POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal Reviews REVIEWS
Removal HP 460cc Implants with Breast Lift
ORIGINAL POST
Removal of Mentor HP 480cc Saline Implants with Breast Lift at 62
WORTH IT$9,700
Thirteen years ago I requested breast implants for my 49th Birthday and my Husband said yes. Rather than get a lift I chose large Mentor HP 480cc saline over the muscle to fill out my saggy little boobs. I went from 34B to 36G and they were amazing for sure, giving me the hour glass figure I desired. Now at age 62 it's time to explant. I returned to the same Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gwen Maxwell, who did my original augmentation, for my consultation in August as she is simply the best. There was no one else I even considered.
Unlike many who suffered illness or complications I’m very thankful I did not. My only complaint was shoulder/back pain. At 5’ 4”, 120 lbs. and a small to medium frame they were extremely heavy. This past year I’ve noticed my right breast seems smaller/more saggy and I’m wondering if my implant is leaking. Dr. Maxwell noticed the size difference as well at my consultation.
During the past couple years I’ve read countless stories and viewed MANY pictures here on RealSelf. I’m so very thankful to the amazing women who described the journey they took in great detail, provided the many pictures, and shared the ups and downs of this very emotional process. After much research my final 4 options were - 1) explant only, 2) explant with lift 3) explant with lift and fat transfer or 4) explant with lift and replacement. I chose option 2 (implant removal with full anchor lift) as I feel it’s best for me. I’m not concerned about the size I’ll end up with, only that they not sag. I’m looking forward to perky little boobs, no shoulder pain, cute sexy bras, and NEVER having another breast surgery. Wearing large/extra large tops and being medium on bottom sometimes left me looking frumpy in clothes or at least feeling that way. I am ready for them to go and my husband supports me 100%. His main concern is keeping me as healthy as I am right now.
My explant with total capsulectomy and anchor lift is scheduled January 4th, 2019. I’m both nervous and excited. There’s no doubt I’ll miss the girls as they’ve become “ME”. It will be a transition as all things involving change are. Regardless I feel very confident about my choice of procedure and Surgeon. In preparation I had my yearly physical, mammogram, and all tests are perfect. I eat healthy but am adding a bit more protein. My Fitbit Charge 3 has an app for relaxation if I get a bit edgy. I walk 6 to 7 miles every single day which also helps with the stress. December 5th I’m taking the 36G girls on one final trip, going to Seattle to visit my Son, Daughter-In-Law, and Granddaughters. A fun filled trip to take my mind off all things surgical!
I’ve bought a few new tops (size medium) in the styles I love. I also got a sexy lacy bra for a great price on Black Friday taking a chance on 34B as that’s what I wore 13 years ago pre-augment. I weigh 130 to 135 now and my body has changed a bit with age. Being 62 I’m not fretting about scars or expecting perfection. My wish is simply for perky boobs that do not sag regardless of the final size. I feel my expectations are realistic.
I return for my pre-surgical appointment with Dr. Maxwell December 18th. I’ll get my prescriptions and final instructions at that time plus make my last payment. I’ll continue to update as I make this amazing journey back to my natural self.
The pictures I’m posting today are from 13 years ago pre-augmentation. As far as the current ones I'm posting today – please understand they sagged much less right after getting implants so be kind when viewing. I’m really excited to see the end result and hopefully fit in my new purple bra.
Unlike many who suffered illness or complications I’m very thankful I did not. My only complaint was shoulder/back pain. At 5’ 4”, 120 lbs. and a small to medium frame they were extremely heavy. This past year I’ve noticed my right breast seems smaller/more saggy and I’m wondering if my implant is leaking. Dr. Maxwell noticed the size difference as well at my consultation.
During the past couple years I’ve read countless stories and viewed MANY pictures here on RealSelf. I’m so very thankful to the amazing women who described the journey they took in great detail, provided the many pictures, and shared the ups and downs of this very emotional process. After much research my final 4 options were - 1) explant only, 2) explant with lift 3) explant with lift and fat transfer or 4) explant with lift and replacement. I chose option 2 (implant removal with full anchor lift) as I feel it’s best for me. I’m not concerned about the size I’ll end up with, only that they not sag. I’m looking forward to perky little boobs, no shoulder pain, cute sexy bras, and NEVER having another breast surgery. Wearing large/extra large tops and being medium on bottom sometimes left me looking frumpy in clothes or at least feeling that way. I am ready for them to go and my husband supports me 100%. His main concern is keeping me as healthy as I am right now.
My explant with total capsulectomy and anchor lift is scheduled January 4th, 2019. I’m both nervous and excited. There’s no doubt I’ll miss the girls as they’ve become “ME”. It will be a transition as all things involving change are. Regardless I feel very confident about my choice of procedure and Surgeon. In preparation I had my yearly physical, mammogram, and all tests are perfect. I eat healthy but am adding a bit more protein. My Fitbit Charge 3 has an app for relaxation if I get a bit edgy. I walk 6 to 7 miles every single day which also helps with the stress. December 5th I’m taking the 36G girls on one final trip, going to Seattle to visit my Son, Daughter-In-Law, and Granddaughters. A fun filled trip to take my mind off all things surgical!
I’ve bought a few new tops (size medium) in the styles I love. I also got a sexy lacy bra for a great price on Black Friday taking a chance on 34B as that’s what I wore 13 years ago pre-augment. I weigh 130 to 135 now and my body has changed a bit with age. Being 62 I’m not fretting about scars or expecting perfection. My wish is simply for perky boobs that do not sag regardless of the final size. I feel my expectations are realistic.
I return for my pre-surgical appointment with Dr. Maxwell December 18th. I’ll get my prescriptions and final instructions at that time plus make my last payment. I’ll continue to update as I make this amazing journey back to my natural self.
The pictures I’m posting today are from 13 years ago pre-augmentation. As far as the current ones I'm posting today – please understand they sagged much less right after getting implants so be kind when viewing. I’m really excited to see the end result and hopefully fit in my new purple bra.
Zenful1956's provider
Replies (16)
December 3, 2018
Hi again Zenful1956 - love your username btw! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us here on RS. It’s so encouraging to hear how happy and confident you are with your decision to explant. I too am looking forward to no more breast surgeries ever! I’m pretty sure I was not this nervous about surgery when I had them ‘installed’ 14 years ago...young and over-confident I suppose.... I hope you have a lovely trip to Seattle and enjoy your time with family xo
December 3, 2018
Thank you blessedat50. It took me a long time to accept and be this happy and confident. Forever and longer I wanted new implants size C with a lift. It took a lot of soul searching, researching, thinking about my health, talks with my husband, and looking at the cost of this surgery plus more in the future. I paid $5000 for the original implants. This one is $10,000 (it would have been $12,500 if I'd opted for fat transfer) and I just didn't want to spend any more money in the future. There's many days I was totally confused and questioned every single thing. I know this is the right decision and hope I'm happy with the results.
December 4, 2018
right there with you sister. I just had my implants removed last Thursday November 29th, 700 cc implants removed with total capsulectomy and no lift no fat transfer just want them to heal they look pretty much exactly the same as with the implants just smaller I'm so happy I didn't get any additional surgery still in the early recovery stage not feeling great yet of course and I can't stand the medication but I'm still happy I did it. You look great without them as God intended. I think real natural breasts look better than fake ones no matter how good. I had fake boobs for 35 years! I'm free!
December 4, 2018
Seroma how was your pain? Have to admit I'm a bit nervous about that. Dr. Maxwell said I won't need anything but a few pain pills and ibuprofen.
January 2, 2019
personally I only used the hydrocodone poison medication for two or three days. It makes you feel great but you can't really access yourself correctly due to the false sense of wellbeing from the pain meds. also after that wear off I felt horrible. I decided I'd just rather have a little pain and be able to function and monitor my pain and so I switched to Tylenol after a few days and it was fine. I was sore like I had worked out really hard. nothing unbearable by any means.
January 2, 2019
I'm hoping my pain will be the same. I plan to drink lots of fluids to clear my system of the drugs used in general anesthesia. I'm not a good about being down either sick or flopped out. I think my husband is worried about that more than anything. Lol He's been there for 2 surgeries and many bugs. He keeps reminding me I will need to rest and not do too much. Probably better to stay off the pain meds then as they might lead me to a false sense of what I can do.
UPDATED FROM Zenful1956
14 days pre
Pre-Surgical Appointment
Went to my pre-surgical appointment this week. I picked up my pre-operative package which answers all my questions. I also discussed any concerns with the Nurse who will be assisting during my explant and lift. Choosing an incredible Surgeon Dr. Gwen Maxwell and staff is the best thing. Really hoping all goes according to plan and I there are no surprises. Last 2 weeks with my 36G girls.
Replies (2)
December 22, 2018
Hi Zenful! The pre surgical appointment makes it all the more real doesn’t it? Hoping the holidays keep you happily distracted and at peace xo
December 22, 2018
Yes it does. I'm getting a bit nervous but staying as positive as I can. Stopping any negative "what If" thoughts as soon as they pop in my mind. :)
UPDATED FROM Zenful1956
4 days pre
5 days to go and ready to get this over.
Enough with the stress, nervousness, and never ending thoughts my boobs turn out the way I hope!
My list of medications for this week:
Bactroban Ointment 2% - Swab the inside of both nostrils, ears, and navel twice a day starting Tuesday
Scopolamine 1.5 mg. - Place behind ear the night before surgery (for nausea)
Bromelain with Quercetin- 2 capsules 3 times a day for anti-inflammatory - starting Friday
Arnica Montana - 3 pellets under tongue 3 times a day - starting Friday
Zofran 4 mg. oral disintegrating - 15 minutes prior to taking pain medication for nausea or vomiting
Ativan 1 mg - for restlessness, anxiety and sleep
Percocet 5/325 - and/or Ibuprofen 800 mg - for pain
My list of medications for this week:
Bactroban Ointment 2% - Swab the inside of both nostrils, ears, and navel twice a day starting Tuesday
Scopolamine 1.5 mg. - Place behind ear the night before surgery (for nausea)
Bromelain with Quercetin- 2 capsules 3 times a day for anti-inflammatory - starting Friday
Arnica Montana - 3 pellets under tongue 3 times a day - starting Friday
Zofran 4 mg. oral disintegrating - 15 minutes prior to taking pain medication for nausea or vomiting
Ativan 1 mg - for restlessness, anxiety and sleep
Percocet 5/325 - and/or Ibuprofen 800 mg - for pain
Replies (12)
December 30, 2018
i'm curious what the ointment for ears, nose, and navel are for with breast implant removal? Ive never heard of that.
December 30, 2018
It's to eliminate any bacteria that might be in those locations. She had me use it before my original implant surgery in 2005 also. Probably just an extra precaution. I also have the surgical prep soap to use the morning before surgery.
December 30, 2018
interesting, I've had multiple breast surgeries and facial surgery and never has a surgeon suggested it. Can't hurt that's for sure. I even asked my surgeon if I should use a surgical soap le Hibaclens before surgery he said no. weird how different the surgical advice for both pre and post op are huh? i'm one month post op. left breast is kind of weird, nipple inverting and flat. Have to wait and see.. grrrrrrrrrr.... other wise pretty good considering I had 700cc implants and three different sets over 35 years. no lift. they still seem way too big I thought i'd be smaller. I bought a VS 34B about the size I was originally and I have to send it back. I tried on an old DD bra and it fit better than the 34B. not a fit, but better! I am shocked. Maybe I just need to lose weight idk but they are definitely larger than they were before my first implants in 1983 that were 250cc's and got me to a C cup. If you don't mind saying, who is your surgeon?
December 30, 2018
That's interesting for sure. Did you have any problems with infection? After seeing a few blogs with women who ended up with one I'm glad she includes these precautions. I'm sure I wasted money on my black Friday 34B bra. I too have gained weight and my body has changed with age. Regardless of how my boobs end up I just want to be implant free and live the rest of my life naturally. The thing that worries me the most is the drains and how long I'll have them. Everyone has complained how uncomfortable they are. My surgeon is Gwen Maxwell. She says the pain is not bad and only gave me 5 percocet. I really hope they are enough. I've become a big baby in my old age.
December 31, 2018
I used the ointment too pre surgery. It’s called Bactroban. They use it to prevent MRSA along with hibiclens. Also, just to comment on the number of Percocet you’ve been given, I do think you’ll need more than 5. My doctor gave me forty. I needed them for at least 5 days, especially at night. I’m sure need more you’ll doctor will give you more. Doctors are super cautious about prescribing opioids now (I’m a pharmacist). By the way, I didn’t have drains. Some doctors use them some don’t.
January 1, 2019
Dr. Maxwell told me Ibuprofen will work better for the type of pain I'll have. I WILL not hesitate to call her Nurse if it does not. She did give me 10 Ativan which should help me sleep. Since I'm super healthy and take zero medications maybe I can cut the Percocet in half and stretch them out to 10. I plan on talking to her Friday morning to discuss my concerns. Pain and old age do not mix. I'm too old to suffer.
December 30, 2018
Thinking about you every day Zenful! Sounds like you have all your preparations made, now just breath and stay positive. Ha easy for me to say lol, I find saying it here helps me practice it too though...I’m right behind you so I’ve got your back :) I was very concerned about drains as well but weirdly, have started feeling the opposite way over the past few weeks. I think for me, I would rather have the discomfort and awkwardness of drains for several days than dealing with repeated needle aspirations if there is fluid buildup in the weeks following...but that’s just me being afraid of big needles lol! Sending you lots and lots of prayerful encouragement! Xoxo
December 31, 2018
You only have a couple weeks now too blessedat50. What a journey - right? I have read the drains speed up healing. And I would NOT like needle aspirations one bit. I return Monday the 7th and they might take them out. If not I will keep them in until my next appointment Friday the 11th. I too tell myself many times a day to just breathe and think of how great I'm going to feel. We've got this blessedat50.
January 1, 2019
Hi. Zenful- wishing you the best as you prepare for your explant. I explanted (no lift) on Dec. 4th. I am so very happy to have my smaller breasts back. The zofran meds were a godsend! I felt extremely nauseous after surgery but the zofran worked wonders! I didn’t use my Percocet at all, but I only had explant without a lift. I rented an electric recliner which also made sleeping much easier for me. Keep us posted on how our doing. Your beautiful body will thank you for taking care of it by explanting!
January 2, 2019
Thank you Riverrun. I always get sick after surgery so I'm grateful the Zofran will stop that.
January 3, 2019
Sending you prayers for tomorrow Zenful, I’ll be thinking about you and wishing you a smooth surgery and comfortable recovery. One more brave warrior woman about to land on explant island! xoxo
I'm glad to read that RealSelf is a part of your journey! Can't wait to read about how everything goes and enjoy your visit with your family!