POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
55 Years Old, No Kids, Removal of 19 Year Old Implants, Australia
ORIGINAL POST
Thought I'd pay this forward as others before me...
DianembOctober 1, 2015
WORTH IT$2,000
Thought I'd pay this forward as others before me who have posted here, especially with photos, have been so helpful as to what I might expect. I got my implants, under muscle, saline with silicon shell, in 1996. I was single at the time and thought I'd do this "just for me". I was an A cup at the time and always struggled to find bras that fit - with small breasts and a broad back it was almost impossible to buy bras off the rack that fit properly. It was usually a case of getting the cup size right and then sewing on an extra row of hooks at the back to make the band comfortable enough to wear.
The original surgeon (now retired) did a fabulous job, I was really pleased with them. The scars are almost invisible (under breast) and they have caused me no health problems. I went from an A cup to a C (sorry I don't know the actual implant size).
Anyway, fast forward 19 years and they are now firming (my new surgeon, Dr Brigid Corrigan, says after 19 years I'll definitely have some capsulitis). I've gained a couple of kilos and gravity has my breasts drooping a bit - though not as much as they will when the implants are out! I'm over trying to find clothes that fit properly and as some others have mentioned, my larger boobs are making me feel matronly (I now wear a 16D thanks to weight gain and gravity). I'd also like to start doing some serious exercise (I've always felt my boobs got in the way at the gym though I'm certainly not in the Pam Anderson category).
So I'm scheduled for explant next Tuesday and am becoming decidedly nervous about it. My partner has his doubts (just leave them until something serious happens with them) but he's supportive of my decision. Dr Corrigan says I don't have much breast tissue so I've no idea what to expect after almost 2 decades.
I'll be in hospital overnight, having a general anaesthetic, drains out before I go home. The PS is removing capsules, and follow up appointment is 10 days later. I've bought 2 compression bras (at the exhorbitant price of A$55 and A$75 each) from Breastcare WA which I'll be required to wear 24/7 for several weeks. I'll be taking 2 weeks off work (I work at a computer 3 days a week).
I've attached some photos (they are photos of photos so my apologies for the quality - hope they upload okay). My PS has taken some "before" photos and I've asked her to also photograph the implants when she takes them out so I'll post those when I get them (I don't have a smart phone, just a small digital camera).
Wish me luck!
The original surgeon (now retired) did a fabulous job, I was really pleased with them. The scars are almost invisible (under breast) and they have caused me no health problems. I went from an A cup to a C (sorry I don't know the actual implant size).
Anyway, fast forward 19 years and they are now firming (my new surgeon, Dr Brigid Corrigan, says after 19 years I'll definitely have some capsulitis). I've gained a couple of kilos and gravity has my breasts drooping a bit - though not as much as they will when the implants are out! I'm over trying to find clothes that fit properly and as some others have mentioned, my larger boobs are making me feel matronly (I now wear a 16D thanks to weight gain and gravity). I'd also like to start doing some serious exercise (I've always felt my boobs got in the way at the gym though I'm certainly not in the Pam Anderson category).
So I'm scheduled for explant next Tuesday and am becoming decidedly nervous about it. My partner has his doubts (just leave them until something serious happens with them) but he's supportive of my decision. Dr Corrigan says I don't have much breast tissue so I've no idea what to expect after almost 2 decades.
I'll be in hospital overnight, having a general anaesthetic, drains out before I go home. The PS is removing capsules, and follow up appointment is 10 days later. I've bought 2 compression bras (at the exhorbitant price of A$55 and A$75 each) from Breastcare WA which I'll be required to wear 24/7 for several weeks. I'll be taking 2 weeks off work (I work at a computer 3 days a week).
I've attached some photos (they are photos of photos so my apologies for the quality - hope they upload okay). My PS has taken some "before" photos and I've asked her to also photograph the implants when she takes them out so I'll post those when I get them (I don't have a smart phone, just a small digital camera).
Wish me luck!
Dianemb's provider
Replies (7)
October 3, 2015
Good luck..I'm sure you will be fine..Sounds like you have a very understanding doctor...Keep us posted...
October 3, 2015
I might add that I am a D cup but am also 5ft 8 1/2 in and quite broad so as my ps explained anything smaller than a D on me just wouldn't look right..He said that if he made me a C they would have been pancakes because of the width of my breasts if that makes sense..
UPDATED FROM Dianemb
2 days pre
Getting closer
DianembOctober 3, 2015
Had a call from a nurse at the hospital yesterday evening going over what medications I'm on (none) and previous surgeries I've had, as well as advising I buy some Chlorhexidine pre-op wash and wash with that the night before and the morning of the surgery - and don't put on any moisturiser, nail polish, deodorant or make-up. I'm getting pretty nervous now, hoping I'm doing the right thing as apart from hardening a little, my boobs aren't causing me any major issues (yet). But I remind myself that could change at any time, and they are nearly 20 years old. I've added a few pics my partner took today. I'm 170cm (5'7") and weigh 71kgs (156lbs).
Replies (8)
October 3, 2015
Dear Diane - I live in MN and am also 55, had my implants in 11 yrs ago and am scheduled for deflation (removal of saline via needle extraction) on 10/7, and then removal of implants and capsules on 11/9. Similar to you, I liked mine at first but was 15 lbs. lighter and now look matronly. They are uncomfortable, ache-y on the right side, and heavy. I have worked out less and less over the years as these things get in the way. I'm a 34-36 DD, which is way too big for me. Another coincidence: my youngest sister and her family live in Perth! Small world.
I too am nervous but am so over trying to find shirts, suits, swim tops, bras, etc. that fit. Am tired of physically using my left hand to reach under my right breast and shift it inward and upward. But as you say, it's a bit nerve-wracking wondering how the surgery will go (pain, complications, etc) and how I'll look after.
My thoughts are with you. I'l be following your story and do believe you're doing the right thing at the right time. If you wait to do this until you have an issue, as your partner suggests, you'll be dealing with that as a complicating factor, you likely won't be in the best state of mind for decision-making, and - face it - you'll be that much older and recovery will be that much more difficult. So, I think you're doing this at the right time! Take care; hugs and all good thoughts being sent to you from Minneosta, USA. - Colleen
I too am nervous but am so over trying to find shirts, suits, swim tops, bras, etc. that fit. Am tired of physically using my left hand to reach under my right breast and shift it inward and upward. But as you say, it's a bit nerve-wracking wondering how the surgery will go (pain, complications, etc) and how I'll look after.
My thoughts are with you. I'l be following your story and do believe you're doing the right thing at the right time. If you wait to do this until you have an issue, as your partner suggests, you'll be dealing with that as a complicating factor, you likely won't be in the best state of mind for decision-making, and - face it - you'll be that much older and recovery will be that much more difficult. So, I think you're doing this at the right time! Take care; hugs and all good thoughts being sent to you from Minneosta, USA. - Colleen
October 3, 2015
Thanks so much for your encouraging and reassuring words Colleen, they really are helpful (and yes, small world!). Good luck with your explant too!
October 3, 2015
prayers your way!!! you'll be well. Thank you for weighing in on massagingn and bra wearing. I am wondering if the sports top Im using isn't too tight. What if the tissue, which had been compressed for 9 years in my case, cannot bounce off the wall?
October 3, 2015
When I had my compression bras fitted, I had no idea how to judge the size I would need but the assistant said to go by the comfort of the band under the breasts and not worry about the cup size. The first one I tried on was really tight (uncomfortably so) so I tried a bigger size which was still firm but much more comfortable. Given I'll be basically living in a compression bra for at least 4 weeks, the slightly bigger size is the better option.
October 3, 2015
oh, I see. I think that the band under 'cups' ( mine is a sports top) is tight but not uncomfortably. I'm choosing to believe it is ok.
Thank you xoxox
Thank you xoxox
October 3, 2015
Good Luck for Tuesday! I feel for you, I am booked to have mine removed 30th Oct. Getting excited about being all me again. I look forward to hearing all went well and you are happy with the outcome!
October 4, 2015
Good luck to you! I removed my 18 yo saline implants 6 weeks ago. I was surprised when Dr said my implants were perfectly intact and the fluid was still clear. He had originally told me to wait until something goes wrong but that sounded crazy to me. I didn't want them to rupture inside. I never had any problems either, but something was telling me it was time to get them out. I guess eventually you have to remove or replace and replacing just means more surgery down the road. I think you'll be happy with your decision and you will look great. Best of luck!
October 4, 2015
Just checked out your story - fantastic that your PS said you don't need a lift (I've heard some recommend it anyway). I can definitely see an improvement from your first few days compared to the last photos you posted - encouraging for me!
UPDATED FROM Dianemb
2 days pre
The photo that got me thinking
DianembOctober 4, 2015
My partner I went on a holiday to beautiful Tasmania last year and this is one of the photos that was taken - when I saw the photo, I couldn't get over how poorly this top fit me and realised I probably have a wardrobe of ill-fitting tops because of the difficulty of finding clothes that fit properly over my breasts. I'm sure I won't have this problem after Tuesday!
Replies (5)
October 4, 2015
Good luck for Tuesday..I had a reduction in Sydney in April..Best thing I have ever done..Although I am a D they look so much more youthful..Not the mono boob I had before and I can go bra less if I feel like it..Do you know what size you will end up?
October 4, 2015
No I've got no idea. The PS doesn't think I have much breast tissue so I may well be an A but that's okay - my fear is that they will be a really saggy A! Still, I'll have to be patient and give them 6-12 months apparently and see how well my skin retracts (another reason not to leave it any longer as I'm sure our skin "bounces back" less as we get older).
October 4, 2015
Hi-I will be 1 week post op tomirrow.was 34dd before.my girls defo look a bit sad-maybe a b cup-but very happy to be without.im 52 and had them 8 years.have put pics on my profile.good luck x
October 4, 2015
Thanks Kat - you look like you're making great progress already. Massive nerves are starting to set in for me now!
October 4, 2015
All the best on Tuesday! You are one week behind me. Keep us posted on your progress!
Best of luck! Thank you so much for starting your story. I don 't think you want to wait until "something serious happens". I'll be checking in for your updates. Just a few more days!