Explanting but Not Anti-Breast Implant - Pittsburgh, PA
For the past month or so I've been on this site...
For the past month or so I've been on this site reading your very personal experiences and am grateful for all the information you have provided. There has been a wealth of knowledge about the explantation process, pros and cons, complications, methods, additional procedure options (such as lifts), etc. available to me to try to make an educated decision with the assistance of my PS. Since I found the site helpful beyond words, I decided to share my story as well in hopes that it helps someone as you all have helped me, so here I go.
After reading numerous reviews, I've noticed that I feel rather differently than most about having breast implants. I don't regret mine nor do I hate them. I had my breast augmentation in April 2002 and after over ten and a half years of having them, I wish I didn't have to have them removed but I am. I had Mentor round saline implants (300 cc overfilled to 320cc if I recall correctly) placed under the muscle through periareolar incisions taking me from a 34A to a 34C.
After having my implants for around five years, I began a quick weight gain of around 65 or 70 pounds and lost it again in the past couple years. It seems that towards the end of this weight loss is when the shift began. Until around two months ago, I had no real issues with them at all but now my left implant is starting to shift outward towards my underarm. Now I can feel it when I move my arm, try sleeping on my side or rolling in my sleep and basically even just sitting around it feels awkward. Slightly sore but mainly just strange. It has also caused an excessive thinning of the skin under the left hand side of my left breast. The implant can be felt more than usual and significantly more than my right implant.
I decided I couldn't ignore the issue and scheduled consultations with two local plastic surgeons - one at the recommendation of my former plastic surgeon (who has since moved across the country) and one at the recommendation of a close friend who has had some work done as well. I was explained the options and have decided to have them removed entirely, at least temporarily. The thinned skin would likely require some extra work to have the desired results if I were to simply replace my implants and have them resituated. I have decided to let my body heal up for at least six months, see if I am okay with myself and the results and make a final decision then. I can always leave them alone if I'm okay with them or have new implants put in or a lift if they don't bounce back. It seems like most people here are extremely happy with their decision and have had lovely results. Fingers crossed I will feel the same.
My surgery is in two days but I wasn't ready to write until now. I will try to keep posting along the way to get a full and accurate recovery process.
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Gut reaction after just having had surgery a...
Yes I know this will change and it needs time to really sink in but figured I'd put my first reaction out there. I'll give a more in depth post about today's surgery sometime tomorrow.
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Thank you SO much for your story. I'm sure it will help lots of other ladies embarking on a similar journey.
Thinking about you today and hoping it was smooth sailing.
Day of Surgery - The day of surgery did not go...
The day of surgery did not go as smoothly as I would have liked but overall I can't complain much.
I should start of by pointing out that I opted out of anesthesia because of issues I had with my breast augmentation. They had trouble getting me out from under and once I was awake my body would not cooperate with excessive vomiting for hours and shaking (and this was after telling them beforehand that our family had a history of issues with this and them trying to handle it accordingly). Knowing my bad reaction, it did not seem necessary for the half hour surgery this time around. Therefore, I was given some Valium and Percocet beforehand as well as local and was fully aware of everything going on the entire time. Here was my day...
My surgery was scheduled for 1 pm with arrival around 12:30 so I could take the pills beforehand and let them kick in. I arrived to find out that the doctor was running behind an hour and a half to two hours because his first appointment of the day had been late and thrown off the entire schedule. They tried to call me but because I live about 45 minutes away and always insist on being slightly early, I had already been in the car driving and didn't get the call. I tried to stay calm and not get mad but I was. I was already beyond nervous and upset and now I had to sit around for almost two hours extra dwelling on it?! That essentially doubled our time there but nothing I can do about it but move forward. My parents, husband and I went down a floor to the family of patients waiting area and I began my wait. A little while after I was originally scheduled for surgery I was given the pills and I was very thankful. Nothing was phasing me then but I felt wound up and talkative rather than tired.
About 45 minutes later the doctor came down to see how I was doing and decided another Valium would probably help. A woman escorted me upstairs to a consultation room where I changed into my gown, was given a second Valium, the doctor marked me for incisions, injected me with the local and I was left to lay down for a short time. Later I was escorted down a short hall into the operating room. I was laid out flat, my arms lightly fastened to outstretched boards, antiseptic products swabbed all over my breasts and chest, and paper coverings strategically placed across my chest and body. The ladies prepping me talked with me a little to keep me relaxed and I was allowed to pick my type of music, so I opted for 80's, my favorite. Soon we were ready to roll and the doctor came in. You all know the basics but I was aware of everything going on. In hindsight, I am questioning my decision to stay awake a little. I felt pain here and there but nothing major, it was more of the knowing what all was happening that was nerve wracking. Feeling the pressure from the cuts and pulling open, the draining of the implants, insertion of drains, stitches. I could distinguish each step easily. I was done in the half hour or so they expected and there were no major surprises or concerns. I requested to see the implants which many may find strange but they nicely obliged. They did travel along with me in life for over ten years after all. After they took all the paper sheets off, the ladies bandaged me up in an Ace bandage with large foam sponges to put pressure on them and help prevent liquid from collecting. Moved across another hall into a recovery room where I stayed for about a half hour, some alone and some with my family. Got my post op prescriptions and a sheet of recovery rules and was wheeled out to roll on home. Finding it hard to sleep as my right breast is fairly sore but overall I am doing fine.
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Thanks for your great update! I'm glad you're on the other side and now just have to focus on healing.
Good luck tomorrow! I'll be thinking happy thoughts for your surgery. :)