POSTED UNDER En Bloc Capsulectomy REVIEWS
Time to Remove 19 Year Old Ruptured Silicone Implants, 47 Years Old - Plymouth, GB
ORIGINAL POST
Hi ladies, my story sounds so much like so many of...
Hi ladies, my story sounds so much like so many of yours and I'm so grateful to have found this site and read your brave journeys. It has given me the strength to do something I have wanted to do for a long time but never thought possible - remove these implants! So, here is my story. When I was 27 I was a runner, lighter than I am today with 36A's - I longed to look more in proportion and fill a bra. My dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and to make myself feel better (!!!) I stupidly decided to have a boob job. It was a rash decision and without the internet in those days we didn't have the means to research the complications. My ps said he would give them to his sister and that was good enough for me. So I had 240cc low profile silicone implants which took me to a 36B. I didn't want big boobies, just bigger boobies. They looked good but immediately they felt wrong. I've felt self conscious about them ever since. I told no-one I was getting it done and got away with it. Fast forward nearly 20 years and 2 breastfed babies later I find a small lump under my right arm. After a scan I'm told I have a ruptured right implant. Well I left the hospital thinking I'd have to have them reluctantly replaced but then to my relief found this site and saw the wonderful results from explants. It was like a light coming on. I've felt like I've been slowly deteriorating health wise for years, exhaustion, hair loss, joint ache and it all now makes sense. So I've been back to my GP and am awaiting an appointment with a breast consultant. I'm not certain yet that I'll be able to have the removal on the NHS but believe I meet the criteria. My concern is that they may not remove the capsule - does anyone know if they will do this? I also have a consultation scheduled in August with Dr McDiarmid as a comparison (don't know if he removes capsule either) I'd really appreciate it if anyone could let me know their recommendation for a surgeon in the UK who will remove the capsule. Has anybody explanted without having the capsule removed and do you feel better? Thank you ladies.
UPDATED FROM Ellen25
Update with picture
So, I'm going for a consultation on 23rd August with James McDiarmid in Cheltenham. Really hope he can tell me he will remove the capsule. I want everything out so I have no regrets afterwards. Here's a picture of me now. Right implant is ruptured. It's just taking so long to move forward I have to be patient but I need to find a surgeon who will do en bloc/remove capsule.
Replies (11)
July 9, 2016
Good luck with your consultation. I'm 10 days post explant and relieved it's done and I can focus on my recovery now. Hopefully the capsule was removed- I'll find out next week! Glad to have my little ones back, no regrets, I was 100% certain that explant was the right thing for me, once again, hope everything goes ok for you, take care X
July 10, 2016
Good luck honey I got back last night from having mine out NHS lymph too bit sore well worth it hey they don't look bad at all I Been worried but impressed with how our bodies re cover good luck sweetheart xx
July 10, 2016
Even though it is ruptured, it still looks good. You can't tell at all that there's anything wrong. It's a shame that they never felt natural for you because they do look very nice. Good luck with everything.
July 11, 2016
Thank you. I think they're about the size some people are after explant 36B! But they're only 240cc, I don't mind going back down to an A cup, I just want to be natural and feel better. I don't want my girls to think they should have bigger boobs than they are naturally given either. I almost had a replacement until I saw this site. It's been like an epiphany coming to my decision to explant.
July 11, 2016
Hi. Was the lump you found under your arm a piece of implant, or was it a lymph node reacting to the ruptured implant? Good luck with the consult.
July 11, 2016
Hi, well I had an ultrasound scan and was told it wasn't sinister and nothing to worry about but that my implant had ruptured and I had leaking silicone. But, thinking about it, the lump couldn't have been leaking silicone as you wouldn't feel it, so I'm not sure now!
July 11, 2016
Oh so pleased for you girls. I'm 100% sure I want an explant - if I'd seen this site sooner I'd have done it years ago before the rupture. I actually went to my GP ten years ago saying I regretted having them and he said I could have them out on the NHS but I thought I'd look hideous and didn't do it. Now I've got a ruptured implant and don't think the NHS do en bloc so will have to pay privately. Aaaaasargh!
July 12, 2016
I had both sets of important pants done in the UK and removed them in the US along with some fat transfer three weeks ago. It's the best thing I have done . You'll have to research getting the capsule out. There is no reason to keep it in your body . Insist a they are removed for for future health
UPDATED FROM Ellen25
NHS Consultation Date
Hi girls, I now have a date with the NHS Consultant on 12th September. I know it's a long way off and I've had to stop myself going private to speed it up but I want to see if they will remove the capsule. I would hate them to say they'll do their best then leave half of it behind. I also spoke to Dr Nogueira in Madrid who is really straight talking and says the capsule must come out. This is what I want to hear from a surgeon. I have leaking silicone I really can't see how any surgeon would be ok to leave them in but who knows what they'll say.
Replies (9)
July 20, 2016
Hi Ellen, hope you are ok and not too anxious about your consultation. I think the NHS will remove your capsule. I know we've chatted before and can confirm that they said to me that they can't say 100% what they will do until I was in the operating room. I made it clear that I wanted the capsule removed but the surgeon said that it might be better to leave it in and score it! I know you prefer en bloc too. I hope you get some answers from your consultant. I had a long list typed up and I think my ps quite liked my queries! Good luck and please keep in touch X
August 14, 2016
Hi! My story is so similar! I found a lump , had an ultrasound and found the rupture. I'm having an MRI on Wednesday to confirm intra/extra capsular leak and then meeting to discuss the results the week after with both my NHS and private surgeons. I was under the impression that if the implants are leaking, then it will all be removed- not sure where I read that though??! Keep us posted xx
August 14, 2016
Just found this- hopefully will be of use x https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/215201/dh_132438.pdf
August 15, 2016
Thank you so much for this info. I never had an MRI after my ultrasound. I need to ask more questions at my appointment about the lump. Now I know I want to explant I'll be more prepared. Good luck and keep in touch!
August 24, 2016
Hi I have had my implants for 21 years, I had them done because my partner was deceiving me and I didn't feel good enough, I was 35 at the time. I went from a 36c to a 38dd and they still look fab. I had breast cancer 6 years ago and they survived a biopsy, lumpectomy, numerous mammograms and radiotherapy with no rupture. I am suffering from the start of Capsular in the breast I had the radiotherapy on which they said may happen. I have had one consultation with the consultant plastic surgeon at the Castle Hill hospital in Hull and he gave me my options. I was very unsure what to do as I am worried they go flat and saggy, he told me I had a good volume of muscle above the implant and may be pleasantly surprised with the result. He sent me away with my options and said it was a big decision so he wanted to give me some time to think about it, they will take them out without cost re NHS. Having been in a bit of a dilemma of what to do, I have been following all you Ladies on the Realself App and am pleased to say I have made the decision to explant. I am fed up of men talking to my boobs, there is a real person under them and now it's time to go back to being me again. I have my next consultation on the 6th of September and I am so exited about my decision! Even tho I probs won't be able to have it done until January because of a trip to Disneyworld Florida that is booked for New Year to go and see my Daughter who is working there at present. Thank you again Realself team... I will keep you updated [RS bleep]
August 27, 2016
Oh wow, you have really been having a tough time. So sorry, but also how great that you have come through it and can continue to be kind to yourself by having your implants removed. This can only be a good thing! Think of it as part of the cleansing process - out with all things bad and get back to being you. You don't need them. Excited for you xx
August 26, 2016
Hi, I just read through your story. I too am in the UK and it will be 4 years this Nov that I hade my implants removed (not en bloc but capsules out) I also had lymph nodes removed and breast reconstruction done. It was THE best thing that I ever did for myself. It took a while for my health to improve but now at the grand old age of 61, I can honestly say that I feel sooooo much better and I am able to do things that I never thought I would do again. I still have the odd wobble with my CFS symptoms, but more and more I am getting back to being me. If I can offer one piece of advice it would be to follow your instincts and listen to what your body is telling you. Good luck with your appointments and your surgery. I have removed my photos from the site as it's been so long but you can read my journey on here and if you need any info please just ask xx
August 27, 2016
Thank you so much. 4 years ago I never thought it possible that I would have them removed as I thought I'd look a saggy mess but then I found this forum and it is like an epiphany. I'm so sure I want them removed, it can't happen quick enough. So glad you are feeling better and continuing to heal. Can I ask if you had hair loss and if so did it grow back? Xx
Replies (11)