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POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS

59 Year Old Wanting Explant En Bloc and Uplift - 26 Years Old Silicone Gel Implants.

ORIGINAL POST

I am 59 seeking implant explant. No children. ...

7Panther7
I am 59 seeking implant explant. No children. Implants appx 25 yrs old silicone gel. I've had 2 consultations and I am returning to both surgeons. I am in need of reassurance because the surgeon I want to go with does not use drains. I haven't asked how many of his patients return because of complications but feel I need to next time. Although my plan was to just have them removed and wait for my breasts to settle, I've decided to have an uplift at the same time. The surgeon will use a lollipop scar. Hope to have the op in the first half of October. Feeling anxious - not wanting fluid to build up in the space left after removal of implants. ANYONE out there whose had a no drain technique? I would be so pleased to hear :-) Also by using a lollipop scar for uplift what can I expect in terms of skin recovery around the wound?

Replies (30)

September 19, 2016
I've added this to my review above. At the time of implant, I was roughly 34 A on the R side and maybe 34AA on the L. I went to a 34C via the axilla route under the muscle. Now 34DD or 36 D. Anxious about any 'puckering' that is associated with the lollipop
September 20, 2016
Hello Letting you know what I did
I just had an explant on September 9 2016 just 10 days ago. I had 30 year old silicone implants. My doctor did use drains. The reason she did was because the area where the implants are leaves a space. That space can fill up with fluid not a good thing. It does not absorb into your body over time , I was told it can create future health problems. That you don't want. Some doctors don't want to put drains in for what ever reasons i don't know but I'm glad my doctor did. I sure didn't want any toxins left in my body. Also you don't even feel them just have to drain the little pocket at the end of the tube an its so tiny every 8 hours it was no big deal.
I had the drains in for only 6 days. When the nurse removed them it was so quick i didn't feel a thing stitches came out right after just a little pinch. Because of the drains my breast look like they did before the implants it was like I never had implants I was very lucky. Ive read on this sight about some woman who had drains they healed much better than the ones that didn't. Im not saying they all did but I read that there recovery was faster. So if your unsure about the drains do yourself a favor an research more about having drains. I did mine for a year an the drains were the way to go for me. I was so glad i did. My recovery was so fast an I feel great. My breast breast an chest muscles have already healed it was like they were never there.
Just to let you know today I went to get fitted for a nice supportive sports bra. This place is called LADY GRACE. They specialize for woman whom had any kind of breast surgery. The woman that waited on me almost didn't believe that I had just explanted 10 days ago. She said my breast look so natural she was amazed. I guess I have to credit the wonderful doctor I had. Good Luck with your decision.
September 20, 2016
Hi miaholly, many thanks for your reply. Yes, I feel that the fluid would be better out than in. I have researched and it does seem that the majority of surgeons use drains. However, I've come across information that says for some time now surgeons have taken the conservative approach and used them. The research states there is no hard and fast evidence to use the drains and that the drains theselves present other issues associated with infection. Myself, I would feel better, I think with their use. I'm a nurse and I used them for mastectomy patients on the district (bit different but same principle). The surgeon is well established, BAAPS and BAPRAS member. I found him via an explantation website and the site gave a list of international surgeons. I've really researched but the more I do the more insecure I feel. I'm seeing more and more unsighly images following explant. Can I ask, your age and did you have 'en bloc' that is total removal of the capsule that surrouned the implant including the implant all in one go so to speak? ie not the implant removed first then the capsule straight after. Don't worry if you're not sure but I am a bit jittery. I'm definitely going ahead with it and only wanted explant initially but I've decided to have an uplift too. You can see from my pics how the implants are high on the chest wall and the breast tissue has dropped it seems. Thanks so much for your input. I'll be watching your recovery and it would be great to see some pics. Could you tell me your surgeon. You could private message me with her name if you'd rather. I'll tell you my intended surgeon privately too. All the best. :-)
September 20, 2016
Thanks Hun I should have given you more information about my surgery.
Im now 65 years young I was 35 when I had the implants put in they were great. My breast looked great after the implants had settled an my breast looked just like a tear drop looked very real no one even notice. Of course at that time I didn't tell anyone not even my friends I just stayed away from them for a few weeks told them i wasn't feeling good. I don't know why but maybe I thought they would think I was crazy to do such a thing. Still no one notice. Had them done during the winter so I was able to hide them. Anyway by summer they looked great just a little fuller than I had before. I was a B then went to a C cup. 255CC.
Then about 5 years ago I notice just like yours my breast seem to sag underneath the implant full on the top. Felt like my breast dislocated from the implant, they didn't look right at all. I also notice lots of hair loss after washing my hair, my legs were killing me cramps all the time, shoulders were very soar , upper back pain the list goes on.
mammograms always came out fine but i still worried every day.
Then in April I went for my yearly check up. I talked to my PC asked her is it possible to have these implants removed she said yes. She gave me the name of a PS. So my PC made the appointment for me. Went to see her May 10. She was the most wonderful doctor. explained very detail from start to finish of what she was going to do. She was going to cut in the same spot underneath the breast where the implants were put in.She was giving me an en bloc an was going to take out the capsule an make sure I was cleaned out as much a possible So I made my surgery for Sept 9.
All that time waiting I had it on my mind all summer I was very nervous. I ate , slept an drank the thought of it that was my life all summer. So I can understand you feeling the same way.
So hear we go go see the doctor one more time before surgery for Pre OP on August 22. now Im nervous even more. But I still didn't have seconds thoughts I wanted these awful things out of my body really bad
Sept.9 here we go. I was a reck in the hospital getting ready. They noticed I was a reck I thought my heart was going to explode right away they gave me Valium to calm me down guess what it didn't work I was still out of my mind. Then the doctor came in to talk to me. She held my hand and was rubbing my forehead. She said Honey don't be nervous your doing the right thing for yourself Lets go an get these things out so you can feel better. Right after that I was fine she calmed me right down I trusted her completely.
Woke up hour an a half later. My husband said Honey your done it over. I said REALLY then fell back to sleep I do remember relief after that.
She told my husband surgery went wonderful all the capsule came out in tack with the implants no leakage from the implants at all nothing was left behind. Also because the implants were high on the chest an the breast were low underneath like your's are it didn't affect any of the breast tissue.My scars underneath the breast fold you can't even see them.
Wow 30 year old implants coming out that easy I was amazed Really thought i was going to have problems but I was so lucky. I think it all has to do with the doctor. All the nurses that took care of me said she's an ARTIST an has hands of an ANGEL. Well I guess Im proof of that.
Today I'm 11 days out feel great. My breast are like a tear drop just like they were years ago. An guess what! my friends still don't know I had this done. Imagine hiding this for 30 years I must not have feel that great about myself having these implants in I was always afraid someone would notice.
Here is her name DR. Beverly Schafer Boston Ma.
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September 20, 2016

Hey there, and welcome! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. I hope you'll get lots of support from the community. Have you checked out the Breast Implant Removal forum yet? Here's a great post to get you started. Hope you'll enjoy reading it. Good luck, and please keep us updated.

Breast Implant Removal Tips (Pre-op, Surgery Day, and Post-op) 

September 20, 2016
Hi Sheila, thanks for your reply and links. I'll keep you updated. I'm still waiting to receive my copy of the letter that the surgeon sends to the GP following consultation. I've had all the support leaflets, links to BAAPS/BAPRAS and aftercare literature from his secretary and his PA but I'm still waiting for the cc email? I saw the surgeon on the 12th Sept. I emailed his secretary 1030 yesterday a.m. haven't had a reply. Also I've another consult with the surgeon but there was a misunderstanding re the price. I paid for the first consult and they said there would be another fee for the second but I referred them to the SPIRE web info where it stated a second was offered for free. His PA is not charging me now and will no doubt amend there end but it sort of leaves me feeling uncomfortable. Now reluctant to contact his secreatry again about the GP letter. Silly, I know. Provisionally booked in for surgery October 10th in Worcester. I live about 75 miles away. :-)
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September 20, 2016

I hope you get all the communication issues sorted so you can go forward confidently! Please let us know how things progress.

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September 20, 2016
I really think drains depend on the extent of the procedure. I had drains with my BA, but not my explant. My capsules were not removed, I had saline implants, and I did not have a lift. I had zero complications, no fluid build up, and have felt just fine other than a little soreness and tender incisions, since the surgery. However, I'm not sure I've read anyone who gets a lift NOT having drains. Maybe post the question on the doctors forum on this site. It does seem odd to me, but I'm no doctor. Good luck!
September 20, 2016
Yes, I've just put up a Question to see thanks. I emailed my surgeon's P.A. and Secretary yesterday and politely again today asking the whereabouts of my anticipated letter usually sent from the surgeon to the patient's GP (doctor) if you're from USA. following a consultation. Still waiting for a response. I've received lots of other written work, but no detailed letter to my GP, unlike the first consultation I had with a different surgeon, where I was sent the email the same day. Frustrated and insecure.
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September 20, 2016
One more thing, I've read at least two reviews on here of women who had the capsules removed and did not have drains. They ended up with seromas and had to go back multiple times to get the fluid drained. PS We do call our regular doctors General Practitioners, or Primary Care doctors, here too. :)
September 20, 2016
Ha ha :-) I am mixed up because he told me that he wouldn't be using drains and I've just read on his website info that drains are usually used for a mastopexy? Woe is me. I know that I'm unsettled regarding this and so I should take the bit between my teeth and telephone his secretaries. The last time I emailed him I didn't get a reply and that was prior to my consultation. He did however, mention that he'd read it. I need to find out that maybe because I'm having the en block capsulectomy technique whether this has to do with no drains being used. I'll post a comment when I find out. Finger crossed.
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September 20, 2016
En block is more bleeded and fluid than not removing the capsules. I was told if I had my capsules removed I'd need drains. And the mystery continues... lol!
September 28, 2016
Did you wear compression bra or ACE wrap and if so for how long? Thanks:
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September 21, 2016
I am scheduled for explant with capsulectomy on Nov 8. My doctor does not use drains. He has an excellent reputation with lots of experience, so I'm going to trust him. It is confusing, though.
September 21, 2016
Hi Brightside.
My experienced surgeon also has an excellent reputation in particular, with en bloc. I've received his very comprehensive clinic letter which states that he is looking forward to my second consultation where he hopes to re-assure me regarding his no drain technique and about what to expect with a lollipop uplift again. Do you know, I remember having the implants in.....those days quite little information compared with today. The surgeon has emailed me today rather than his secretary - I am so glad that he did. Brightside are you having an uplift?
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September 22, 2016
7panther7, I will not be having a lift, just the explant.
September 22, 2016
I wish you all the very best for a safe and speedy recovering with a happy result.

All the best
UPDATED FROM 7Panther7

Oh my word! Just 4 more days to go including today!

7Panther7
I'm 59 whoops now 60 (Sat just gone). Preparing for a capsulectomy and breast lift. I've had 2 consultations and my pre assessment in Worcester. There is a breast surgery TIPS list on this site which I find so helpfull. I'm making sure that I have a pillow for the journey home in the car to soften any rough road bumps etc. and I'm off to buy some paper plates to avoid washing up and small milk bottles to avoid uneccessary lifting. My lovely surgeon has advised how important the 'aftercare' is and I aim to adhere to his written and verbal instructions accordinly. As I recall I didn't take much pain relief after my original implant op in 1991 - this time I'll be taking some for two weeks regardless. I'll be losing breast tissue unfortunately but realise that this is what it will take especially as I am a bit asymmetrical and do not want another implant. Currently 36 DD one side and about D possibly C the other. Hey ho I'll let you all know. One of the biggest things is that these blasted implants are coming out and my body and psychologically I will be 'free' of them. No more discomfort and awareness of them. Just natural breast tissue...but YIKES the surgery is around the corner.

Replies (4)

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October 14, 2016
It will be here before you know it. My removal and lift was on Monday and I thought I was fully prepared. I failed to practice getting out of bed without engaging my arms. I did a lot of lower body workouts for it but forgot to practice the roll technique as I am short with a tall bed. Best of luck to you.
October 15, 2016
Many thanks Newtt4me. How are things. Have you been able to make a cup of tea yet. Your pics so far show that you have a super shape. Is it easier getting out of bed yet? Travelling up to Worcester tomorrow so as to be at the hospital by 0730 hrs Monday. Beginning to feel scared, but excited at the prospect of being 'free'. I'll update when I can. I won't be able to post on my pc for a few days because I'll be staying with my mum for a few days post op. Dislike, posting via my mobile the blooming key pad is longwinded. Ha! I'll keep my eye on here to see how you are recovering. x
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October 15, 2016
It's amazing how our mind has us stressing right before such an event. Just know it is normal all the feelings you get are both excitement and the what if's. Just know you will be on the other side soon. Look forward to that and you will do great.
Yes today is my fifth day, it is such a huge difference compared to the previous days. I am having more energy, i'm not going to push it though. Gotta spoil myself this next few weeks by just being lazy. Its going to be hard as i'm a little OCD but I need to keep in mind that by rushing to do things may result in a lifetime of regrets.
wishing you safe travels and its great that you will be with your mum during this healing time.
October 16, 2016
Good luck. I think you will be very happy with your results.