POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
Age 50 - So Happy To Explant! TX
ORIGINAL POST
I had my first implant surgery at age 16 (Back in...
WORTH IT$5,000
I had my first implant surgery at age 16 (Back in 1984) (Mom gave permission for the surgery). Had very small AA cup breast to begin with then upgraded to a small B with my first set of under the muscle silicone implants. (175cc? I think.) Had those for about 8 years and decided I wanted to go a tad bigger. Got full C cup silicone under the muscle. (300cc) Had those for 20 years and upgraded again because the pockets had gotten loose and my implants sat too far towards my armpits and pulled on the muscle and caused pain.
So, I had a 3rd upgrade in 2007 with mid profile silicone 550cc under the muscle implants. The thing is, I actually went in to get my implants removed completely back in 2007, but somehow let myself get convinced that a fresh set of implants would be a better idea. My surgeon fixed my pockets and added 550CC mid-profile silicone implants under the muscle. They are quite pretty in terms of shape and hang, but they are very large DD's on a tiny frame (I am 5'1" 120 pounds.) They are so heavy, hurt my neck every single day and I have so many health problems that it is impossible at this stage of my life to believe that my implants aren't causing them. While aesthetically they look lovely but way too big on me, I am so over having implants and want them gone for good. I wish I could go back to 2007 and have just ex-planted then when I wanted to!
I have Fibromyalgia, IBS, horrible bone and joint pain, and fatigue that is debilitating at times. Constant sore breasts, trouble breathing when I lay certain ways. Inability to lay on tummy. Constant asthma, bronchitis and breathing issues. Brain fog, feeling of low grade fever, chills or flu like illness. The list goes on... and after reading hundreds of other explant stories I now know either it's a coincidence that so many of us have the exact same symptoms OR It has to be the implants! They are making me sick. I need them out. I need them gone from my body. I am so sick of being sick and sore. Sick and sore and tired.
I've known about the possible health issues with implants for many years but tried to convince myself that my health problems and constant body pain had nothing to do with my implants. I can't do that now. I want these implants removed and want my health back. I am so inspired by the posts here by women who found the courage to explant and find their way back to good heath and I am now in the process of starting my journey to become a healthier happier implant free gal!
I would like to just have my implants removed and then let nature take it's course for at least 6-8 months before I decide if I wish to or need to get a lift. I'd like to hope I could have a B cup with no lift after explant. ... and get my health back again!! I will find out more when I see my surgeon to discuss my options. Thanks for being part of my journey back to good health.
I will share my pics and stories soon. Looking forward to talking with y'all here and sharing in your support and knowledge!
TK
^-^
So, I had a 3rd upgrade in 2007 with mid profile silicone 550cc under the muscle implants. The thing is, I actually went in to get my implants removed completely back in 2007, but somehow let myself get convinced that a fresh set of implants would be a better idea. My surgeon fixed my pockets and added 550CC mid-profile silicone implants under the muscle. They are quite pretty in terms of shape and hang, but they are very large DD's on a tiny frame (I am 5'1" 120 pounds.) They are so heavy, hurt my neck every single day and I have so many health problems that it is impossible at this stage of my life to believe that my implants aren't causing them. While aesthetically they look lovely but way too big on me, I am so over having implants and want them gone for good. I wish I could go back to 2007 and have just ex-planted then when I wanted to!
I have Fibromyalgia, IBS, horrible bone and joint pain, and fatigue that is debilitating at times. Constant sore breasts, trouble breathing when I lay certain ways. Inability to lay on tummy. Constant asthma, bronchitis and breathing issues. Brain fog, feeling of low grade fever, chills or flu like illness. The list goes on... and after reading hundreds of other explant stories I now know either it's a coincidence that so many of us have the exact same symptoms OR It has to be the implants! They are making me sick. I need them out. I need them gone from my body. I am so sick of being sick and sore. Sick and sore and tired.
I've known about the possible health issues with implants for many years but tried to convince myself that my health problems and constant body pain had nothing to do with my implants. I can't do that now. I want these implants removed and want my health back. I am so inspired by the posts here by women who found the courage to explant and find their way back to good heath and I am now in the process of starting my journey to become a healthier happier implant free gal!
I would like to just have my implants removed and then let nature take it's course for at least 6-8 months before I decide if I wish to or need to get a lift. I'd like to hope I could have a B cup with no lift after explant. ... and get my health back again!! I will find out more when I see my surgeon to discuss my options. Thanks for being part of my journey back to good health.
I will share my pics and stories soon. Looking forward to talking with y'all here and sharing in your support and knowledge!
TK
^-^
UPDATED FROM TinyKitty
17 days pre
Scheduled my Explant consultation...
I go in Sept 8th for my consult to discuss my explant options.
I have so many concerns that I get these waves of anxiety flooding through me. A lot of the issues stem from my worries about how I will look post explant. I have had 3 sets of implants over the course of my entire adult life. How do I get my head around me without them? How do I know if I will still like the way I look when they are gone? I would like not to have to get a lift. Ideally, I would like it if nature took its course and my boobs firmed and fluffed into a pretty set of B's.
Funny thing is, I don't like the way I look now with them because they are too big and make me feel uncomfortable and awkward. They look pretty, but They cause me so many problems. I also have so many health issues I can't help but think at least some of them are because of these implants. My neck always hurts, ALWAYS! I can't breathe when I lay on my back, it hurts to lay on my stomach and sleeping on my side all the time makes my lower back hurt and the sides of my breasts sore. I can't remember a day when I haven't thought about my breasts, the weight, the pain, the size and how 'in the way' they are.
It's also very hard to overlook the more serious health concerns I have. The bone pain, the joint pain, the IBS, the Fibromyalgia, the fatigue..etc etc etc... so many years of terrible health. Is it connected to my implants? I don't know for sure, but I feel like it is more then just a coincidence that so many other women with implants also have the same health issues as I do.
So here I am, middle aged, with health problems and implants I have to surgically remove from my body. What a drag. It's also frustrating to even have any vanity over the whole thing, considering the amount of discomfort they cause me. Yet, here I am feeling overwhelmed at how I may look post explant and if I will still feel sexy and desirable without the implants and if I will be able to love my body without them. I'd like to believe that over the years I have grown less concerned about the outer shell and more concerned about the internal stuff...and where that is mostly true, I still feel like a vibrant, young woman who wants to look and feel sexy and confident about her body.
Can I have both? Will that happen? Has anyone else worried about how they would see themselves after explant? Did you worry about looking sexy or desirable? Did you worry you wouldn't like what you saw post explant? How did you overcome the fear of the unknown? What about healing time? I dread the surgery because I remember all my implant surgeries healing to be painful and long. Will the explant surgery healing be quicker? Will my neck problems go away? Will I get more energy? Will I feel better? Will I feel that I look better?
So many questions! This is hard. I wish I never got implants in the first place.
I have so many concerns that I get these waves of anxiety flooding through me. A lot of the issues stem from my worries about how I will look post explant. I have had 3 sets of implants over the course of my entire adult life. How do I get my head around me without them? How do I know if I will still like the way I look when they are gone? I would like not to have to get a lift. Ideally, I would like it if nature took its course and my boobs firmed and fluffed into a pretty set of B's.
Funny thing is, I don't like the way I look now with them because they are too big and make me feel uncomfortable and awkward. They look pretty, but They cause me so many problems. I also have so many health issues I can't help but think at least some of them are because of these implants. My neck always hurts, ALWAYS! I can't breathe when I lay on my back, it hurts to lay on my stomach and sleeping on my side all the time makes my lower back hurt and the sides of my breasts sore. I can't remember a day when I haven't thought about my breasts, the weight, the pain, the size and how 'in the way' they are.
It's also very hard to overlook the more serious health concerns I have. The bone pain, the joint pain, the IBS, the Fibromyalgia, the fatigue..etc etc etc... so many years of terrible health. Is it connected to my implants? I don't know for sure, but I feel like it is more then just a coincidence that so many other women with implants also have the same health issues as I do.
So here I am, middle aged, with health problems and implants I have to surgically remove from my body. What a drag. It's also frustrating to even have any vanity over the whole thing, considering the amount of discomfort they cause me. Yet, here I am feeling overwhelmed at how I may look post explant and if I will still feel sexy and desirable without the implants and if I will be able to love my body without them. I'd like to believe that over the years I have grown less concerned about the outer shell and more concerned about the internal stuff...and where that is mostly true, I still feel like a vibrant, young woman who wants to look and feel sexy and confident about her body.
Can I have both? Will that happen? Has anyone else worried about how they would see themselves after explant? Did you worry about looking sexy or desirable? Did you worry you wouldn't like what you saw post explant? How did you overcome the fear of the unknown? What about healing time? I dread the surgery because I remember all my implant surgeries healing to be painful and long. Will the explant surgery healing be quicker? Will my neck problems go away? Will I get more energy? Will I feel better? Will I feel that I look better?
So many questions! This is hard. I wish I never got implants in the first place.
Replies (38)
August 26, 2016
Hi! I'm having my explant next week Thursday. I am excited to have them out, but am very nervous about how they'll look after... and if my husband will still find me attractive. I've have teardrop shaped saline, under muscle implants for 16 years. I'm 37, before my surgery one was an A and one was a B. The right (A cup) had (maybe still has) no natural breast tissue below the areola. I'm very concerned my skin won't tighten up and it'll end up looking like a wrinkly empty sack. I've had some nice ladies remind me on here to be patient, it takes a year for them to completely tight and fluff. I just keep reminding myself that even if I end up with saggy boobies, at least I won't have these uncomfortable and painful things on my chest anymore. I'm just ready to be natural and be myself again, regardless of how I look. Good luck to you!
August 26, 2016
We are in the same boat! I was an A cup to begin with, went to a C then a DD. I am worried about how I will look post explant too. But I also want to not get a lift and let nature do it's work and hope I will have somewhat normal looking small breasts. I have one breast smaller then the other as well. I want to be natural and healthy! So, lets support each other during our journey! Remind each other that healthy is the most important thing! I am here for you, feel free to private msg me if you need support or want to vent! I will be thinking about you next Thursday and sending all kinds of support and good healing energy! <3
August 27, 2016
Thank you! I'm also not getting a lift. I will maybe consider fat grafting if it looks terrible after a year, but I'd rather not. I just want to be done with surgeries and don't care to have the liposuction necessary to do the grafting. (Is that weird? lol) Yes, let's support each other and also feel free to PM me anytime! I can't wait to hear how your consult goes!
August 27, 2016
Also exactly the same choices I made. No lift, no lipo and leaving open the the consideration of getting fat grafting done in the future if necessary. I don't want to have to go through a bunch of surgeries again right now. So no, not weird at all! I will keep you posted! xoxo
August 29, 2016
August 30, 2016
Okay, well pictures don't lie and many of these women did tighten up and fill out. All the doctors in the forum say that each person is different and each person will have different results based on things such as size of implants, amount of breast tissue left, skin elasticity, etc. Hopefully because my implants were small, my skin is very elastic, and I was a B cup prior I will be one of the fortunate ones, perhaps you weren't. Thanks for your honesty, but I think most women come to this site for support, compassion, and positive reassurance... not negativity. I don't think any of us are too niave to know what could be the outcome, we just hope for a good outcome. Thanks for your opinion, but when it comes to my posts, feel free to keep your negative opinions to yourself. ;)
August 30, 2016
Thank you so much Readytobemeagn, this is exactly how I feel. Deeply appreciate your reply to the negativity. I wasn't sure how to respond to it and have the same feelings as you do. My surgeon also told me my skin elasticity is great and my breast skin quite thick so he expects I will be happy with my results. I am also not going into this with sorrow about losing my implants or a mind set of perfection post op. I chose to remove them! Thanks again, positive support means everything to me!
September 29, 2016
having fat grafting...can look great....but over time the down side is the body starts to absorb some of the fat and repeating it is most often necessary....to keep up the appearance....I only know this because I worked in plastics in the o.r....and this was a procedure we did often especially into the face/lips....3 days post op for me and missing the size but know I will love the comfort down the rd....looking forward to see if I have a improvement with my health...fingers crossed.,,,for now padded bras....but not too big...lol!!!!
August 26, 2016
Hi Tinykitty, I had all of the same fears that you are having now. I am 55 and I had saline under the muscle for 18 years. They were replaced at the proper time and I believe that's why I never got sick from them. I was an "almost" A cup before I got them and I am a c cup now. Late bloomer I guess.... I had constant neck and upper back pain and I felt like they were so heavy that I couldn't breathe. I had mine removed without a lift four weeks ago and I have no regrets! I had gotten to the point where I didn't even like the way my implants looked in certain clothing and I really didn't like the way they looked when I was undressed. The only thing I liked was that I had pretty cleavage. Minutes before my surgery I had a vision in my head where my breast turned out all wrinkly and my nipples caved in! I felt like I wanted to run! As soon as I woke up from surgery I peeked and I was very happy with what I saw. I still have a little bit of cleavage. It doesn't look like implant cleavage, it looks like normal cleavage is supposed to look. My neck and upper back pain is gone and I sleep so much better. I think my implants were causing inflammation and that has gone away also. For several days after my surgery my neck did hurt quite a bit but I think that was from the shift in weight caused by not having implants anymore. I had been thinking about explanting for a year because I was spilling out of swimsuit tops and smashing my breasts down in clothing as much as I could. I just knew I would be more comfortable if I got them removed and I am so happy. I feel like I am rambling on but I can strongly relate to the feelings that you are having now.
August 26, 2016
I tell you, I am very happy you felt inclined to share everything you did with me! So very happy! It makes me feel like I am doing the right thing, as scared as I am, that this IS the solution to my health issues and it IS time. Vanity has me worried but my health problems are pushing me to get it done and on with my life! I go back and forth in my head about what I may look like post explant, some of it gives me crushing anxiety and then I feel guilty that I even consider the vanity side at all since I feel so unwell and burdened by my implants. Everything you wrote is exactly what I am going through, it's almost as if we share the same mind. There are not words to express how grateful I am that I came here and will have women such as yourself as my guide and support to follow the course and be on the other side and getting well again! I want to be there so badly! To be rid of the neck pain, oh how I dream of that. My life is so full of pain and fatigue and unwell that I am ready to be the "real me" now! I just have so much fear of how I will look post op. Your post really put wind and hope into my sails, tysm! <3
September 9, 2016
Right on ladies!!! 2 weeks post op. Doc and I are in agreement that all looks great! Need to heal still and take time but we as a society should never let anyone dictate what should or shouldn't be in our body. Yes I decided to get these 15 years ago but after Explant I am completely empowered By myself and all of you and I'm so glad that I decided to take them out and not replace them and I can already tell that I feel better . Waiting for swelling and scars to go down but will post progress pics. Xo
August 29, 2016
August 30, 2016
You are most welcome! No one likes a Debbie Downer. Lol :)
September 8, 2016
Readytobemeagn Thank you for sharing. I've been reading hours of post for months now. I've finally made up my mind to explant. I have two consults next Friday. Wishing to get them out in October time permitting. But The thought of finally doing it is scary. I believe like you and other ladies that it's the fear of the unknown. How will I look? will I love my new breast.? It's going on 13 years. At the ten year mark I started developing all kinds of ailments I also developed bad anxiety. So far I've managed to keep that monster at bay. But there times it creeps in. I don't know if it's related, but I also feel as if my heart has palpitations. Of course Dr say my health is fine. It's the daily burning and tenderness of my breast that reminds me why I need to explant. I am not even booked yet and I feel so nervous. Good luck with your explant and again thanks for sharing.
September 8, 2016
Hi Newttforme! I actually had my explant one week ago, take a look at my review to see my pics. I am so happy with my results. I had one 270cc and one 350cc saline implants for 16 years. I've never related my health issues with breast implants, but now I wonder. I can say I've had no neck pain since my surgery, and I never thought that it was caused by them. I often get heart palpitations. I've worn a halter monitor and even had one for a week that was monitored 24/7 and I would press a button when I had a palpitation. I was told that it is common for people, especially women, to get palpitations. I don't know if having the implants out will help, but we'll see. I don't recall getting them prior to the implants, but that was a long time ago and don't remember for sure. Good luck to you and with your decision. I can say I don't regret it at all! :)
September 8, 2016
Hi Newtt4me, I assume you were replying to me as this is my journal :)
Yes, the process of explanting is a tough one, there are a lot of emotional things you have to go through before you are really ready. Living with physical problems caused by the implants can be debilitating, i understand how frustrated and worried you are. I wish there was some magic thing I could tell you to help you make your decision but be sure to at least discuss your concerns with a qualified surgeon who can put your mind at ease should you decide to follow through with the explant surgery. For me, it is freeing to know that in a few days I will be on the road to recovery and free of these implants. xoxoxo
Yes, the process of explanting is a tough one, there are a lot of emotional things you have to go through before you are really ready. Living with physical problems caused by the implants can be debilitating, i understand how frustrated and worried you are. I wish there was some magic thing I could tell you to help you make your decision but be sure to at least discuss your concerns with a qualified surgeon who can put your mind at ease should you decide to follow through with the explant surgery. For me, it is freeing to know that in a few days I will be on the road to recovery and free of these implants. xoxoxo
September 8, 2016
Thank you Tinykitty for replying. I am physically ready to have my implants removed but my mind is fighting me. For dumb reasons or excuses really. I have had health issues that I contributed to age. I'm only 47 and I started peri menopause at about 43. Never once did I associate any of my ailments to my implants. Until I've reading tons of reviews. They've been eye opening. I am excited about finally taking that step and getting my consult. This time around I am visiting three ps and hoping I will be comfortable with one. I appreciate the communication it helps to know we're not alone in this journey. It's also heart warming to see so many ladies reach out and show support and comfort when we really are nervous for many reasons. I will post my reviews and dates when they become available and look fwd to share my experience and the community support. Best wishes.
September 8, 2016
Yes, I completely understand. I think, at least for me, having confidence in your surgeon and a supportive group of people on your side going in is key. This IS a huge decision. The ladies here have been absolutely lovely to me and I do feel supported by them. It really helps to have others who understand the process of wanting to remove your implants and then being there with their knowledge of the actual surgery and beyond.
There are no guarantees removing your implants will clear up all of your health conditions, but studies have shown a great deal of women have gotten better. I know for sure I will get this weight off my chest, and shoulders and neck and just freeing myself of it would be worth it. But I do believe many other issues I have are related to my implants, and I am hopeful when I explant those things will improve too.
I look forward to following your journey too and wish you the very best. We are here for you. xxox
There are no guarantees removing your implants will clear up all of your health conditions, but studies have shown a great deal of women have gotten better. I know for sure I will get this weight off my chest, and shoulders and neck and just freeing myself of it would be worth it. But I do believe many other issues I have are related to my implants, and I am hopeful when I explant those things will improve too.
I look forward to following your journey too and wish you the very best. We are here for you. xxox
August 30, 2016
I'm jumping in! Trust me I felt all these same things above good and bad but I'm a glass half full girl and I knew that my implants were not serving the real me! Had for 15 years because I was an A.. Went to a full c almost D. Over the muscle no kids, teardrop. Was told by many docs replace you don't like outcome. I kept interviewing docs. When I found dr Leber and he sat with me for almost 2 hours showing me all scenarios, he let me decide and told me my breasts should pretty much look like they did before. Might even be a little fuller. It's only been 4 days and I'm amazed how good they look. Yes we live in a society that is vain and when I would tell some people I was getting them out they would say why would you do that? Well guess what ? This is my body and my rules! So trust that everything will be fine and it takes time to retract but to feel better, healthy and natural is my ultimate goal not anyone else's! Xo
August 30, 2016
^This! Healthy is way more attractive then heavy boobs with illness! Thanks for the support! xoxox
August 30, 2016
So proud of you:-) I just posted something on Facebook and I will add it here too. We need to support each other. I didn't want those painful heavy bags in my body. We are brave!! Xo
UPDATED FROM TinyKitty
16 days pre
My Second and Third set of Implants
Here are pics of my second and third set of implants. My second set I think were 325cc, silicone under the muscle. I was about a C cup with those. The Third set is 550cc in left breast, 500cc in right, silicone mid profile implants. I am a DD now. I have very thick, tight skin. I am very very hopeful I can just have them removed and have them shrink up to something decent, though I don't remember what my original boobies looked like or how much actual tissue I have now. Not sure what to expect post explant but I want to be healthy and free! I can't find any pics of my first set of implants or my original boobs. But I was an A cup.
Replies (1)
October 25, 2020
can you tell me more about not having a lift?... i have explant surgery next month and we are planning on lift, but you make me reconsider... i have 475cc and going to a small a cup... it seems a lift would be needed, but just curious how many consultations you went to if all or any of them suggested no lift or if you had to push for that... also, did you do en bloc or full capsulectomy and who was your doctor... thank you!... you are beautiful on the inside and out!... the poems you posted touched my heart :)... beautiful!... did you write them?
Replies (28)
Just wanted to let you know I am 54 yrs. old, had saline implants under the muscle for 20 years. I decided to explant because I've been having a lot of back pain lately and the implants were feeling heavier and heavier! Like you, I am also 5'1" and 125 (small frame). I had no problems with my implants and they looked pretty good! I had all the same fears as you. And I even went into a major depression 3 days post explant. Well I am now almost 2 wks post implant and I am SO happy I took them out. I feel like I took 20 years off my age! I look and feel back to my 34 year old self! My boobs are not perfect, but they are changing daily. I went bra shopping thinking I'd be a 32A, but I was pleasantly surprised to be a 32C! (although I think I might go down to a B soon). But I'm ok with that! I'm happier with not looking so matronly. And I think now my back really is starting to feel better. And I don't have to worry every time I get a mammogram if this will be the time they burst! So good luck to you...I think you will be pleasantly surprised and feel happy to have done it! Just beware that if you feel regrets after a few days, it will pass...I promise! And you will ultimately feel happier and healthier in the long run!