forward to wearing smaller tops and bras. I'm happy with my results and so is my husband.

I owe a great debt to all of you for your selflessness in sharing your stories and pictures. I have a huge respect for you younger ladies who are making the "no more implants" decision in your 20's, 30's and 40's. I wish I had done it sooner. I know there are alot of us older women out there too. It was because of you, that I made my decision to explant without replacements. Thank you so much for sharing your journeys. My hope is that my story will help someone who is struggling with similar circumstances. Stand firm and know what it is you want not only from the surgery, but also from your life going forward. Our health and well-being is worth so much more than our breast size. Good luck to all.