POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
No Problems, I Just Want Them Out - San Antonio, TX
ORIGINAL POST
I got implants in 2007 after years of feeling...
SR1207February 10, 2013
WORTH IT$3,000
I got implants in 2007 after years of feeling inadequate because of small boobs. I was a 34C (not that small really). So I got implants and went up to a 34DD, a couple years later they got even bigger now up to a 34DDD or even 34G. Bras are hard to find and of course very expensive in those sizes.
I have 500cc saline under the muscle.
I've been going back and forth as to whether to totally get them out or replace with smaller ones. I have decided to totally take them out for the following reasons:
*Can't enjoy getting a massage because laying on my stomach (rather, boobs) is very uncomfortable
*Sports bras don't fit well, they don't come down far enough; swim suits: same problem
*Some yoga poses are awkward and difficult with big boobs
*I am a cyclist; cycling jerseys don't fit busty women very well
*I'm 'all chest' to where I feel like it makes me look fat
I'm glad I did it, but it's time for them to go. My only concern is whether or not my skin will 'snap back' (I'm 45 years old). Another concern is that now my belly fat will be more obvious without the boobs being the focal point. Of course with the implants gone it will be easier to do core exercises like planks :)
SR1207's provider
Replies (16)
March 11, 2013
Hello - wanted to send you good wishes as you wait for your date! I completely agree with all of your reasons. Mine are coming out in a few days and i cant wait until i am all healed so I can resume yoga, running, sleeping on my stomach and actually be able to hug my husband again. I wish you luck and good outcome! I am sure you have looked at all the pictures of women after explantation in here and most people look amazingly good.
March 11, 2013
Thank you for your well wishes! I have my pre op appointment tomorrow, my surgery is April 4th. I'm so excited to be getting them out. I'm really hoping my skin snaps back and I don't need a lift later.
I know the time is going to fly!
Keep me posted on your progress please. I hope it all goes well and that you are happy with the results :)
March 11, 2013
I am crossing my fingers for both of us. I go in tomorrow. I am nervous but just want them to be gone. Just uploaded a picture of myself and can't believe how terrible they look right now. I don't know why in the world I thought this was a good idea, besides the complications... I am preparing myself for the worst to begin with but hope that with time it will come closer to what I looked like before. I will be checking in after my procedure tomorrow :-)
March 23, 2013
How long did you wait to have them out? Did you go to the same surgeon that put
them in? How did he feel about your decision?
Mary6151
March 23, 2013
God Bless you. Please keep me posted on your outcome. I am thinking of having
mine removed. Hope all goes well for you. Mary6151
March 31, 2013
Hi Mary. I am going to a different PS than the one who put them in. I've had them in for a little over 5 years. I didn't even consult with the PS who put them in, his bedside manner is not so great. I went with Dr. Greene because of the recommendation from my sister in law; she got implants from him.
March 12, 2013
I don't blame you at all for wanting them out, I had 500 cc also. But I only had an A to begin with. I had mine for almost 12 years....what a pain in the neck(and back & shoulders)! They are sooo heavy, aren't they. I cannot tell you how relieved I am since I explanted. I can sleep better, walk easier & taller, and even breathe better (yes, crazy I know) Sometimes I felt like the weight of those darn things was crushing my lungs. I don't know if it's cuz I am getting older and maybe more frail or something, but I felt like I couldn't hold the weight of them any longer. Fast forward to April 4th!!
March 12, 2013
I totally agree ittybitties. They DO feel heavy. I uploaded pictures last night and they look bigger than I thought...ugh!
I look forward to laying on my back and not have the seemingly 50 lb bags pull off to the sides.
April 1, 2013
Hello, I hope you are feeling better and how was your healing process? I am in my
60's and I am now 7 weeks post op. I love my new look but I have second thoughts
and thinking I would much rather have my small breasts. I have high profile 450 cc. dual plane. Again, they look great but I guess I worry too much. I know some
younger women will think why worry at my age who cares, right? AGE, what a big factor. I know I'm getting old but darn it, I always wanted larger breasts and now that I have them I am in doubt. Crazy, isn't it!! Take care and keep us posted.
Mary6151
April 1, 2013
Definitely not crazy--so many of us regretted our decision to get implants shortly after doing so.
April 4, 2013
Gosh I am so glad to read what you posted. I have 450cc and am going in tomorrow for my first consulation with my PS that actually put them in. After 4 ruptures and replacements with saline and then silicone I am all DONE! I want these out of my body forever. My only question, is lift or no lift. I really don't want to have any more scars but I also am afraid of the drooping that will be evident. I am having capsular issues on the left one. The right is okay but I want them out. Thank you for your post, it is so great to have this forum.
March 12, 2013
You know, I've thought the same thing, that having small boobs will make my after dinner belly look bigger cause of the ratio.. but really, if you look at women with small boobs, no matter what their waist size- they tend to look more elongated/stream-lined. I kind of wish more ladies on here would post before and after clothed pics just to see if the explant did make them look smaller, or if it does make their waist line look thicker.. maybe I will take pics. I have explant the 28th, I'll get a couple pics in clothes and wear the same ones after explant and see how it all looks.
Anyways! I completely understand your reasons for wanting them out! I am definitely treating myself to a massage after I heal.. it's been 8 years since I've had a massage where I didn't worry about my boobs popping!
Good luck with your research and explant journey :)
March 12, 2013
That's a good idea about the taking a clothed pix. I wore a dress the other day that would have looked so much better if the front was flattened out a bit..lol. I think I will use that dress in my before and after shots. How funny that five years ago I couldn't wait to see how I looked in clothes WITH boobs :P
I hope all goes well on the 28th, I'm right behind you on the 4th.
UPDATED FROM SR1207
23 days pre
I had my pre op yesterday and I'm kind of annoyed....
SR1207March 12, 2013
I had my pre op yesterday and I'm kind of annoyed. The information I got at the consultation differs. My doctor said I should be able to return to normal activity 'almost immediately', the nurse at the pre op said about a month. I told her what he said and she told me, 'oh you can do lower body after about 2 weeks'. Then, I find as I'm almost out the door that I'll have drains. That would have been nice to know earlier, like when I made my time off request from work.
I just feel like nobody knows what they're talking about when it comes to the explant procedure. It's a bit late to change doctors at this point, I've paid in full and got the time off work which was not easy.
Should i call and speak to the office manager to let her know or just suck it up? I really don't want to make waves and end up with a late afternoon surgery...
I hope some day the explant procedure is more 'common' so we won't have to feel like second class citizens.
I just feel like nobody knows what they're talking about when it comes to the explant procedure. It's a bit late to change doctors at this point, I've paid in full and got the time off work which was not easy.
Should i call and speak to the office manager to let her know or just suck it up? I really don't want to make waves and end up with a late afternoon surgery...
I hope some day the explant procedure is more 'common' so we won't have to feel like second class citizens.
Replies (10)
March 12, 2013
Hi - how frustrating! I think they do so few explants that there are no clear cut guidelines... I had mine out today. Feel pretty good but have no drains. I do have pain in my incisions but was told can return to work by friday. I was told no pushing/pulling/lifting/arms over head for two weeks, take it easy for four weeks. I am going to be gentle with myself.
April 1, 2013
Hope you are feeling better. How long did you have your implants? Did you have
discomfort all the time or did you just feel you wanted them removed because of
health reasons. May I ask how old you are. I am in my 60's and questioning on
myself on removing them as well. Take care and God Bless You. Keep us posted.
Mary6151
April 2, 2013
Mary6151, I just turned 46. I have had implants for a bit over five years. I just want them out because they are uncomfortable and I think I feel the capsule on the left one. Plus, when I first got them I wasn't active at all, now I ride a bicycle and like to do yoga. I'd also like to start doing other exercises but the boobs are in the way.
March 12, 2013
I guess "normal activity" means day to day things...not working out. From other posts I have read it is usually several weeks depending on the exercise. As far as the drains, I think it depends on how much surgery is being done, capsule removal or not, lift or not, if the implants are above or below the muscle. Some PS do them regardless....it still should have been part of the consult. I agree about feeling like you are left in the dark. This forum helped me know what to ask when I was looking for a PS, that was a huge help. If you feel comfortable with the PS and his experience then keep your date. I know that during this time we are experiencing many emotions...you are safe in voicing them here without judgement. Having your feelings validated is so important. We are all here for you...anytime...24/7.
March 24, 2013
Thank you! I'm approaching my date in less than two weeks. I guess it is what it is. I'm comfortable with my decision, just a little annoyed with the staff's attitude. But from what I've been reading here, it's normal for PS staff to try and talk us out of explanting.
March 24, 2013
Good that you are comfortable with your decision...sorry that you experienced poor staff attitude. They should be supportive...it isn't their place to give you an opinion....that is the PS's role. It's good that you didn't let that sway your decision as you know what is best for you. You have all the support you need here. Good luck on your surgery...keep us posted.
March 21, 2013
Are you feeling better about Dr. Greene now? Do you think it's because they don't do a lot of explants?
I'm looking for a PS in either San Antonio or Dallas so am very interested to hear more from you.
March 24, 2013
Hi UndecidedTexan,
I really like Dr. Greene, but am not real crazy about the office staff at my pre-op. I do think it is because they don't do a lot of explants. I am less than two weeks away from surgery so I'll let you know how it goes.
Dr. Greene never tried to talk me out of explanting but the women in his office did. What's up with that??
Anyway, my surgery is April 4th so I'll be posting more between now and then. Good luck to you!
March 24, 2013
I'm sorry you experienced that from the staff but I wonder if its because they have implants. Regardless, you've made the right choice for you! Can't wait to hear how things go for you.
April 1, 2013
I will keep you in my prayers. I am going to give myself 6 mos. to see how I heal and then decide on what I want to do. Thank you for the information on Dr. Greene. God Bless You. Keep us updated. Mary6151
UPDATED FROM SR1207
3 days pre
I'm just a couple days away and I'm excited and...
SR1207April 1, 2013
I'm just a couple days away and I'm excited and nervous. I'm opting for local anesthesia with IV sedation so I'm a bit nervous about that; but not as nervous as going under general.
I don't think anyone has mentioned this but will I have to sleep on my back for a while? I remember having to when I got implanted (so they would not fall off to the sides).
I've posted a couple more photos; some with clothes so people can see the difference between before and after. I'll put on the same clothes once I'm healed to show the difference.
I don't think anyone has mentioned this but will I have to sleep on my back for a while? I remember having to when I got implanted (so they would not fall off to the sides).
I've posted a couple more photos; some with clothes so people can see the difference between before and after. I'll put on the same clothes once I'm healed to show the difference.
Replies (6)
April 1, 2013
I laughed at your "big and flabby" comment on your pic. I felt the same way! I totally relate to the big boobs being so awkward. I do pilates and yoga, and I can tell you planks, cobra pose, etc are SO much easier without all that side- and bottom- boob action getting in the way! As a cyclist, I wonder if you are going to lose downhill speed without the momentum those things provide?! lol ;-) I had drains (in Wed, out Fri) and they weren't so bad, mostly just annoying. :-/ I wish you all the best with your surgery and recovery!
April 2, 2013
Thank you NervousGirlie! I'm so excited!
I have a bit of a belly and flabby abs, so once these nasty things are out I can start doing planks and other stuff to get my core strength back.
LOL! I'll have to see what my average downhill speed turns out to be once they're out...that's funny :D
April 2, 2013
Sending you well wishes for you explant day! I am sorry to hear about the surprise info you received. What I learned from all the ladies stories and journeys is that an explant surgery is far from a one size fits all, there are so many variations on recommendations depending on each individuals implant situation. Some have scar tissue that is hard therefore needs to be removed and sometimes the doc cannot tell until they get in there. I had a straight explant on my right side, no capsule removed, it was tissue thin and will be absorbed by my body eventually . Left side very thick scar tissue, lots of work to remove partial capsulectomy . So right side felt good after, left side was so sore and still is after 10 days post explant. I plan on wearing my genie bra with comm
Reston wrap for a full month or longer to promote excellent healing and tissue to heal properly to chest wall. My doc loves that I am willing to do this for so long...it will help a lot even though I wil feel better ..it is a good thing to do. I wish you a speedy recovery . sending you positive
Thoughts for a great outcome!!
April 2, 2013
Wishing you well wishes as your surgery day is almost here. I'm excited for you and hope all goes well....I think you will have a great result...your skin is still tight and your boobs aren't saggy at all. Can't wait to see your after pics. I'm having my explant April 12th. Meet you on the other side :-)
April 3, 2013
I slept on my back for at least 6 days , the first 3 days I slept at a 45 degree angle ....to hard to lay flat.
I love reading the reasons why women want to remove their implants. It often boils down to health and feeling more confident in your own skin. Please keep us posted throughout this new journey. Forty-five is still young!