45 Years Old and Ready to Be Done with Implants - Seattle, WA

First, I want to thank all the women who have shared their stories - you have been so helpful in my decision to explant. Here's my story: 16 years ago I had saline implants placed under the muscle. I had decided to get implants after breastfeeding 2 children. Prior to having children I was a cute 32A but the breastfeeding had literally sucked my breasts away. During my pregnancy and while lactating I was a small C cup and I loved it! A year after I finished breastfeeding I decided I wanted those C cups back. The nursing staff at the surgeon's office told me that for me to end up with a C cup I would need 350cc implants. They seemed to large for my 5'0" 103 pound frame so I opted for 275cc. The staff urged me to "go big" and said that most women regretted not selecting larger implants. Well, I'm glad I stuck to my guns and went with 275cc because after the surgery and my breasts settled I was a C/D cup. As an aside, I think encouraging women to get larger implants than they are comfortable with is a real disservice and the stories I have read here from women who request one size and then wake up with a larger size make me sad and a little angry. I had a good result from the surgery, my breasts have remained quite soft, and I haven't had any revisions. Before my weight gain, more about that later, I was pleased with their appearance. Prior to the augmentation I was thin (chasing 2 small children around) but not particularly active. Since getting implants I've run a dozen half-marathons, one full marathon, and completed many 100+ mile bike rides. My implants just get in the way of my active lifestyle. Unfortunately, despite my active lifestyle, I still have managed to gain about 15 pounds since the getting implants. What can I say, my husband is an excellent cook. I feel like a lot of the weight has settled in my chest and now I look heavy and matronly rather than athletic and sexy. My boobs are just too big!!! I am excited about my decision to explant and I've decided to only have the implants removed and no lift. I met with my personable and skilled surgeon yesterday (not the same doctor who placed the implants) and she thinks that I will not be left flat-chested (thank you weight gain??) and commented that my skin seems to have good resiliency so I'm hoping it will retract satisfactorily. I'm well aware that I will have at a minimum some sagging and my days of perky breasts are over, but overall, I'm optimistic that I will be OK with their appearance. If not, I may have a fat transfer performed (no more implants for me) but I'm hoping that it won't feel like that is necessary and I'm going to wait at least 6 months after the removal before having any additional procedures. Today I'm grateful for all the amazing things my body can do and am working hard to focus on that rather than solely on the way I look. Fingers crossed for a good result. Thanks again to all you lovely ladies who have shared your experiences.

They came out today and I feel great! I haven't taken a peek at them yet but I can tell even in my compression bra that I definitely have some breast tissue left. Yahoo! Will post updated pics on Friday after I've had the drains removed.

Today was the big reveal. I laughed and cried simultaneously during the unveiling. But I'm truly pleased. So wonderful to have my little breasts back!