Finally They Are out - Savannah, GA

I had the saline implants implanted some twelve years ago. I went from a small B to a large C and, ultimately over the years, with stretching of skin and maybe some weight gain, a very full D. The boobs were natural looking and soft and I enjoyed them for about nine years, there were no complications. Some of my friends and acquaintances didn't even know I had implants. Then I guess I outgrew them–the implants, not the friends. They got in the way–I'm petite and athletic with small hips they just overpowered my silhouette. It was hard to find things to wear that didn't make me look matronly or slutty. I just wanted them gone. And I wanted a lift of whatever was left.

It was some time before I could afford to remove them but did my research. I read a lot here, on Real Self. I consulted with several doctors, all of then men, who told me I would be unhappy with an explant/lift and that I should put in new, smaller ones. A few suggested that I drain the saline and see how I liked the resulting size; one or two said my skin would retract some, and at least one said there is no such thing as skin retracting. (That last one also told me I had significant sun damage on my face, that I look older than I am and that he could help me with that. I hadn't asked for his opinion on that, but that's another story.)

And then I met the fabulous Dr. Megan McGovern, who had no problem with the idea of an explant and a lift without new implants. She said she'd do whatever I wanted–within reason, of course–it was my body. I still didn't have the money (or the time for recovery) for the whole shebang but for a very fair price she drained the saline. I immediately loved the small breasts, even with the empty bags inside, even as sad-looking and saggy as they were. I was able to wear what I wanted and running/lifting/yoga were so much more pleasant. But the breasts were pretty sad looking, I am lean and the bags poked out on one side or another, particularly when I was lying on my back or on my side. It was difficult to find a bra that fit; my cleavage area was hideous. Usually I wore sorts bras. Anyway, that's how it was for two years.

Until just yesterday. I finally had the surgery: explant and lift. It was absolutely painless all day yesterday–thanks to several drugs. I was warned that I might feel nauseated and queazy, but I didn't at all. By the evening I was walking around a bit. Today I can feel the incisions. They hurt, but only a 5-6 on a pain scale of 10. Thanks to the drugs, probably. Muscularly, no pain. As I write this, I've not yet taken the bra and the bandages off to see what I've got.

But I wanted to post, I've been meaning to post because it helped me a lot to read what others have shared. I'll keep you posted.

So I think they are pretty swollen, even the cleavage space between them is squishy and watery feeling. They look really far apart from each other, wide on my ribcage. I know that they were widely spaced before, but I hoped to correct that. I think it may be because of the swelling and the tape underneath. I like them but I'm hoping that there is more slope to the upper breast once the swelling goes down. They itch like crazy.

On Monday I went to my first follow-up apt, the tape was removed and evidently my skin didn't like the tape: I had little pimple-like blisters around the tape lines. The tape was replaced with paper tape, and I was given a prescription for antibiotics. Doc said it looked like a yeast infection which is odd because I VERY rarely get those. The bra was driving me crazy and Doc gave me permission to switch a supportive cotton one, which I thought I had but I don't, so I wore a minimizer, Werners or Playtex or something, nylon/spandex, that I bought when I had the empty bags in and was saggy and misshapen. The size of the bra was perfect–and comfortable at first. The healing was going so well that I thought I could do more than I should have, moving around more than I should have. So starting last night the stitches started busting and itching something awful. Because of the antibiotics I was instructed not to take any meds, so I didn't but I sure would have if I could. Ice. Slept miserably. I replaced the paper tape, ouch level 6 on a scale of 10. Then switched back to post surgery bra, which is now oddly enough, really comfortable.

My doc, by the way, recommends raw honey for the incision sites. It's a natural antibiotic. You just cover the honey with paper tape or maxi-pads so you don't stick to your bra. and it turns out to be quite soothing. Amazing.

Here are pics from yesterday.