46 Yo. Breast Implant Removal Without Replacement. Portland, OR

I have had silicone above the muscle implants for 8 years. I just had them removed 4 days ago by Dr. Busby in Portland, OR. I had them removed because I have been in ill health for several years since getting implanted. I made my decision to remove my implants about two years ago but did not have the funding to do so at that time and have been planning my life around it since then. In the meantime I found the FB group "Breast Implant Illness and Healing Official Group." When I joined last November there were 1000 members, now there are over 2000 members. Some members are much sicker than I am some are less, some are there just to do their research before getting implanted. I found that there are many women just like me with stories that mirror mine. I am completely sure that implant removal was the right decision for me.

What needed to be in order prior to surgery: time off work, insurance coverage, flex spending card coverage, help to and from surgery, prepared meals in refrigerator, tight wrap for after surgery, tight sports bra (front opening best), medications filled, help to post op appointment, Cholase for constipation caused by narcotics, Turmeric tea: coconut milk, turmeric, ginger and pepper made into a tea to be used as an anti- inflammatory, comfortable pants (yoga pants), zip front top.

Prior to making my appointment with my PS I researched my insurance to understand my coverage. I found that implants were covered for removal if the patient had class III or IV contracture or a combination of complications. Also, I was not sure if my implants were ruptured or not. My mammogram showed that they were not ruptured but I read stories from women who's mammograms read normal and they were ruptured. Rupture was another implication for insurance coverage. Dr. Busby sent a narrative to my insurance company and since I had class IV contracture they approved.
From what I have researched the best way to insure recovery is to have the complete capsule removed enbloc. I knew that I needed to find a PS that could do that. I researched lifts but I honestly can not afford a lift and my health is my number one concern. But as far as lifts it is best to let your breast tissue settle for 6 to 12 mos before deciding on a lift because it takes that long for them to reshape or "fluff."

I decided to go with Dr. Busby because he had removed implants enbloc for another patient on this site a few years ago and I had already met him twice and was impressed by his disposition. He is very kind and straightforward and did not try to talk me out of the procedure or to into anything else and has over 20 years experience.

My surgery took close to 4 hours. I was wrapped in gauze with drains and an ace bandage and sent home after time in the recovery room. I had to be at the surgery center at 6:15 am and was home by noon.

The surgery consisted of an incision under each breast, the incision was a little longer than normal due to the enbloc procedure. The implants were removed then the capsules were removed. It felt like someone had scraped my ribs when I got home. It was very sore even with medication. I was happy about this because I wanted to make sure he got every bit of the capsule which he reported he did.
The implants were shown to me after the procedure and were completely in tact. They were a yellow color. I remember when they were implanted they were a clear see through whitish color like Tupperware. The first two days consisted of staying on top of the drains, meds (pain, cholase and antibiotic), drinking plenty of water and getting sleep. On Sunday I was actually feeling pretty good. I quit pain meds by the afternoon. I pretty much slept all day Sunday. Today is the 5th day and I was able to have the drains removed. It felt great to have them gone. The nurse removed my dressings and I saw my chest for the first time. I just glanced down and saw two concave breasts and that was enough for me. I didn't want to see. Maybe another day when I feel brave enough. The incisions are healing well, very happy about that.
I will post more soon.

I'm feeling great considering what I just went through. I went back to work yesterday and had enough energy to get through the day. I had to learn quickly how to be the master of camouflage because with my sports bra and binder I am as flat as a board. I can feel tingling from time to time in my right breast which is the one with the contracture. It kind of feels like my nerves are trying to fuse together. Again, I can't believe how well I am doing. I will wait a full month before I start detoxing. I am going to treat myself with care in the meantime by drinking lots of water, eating paleo, taking brief walks and getting extra sleep. I plan on going on an antifungal protocol, then chelation therapy. I will work with a ND to help get me through.
I was brave enough to take a look yesterday as I was getting dressed. I was shocked to see that my breasts weren't indented like they were the day before and they have a little fullness. I am not sure if this is serum or my tissue. I took photos and will post. I know it will take 6 months to a year for my skin to tighten up and my breasts to "fluff" if they are going to. In the meantime I am going to keep them bound for the next 8 weeks and try to be as patient as possible without getting upset about how they look.

This is my first down day since explant. I woke up in the middle of the night overheated and my chest was sore. I ripped the binder off and opened the window and fell back asleep. Today my legs are weak and my hands, shoulders and neck are sore. Typical to what would happen prior to explant. My chest feels like it has been beaten. I know this is part of the process. Just want to document it for all of you who are researching.