POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
Explant and Capsulectomy No Lift
ORIGINAL POST
I'm over having implants and really want them out....
WORTH IT$5,000
I'm over having implants and really want them out. They are heavy and just don't feel like me (cause they're not) I'm also wanting a lift since I nursed for over 2 years and then had implants for 15 years. I'm 5' tall and my bra size is 32 DD. I've been interviewing doctors in the Portland area and I'm not connecting yet with anyone I feel solid about. I need to feel I can completely trust them and I want to like their work. This may be a tall order it would seem...
Dr. Busby at the Oregon Clinic is by far the nicest and most honest doctor I've met, such a great guy. Really can't say enough wonderful things about him. He is retiring very soon through. I'm not impressed with his "after" photos although he really doesn't have a lot of them to share so it's hard to really see his work. If he wasn't retiring I would investigate his work more.
Had a consultation with Dr. Racheal Streu at the Waldorf clinic and she was terrible to me. She seemed annoyed to be giving me a free consultation. She rolled her eyes when I told her I didn't want implants anymore. She told me I would look terrible and that I need to replace my implants with smaller implants. It was quite shocking since I had assumed for some reason that seeing a women would be a more understanding situation, not the case at all. Boo !
Dr. Bensimon at the Bensimon Clinic is an interesting one. He's a nice guy and his wife who is as sweet as Apple Pie works in the clinic. They claim to be a "holistic plastic surgery clinic" This kind of cracks me up because... nothing about getting plastic surgery is "holistic" Basically they recommend bone broth, veggie juice and the use of coconut oil. All very good recommendations for sure. :) His work is pretty good. He is who gave me the implants I have now and am wanting out. He placed larger high profile implants than I understood I was getting so that was not great. When I went back to talk about explanting with a lift his quote was $22,000. WHAT??!!!! That is over double of what everyone else has quoted me. :( He's good but not double everyone else good. Also he says that there is no need to remove the capsules and this is a topic I'm having a hard time getting clear on.
I saw Dr. Demars today. This was an unfortunate situation. They claim he will spend over an hour with you answering your questions but the truth is I waited an over an hour after I was asked to come in an hour earlier than I was originally scheduled. Then they wanted to show me an animated movie about what a breast lift is. Then They take me through other generic steps that really have nothing to do with me getting any answers to my questions. When I finally sat down with Demars he started in on his A to Z with me, not even really looking at me. He was not at all interested in my questions or what I was hoping to accomplish. The few answers he did give me were short and dismissive.
Example:
Me- What type of anesthesia do you use?
Demars - whatever kind the anestialogist wants to. : /
Also, his work is not great. All of his breast "lifts" in his gallery are with implants too so... I feel silly for even going to his office. I just really wanted someone to answer my questions and they claimed to really take the time... When I told him I was feeling frustrated because I had specific questions I would really like answers to, he laughed at me. I left there pretty pissed and got my money back for the consultation.
In 2 weeks I have an appointment with Dr. Daniel Zegzula at the Portland Plastic Surgery Group. I like his reviews and I like his work. Really hoping he is the right fit. I'm ready to do this.
I love this platform, it has answered more questions for me than any doctor has so far. I'm going to share my journey in hopes that it helps someone else. :)
p.s
Posting photos of my boobs on the internet is a bit unnerving but I have found it helpful when someone who has boobs similar to mine posts and then I get to see how it all worked out for them.
Dr. Busby at the Oregon Clinic is by far the nicest and most honest doctor I've met, such a great guy. Really can't say enough wonderful things about him. He is retiring very soon through. I'm not impressed with his "after" photos although he really doesn't have a lot of them to share so it's hard to really see his work. If he wasn't retiring I would investigate his work more.
Had a consultation with Dr. Racheal Streu at the Waldorf clinic and she was terrible to me. She seemed annoyed to be giving me a free consultation. She rolled her eyes when I told her I didn't want implants anymore. She told me I would look terrible and that I need to replace my implants with smaller implants. It was quite shocking since I had assumed for some reason that seeing a women would be a more understanding situation, not the case at all. Boo !
Dr. Bensimon at the Bensimon Clinic is an interesting one. He's a nice guy and his wife who is as sweet as Apple Pie works in the clinic. They claim to be a "holistic plastic surgery clinic" This kind of cracks me up because... nothing about getting plastic surgery is "holistic" Basically they recommend bone broth, veggie juice and the use of coconut oil. All very good recommendations for sure. :) His work is pretty good. He is who gave me the implants I have now and am wanting out. He placed larger high profile implants than I understood I was getting so that was not great. When I went back to talk about explanting with a lift his quote was $22,000. WHAT??!!!! That is over double of what everyone else has quoted me. :( He's good but not double everyone else good. Also he says that there is no need to remove the capsules and this is a topic I'm having a hard time getting clear on.
I saw Dr. Demars today. This was an unfortunate situation. They claim he will spend over an hour with you answering your questions but the truth is I waited an over an hour after I was asked to come in an hour earlier than I was originally scheduled. Then they wanted to show me an animated movie about what a breast lift is. Then They take me through other generic steps that really have nothing to do with me getting any answers to my questions. When I finally sat down with Demars he started in on his A to Z with me, not even really looking at me. He was not at all interested in my questions or what I was hoping to accomplish. The few answers he did give me were short and dismissive.
Example:
Me- What type of anesthesia do you use?
Demars - whatever kind the anestialogist wants to. : /
Also, his work is not great. All of his breast "lifts" in his gallery are with implants too so... I feel silly for even going to his office. I just really wanted someone to answer my questions and they claimed to really take the time... When I told him I was feeling frustrated because I had specific questions I would really like answers to, he laughed at me. I left there pretty pissed and got my money back for the consultation.
In 2 weeks I have an appointment with Dr. Daniel Zegzula at the Portland Plastic Surgery Group. I like his reviews and I like his work. Really hoping he is the right fit. I'm ready to do this.
I love this platform, it has answered more questions for me than any doctor has so far. I'm going to share my journey in hopes that it helps someone else. :)
p.s
Posting photos of my boobs on the internet is a bit unnerving but I have found it helpful when someone who has boobs similar to mine posts and then I get to see how it all worked out for them.
Explant Journey's provider
Replies (15)
April 10, 2018
Oh my gosh, RUN from those Doctors. I met 1, He wanted to do removal, put smaller implants in then a lift and he was going to take capsules out, which you want them to do. I think I still have mine from 18 years ago when I had my saline implants, which lasted less then 2 years. For the last 16 years I have 650 cc of silicone. My implant has ruptured and has very hard and painful capsular contracture, so I feel time is of the essence to get these out of me. I saw 2 doctors, both said the same thing, the lady at least sent me for a high resolution ultra sound and spent over an hour with me, the guy charged me for consult and spent 20 minutes, he dropped the f bomb while talking to me, but he talked to his assistant more then me. She also changed my answers on paper work. I put that I thought I had developed mild asthma and I am on medication for it and she asked me about it and changed it to allergies. He was going to be $19,000. lol They didn't even give me a price for just removal, not until I called and asked. The Dr. and assistant said I would be horrified by the results, she said " You are still so young to do this" as I am looking at her, knowing she is 50 something but has had a ton of work. Cheeks so big and her skin pulled so tight, it made her look older with a lot of work, not youthful. I am having my surgery on the 23rd of this month, no lift, I don't have enough tissue, but I have read you heal better and it takes time for your body to bounce back to final way it is going to be.
Good luck with your journey
Good luck with your journey
April 10, 2018
It's terrible how some of the doctors speak to people. Telling us we will look terrible when what we are saying is that we are done having fake parts... what is wrong with these people...?!
April 11, 2018
Chck out what Dr. Susan Kolb on YouTube.....her practice is in Atlanta. She explains in the 30 minute video the importance of Enbloc Explant....( removal as one with implants and capsules intact.) Also referred to as 'Total Capsulectomy.' It takes great skill and precision of a Plastic Surgeon to literally dissect the capsule in it's entirety with implant contain in it. Overall I found her information to be very helpful. I am at 3 weeks Explant post-op....and her information helped me select my surgeon. Also, just a little suggestion from me, ask about Exparel pain injection....it cost me an extra $400 but so worth it....I had zero pain post op, it last about a week. It's crazy but I have no pain, no meds, not even Tylenol. My capsular contracture was a Baker IV level....they were like rocks...so my PS had quite a job to do. So check out Dr. Kolb's YouTube video. Best of luck to you.
April 11, 2018
I left out that the reason many doctors sort of poo poo capsule removal is just that....it takes great skill to carefully disect the whole capsule away from breast tissue.
April 11, 2018
Regarding General Anesthesia....I must share I was freaked out because I don't do well with 'Inhalation Anesthesia' (gas) I submitted a question on GA to the 'ask the doctor' on this site and learned quite a bit. I was pleased to learn that there is TIVA ( Total IV Anesthesu ) No gas is used which saturates tissue and causes PONV (Post Op Nausea Vomiting) I discussed it with my doctor and he spoke with the anesthesiologist. What a difference it made.
May 11, 2018
I’ve had implants now for years, I always was very thin and a small frame I had the augmentation and the weight keeps piling on. Any idea? Is this a thing? Can it cause this ?
May 11, 2018
Implants cause inflammation and inflammation causes a very long list of problems including weight issues... So much could be said here.... I've been on a completely anti-inflammatory diet and doing all kinds of things to heal my inflammation problem and it is till a problem. My levels are really high and this is not normal for someone as healthy as I am. The research I've done makes me believe I will see a difference once these implants are out. I will definitely keep you all updated. I have been getting my inflammation levels tested and will test again 3 months after my explant.
UPDATED FROM Explant Journey
2 months pre
Remove capsules or to not remove Capsules?
This is a challenging topic to get educated on. One doctor will stress the importance of removing the capsules and say problems could come up in the future if they are not removed like the build up of Seroma fluid. Another doctor will say that there is no reason to remove the capsules unless there is hardening around the implants or a silicone leak. What do we all know about this? Would love to hear any solid information that you are all learning on this topic and from where you learned it. :)
Replies (24)
March 25, 2018
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March 25, 2018
I am getting mine out in November and I want it all out. I would rather do that then find out down the road I have another issue due to what was left in and have to go under the knife again; not to mention the cost. That's just my thought. Good luck on whatever you choose
April 9, 2018
You and I will probably be getting this done around the same time. Best of luck to you!
May 8, 2018
Explanting this coming Friday ! Getting the capsules out and the muscle repaired. :) How about you? Are you scheduled?
March 26, 2018
I just had mine explanted on 3/16/18 and had the surgeon remove the capsule as well. I did a lot of research and found that it is very important to remove the capsule. It is more time consuming for the Dr., however it is in your best health interest to have it removed. It's the best decision I've ever made to get rid of those toxic bags in my chest! Wishing you the very best!
March 26, 2018
Thank you ! Yes I have now decided to get the capsules removed. Happy healing to you. :)
April 10, 2018
I saw 3 surgeons already and have asked questions to surgeons on here, and most agree that they prefer to leave the capsules in,....if they are saline and you are not experiencing any problems and do not have any capsular contracture, or any leakage. I am having my 18 yr old ,saline, under the muscle removed next week under local/ twilight. No lift , no replacement. Nervous...yes. But can hardly wait to have these things OUT! Was a 36a back then, now a 36D. They’re 350 cc. I’m praying for a great outcome.
April 12, 2018
Mine are silicone under the muscle. I'm finding that "a lot" of doctors say all kinds of things that are likely not the best advice... Most PS will say there is no such thing as implant illness too.
April 11, 2018
Go to....Dr. Susan Kolb YouTube she explains in detail why it's an absolute must....regardless of what some doctors say. Please check it out....and when it's time for you to interview any more doctors, if they do not mention it, tell them what you want....if they don't do it, save your breath your not going to talk them into it. Just keep searching and you will find one that does. I interviewed several until I found one who told me without my asking, how he would remove them with the Enbloc method. Look at it this way, you are hiring a PS to do a job...if he can not meet your requirements.....you don't hire him! This is the best part of getting older, getting wiser.
April 12, 2018
Thank you, this is very helpful. I will look Dr. Susan Kolb up on YouTube.
April 17, 2018
I've learned a lot more about this now and even though it would be cheaper and quicker to get my implants out without removing the capsules I have come to the conclusion that it is very important to get the capsules out and the muscle reattached. So much could be said here... Taking the time to do the research is worth it.
UPDATED FROM Explant Journey
1 month pre
Consultation with Dr. Daniel Zegzula
Dr. Zegzula is a really nice guy. He took time to answer all of my questions and did not try to push anything on me. His after photos are great and I really feel he could do an excellent job with the lift. He recommends getting my implants out first and then waiting to do the lift to see how everything settles. He thinks that is the way to get the best long term outcome / shape. His other reasoning for this is because often people will decide they actually don't need / want a lift once they heal from the explant. I appreciate a doctor who gives this kind of advice, he's obviously not trying to make more money off of me since the lift would add about $7,000. to the cost. I'm pretty sure I will want a lift since I nursed for 2 & 1/2 years and then had 400cc implants for several years. I was pretty tiny before all of this. I'm excited to have tiny boobies but I'm not wanting "flappy" boobies, Ha ! : /
He has offered to do the explant under local instead of going under. Doing it this way is only possible if you do not remove the capsules. He says that if the capsules are soft and there are no problems then it's sometimes better to leave them instead of scraping the capsules out creating more trauma to the body. It's a, "If it's not broke, don't fix it" kind of an idea... Still feeling really unsure about this part. I'm really not wanting to be put all the way under twice or even once for that matter... I'm finding it very difficult to get educated on the topic of the capsules...
Has anyone heard anything about:
- How getting the capsules out allows the two sides to heal together and therefore better holds up your breasts in the future?
-Reasons it is sometimes more dangerous to remove capsules that are soft with no problems?
He has offered to do the explant under local instead of going under. Doing it this way is only possible if you do not remove the capsules. He says that if the capsules are soft and there are no problems then it's sometimes better to leave them instead of scraping the capsules out creating more trauma to the body. It's a, "If it's not broke, don't fix it" kind of an idea... Still feeling really unsure about this part. I'm really not wanting to be put all the way under twice or even once for that matter... I'm finding it very difficult to get educated on the topic of the capsules...
Has anyone heard anything about:
- How getting the capsules out allows the two sides to heal together and therefore better holds up your breasts in the future?
-Reasons it is sometimes more dangerous to remove capsules that are soft with no problems?
Replies (10)
April 10, 2018
That’s what I was told. I’m not getting capsule out. It causes more trauma to your body. Only if you’re having problems. My surgery is only $1900. I’m going the local route, with twilight if I decide I want it. Look on this site for ask a doctor a question. I got direct responses from sugeons. Some are varied opinions, but non the less, at least you can see answers and then make your own decision.
April 17, 2018
I've learned a lot more about this now and even though it would be cheaper and quicker to get my implants out without removing the capsules I have come to the conclusion that it is very important to get the capsules out and the muscle reattached. So much could be said here... Taking the time to do the research is worth it.
April 10, 2018
Just go to the top( ask a doctor) or go the the forum. I’ve spent almost 5 months on this Real Self site and found out just about everything I needed to know. Found people the same age, same body size or whatever, experiencing the same concerns and it has been very helpful.
April 17, 2018
I've learned a lot more about this now and even though it would be cheaper and quicker to get my implants out without removing the capsules I have come to the conclusion that it is very important to get the capsules out and the muscle reattached. So much could be said here... Taking the time to do the research is worth it.
April 17, 2018
You are absolutely right! Taking the time to do the research is worth it! It took me three years of coming on this site and others sites to fully understand what I needed and then gain the confidence to approach a PS. I consulted with four and each time I would be ready with that one deal breaker question....if they had not covered It already in the consultation. I would ask why would you not Explant the capsule with the Implant intact to prevent contamination escaping into my body? Not necessary, was not an acceptable answer. To two of the four PS, I replied, it does matter to me, it's my body. Leavin capsules (scar tissue) can interfere with getting a precise mammography, among other problems. Good Luck on your Explant journey.
May 20, 2018
My logic would be to "Better to be safe than sorry". What happens 20 years down the road when and that capsule is breaking down and going into your system. I don't mean to sound mean but want your to reconsider.
I had implants 34 years ago and am struggling now (in pain) jumping through insurance hoops - going to primary doctor (who is telling me I don't have a rupture or problem) so I can be referred and covered by insurance. Now having to wait 55 days for a consultation with a doctor that I think has the advanced skills to remove everything so I don't have to worry about future issues. Praying all goes well for you and you have much health and happiness. God Bless!
I had implants 34 years ago and am struggling now (in pain) jumping through insurance hoops - going to primary doctor (who is telling me I don't have a rupture or problem) so I can be referred and covered by insurance. Now having to wait 55 days for a consultation with a doctor that I think has the advanced skills to remove everything so I don't have to worry about future issues. Praying all goes well for you and you have much health and happiness. God Bless!
May 20, 2018
Hi, Sorry to hear of your struggles, hope it all works out well for you. It's terrible what implants were 35 years ago. The newer ones are bad too but 35 years ago they were very dangerous. You comment is a bit late as I have had my explant a week ago. I had the capsules removed as well as the muscle repaired. You can read my story here in this profile if you're interested. :) I'll be posting new photos this week. Take care of you. Hugs
August 24, 2018
Did you get your implants taken out and how do you feel now about having them removed?
August 24, 2018
Are you happy with the outcome of getting your implants removed? Did you have a lift or no lift??
Please remember, breast augmentation is a multi-billion dollar industry and a livelihood for a multitude off medical professionals. Therefore, chose a "professional" wisely and put your health first and foremost! There are some doctors that are starting to pay close attention and listen to what women have to say about wanting their implants removed. There are some that truly care and I'm very thankful I found one. Stay strong, do your research and I wish you the very best!