POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
Age 53, Remove Ruptured Silicone Implants. Don't Wait!
ORIGINAL POST
Several months ago my left breast swelled and was...
FriedeienMarch 19, 2015
WORTH IT$3,500
Several months ago my left breast swelled and was slightly uncomfortable. A physician suggested a mammogram and breast US to rule out various problems. Later, an MRI confirmed both implants are ruptured and there is intra- and extra- capsular leakage of the silicone. Needle aspiration of some fluid came back negative for ALCL. I feel fine. So far so good.
My reasons for explant are to clean up the leakage, remove scar tissue, and avoid future surgeries. My first BA was in 1989. I was talked into a size larger than I was happy with. I developed CC and one side "bottomed out". The current set was implanted in 1996. This set lasted me 18 years with very little problem until now. They seem to have ruptured suddenly. Last year's mammogram was normal and I can't account for any trauma.
I spoke to a few surgeons and found one who has done a lot of breast reconstructive surgery. I have learned a lot of what to expect from Realself.com stories and hope to encourage others who want to consider this procedure. I am fortunate that my health insurance will cover most of the costs.
Here goes...
My reasons for explant are to clean up the leakage, remove scar tissue, and avoid future surgeries. My first BA was in 1989. I was talked into a size larger than I was happy with. I developed CC and one side "bottomed out". The current set was implanted in 1996. This set lasted me 18 years with very little problem until now. They seem to have ruptured suddenly. Last year's mammogram was normal and I can't account for any trauma.
I spoke to a few surgeons and found one who has done a lot of breast reconstructive surgery. I have learned a lot of what to expect from Realself.com stories and hope to encourage others who want to consider this procedure. I am fortunate that my health insurance will cover most of the costs.
Here goes...
Friedeien's provider
UPDATED FROM Friedeien
2 months pre
No price yet
FriedeienMarch 20, 2015
I don't know what the final cost will be. My health insurance is covering it. I have a high deductible with a maximum out of pocket. I will track the charges though and report it at the end.
Replies (6)
April 4, 2015
I'm looking forward to your story. I'm 53 and have had two sets of implants. The first was in 1990, the second (to correct the capsular contraction) in 1999. I'm seeing the original surgeon in two days. I'm so done.
May 1, 2015
How did your visit to the surgeon go? Mine had semi-retired to another state so I had to search for new person.
April 23, 2015
Ugh, I know how that high deductible thing goes. When you get a chance, we'd love an update. :)
May 1, 2015
Surgery in one week! I've almost hit my maximum out of pocket expenses of $3500. $750 was for a colonoscopy, the rest was "breast related" for mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, needle aspiration, down payment to surgery center and physician. I'm pleased. It could be so much worse. I'll still post a listing after all is said and done to give an idea what it might have cost to pay cash.
May 20, 2015
I'm finding that none of the private office of PS that I have consulted don't accept insurance to cover my explant because I got them originally for cosmetic purpose and not for health reason, I'm not sure if I'm looking at the wrong PS or it varies by states insurance policies any thoughts?
September 1, 2016
What health plan do you have? Will they cover the cost if their is a rupture and distortion?
UPDATED FROM Friedeien
2 days post
Surgery completed May7th, 2015
FriedeienMay 9, 2015
My surgery was done by Drs. Zol and Gil Kryger in Thousand Oaks, CA. Their mission was to remove my ruptured silicone implant material and not re-insert any new implants. They said it was a difficult explant surgery. I did not get more details since I was out of it. I will get the whole story when I go back for my first follow up appointment. Coming out of anesthesia, my pain level was high. They got that under control quickly but then a Percocet pill later brought on MAJOR NAUSEA. A Phenergan injection and Zofran helped a little bit. My aftercare nurse Lana was awesome and really everyone was kind, helpful, and professional. On the drive home (about 1 hour 45 minutes) we went through rain, hail, and a dust storm. (I was mostly in a fog. Pun intended.) My nausea finally subsided by the next morning and today I’ve only taken one 800 mg Ibuprofen for the pain. I’m sore but not really in pain. Using my icepacks sometimes.
I have drains but no wrapping of any kind. I am comfortable, sleeping fine and have already been outside a bit to walk around. I will post some photos. I'm not very good at it and was very nauseated when I took the first ones post-op. The breasts look awful right now but I was ready for that after reading other postings. It feels great to be "lighter and flatter" and I just have to wait and see what happens as time goes by.
I have drains but no wrapping of any kind. I am comfortable, sleeping fine and have already been outside a bit to walk around. I will post some photos. I'm not very good at it and was very nauseated when I took the first ones post-op. The breasts look awful right now but I was ready for that after reading other postings. It feels great to be "lighter and flatter" and I just have to wait and see what happens as time goes by.
Replies (10)
May 10, 2015
did you had the "en block" procedure??? Did your doctor told you why are your breast folded?
May 10, 2015
No, my silicone implants were not intact. They were ruptured and had leaked outside the capsules. I will ask my surgeons about the folded appearance of my breasts at my first follow-up appt. I have some guesses. "Under-the muscle" implantations are not necessarily completely covered by muscle. It's more like a hat on your head. Your head is under the hat but it's not covering your entire head. Your nose, face and chin poke out below. When you take your head out of the hat, it collapses. I think that accounts for the "top" fold. The bottom "fold" might be the drainage tube coiled upside where the breast pocket was, or swollen breast tissue. Stay tuned for details and I apologize for the goofy analogy.
May 10, 2015
Congratulations on your explantation. I'm very interested in your case because I'm also 53 and have had implants for a long time. Can I ask if your implants were under or over the muscle? Saline? I am sending my best wishes for a speedy and full recovery.
May 10, 2015
Thank you! My implants were silicone under the muscle. My ruptures were a mess.
May 11, 2015
That's actually a great analogy! Mine are also silicone under the muscle and will come out on May 20th. I'm scared of the fold result but am preparing myself for it just in case. I don't know if they are ruptured. They've been in for 27 years. Ugh.
As to the drains, in what way are you pinning your blouses? What do you use to pin the bulbs together? Large safety pins?? Also, what is the "washcloth idea"? thank you!!!
Replies (16)