Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

Planning Explantation but Scared! - Tampa, FL

UPDATED FROM kpett
5 days post

Four days post op!! My drains came out yesterday!...

K
kpett
WORTH IT$4,000
Four days post op!! My drains came out yesterday! Yea, what a good feeling to not have those things in!!
Didn't hurt, just a bit of a tug and they were out. Not as bad as I anticipated! Well, anticipation is often worse than the actual thing right?!! Was told to still do nothing and keep resting. Will see the doctor again in 3 weeks. Was glad to get the surgical bra off. It wasn't very soft & comfie! I have a Champion zip front sports bra on now. Better, but not as soft as I'd hoped. Anyone have ideas on comfie, soft bras that still keep things in place? Is the Genie bra a good one? I'm very small and smushed so wonder what are some good fits for teeny tiny's??
I can sleep on my side so that helps. Still tender where the drains were but to be expected.
So, on the slow road to recovery and so hoping that things will fill out some!! Patience is a virtue I'm trying to improve on! To all of you strong and fabulous women who have made this journey, or are in the process of making it, stay strong in what your believe is right for you! Everyone's support and advice have been my rock! Will keep you updated. Keep me posted all of you recent explantee's on your progress!
Thanks so much to all!!

kpett's provider

Dr. K. Wells

kpett ratings

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

I've chosen providers with reviews and ratings from various Internet sites, as well as Board Certified Plastic Surgeons sites.

Replies (5)

V
May 1, 2013
Congratulations!! So glad you picked the 2nd surgeon. I'll be getting ekg as well, not sure it's because of age (66) or if it's normal procedure for explants. So glad the drains are out, and soon you'll feel wonderful!
L
May 1, 2013
Congratulations! I bet you already look so much better! Healing thoughts coming your way!
User Avatar
BM
May 1, 2013
So happy to hear from you today! Wow, drains out - I am very jealous; hoping mine will come out tomorrow. I am 3 hours from my doctor so think he kind of left me draining for the 7 days because of the distance. It does kind of make sense. Since you don't need a compression bra, maybe the Walmart Fruit of the Loom would feel comfy for you. They are just soft cotton - hook in front - and were less than $8 each.
K
May 1, 2013
Thanks for the info. Hope your doing well and so glad your close to drains out day!! It's a good feeling that's for sure! Have you peeked at your results? I'm pretty smushed, but time will fluff some, hopefully! Take care and continue to take it slow.
User Avatar
BM
May 1, 2013
I did, in fact I posted some pics. My problem is symmetry - my left is way larger than my right but I don't care - they look the same in a bra and I'm healing well so far. That all being said, how can I complain. The two different sides had totally different issues - left was ruptured but capsule came out easily, right was not ruptured but PS had terrible time separating me from the capsule. So, in all fairness I really must try to be patient and let them sort themselves out. Right now I am anxious to be able to do more things. My husband is being wonderful and doing everything but he's busy and stressed and it's making me stressed!
LG
May 2, 2013
Hi Kpett, glad to hear you are doing well. I am 58, had my explant on monday, drains out today! I am very happy with my results as well. Pretty much the same as you, no pain or issues, I am so relieved!! All I have now is a steri strip over the scar, the stitches will dissolve eventually. I am wearing a high impact compression sports bra, half the price of a surgical bra, my PS who also does reconstructive surgery on the NHS UK said that would be ok.
K
May 2, 2013
Good for you! So glad things went well and your drains are out already! I'm wearing a compression sports bra too that zips in front. Easy on & off. Glad we're on the road to recovery!! Take care and rest!
W
May 6, 2013
Hi kpett. Hope you're doing well. I'm having 26-year-old encapsulated saline implants removed on May 30. Like you, I'm thin. I don't have a lot of breast tissue, so I'm not sure what the end result will be. I do know, though, that your story and the stories of all the ladies on this site have been so encouraging. Happy healing to you!
UPDATED FROM kpett
1 day post

Had surgery yesterday!! All went well. Everyone...

K
kpett
Had surgery yesterday!! All went well. Everyone at the surgical center was so nice. I have drains, which are a little uncomfortable, but not bad. I think today I'm a little more sore than yesterday, but probably the anesthesia was still with me. Hard to sleep on my back! Tried a recliner & then lots of pillows but made do.
Turned out neither of the implants were ruptured, so that was a relief. Was worried about having silicone floating around in me.
I think the drains will be in another 3 days. Depends how much drainage there is. I did not have a lift. So now, the anticipation of seeing them! I'm prepared for them to look very different but that's O.K. It feels so good to have this behind me! I'll try sending pictures later. Thank you all for much needed support!!

Replies (5)

CR
April 27, 2013
Glad to hear the surgery is behind you and the focus is now on healing! It's gotta feel great to know that the implants were still intact and not leaking! Whew!
User Avatar
BM
April 27, 2013
Congratulations, I'm right here with you my friend - had mine out on Thursday. My drains are not coming out for a full 7 days; ugh :(.
JM
April 27, 2013
I know the drains are a pain but worth it to keep fluid build up from becoming an issue. It will be here before you know it. They do keep you from doing too much so that is good too. Positive thoughts to you!
JM
April 27, 2013
Good news that neither side was ruptured....so happy that you are implant free. You will feel so much better being natural. I know I do :-)
User Avatar
L
April 28, 2013
So happy for you! Waiting and anticipating surgery is the worst part, now that they are out you will feel better and more at peace as the days go by! Congratulations, I hope you have a very restful recovery.
User Avatar
BM
April 28, 2013
Thinking lots about you today - hope you are doing well and relaxing. Drains are a pain but mine seem necessary so what can you do? Sure feels good to be on the other side doesn't it? Relax and baby yourself, you deserve it.
K
April 28, 2013
Hi Back to just me! I'm doing well. Only used the pain med for a day and a half. Tylenol seems fine now. Pain meds make me feel strange! I have drains but seems to be getting pretty minimal amounts as of today. I think the doctor said they could come out Tue. or Wed. Is there a reason your drains will be in a week? May just precaution, which is a good thing. A little tough sleeping on my back, but I figured out a way, with a lot of pillows, to turn slightly on my side. That was much better! I'm resting, even though I feel I could do more. My husband has been so sweet. He bought flowers and is cooking and waiting on me! He's my angel and I'm blessed to have him!! Have you peeked under the dressing and bra yet? I just did take a peek and looks OK, not great, but I'll take OK! Hopefully, as others have said, they'll fluff up some. Not a worry though. A nice bra will do just fine. Hope your doing well. I was thinking about you last Fri. & saying a prayer for both of us! Rest up. I will update as we go.
User Avatar
BM
April 29, 2013
Hi kpett, I don't know why my drains are in for a week other than the fact that my doctor and I are at complete opposite ends of the state. I don't mind them too much. I did not have any dressing under the compression bra but I know that many do. Makes you wonder what dictates the different treatments. My two sides had very different situations and I have to say that they feel very different to me, both inside and how they look on the outside. Glad you are feeling well and resting comfortably. Anxious to hear from you again.
UPDATED FROM kpett
14 days pre

All pre-op bloodwork completed today at the...

K
kpett
All pre-op bloodwork completed today at the hospital! Everything is set, paid for and a go for Fri. 4/26!! The surgery will be done at the hospital's outpatient day surgery facility. Everyone was very nice and comforting! Talked with Anesthesia and something to prevent nausea will be added to my I.V. Would hate to wake up feeling sick! So, my countdown begins. Guess I'll try to stay busy and try not to be too anxious! I keep thinking 2 weeks from tonight I'll be implant free and home on the road to recovery! Thanks everyone for your stories, encouragement and moral support!! This site has given me so much insight and hope for a good outcome! I will keep you posted after surgery!!

Replies (4)

CR
April 13, 2013
Yea for you! I bet you cannot wait to get this show on the road, kpett! I just did an update for myself and my surgery is scheduled for May 21st. We'll both be members of the itty bitty [RS bleep] club soon!
N
April 13, 2013
Its a GREAT HEALTHY club to belong to. Congrats on your date.
CR
April 13, 2013
So true! Dr. Melmed spent some time talking to me about how health can improve after explantation and I'm very excited about it!
CR
April 13, 2013
Oops--I meant to say the itty bitty bra club. :-)
N
April 13, 2013
You will look just fine afterwards. Mine were 23 years ol Silcone under muscle and my breast al theough small look great for being 52. I love being able to wear these little camies with the shelf built in, so comfy. We will cheer you on as your explant date arrives.
User Avatar
BM
April 13, 2013
I just had my pre-op blood work and ekg etc. too; I am just one day before you so we are on a very similar path! I am 68 and have had my implants for 32 years, we can cheer each other on - time is flying by but I have to admit, in bed at night I have to keep myself focused on positive thoughts. God bless everyone on this site!
K
April 14, 2013
The best of luck to you! Good to know I'm not alone and someone out there is in my time frame and age! I will definitely have you in my thoughts and prayers on 4/25!! Please let me know how your doing post op! I know what you mean about those nighttime thoughts or quiet time! Stay positive. This site has sure been a big help too so many and I'm very grateful too have found it! More later.
P
April 19, 2013
Thanks for your post. I am scheduled for a consult with a local St Petersburg Dr next week and I'm a bit nervous about it. I am 59 and have had implants since I was 27, but they after my latest mammogram the radiologist suggested that I might want to have them removed as they seem to be degrading. That did it for me...I've heard the stories about silicone leaks! My mind is made up, but the cost makes me cringe. I will follow your progress, we may have the same 'female' Dr.