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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

Removal of Saline (Smooth, Under Muscle) Implants After 15.8 Years - San Diego, CA

ORIGINAL POST

I first want to thank every woman who has posted...

SD0220
WORTH IT$5,500
I first want to thank every woman who has posted their stories/photos on this site. It has been such a help and encouragement to me. I feel like I'm so prepared for explant surgery, because I know exactly what to expect – thanks to your stories.
I'm 35 years old, 5'8" and 145 pounds. I have smooth Saline implants, under the muscle for 15 years, 8 months. My original incision is one the nipple line. I don't remember my original bra size (maybe 34 small-B... they were little. Very little) - I'm currently a 34D.

Backstory:
In February 2001, I got my implants. I had just turned 20, and big boobs were so 'in'! I had been flat chested my entire life. I was teased, and very self conscious. My friends all had bigger chests than me, and I was so envious. Of course, as high school boys do, the boys ALWAYS talked about which girls had the biggest boobs, which girls had zero boobs – and that was how you were valued, so to speak. The guys I was interested in, were interested in Pamela Anderson, Jenny McCarthy, Carmen Electra – anyone with big, fake boobs. After high school I was determined to get implants, so I could feel 'normal'. At age 19 I went to my first consultation in Beverly Hills. The surgeon was a relative of a co-worker of mine. His fee was WAY more than I could've ever afforded. I felt discouraged, and didn't see any other surgeons for awhile. At the beginning of 2001 I set up a consultation with Dr. Lori Saltz at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre (La Jolla, CA). She said all the right things (according to my naïve 20 year old self). She was a woman who had breast implants herself. She said most of the women on her staff had implants. Implants are safe. There is nothing to worry about. Their number 1 procedure (at her facility) was breast augmentation. Saline implants were the 'safe' implants. The worst that could happen would be an implant would deflate - “but it's just salt water, and your body will absorb it. Nothing to worry about.” She VERY briefly mentioned capsular contracture, but followed it up with “although it's the most common 'side effect', it's VERY rare. I remember her saying “Some people choose to replace their implants every 10 years... but some women keep them for much longer. They are made from such tough material, they'll last much longer than 10 years.”. “Implants are totally safe, and most women you see around here have them”. I was working at Nordstrom at the time, and she said “Oh, I'll give you the Nordstrom discount ($125 off). I've done most of the implants on the girls at Nordstrom”. She said “You'll feel slightly uncomfortable for the first few days, but most girls are fine by day 3!”.
It all sounded too good to be true... how could I NOT schedule surgery right away?! This was going to be a breeze! (Ha!!!!!) I schedule my surgery during that same consultation appointment. My surgery was scheduled for about 2-3 weeks later.
The night before surgery I stood in my bathroom and cried. I was nervous, anxious, and scared. This would be the first surgery I've ever had, and I was nervous about anesthesia, and everything that comes along with surgery. My mom said “you can cancel, ya know?!”. I didn't want to cancel. I'd waited yearrrrs for these boobs, and I HAD to have them. Surgery went fine, but as soon as I woke up in the recovery room I felt awful. I couldn't stop shaking. I was in tremendous pain, and my whole body (jaw to feet) was shaking uncontrollably. The nurses wheeled me out to my moms car, and we drove home. The pain never eased. The next morning I had a post-op appointment. I don't remember the 45 minute drive down. I do remember laying in the surgery center crying & shaking. I was in pain, I was nauseous, and miserable. The nurses took me to a back room, gave me a suppository (for the nausea), and told my mom I was either having a reaction to the anesthesia or the pain meds. To be safe, I was told to stop taking the pain meds and to only take Tylenol. Remember... I JUST had implants put in less than 24 hours before – no pain meds?! I got sick on the way home, I got sick at home, I was sick all day and all night. I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep, I couldn't get comfortable. Needless to say, the first week was misery. I remembered the Doctor saying it would be “uncomfortable” for a few days. What a load of crap. THIS. WAS. HELL.
My body healed, and I eventually went back to work.
Then the health issues started...

SD0220's provider

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

SD0220 rating for Dr. Park:

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Replies (5)

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October 11, 2016

Hey there, and welcome! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. I hope you'll get lots of support from the community. Have you checked out the Breast Implant Removal forum yet? Here's a great post to get you started. Hope you'll enjoy reading it. Good luck, and please keep us updated.

Breast Implant Removal Tips (Pre-op, Surgery Day, and Post-op) 

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October 11, 2016
I'm sorry to hear about the problems you have experienced. I wish you smooth surgery/recovery and an outcome that you will be pleased with. Tom J Pousti MD
October 18, 2016
Thank you for sharing! I believe the night before the op you subconsciously didn't want the implants - your instincts kicked in. I had a similar experience.
October 18, 2016
I agree!!!! My body/mind was telling me NOOOOOOO... but my ego was telling me "It'll be fine!". Lesson #1, ALWAYS listen to your body! haaaa
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March 31, 2017
Gosh having breast implants put in id hell. Im getting mine out in 5 days ! Looking back i wish the dr wouldve just recommended a nose job . My nose is italian. Lol
UPDATED FROM SD0220
9 days pre

SOME of the health issues I've experienced:

SD0220
The health issues:

About a year after I got the implants, I started noticing health problems. I didn't connect them to the implants... and neither did doctors, of course.
---I got my very first migraine a little over a year after implantation. I didn't think much of it. The migraines became a frequent thing, and I still get them occasionally. - Doctor recommended prescription meds... but wasn't concerned about the cause.
---I had odd weight fluctuations – losing weight (to a very noticeable degree), then out of nowhere I'd gain a noticeable amount of weight, without any drastic dietary changes. It went back and forth for years. - 2 Doctors noted thyroid levels were slightly off on blood tests. I went on meds... nothing changed, so I went off meds.
---My complexion has suffered as well – noticeable breakouts that would last months and months... then clear(er) skin out of nowhere. - Dermatologists & aestheticians recommended an expensive facial regime, and laser treatments with chemical peels.
---I developed cherry angiomas on my body, as well as keritosis pilaris on the backs of my arms. - Doctor said “it's common.” Internet searches show it could be caused by autoimmune issues.
---I look at photos of myself, and sometimes my face looks so puffy, it's shocking.
---I have been exhausted – to an extreme. A simple 1-mile walk leaves me couch-ridden the rest of the day. I feel 90 years old most days. I can't work, I can't really leave the house. When I do leave the house, it's a big ordeal and I'm exhausted for days afterwards. Stress makes the exhaustion worse. - I've seen quite a few doctors over the years, regarding the severe fatigue. EVERY blood test came back 'normal'. One naturopathic doctor said I had adrenal fatigue (without doing any bloodwork on me), and I needed to work on my stress. Primary care physicians, endocrinologist, and Internists said “It's stress. Do yoga, find ways to decompress. Avoid stressful situations. You're depressed – take antidepressants. See a therapist.” etc etc etc. I wasn't depressed, I wasn't overly stressed. The only thing making me slightly stressed/depressed was the fact that I feel like I'm slowly dying and NOT ONE doctor believed I had a medical issue, but rather a mental issue. I tried antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds 4 different times. My body HATED the meds, and things only got worse.
---I do suffer from anxiety – even as a child I suffered from mild anxiety. The anxiety got worse, and worse the years after implantation. I would now describe myself as extremely anxious. I suffered my first panic attack about a year or so after implantation. The anxiety became debilitating. It didn't help that I physically felt awful, and couldn't find answers or help. I heard the word “hypochondriac” more times than I can count. The unknown, regarding my health, launched the anxiety to a ridiculous level – add onto that the many doctors who kept telling me “You're fine. Bloodwork is completely normal.”
---My hair falls out like crazy. It's everywhere – in the shower, on my pillow, on the floor throughout the house, stuck in every brush/hair band... it's surprising I have any hair left. I used to have healthy, strong hair... those days are long gone. My hair is thin and brittle.
---I have a sensitivity to all prescription meds. My body doesn't even tolerate birth control (I've tried several types, until my ObGyn finally said “I don't think your body will ever accept a BC pill.”). Every anti-anxiety/anti-depressant the doctors recommended (to help my “stress and fatigue”) gave me a reaction.
---Brain fog became a big problem. My memory didn't seem as strong as it used to be, and most days I felt groggy and 'off'. I tried to convince myself that's just what happens as you get older.
---I'm very sensitive to smells, sounds, temperature, and light. Strong perfume, candles, or chemical smells gives me an awful headache/migraine within minutes. I never had that problem before implants – I worked in a department store, and used to love smelling all the perfumes at the nearby counter.
---I developed endometriosis, uterine fibroid, and ovarian cysts. I had surgery for that almost 9 years after implantation.
---Odd issue, but worth noting... my left breast developed a mild capsular contracture. On that same side, I've noticed in the past few years, that armpit has a much stronger odor than the right armpit. Might be coincidental... probably not!
---I developed food allergies and sensitivities. I can no longer eat gluten, and have been gluten free for 4+ years. I have a very sensitive belly, and have to be careful of everything I ate.

These are just SOME of the issues I've dealt with in the years since implanting. None of these health issues started before implants. If you've done any research on Breast Implant Illness, you'll see that many women have suffered these same ailments (plus more) after implanting. Breast Implant Illness is REAL.
I'm 10 days away from explant surgery, and I'm praying I'm one of the lucky women who sees some health improvement after the implants are removed.

Replies (24)

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October 11, 2016
Wishing all the best for your upcoming explant. Better health awaits! I'm getting mine out a few days after you. Yay!
October 12, 2016
Thank you!!!
Best wishes for your upcoming explant as well!!!
October 12, 2016
Hi there. I can completely sympathise with you as I have had/have all the same problems as you and many more - but as you say way too many to list. I had very large tumour (non cancerous) and had to have a complete hysterectomy which put a stop to my baby plans! So silicone implants have pretty much ruined my life.

I will be explanting in the next couple of months and will be posting how my illnesses/symptoms improve (or not) over the following months and years. I would love to hear how your health progresses after explant as I don't read many reviews that document this over a long period.

I wish you a very successful explant, improved health and happiness. I will be thinking of you x
October 12, 2016
I can't wait to see how my health changes after explant. I'm praying I see a significant difference in many of the health issues. I pray the same for you too!!! Please document your symptoms on this website, so future explanters can see that they're not alone in this battle!
Best wishes for a successful surgery for you!!
October 12, 2016
Oh boy can I relate to so many of the problems you are having! I'm in the process of trying to find a doctor and figuring out how the heck I'm going to pay for this. I see you've stated $5500 for your explant. May I ask who in SD is doing your surgery? And is that price for removal of everything? I know there's a doc in Oceanside who removes implants for around $1800, but rumor has it he tends to leave the capsule in. I want it ALL out! I'm ready to get well and I don't want anything left inside to hinder my recovery. Best wishes to you on your upcoming surgery.
October 12, 2016
I'm explanting with Dr. Gregory Park in Oceanside, CA. The $5,500 is for the implant removal and total capsulectomy. I LOVE HIM! I contacted a handful of surgeons in SD county, and I didn't feel comfortable with any of them. Dr. Park is very compassionate, and didn't ignore the fact that my many health issues might be related to the implants. He's had an increase of patients coming to him for explant that have all experienced the same health issues. He was highly recommended on several other 'Breast Implant Illness' groups (on websites and Facebook groups). His fee is at least $1,000 lower than other surgeons in the county. My husband and I don't have a ton of money, but we were fortunate enough to be approved for a credit card with 0% interest for 1 year. We've used some savings, and the remainder has been paid with the card.
I wish you all the best in finding a surgeon, and finding the funds for surgery! I'm happy to answer any other questions you have along the way!
October 12, 2016
You are a doll for replying so quickly...thank you. I just got off the phone from Dr. Park's office (probably about the same time you were typing this!) a few minutes ago. How sweet his staff is. I haven't seen any doctors yet, but I keep going back to Dr Park's name because I live in Fallbrook and it seems the most convenient. How awesome to know he is the one you liked best AND that he is compassionate to situations like ours.

$5500 right now might as well be 55 million! We are just coming out of several years of financial hell and finally getting on our feet again. We lost our home so our credit sucks, and I've been too ill to work and my hubby hasn't had steady work for a while. We get by on him doing odd ball handyman jobs.

But I'm nothing if not determined! I am going to knock on every door in the world if I have to because I want these flippin things outta me!! :) Please continue to post your story along the way; I'll be following along closely.
October 12, 2016
Small world... I grew up in Fallbrook :) I'm in Carlsbad now though. I kept seeing Dr. Park's name, but I ignored it because I thought "Plastic Surgery in Oceanside?! Really?!". I thought I'd have to go to La Jolla for the best doctors... boy was I wrong! I'm so glad I finally called Dr. Park and went to that initial consultation. I knew immediately that he was the right doctor for me.
I hope you're able to come up with the funds soon. Fingers crossed for you!
October 13, 2016
Wow, you poor thing. I've heard similar accounts from women with implants. What you are going through is very real and not "in your head", that's a cop out diagnosis. I sure hope explanation works for you!! Keep us posted please.
October 13, 2016
Thank you posting sis. Everything is going to go well and I can't wait to hear all about it. I'm hear praying for the day that I can get this dumb bags out myself. Big hug sis. Thanks again for sharing your story.
UPDATED FROM SD0220
3 days pre

Explant kit :)

SD0220
Here are a few of the 'necessities' I've purchased for my explant.

Vitamins/Supplements:
- MegaFood Zinc tablets
- MegaFood Ultra C-400 tablets
- VitaMedica Bromelain with Quercetin
- VitaMedica Arnica Montana
- Extra Strength Tylenol
- Extra Strength Tylenol PM

Burt's Bees Baby Wipes (for the days I don't feel well enough to shower)

Post-op Bras:
- Black: Jockey Sport zip front compression bra. (from Macy's)
- Pink: Playtex Play Funwinder Bra, back closure compression bra. (from Macy's)

Front closure jammies/loungewear:
- Feather Print: Gilligan & O'Malley button front short sleeved top, and shorts (SUPER SOFT!!!! from Target)
- Black Print: Gilligan & O'Malley lightweight robe/wrap (great material! from Target)
- Navy Blue: Nordstrom Lingerie button front long sleeved top & pants (SUPER SOFT!!! from Nordstrom)

I have all of my favorite DVD's set aside, ready to play.
I have my favorite cozy quilt washed & ready.
I've premade 2 different types of soup (using homemade bone broth), and some healthy chili (veggies & meat... no beans). The soups and chili are individually portioned out and frozen, ready to be reheated.
I've printed medication charts, to keep track of what meds I've taken at what time.

Explant is this Friday, and it feels good to have everything prepared and ready!!!!

Replies (4)

October 18, 2016
Some recommended I get some MOVE TEA to drink after surgery.... just to help keep you from getting bloated & miserable with the medications stopping everything up.
October 18, 2016
Thank you! I regularly take Magnesium which helps 'move' things along. My mom has some Smooth Move Tea though, so I'll call on her if I need help. Luckily she's only 35 minutes away!! Thanks for the recommendation, I probably wouldn't have remembered that tea had you not mentioned it!
October 18, 2016
I was just thinking about you this morning wondering which day your surgery is this morning. You'll be in my thoughts on Friday!

Thanks for the awesome list of suggestions. i wrote it all down for when I can finally have my surgery. May I make a suggestion? I would buy some hydrolized collagen (just to super charge your bone broth) to help healing tissues. Perfect Supplements makes a good one from grass-fed beef. I would also add some magnesium (Pure Encapsulations) makes one without a bunch of fillers in it. Do an online search on Dr. Sircus/magnesium/surgery and he explains why it is so necessary. it will also keep your bowels moving along!

Best wishes and keep us updated! Love and hugs coming your way....
October 18, 2016
Thank you!!
I have magnesium, I take it regularly (even before my surgery preparations).
I've been considering some collagen. I'll have to order some, and start adding it to soups, smoothies, etc. Thanks for the recommendations!