31 Yrs Old, No Children, Implants Removed After 9 Years - Pittsburgh, PA

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Hi! Well I am excited to report that after 9 yrs I...

  • 12 Jun 2016
  • 1 day pre
Hi! Well I am excited to report that after 9 yrs I am finally removing my silicone under the muscle implants. I first had implants put in during my last year of college, I chose saline implants through the underarm area that took me from about a 34 b to a 34 c bra size. I was very happy with them until around 5 yrs later when I lost around 15 lbs due to exercising and changes in my diet. It almost appeared that I didn't have implants at all and the ridges of the implants were showing through my skin giving almost a double chin effect:) so I ended up getting even larger implants taking me to a full 34 d bra size. This time I chose silicone as I was informed that it was less likely to produce the double chin effect. Also I was unable to talk the ps into going through under the arm as he insisted he needed to insert under the breast for the best placement. I was happy at first with my large implants but after a year or two the old ridge appeared again, no amount of massaging seemed to help. I also disliked the under breast scars. Now I am just over them and find myself trying to hide them under voluminous tshirts, etc and envying petite girls with skimpy shirts who look perfectly comfortable and cute. I just want to be natural again and I hope it isn't too late and my natural breast tissue hasn't been destroyed by these plastic balloons... My surgery is tomorrow, the plan is to remove the implants through my underarm and then perform a lift (around nipple only). I hope this will be enough. I am excited to be soft and natural and small again but I don't think I'll be able to deal with results that are significantly uneven or misshapen. I'm taking strength and courage from all the lovely ladies on this here who have gone before me. Wish me luck!!

They're out! Feeling fine

  • 13 Jun 2016
  • Day of treatment
Well it's all done, they're out and I feel fine. So far the only thing that hurts is my throat from the breathing tube. I'm all wrapped up and just resting up at home now. Dr. Clavijo felt at this time I didn't need the periareolar lift so just implant out. He removed them under the breast using my original implant scars so hopefully that all heals up nicely. I feel so much lighter! Posted a pic of my mummy torso above. Thanks to all you for posting such nice comments and for sharing your stories, I'll keep you all updated !

Day three - so far so good

  • 15 Jun 2016
  • 2 days post
Hi, nothing much has changed. I'm not in any pain, mostly my incisions are just itchy. My post op is next Thursday, that's when I'll actually get to see the girls. I snuck a little peek from the top but can't see much yet. Any minor discomfort I've had has been controlled with just ibuprofen and Tylenol so that's a plus. Waiting is the hardest part!

Provider Review

Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD, MPH, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
8400 SW 8th St, Miami, Florida
Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
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Time spent with me
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  • 12 Jun 2016

During my pre-op consultation Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez was exceptionally kind and personable. He spent an hour and a half discussing the procedure in depth with me and never made me feel rushed or uncomfortable in any way. He informed me of both the potential positives of the procedure as well as the risks without sugar coating anything. This has been hands down the most pleasant and informative experience I have ever had with ANY doctor. Before my surgery began Dr. Clavijo and his staff were incredibly friendly and made me feel comfortable and at ease. Dr. Clavijo very carefully marked out the areas on my chest where he would operate. I had to comment to him on how when I was marked prior to getting implants in, the surgeon at the time literally just slapped sharpie all over the front of my body. He then gave me his personal cell phone number so that I could contact him directly should I have any issues after surgery (also did not happen in my previous surgical experience). Before I went under anesthesia they brought my husband back, which was also very nice and wasn't allowed in my prior surgery experiences. I even received a call from Dr. Clavijo himself the afternoon after my surgery! Dr. Clavijo and I agreed prior to surgery that he would either remove the implants and perform a periareolar (around the nipple only) lift, or he would just simply remove the implants depending on how the results looked. He could have very easily just decided to perform the lift since I, being under, wouldn't have known the results anyway. He decided my results were fine and it was best for me to wait it out and see how I liked them before spending money on a lift and adding unnecessary scars. After the procedure he informed me of this and during my post-op appointment he promptly brought me a check paying me back for the lift that was not performed. It was clear that he cared more about my being happy with the result than he cared about making money. Dr. Clavijo will most definitely be my first choice for any procedures that I may decide to get in the future. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a plastic surgeon who is honest, extremely capable and who actually cares about his patients.