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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

It was SO Easy! Removed Under Local Anesthesia/San Diego

ORIGINAL POST

I'm 48 hours post removal under local and feel...

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knd9597
WORTH IT$1,000
I'm 48 hours post removal under local and feel AWESOME!! Here's my story...
In 2003 when I was 35, I had 350cc saline implants placed under the muscle. I was previously a 34B and was quite fit & svelte. At the time I thought implants would somehow make me feel better about myself.
They were "okay & fun" for first few yrs, but they were too big for my active lifestyle and I began to regret getting them, even hiding them. I honestly (and unfortunately) thought I would be stuck with them for the rest of my life, not really knowing I could have them removed, or even able to afford it.

The last few years I've been researching removal options, doctors and prices.
A few prices/quotes ranged from $3500, 3200, 1900, 1700, etc. The less expensive ones were an hour or two away, with removal under local.
I finally found a previous implant removal patient by a PS in San Diego (where I live) who had hers removed 3 yrs ago under local for $1000. Being 3 yrs ago, I thought maybe his price went up from $1000. Also, I was more than okay to have removal done under local than general, or otherwise.

Sooo.... on April 12, 2016, I had a consult with Dr. Barry Handler in San Diego, only 5 miles from my home! The consult fee was $100, and is applied to the remaining cost of the procedure if you decide to follow thru with the procedure.
He explained for an uncomplicated removal under local anesthesia would be $1000. He said after my consult that he could remove my implants under local and that I could even drive myself home, IF I didn't take any Ativan or percocet before procedure. He did suggest though, that I have someone bring me and drive me home since he said I should just take 1 or 2 percocets when I got there.
I've had a few surgeries before for other health related things, both under general and local anesthesia, so this wasn't my first rodeo.. I knew what to expect and wasn't sweating it. Lol, plus - you can eat and drink beforehand under local, unlike with general.

My surgery was scheduled for Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Arrived 15 min. early, signed a paper for procedure and paid my balance of $900.
To my appt. I wore tights, tennis shoes, a sleeveless button up shirt a zip-front sports bra and a zip up sweatshirt. They brought me in the back and I took 2 percocets.
**By the way, I happened to already have a bottle of percocet at home for my periodic chronic pain, so he asked me to bring my meds with me and instructed me to take two as I got there before he prepped me**

I undressed from waist up, left tights and shoes on, and I put on a little hair net to keep it out of the way. He marked me with a pen where he'd make his incisions - under breast fold.
He applied a foam version of Hibacleanse (sterile body wash/cleanser) all over my breasts, underarms and belly. I sat down in a type of dental chair but with flat arms, then they lowered chair and laid me flat. Draped some sanitary blue cloth dressings on my neck and abdomen.
Then, he began right away.. numbed me up underneath each breast with the lidocaine numbing medication. I felt the needle but honestly it wasn't bad whatsoever! He started on right side using a cauterizer to make opening incision. The implants were so slippery and smooth so they were difficult at first for him to grab between his fingers.
Once he had a grip on them, he starting tugging to pull it thru incision. I could feel him tugging- no pain at all, just pressure. And oh my gosh, when it came out, it made a pop sound like when you would pop the inside of your cheek with your finger or thumb. Such a surreal, amazing feeling! He placed them on a sterile clothed table next to me and I couldn't believe those things were in me! They were smooth and intact!
I talked to the doctor and his assistant, Amy through the entire procedure - talked about our kids, hobbies, everything, lol!

Dr. Handler DID place drains which is good as to avoid fluid build up, seroma, etc. I don't mind.. I was just happy to have implants out! Just be creative with your wardrobe for a few days and no one will ever know.
As I write this, I'm 48 hours out and feel fantastic!! I mean, having them removed under local was the easiest, most uneventful thing I've done considering it was surgery! I'm more afraid of the dentist than what I went thru having them removed - sooo easy!

I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Handler for implant removal, if yours is an uncomplicated, straight forward procedure, like mine. Anything more invasive or complex would cost more, and likely have to be done in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.
Dr. Handler is very low-key, straight to the point, no sales pressure, yet professional and kind. I think he could tell how happy he made me by removing my implants - I shook his hand afterwards, then went in for a hug as I thanked him so much!
My story is very long but I wanted to be thorough and let others know in the San Diego area or otherwise, just how amazingly easy it is to have this procedure done under local.. AND for an unbeatable price of $1000.
I'm ecstatic and look and feel like a million bucks.. Over the moon happy to be myself again!!

knd9597's provider

Barry Stuart Handler, MD

Barry Stuart Handler, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

knd9597

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Replies (25)

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April 24, 2016

Hey there! Welcome to the community, and thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. Congratulations! I'm glad you're happy with your results. Would you be willing to share some before and after photos once you're back on your feet? It'd be great to see your transformation :)

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April 24, 2016
Would love to share pics, I'm actually trying to right now but having a problem trying to upload from my phone. Workin on it! :)
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April 25, 2016

Thank you! If you find it too hard, feel free to send me a pm and I'll help you if you need it :)

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April 25, 2016
Finally have some photos uploaded - thank you for checking back! :)
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April 25, 2016

Thanks so much for sharing your photos! You look fantastic, and very natural. So glad you got a great result :)

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April 26, 2016
Thank You! :D
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April 26, 2016
Congrats! Looking good :). Glad to have another fellow explantee here in San Diego! It really is such a free feeling, isn't it? Happy Healing!
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April 26, 2016
Thank you!! :) I know, this site has been so awesome and I actually get excited when I see other fellow explantees from San Diego, lol!
I'm 5 days out and still NO regrets getting them removed - so happy!!
Cheers! :D
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April 26, 2016
I know, right? And Yay!!!
April 26, 2016
Did he remove the capsule ?
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April 27, 2016
Hi Mia D
During the removal procedure, I heard him say, "...there's the capsule...and, there's the implant." As you may've read, I had it done under local so I was awake :)
To answer your question, no - I don't believe he removed the capsule. I saw him place my implants on a sterile cloth/table and they were intact and pretty darned clean! He DID place drains in me as to avoid any complications of fluid build up, seroma, etc. I've read about a couple ladies here not having capsule removed, but especially without drains.. that's where they developed some troublesome fluid build up I think.
Just be sure to wear a fairly form fitting/tight sports bra to keep everything compressed and together for a while..
I haven't had one problem so far and removal under local was one of the easiest things I've done. Not scary IN THE LEAST!!! Sooo simple and uneventful! :)
April 27, 2016
Thank you ! I'm so ready for this ...
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April 27, 2016
That's right ... good for you, girl! :D
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April 27, 2016
I'm soooostoked for you, just really jealous I didn't get salines! ;) oh n you look INCREDIBLE! Lucky girl! ;) [RS bleep]
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May 13, 2016
40 and about to be free
Thank you, love! Sorry for the late reply... got caught up with everyday life & what not, while still managing to get on this awesome site and catch up with all my lovely friends!
I'm now 3 weeks out and still love my explant decision as much as ever! It's the best decision I've made for myself so far in 2016.
Take care my love! ♡ xoxo
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May 13, 2016
Aw neeeat I'm so glad for you!... Keep taking care!... I'm 5 wks post n yes life's busy once bk at work etc aye... Xxxxx love n hugs for your detoxing and future!... Xxxx
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May 12, 2016
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience. I go tomorrow morning and I will sleep like a baby now after reading this! XO
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May 13, 2016
mygirlpenny
Yes, girl ... you sooo got this! Rest your mind, it's a fantastic thing you're doing for yourself!
I believe you said you're going to just have local (like I did!) It's a piece of cake...for me it was!
The Doctor and his Nurse talked and chit-chatted with me the entire time. From the time I walked into the back room until the time I was leaving his office was exactly an hour, which flew by. I couldn't believe how SIMPLE it was.
Sleep well, love ... no worries at all.. you're gonna do great!!! ♡
P.s. I looked at your pics and you are a gorgeous lady! And wow, I can't believe you're 49! (I'm 48 lol)
UPDATED FROM knd9597
3 days post

LOVE my "new" old self! Here's some pics..

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knd9597
Today's Sunday, 4/24/16 and I'm 3 days removal post op. I feel awesome, free, light, and so far, very delighted with my appearance, considering I had them in 13yrs! I almost didn't care what I would initially look like afterwards, I was just so happy to finally be getting rid of these cumbersome things! During the 13yrs I had them, I did put on about 10 lbs, as alot of other ladies here have mentioned.. I was 35, now I'm 48... add to that the heaviness of the implants.. I personally felt gross and awful about myself. (P.S lost 2lbs of implants lol!)

I do have drains to prevent fluid build up that could lead to seroma or other problems, as I've read about a couple other ladies on here experiencing problems with. Doctor wants to keep drains in for a week but its day 3, and the fluid drainage has decreased significantly, so I just might call them tomorrow to see if he can take them out sooner.
I have NO pain whatsoever except a tiny bit of itching at the drain incision site. I even went for a good 20 minute walk with my (grown) sons earlier. Felt awesome! I feel so good, like I never had any procedure done.

I forgot to mention in my first post that my appt time was 2:00pm - they were right on schedule. I was all done and walking out of the place exactly 1 hour later at 3 o'clock. I could not get over how flippin easy and effortless the whole process was!
When doctor finished removing implants, he said I could even shower later that night if I wanted - wow!
I told him I showered super thoroughly before my appt thinking it'd be a couple days or so.. but he said, "whatever works.. you can wait till tomorrow then."
The staff told me I should get some food in me, even go grab some food somewhere! So I gleefully took their advice and my son's and I had a nice late afternoon patio lunch at a local restaurant and enjoyed the weather!

I hope to upload some before, during and after pics, as I have none up yet.
Again, if you're thinking about explanting, GO FOR IT!! I did mine under local and I can't stress enough how un-frightening, effortless and easy the whole process was. The preparation for removal under local anesthesia is WAY easier than general. I was able to eat & drink w/in just a couple-few hours prior to surgery unlike general anesthesia - no food/liquid like 8,10,12 hrs prior.
I walked in to my procedure and walked out on my own accord - stopping off for lunch before heading home! They told me to dress comfortably so I wore tights, low top Converse tennis shoes, front zip-up sports bra, button up sleeveless shirt and brought a zip front hoodie sweatshirt in case I needed extra hiding room, which I didn't, plus it was a gorgeous day outside!

I highly recommend Dr. Barry S. Handler in San Diego. Straight uncomplicated implant removal with no replacement or lift was $1,000 - out the door. His consult fee is $100 and that is applied towards cost of your procedure if you plan to go forward with it. Day of surgery I paid my remaining balance of $900. Nice, clean, small professional office, sweet/nice staff, yet very low key and unpretentious which fit my needs perfectly!

Well, gonna try to upload some photos, then I'm off to enjoy this beautiful Sunday! ?? :)

Replies (4)

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April 27, 2016
So thrilled for you, wish I'd been able to have local! ;) Wonderful review, you'll encourage so many women by taking the time to write this to Explant n be free of theirs too! Woohoo! ;) xxxx
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May 16, 2016
Can the doctor go through the nipple (which is where my implants were put in) or does he have to go underneath? I'm thinking about removing mine.
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June 3, 2016
Thank you for this great and inspiring post! I cannot wait to have mine done! And after reading your experience it has eased my fears and anxiety about the surgery itself. I may have to make a trip to SD for this! I live in New Mexico now but want to have ASAP. I can no longer tolerate these things in me anymore.

Thank you so much!
Sarva
June 29, 2019
Were the implants under the muscle ?
UPDATED FROM knd9597
3 days post

Some before, during & after pics!

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knd9597
Found some old photos, plus of course, added some recent ones. Hopefully they upload alright. For some reason, a few of them loaded upside down and/or sideways.
The pic of me in the pink bikini top was 2 years prior to implants. I don't know what the heck I was thinking cuz I think I looked pretty good beforehand and way more in shape/athletic than after getting those darn implants. Looking back, I certainly didn't need them.
I went thru a tumultuous, nasty divorce and child custody battle less than a year after pink bikini pic and got my implants almost a year after divorce was finalized. I must've been out of my mind and mentally/emotionally exhausted, and somehow thinking implants would make me feel better about myself because I was so beat down in every way.
I initiated the divorce so it's not like he had left me for another woman and I felt betrayed... He just put me and my 2 small sons thru pure hell during that time and MANY years afterwards... anyways.. sigh. Just soooo glad to have them gone out of my body forever!! :)

Lol, got carried away.. just wanted to upload some pics. :)

Replies (23)

April 24, 2016
You look fantastic! It's so great being natural. The natural look is so much better on you congrats! I'm so glad I explanted also best decision I've ever made :) thanks for sharing!
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April 24, 2016
Aww, thanks so much! I feel amazing and it's the best thing I've done for myself in many years!
Being back to our real selves is the best thing ever! Cheers :)
April 26, 2016
You look great!!!! You looks so good without your implants!

Thank you for sharing your story...I hope to have my implants removed under a local too. I have my 2nd consult next week :-)
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April 26, 2016
Thank you! :D
Although I probably gained maybe 10 lbs since I had implants done 13 yrs ago, I think my breasts look pretty much the same before my surgery.. just a pinch of fluffing wouldn't hurt but I LOVE the real me. I guess it took me having those darn implants to realize just how much I appreciate my real size and self.
For me, removal under local was the easiest, most un-scary thing!
I think people tend to over think and worry too much, which is normal - but it was honestly soo easy and uneventful!
Good luck on your consult and get ready to be implant free very soon. It's really awesome. Literally, less than a week ago I was still scouring other ladies posts wondering just how good they felt and now I know what they all mean!!
Cheers... and keep us posted! ;D
April 27, 2016
Thank you for your reply! I'm excited about my next consult as it is someone who has done a lot of expants and has been reviewed here
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April 27, 2016
Awesome.. good for you, girl! :) Where do you live, or what location are you searching for removal..?
Just curious, that's all..
Initially, when I started my search, then found this awesome site, I was amazed at just how many women besides myself were seeking implant removal, or commenting they already had it done. So it really does span across the world as I've seen so many other ladies comments!
Again, good luck with your next consult - that is so exciting!
I think you mentioned wanting to have them removed under local.. if your next consult goes great, you'll soon be on your way. It's really sooo easy, pain free, etc. I say, if you're up for it, then by all means, go for it... it's one of the easiest and best things I've done! Feel free to ask any questions if you have any.
I'm 5-6 days out and feel 120% ... plus, I instantly looked wayyy slimmer, too!
I actually took my in-tact and filled implants home with me in a bag and dang, they're kinda heavy - doc said combined they're like 2-3lbs. Amazing to think I had them sitting inside my chest weighing me down for 13 yrs! Never again :)
Have a great evening.. wherever you're at! :D
April 28, 2016
Thank you for your response! I'm so happy to hear that the local was relatively easy!!! I can't wait to have them removed!!!! Xoxo
April 26, 2016
*look so good!
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April 26, 2016
Thanks so much!! Still so excited and happy I had it done ... NO regrets whatsoever, and it was sooo easy!! :)
April 27, 2016
Looking great! I went under local too & don't regret it at all. It was a breeze! I started working out a week after. Feeling great!
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April 27, 2016
Thank you! And yep, having them removed under local was just the easiest thing ever! Not sure if you had drains but I did, and that's the ONLY so-called discomfort throughout this whole process.
Even with cleverly tucking in and hiding the drains, been back at it and active with everything - things around the house, exercising, etc.
Like you, I feel so good without those darn heavy things in the way. Feels awesome!
Cheers! :)
April 27, 2016
I sure appreciate you posting your results. I had my dreadful cumbersome and huge implants removed 2 years ago. I should have done it sooner. They were way too big (and I had cute little pert but tiny breasts), I did it for the wrong reasons. They got very hard and painful, and I had one rupture, and I lived with one big hard breast and one saggy one for almost 2 years prior.

For me it was financial. But then I got breast cancer, so I needed them removed anyway, and then a second surgery. I'm so glad to get rid of those things (I'm 53 now). The cancer struck one breast, and I had a partial mastectomy. The other breast is flopping down somewhere near my navel.

So I just spoke to my surgeon yesterday about having the other breast reduced and lifted. I'll be getting that done (to even things up a little bit). Since the removals, that one breast hurts so much because it's flopping around (the other one is tight and small from surgery and radiation, so it's quite comfortable). And I can't wear a bra, so yeah, there's that.

Doesn't it feel wonderful having these things gone? I'm also so happy to have those basketballs removed. They weighed me down and as I got older, they just made me look fatter too. I wanted to share just to let you know I can appreciate your decision and also how wonderful it feels to be free of them. I had mine removed the day before they removed the cancer, etc., and you're right. There was absolutely no pain having them removed. I felt nothing. Didn't even need a Tylenol and his incisions were in the same place (but smaller) than those incisions the other surgeon used who put the implants in.

Free at last! :)
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April 27, 2016
Merrida :)
Thank you for your comment.
Wow, you've really endured a lot between your breast cancer, removing your implants, and now another impending surgery to correct and tidy things up!
Quite the trooper you are! Hope you're doing okay and in the free and clear from your cancer.
I empathize with you - I had vulva cancer 11 yrs ago myself (sorta rare) My cancer had metastasized to the lymph nodes in my right groin where it became an almond/walnut sized lump.
Initially not knowing source of where the cancer was coming from, I underwent surgery for a total lymph node dissection to get rid of that. While I was in surgery for that is when they biopsied tissue from my private area and sent to pathology.
Turned out that vulva cancer was the originating source of cancer that over time, spread to lymph nodes in groin. Three wks. after lymph node dissection, I underwent another surgery,(radical vulvectomy) I was 37 yrs old when I had cancer 11yrs ago.
Anyways.. sigh... I completely empathize with your own cancer journey. :)
I think we're pretty darned strong ladies, don't ya think?! :)

Even though I'm only 6 days post-removal, I feel so happy, good, light and free! I brought home my still-filled, intact implants in a bag and gosh, it's sorta heavy! Doc said together they weigh about 2-3lbs. No wonder I felt so heavy, fat and yucky all those years!
Good riddance, right!?
I love this site ... Thank you for sharing your own personal story with me. It's so intriguing how different we all are, but Oh so alike across the board.. miles, oceans, etc. - ha!
Have a Fantastic Day! :D
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April 27, 2016
Aww both of you lovely ladies!... Had to share this link to an incredible lot of info about natural means to aid in combatting and curing cancer!... Xxxx https://go2.thetruthaboutcancer.com/agq/episode-3/
If it doesn't work Google or Youtube the truth about cancer... It was well worth it for me! ;) I'm sure I was right on the edge of getting it with last years scare, chronic inflammation often is a catalyst since it wears down immune system... Anyway, hope between education about detoxing n distressing n herbs n oils etc you'll find a gem, sharing coz caring! Xxxxxx love to you both strong beautiful ladies! [RS bleep]