My Breast Implant Removal Journey - St. Louis, MO

It has been 10 days since my decision for breast implant removal and I am confident in saying that I definitely made the right decision. My story leading up to this decision is one that I am sure you will agree on: I'm 46-years old and had silicone implants 22-years ago size 325 cc.

I had them replaced with saline as I found out that my left implant had ruptured. No one knew how long it had been like that, I was just told that it was a slow leak. I went with larger implants, size 475 cc and 3 months after my new implant surgery, I developed a most painful capsular contracture in that very same side and had to undergo surgery again. 8 months later, the same thing happened again. It has been so painful.

My left side was completely hard as a brick. I haven't been able to lay prone or sleep on my side for 3 years because of it. I was completely fed up with having them and started searching for surgeons. My friend referred me to a surgeon and I scheduled a consultation right away. The only concerns we had was that I was so petite, (size 0) and my implants were very large, AND having them for 22-years was a worry of mine concerning deformity, saggy droopy skin.

I am a group fitness trainer, have always been in fitness and eat very healthy. My doctor said that it showed and that he thought the results would be promising. He opted to do the most minimalist of surgery, no mastopexy and no lift. To re-iterate, it has been 10 days since my removal and my doctor is still shocked at how a woman with such a small frame as I have, could ever hold such large, implants of 475 cc.

Now, I do say that I've had 3 1/2 years to contemplate having this done with a lot of reading up and educating myself on this procedure. I knew that I could be deformed as tiny as I am. I knew that having implants for so long causes muscle atrophy and a diminishing of existing breast tissue, and I have experienced a little of both. HOWEVER, my results are astounding! Yes, I am probably a 30AA but I'm so glad and happy at what my doctor has accomplished for me. I've been given a second chance to get myself healthy, feeling better AND I don't have to worry about brick hard, encapsulated foreign objects in my chest any longer.

I had my second follow up last Friday, April 13 and did find that my breast tissue on each side was buckling a bit, so we are taping them up and keeping my chest bound with a tight fitting bandeau velcro girdle. Every time I shower and look at the area, I am seeing improvement in the puckering. I am so very glad that I did it. I plan to go through a cleansing detox six weeks from now to make sure I can rid any toxins from my body and can't wait to get back to the gym and train again.

The pros are: I get my life back, plan to be healthier and enjoy my life pain-free for once. The cons, if you can consider this one: No implants for me. I am a size 30AA and have lost a considerable amount of breast tissue BUT my husband is so thankful that I'm feeling better and to him that all that matters. I'm thankful that I have a husband that loves me so much that appearance has never really mattered to him. I hope my story can help those that are contemplating the same procedure. Everyone's case scenario is different and it's important to get a doctor who is willing to go over everything with you before hand. You will have to take these things under consideration: How large your implants are, your present size, how long you've had your implants, if you need mastopexy or lift afterwards at a later time, etc. Good Luck to those who consider this procedure. I did it and will never regret it!