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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

Saline Implants Removed After 10 Years - Santa Rosa, CA

ORIGINAL POST

As a teenager I was barely a 34A and always...

God's_Girl
WORTH IT

As a teenager I was barely a 34A and always struggled with low self-esteem because of my small breasts. I just didn't feel "womanly" or attractive. At 21 I finally made the decision to get implants. I got 225/250 (one breast is smaller than the other) submuscular saline implants. This brought me to a 36B. So, not outrageously huge, but just enough to look "normal". For years I was happy with them and finally felt attractive.

As time went on, I began realizing things I did not like about them, such as feeling self-conscious when I hugged people and not being able to lay on my stomach. I also felt terrible that I had ruined the body God had given me.

I have since had two children and breastfed both of them. I couldn't get any more womanly than that!

About a month ago, after several months of vacillating, I finally decided to have them removed. Some of my reasons:
- I was going to have them removed eventually, so might as well do it while my skin is more elastic.
- My surgeon is still practicing and said he would do it for FREE because it is such a simple quick procedure!
- I would finally be me.
- My husband is fully supportive and excited about my breasts being all natural.
- I will most likely get the feeling back that I lost in my nipples when I had them put in.
- I will not feel self-conscious when I hug people, and I can hug my children close without feeling a lump between us.
- and more...

My reasons not to have them removed were all out of vanity and insecurity.

June 25 I finally had them taken out. The surgery was very quick, as my surgeon said, and the recovery was easy. I only had local anesthesia, and needed just a couple doses of Ibuprofen the next day to help with the mild pain.

They understandably looked very empty and saggy after the surgery. It has been a week and a half and I am noticing a little bit of filling in. I do think my breasts will be smaller than before I had implants, probably a 34AA, simply because I have had two kids. But, I will be happy with whatever I have. I no longer rely on my breasts for part of my identity.

I do not regret my decision to have them removed, but it has been an emotional roller coaster since the surgery. I found that the implants were a temporary fix for a deep emotional problem. Several of my insecurities have resurfaced and I am killing them at the roots this time. It feels great to no longer be living a lie.

My close friends actually say I look better now because my small breasts fit perfectly with my small athletic build. I met them after getting implants and they said they have always thought my breasts were too big for my body. I never would have thought that.

So, I am pleased with my decision and am becoming a stronger woman because of it.

God's_Girl's provider

Barry N. Silberg, MD, FACS (retired)

Barry N. Silberg, MD, FACS (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Replies (7)

July 10, 2012
You look fantastic!! I can barely see any difference in the pre-implant and post-explant photos, it's really remarkable. I go in for my surgery this Friday, and I'll be thrilled if I have results similar to yours!!
July 12, 2012
I am so proud of you for making the decision to have them removed! Everything will go smoothly and you will be your real self soon.
July 10, 2012
I just had mine removed yesterday. I peeked in the bandages and they look pretty shrunken, but I dont care. I look forward to not having that burden to carry around anymore. I was so insecure when I was younger. I guess after some "help", Ive begun to like or maybe even love myself. Obviously, this surgery yesterday was a sign that I love myself. And my 3 year old and husband. I would lke to try for another child and maybe doen the road I will get a lift, but who knows. Im glad I did it now rather that after having another little on. I was scared to be put under, but everything was find. I told my husband before the surgery that I will definetly come out of this, because I wont let our son call anyone else "Mommy". I have so much more today to be proud of and more to live for. Im so relieved these things are out and my body is back to its original state. I am so proud of you. All of these reviews and comments give me so much hope. I havent cried yet, but if I do, it ill be pure joy. I am not the sad insecure kid I was back then. You look amazing. I hope my (originally A cups) look as good as yours. I will be happy either way though. Ill make it work. And I think I lost 20 lbs. (Those bad boys were heavy!) I wouldnt go without wearing a bra. Ever. Sleeping, Under a bathing suit. While giving birth. It was ridiculous.
July 12, 2012
I love how you said the surgery was a sign of loving yourself and your family. Our loved ones are what matter most in this life, not body parts. I too have a 3 year old and she was a huge reason for my decision. I look forward to hearing how your healing and transition are progressing.
July 12, 2012
Awesome, thanks for sharing!!
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July 10, 2012

I love your review! Thank you so much for sharing with us. I'm glad you're a stronger woman now and are nipping your insecurities in the bud! Also, having your implants removed for free is awesome! Please keep us posted on how you feel as you continue to recover.

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February 8, 2016
Thank you for your courage. I have gone through a spiritual transformation since my implants & view myself & beauty differently now. My muscles are also suffering & I want to love my body & start to heal on the outside, as I have healed on the inside. Thanks for being an inspiration! I hope to also be an inspiration to others :)
UPDATED FROM God's_Girl

Well, it has been two weeks since my surgery and I...

God's_Girl
Well, it has been two weeks since my surgery and I am feeling better each day. I love my real, soft, warm, squishy breasts! :) I am also so elated to report that my feeling is coming back! This is huge for me and my husband, and makes the removal even more worth it. If any of you have lost sensation, please have hope that it will return.

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone that has posted their story on this site. Each one helped me make the right decision, and I have gained a lot of encouragement and inspiration from your experiences.

Replies (42)

July 12, 2012
I like yourself have gone back and forth about having my implants removed. When I got them it was after nursing twins. I associated having nice full breasts with being a woman. I couldn't fit into dresses and bathing suits and "didn't feel like a woman." I was never busty, even before my girls. I had also had implants before them, that I had removed while going through infertility treatment. People who I talked to about it say but how are you going to feel with no boobs again; not my husband, he says I didn't do it for him but myself and he supports whatever I decide to do although he is worried about how it will affect me emotionally. I just feel like I'm over it. I almost want small, soft, saggy boobs at this point. I don't like huggin people wondering if they can feel my implants and I like you feel like I can't hug my kids close enough because of it. I have an appointment for 7/26. Thanks so much for you post and for letting me vent.
July 12, 2012
I have a question for everyone who has had them out. What did your doctor tell you to do afterwards? Wear a sports bra? Wrap your chest? Anything? I'm almost 40 so I know the elasticity isn't there but I'd like to optimize my results.
July 12, 2012
My doctor didn't give me any special instructions. He said it is a basic, non-invasive surgery and I probably wouldn' even need meds. I did get a comfy and supportive sports bra just because I felt I wanted more support for the first few days.
July 13, 2012
Just to wear a tight sports bra, and dont be afraid to clean the incision area good. I have to peel off the steri-strips this weekend. I put a piece of gauze where my bra sits on the incision since it gets irritated.
July 17, 2012
Hi God's Girl!!! You are looking great!!!
July 17, 2012
Thank you. I feel so great and am enjoying my smaller breasts :)
July 17, 2012
I'm scheduled for next Thursday, 7/26 and I can't wait. I was trying on dresses today that didn't fit because of me chest. I can't wait to go back and buy them when I get these things out : )
July 17, 2012
Awesome decision, I am proud of you. You will be so happy to fit into those dresses. I actually went and bought several new shirts because many of my other ones were too big :)
July 18, 2012
I bought new shirts as well. I was having to buy Large shirts because the chest area would always pull, but now I can buy Medium and be my flat little self. I am so flippin happy! I am also happy to say, I was able to lay on my stomach next to my son.
UPDATED FROM God's_Girl

It has been almost 8 months since my explant, so I...

God's_Girl
It has been almost 8 months since my explant, so I thought I would give an update. I am still so pleased that I got them removed. I think my breasts look pretty much how they would have looked after two kids, even without having implants. They have fluffed up a bit more though since the explant. They do not ripple anymore when I bend over. The scars still are tethered but not as badly. And, I figured out they got tethered after healing from the implant surgery, not explant.

The other day I realized that my breasts are no longer a self esteem issue. I just don't care that they are small. They are me and I love me. And I love being able to hug my husband and kids tight, and have them lay on me with no rocks in the way. Those are cherished moments.

The only issue is still not being able to find a pretty bra. This has been a real emotional challenge at times. I am a 34AA but no bra that size works. My breasts hang low and have no volume above the nipple. So, they do not fill the top of the bra cup, regardless of how small the bra is. The cup actually caves in on top.

I have found some little cami bras that are very comfy, and look nice under clothes. I really like them, except they don't look sexy. Some of them even came from the teens section, so I feel weird when my husband sees them. Emotionally, it is also a bit uncomfortable to be an adult women with two kids and having to shop in the same section as 12 year olds getting their first bra.

I will keep looking for a bra, but I am so happy otherwise. I realize a new level of maturity and self confidence.

I would love to hear more of your stories!

Replies (7)

February 20, 2013
Your story and your breasts are very similar to mine. Thank you for your story.
February 20, 2013
I am glad that you are finding women with similar experiences. I don't know where you are in the process, but I pray you are doing well.
February 21, 2013
Hello! You look great!! I am even smaller at a 32AA/A....which is what i was pre-implant...but have found that I love wearing the "ZeeBra." It is so comfortable and the customer service is great! I have absolutely NO volume up top either...but even when I was 20 I didn't either :). You can check it out online. They only have 3 basic colors, but I have been told by the owner that she is looking to expand. I had suggested different colors and lace! I love the natural enhanced shape without any wires or clasps...wonderful on!...and let's be honest...I don't need any support with my itty-bitties!
February 21, 2013
Thank you for the recommendation. I took a look at her website and they look great. I will probably get at least one. And, like you, I would definitely be interested in something a little fancier :)
February 22, 2013
Hi god's girl, I am glad you're doing good.And looking great!
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February 24, 2013
Could you please post updated pics? I want my stupid 550 ccs out!!
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February 8, 2016
God's Girl,

Thanks for the feed back. I before my implants, I was a 32A & I have not yet gotten the explant, but have purchased some sexy bras from Walmart that fit that size. They are more like those came bras you were talking about. They have lace & come in different colors. Another thing that always made me feel sexy even with a small chest was a flat tummy. Our joy & connection with others also makes us sexy. God bless sister!