POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
My Journey...Removed 17 Year Old Saline Implants
ORIGINAL POST
Hello, lovely ladies! I'm very thankful to have...
Hello, lovely ladies!
I'm very thankful to have found this site. I've been reading for a couple weeks but I now want to share my story and journey with you. Hopefully, this will help you and your journey too. Please contact me if you want to chat. I also hope I'm doing this in the right location on the site.
In my before pictures, as you can see, I was very small and a little bit uneven or smaller in one than the other. I had always wished I could just accept myself the way I was but I felt so out of proportion and was always self-conscious. It was truly a crappy feeling and I didn't really feel as though I had anyone to talk to about it nor did I know how to go about just loving myself the way I was.
I did a lot of research on implants back then and felt like I had a lot of knowledge about getting them in and what I should have done. But never did I do research on (or even consider) what it was like to get them removed. I'm sure it has changed a lot anyway in the last 17 years....
The implant surgery happened when I was 23 years old on January 12, 1999 in Valencia, California. I just found out (when I went to get my old records) that my PS has since passed away. That's kind of a weird feeling. Luckily someone kept his records and miraculously had my record so I was able to get them! I ended up getting the McGhan style 68 smooth, saline-filled implants under the muscle and the right one was 360 cc filled to 390 cc; left one was 390 cc filled to 420 cc. I went from a small A (or possibly AA) cup to a C cup.
My mom (I'm so thankful for her help) drove me and took care of me after the surgery. It was extremely painful and I immediately thought to myself, "what the hell did I just do?!?" I was terrified and in so much pain I couldn't get up by myself for 3 days. I had nightmares about the surgery for years, the stitches, the pain, the things that could go wrong in the future, the way they felt (really uncomfortable) and it brought on a slew of new things to be self-conscious about! Like, how would I ever date again? I'd have to explain it over and over to random people that I didn't know I could trust with this experience. The implants felt so fake, and that's not what I wanted. I just wished I had had a little more volume in the first place then I never would have done it. Had I been naturally a B cup then I never would have gone through all of this.
I moved from California 11 years ago and currently live in Denver, Colorado. Luckily, I never had really any problems with the implants other than they didn't feel real, they were uncomfortable and I was pretty freaked out to have them inside of me. I'm more of a bohemian chick that likes natural things and is really caring about people and I often think how beautiful other people are and smile about all of their unique qualities and beautiful imperfections (as some people would see them) - so why couldn't I have just cared about myself that way?
Fast forward to last year. I started looking into the newer technology and advancements they have made in this field. I saw a PS about getting these replaced he suggested with the new anatomical silicone implants. But I chickened out before I even scheduled the appointment to go through with the surgery. It still didn’t feel like that is what I wanted to do, although I didn’t know quite yet what I wanted to do?!? I’ve had these same implants for so long with no replacements, no problems that I know of but I always wanted them to feel more natural to me and I wished I didn’t feel like I needed to have them.
This new year 2016, I am 41 years old (holy crap, how did that happen?!? haha)! Life goes by so fast. I’ve started to do a lot of meditation at the mediation sanctuary. In my meditating something came to me that had NEVER EVER occurred to me before! I realized that what I really wanted was the implants completely out of me, with no replacement! That’s when I found this site and realized so many other women all these years have felt the same way I have!! Wow!! That’s huge! I realized many women are getting them out too and accepting themselves and actually LOVING the results after and finally accepting themselves!
Today, Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 I have my first consultation with a female PS here in which I will discuss my options, show her my before and after pictures, ask her all sorts of questions I have lined up for her. I have another appointment with a different female PS on Friday.
I want to ask about either just getting removal or removal with fat transfer, what is involved with both of these and what is possible for me after she looks at me. I also wonder if maybe I should get the removal first and see how it goes and then get the fat transfer next year? But by then I plan to be in super fit shape since I’m going on an exercise routine once I figure this all out. I’m a little concerned with the fat transfer and how it affects health in 20 years or something. I don’t want to go through something that will ruin my body once again….the BRAVA system seems like a huge hassle to me too, if that has to be done. Also, how do they know that doesn’t do damage down the road? I’ll find out more….
I will let you all know what happens from here…..thank you all for the support and being here and courageously telling your stories! It has helped me so very much! I’ve included my photos and will add to them and the story as I go on this journey…
I'm very thankful to have found this site. I've been reading for a couple weeks but I now want to share my story and journey with you. Hopefully, this will help you and your journey too. Please contact me if you want to chat. I also hope I'm doing this in the right location on the site.
In my before pictures, as you can see, I was very small and a little bit uneven or smaller in one than the other. I had always wished I could just accept myself the way I was but I felt so out of proportion and was always self-conscious. It was truly a crappy feeling and I didn't really feel as though I had anyone to talk to about it nor did I know how to go about just loving myself the way I was.
I did a lot of research on implants back then and felt like I had a lot of knowledge about getting them in and what I should have done. But never did I do research on (or even consider) what it was like to get them removed. I'm sure it has changed a lot anyway in the last 17 years....
The implant surgery happened when I was 23 years old on January 12, 1999 in Valencia, California. I just found out (when I went to get my old records) that my PS has since passed away. That's kind of a weird feeling. Luckily someone kept his records and miraculously had my record so I was able to get them! I ended up getting the McGhan style 68 smooth, saline-filled implants under the muscle and the right one was 360 cc filled to 390 cc; left one was 390 cc filled to 420 cc. I went from a small A (or possibly AA) cup to a C cup.
My mom (I'm so thankful for her help) drove me and took care of me after the surgery. It was extremely painful and I immediately thought to myself, "what the hell did I just do?!?" I was terrified and in so much pain I couldn't get up by myself for 3 days. I had nightmares about the surgery for years, the stitches, the pain, the things that could go wrong in the future, the way they felt (really uncomfortable) and it brought on a slew of new things to be self-conscious about! Like, how would I ever date again? I'd have to explain it over and over to random people that I didn't know I could trust with this experience. The implants felt so fake, and that's not what I wanted. I just wished I had had a little more volume in the first place then I never would have done it. Had I been naturally a B cup then I never would have gone through all of this.
I moved from California 11 years ago and currently live in Denver, Colorado. Luckily, I never had really any problems with the implants other than they didn't feel real, they were uncomfortable and I was pretty freaked out to have them inside of me. I'm more of a bohemian chick that likes natural things and is really caring about people and I often think how beautiful other people are and smile about all of their unique qualities and beautiful imperfections (as some people would see them) - so why couldn't I have just cared about myself that way?
Fast forward to last year. I started looking into the newer technology and advancements they have made in this field. I saw a PS about getting these replaced he suggested with the new anatomical silicone implants. But I chickened out before I even scheduled the appointment to go through with the surgery. It still didn’t feel like that is what I wanted to do, although I didn’t know quite yet what I wanted to do?!? I’ve had these same implants for so long with no replacements, no problems that I know of but I always wanted them to feel more natural to me and I wished I didn’t feel like I needed to have them.
This new year 2016, I am 41 years old (holy crap, how did that happen?!? haha)! Life goes by so fast. I’ve started to do a lot of meditation at the mediation sanctuary. In my meditating something came to me that had NEVER EVER occurred to me before! I realized that what I really wanted was the implants completely out of me, with no replacement! That’s when I found this site and realized so many other women all these years have felt the same way I have!! Wow!! That’s huge! I realized many women are getting them out too and accepting themselves and actually LOVING the results after and finally accepting themselves!
Today, Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 I have my first consultation with a female PS here in which I will discuss my options, show her my before and after pictures, ask her all sorts of questions I have lined up for her. I have another appointment with a different female PS on Friday.
I want to ask about either just getting removal or removal with fat transfer, what is involved with both of these and what is possible for me after she looks at me. I also wonder if maybe I should get the removal first and see how it goes and then get the fat transfer next year? But by then I plan to be in super fit shape since I’m going on an exercise routine once I figure this all out. I’m a little concerned with the fat transfer and how it affects health in 20 years or something. I don’t want to go through something that will ruin my body once again….the BRAVA system seems like a huge hassle to me too, if that has to be done. Also, how do they know that doesn’t do damage down the road? I’ll find out more….
I will let you all know what happens from here…..thank you all for the support and being here and courageously telling your stories! It has helped me so very much! I’ve included my photos and will add to them and the story as I go on this journey…
Replies (46)
January 20, 2016
Your story pretty much mimics mine. I got my implants in 1999...I was a size B until I breastfed 2 kids...then I shriveled to an A or AA. My left breast was slightly larger than my right. Unfortunately, my PS didn't adjust for this, even tho he promised he would, and I have had a bigger left boob for over 16 years. I'm supposed to be a C, which I am on the right side, closer to a D on the left. I hate how unnatural they feel and I can't wait to get them out. I have my pre-op tomorrow and surgery scheduled for next Tuesday. It feels so good to finally accept myself, whatever it will be, the way I am. Thank you for sharing your story and I look forward to your updates. Good luck!!
January 20, 2016
Surgery is always scary but the thought of having these taken out and never having to worry about multiple surgeries down the road or potential problems with them in my life is sounding really amazing to me now. Wishing you very well wishes, I hope your surgery goes amazingly well and I hope I can do it soon too! I'll be updating as I know more....thank you!! :)
January 21, 2016
Thank you Alicion! That was a huge factor for me as well...I do not want to have surgery every 10-15 years to replace these things. As far as I know, mine have not leaked, so I feel like I'm blessed to be able to get out now before any major complications. I do have some capsular contracture on the left which has made it harder, painful, and slightly misshapen. I'm also thankful I can have this done under a local.
February 27, 2016
Absolutely with you luvy! I'm outa this game, mine have leaked but I didn't know it...I hope to read your story soon! :) we have similar stories ... I'm so excited for us all to be gaining freedom from all they do to us and represent! Xx
January 21, 2016
It sounds just like my story. Just I am 50 now. Darn !!!
I'm looking for a PS who will remove implants and do the lift. Had an ppointment today . But PS only was trying to talk me out of this. I am in so much discomfort, pain and irritation . And the only argument I could hear from him- they look really good, blah, blah, blah....
I'm looking for a PS who will remove implants and do the lift. Had an ppointment today . But PS only was trying to talk me out of this. I am in so much discomfort, pain and irritation . And the only argument I could hear from him- they look really good, blah, blah, blah....
January 21, 2016
I think it's really weird for a doctor to not give you simply the information that you went in there to find out, not his opinion. I see that you are in Denver and I went to do my first consultation with Dr. Atagi (http://www.atagimd.com/) and I thought she and her office was wonderful! I have one more consultation with another female doctor on Friday so then I feel like I will have an educated decision. Maybe you could go visit a female doctor? I can't really speak for results yet since I haven't had anything done yet but...I have felt more comfortable with female doctors so far....I started following you so I'll keep up with your story. I'm also so thankful for the support here on this site. :)
January 21, 2016
Isn't life strange, how we go from just dying to have our implants in, and then we realize that we can't wait to have them out!! I've never really been happy with mine, hard cold lumps, but also lucky not to have had any health issues or problems and I've had mine 30 years!!' But doing all the research now and just want them gone, it's a struggle waiting!! I wish you good luck in finding the perfect t surgeon and I look forward to your updates and pics...good luck :)
January 21, 2016
I heard the talk from my surgeon who put mine in. I do not trust him anymore. I found out he took my mentor salines out reconstructed after a second double bubble repair from a bad surgeon in tahoe. Only thing is he used a surgical ,eh then out my same implants back inside me. They were 1 1/2 yrs old. How could this be done sterile? Mentors handbook says they are to be a one time use only device. So now what? Has anyone had any luck getting medicare to cover explant with human adjuvant Illness?
January 30, 2016
I believe the plastic surgeons really hate to remove implants. Because it will make us free of their services. No more changing sizes, types of implants, or changing over vs under muscle implantation .
The amount of money we are dumping into their unreasonably overpriced services we could have nice trips around the world, we could get a nice car, we could set aside for anything....
The amount of money we are dumping into their unreasonably overpriced services we could have nice trips around the world, we could get a nice car, we could set aside for anything....
January 21, 2016
I'm also on the hunt for a good PS experienced in explant, and like you I've had no problems but realize nows the time to get them out and be rid of these hard cold balls!! Good luck in your decision on whom to do procedure, please keep updating, you and all the other beautiful ladies posts are so encouraging...good luck
January 21, 2016
You're right! They have always felt like cold hard balls. It's so weird! Someone else posted about how they were always nervous to hug people, and I love hugging people but I was always nervous to as well after I got these. It's so unfortunate! I wish we didn't all feel like we had to go through this. But the doctor I went for the first consultation told me to not regret it because I never would have known and I might have spent my life wishing I had. It's our path we have chosen, and our journey in learning how to finally love ourselves no matter what. I'm glad she said that to me, it felt very supportive and understanding. Well wishes to you, and good luck to find a caring and expert doctor!!
January 21, 2016
Thank you for your kind wishes, thinking of you and hope all goes perfect for you with your explant, please keep me updated :)
February 1, 2016
Wow! I've never thought of it like that-- don't regret it because we might have wished our whole lives we had. This really helps, I keep getting upset with my younger self for all the mistakes I've made, implants included, and I realize now it was part of my path to self love and acceptance. Meditation has been helping me to heal too. :) I know I want mine out, still in the planning stages. I love to hug people too but am embarrassed to press these hard silicone balls against people, so my hugs feel insincere sometimes, which is not how I feel. They are not me. Thank you for sharing your story and your thoughts.
February 1, 2016
Thank you for your caring words, will keep you updated as soon as I have a time and day, but they are definitely going just hoping with all my being that I have some breast tissue :)
January 21, 2016
Good luck... I am so glad I found this site too. I have an appt on Monday... I felt all alone and realize now that there are so many of us .. I've had mine for over 20 years. I am single and have a problem with confidence so I'm very nervous about just taking them out. I want to get strong mentally as well as physically ❤️
January 21, 2016
I felt alone all this time too! I only talked about it with one friend (my best friend) who was understanding but hadn't gone through it, but she was there to listen and care. I didn't even tell her the extent of it. I didn't realize so many women felt so many things I did too along the way. Do you at least have someone to help you with it? (take you there and stuff)? I kindof wish I was single when I was going through this because I don't think many guys understand or are very supportive, which feels even more uncomfortable. lol Listening to meditation programs with headphones really helped me if you can do that! I feel stronger mentally and emotionally than I ever have! Wishing you wellness and strength!
January 26, 2016
I do have support but like you no one that truly understands. The dr appt was canceled today... Huge bummer I finally got my nerve up to go. Next Tuesday the 2nd now. Thank you for your reply
January 29, 2016
Oh wait, why was the doctor appointment cancelled? That is a huge bummer!! That would be disappointing to me too. Good luck on Tuesday, though, let us know what they say!
February 27, 2016
That's what makes this site so wonderful, many won't understand our reasons but here you always can relate to at least one thing everyone has to share!...welcome to the club sis! ;) xx no negative nellies here hehe ... Think about the health benefits, or problems you'll be avoiding, I've waited too long and it's cost soo much time and tears, had a cancer scare last year, found my boobs are leaking and I believe at least contributed to the overall unwellness I've experienced in the last few years... I say walk on it, look at the way nature is just beautiful, then remember so are you... Or if you're like many of us, pretend you're talking to a friend, what would you say to her?... Sometimes the coach we need is within us, either way you're in the best place here to receive courage and care! Xx. I will look forward to hearing about your journey! :)
UPDATED FROM alisio
Made the decision and booked the date!
Hello!! I was a little stressed out last week but have finally decided to go with the first surgeon who said that, in her opinion, I should get the saline implants removed and wait 6 months before deciding to do anything else, if anything (like BRAVA, or fat transfer, or something natural like that....I will never get implants again). She said it seems like I have more natural breast tissue than I used to have and that I might just like them the way they are naturally now! (I sure hope so!)
So, my scheduled date is March 3 and I have a month to prepare. She is going to do local anesthesia, deflate and remove the saline implants through my original areola incision (so no new incisions) and not remove the capsule (she said it seemed very thin and there shouldn't be any problems with leaving it) and no drains. She will give me antibiotics and everything on my pre op appt so I can prepare everything before surgery. I think it's a plan!
I'm very nervous, especially the thought of being awake during the surgery. But I am anxious and looking forward to recovering and moving on from this whole experience!! It makes me smile to think I will have these out of me! Therefore, I know it's the right thing for me to do at this point in my life! What a great feeling to know that!
Good luck to everyone going before and after me! I will update as I know more and it gets closer! I will try to get progressive photos too because it really took a lot of courage for all you women to be here and share stories and help so many others with photos and descriptions of the recovery process. I'm thankful to have all of your support here and people who have gone through it to talk to when I have needed, and will be needing, it!
So, my scheduled date is March 3 and I have a month to prepare. She is going to do local anesthesia, deflate and remove the saline implants through my original areola incision (so no new incisions) and not remove the capsule (she said it seemed very thin and there shouldn't be any problems with leaving it) and no drains. She will give me antibiotics and everything on my pre op appt so I can prepare everything before surgery. I think it's a plan!
I'm very nervous, especially the thought of being awake during the surgery. But I am anxious and looking forward to recovering and moving on from this whole experience!! It makes me smile to think I will have these out of me! Therefore, I know it's the right thing for me to do at this point in my life! What a great feeling to know that!
Good luck to everyone going before and after me! I will update as I know more and it gets closer! I will try to get progressive photos too because it really took a lot of courage for all you women to be here and share stories and help so many others with photos and descriptions of the recovery process. I'm thankful to have all of your support here and people who have gone through it to talk to when I have needed, and will be needing, it!
Replies (33)
January 29, 2016
I just had my saline implants removed on Tuesday with a local. It wasn't bad at all. No pain, just a little pressure and pulling. They cover you with a sheet so you don't see anything. Thanks to the wonderful nurses and the doctor who all kept talking to me so it helped keep my mind off what I knew was going on. It was very fast too....30 minutes tops from start to finish. I was SO glad I went that route as I was able to walk out of the surgery feeling just as good as I did walking in. It's so great to have these things out of me. I honestly thought I would freak out seeing myself flat again after 16 years, but I honestly would rather be flat than have those toxic uncomfortable balls in my chest. I hope I fluff up and look OK...that would be great. But even if I don't, I know I will never put them back in again. You will do great and I'm glad you are waiting before you decide to do anything. Just remember to give yourself enough time to heal and firm up...it doesn't happen overnight...unfortunately! But it will happen! xx
January 29, 2016
Thank you bugsbunny1!! After reading what people have said about the local and being awake, it does seem that the anxiety leading up to it is worse than the actual surgery. But seriously, the thought of being awake makes me want to barf. I'm just trying to zen out with the thought of being awake, know that there could be way worse things and that it will be over quickly. I'm just excited to get on my way to healing - it seems to take so long, doesn't it!!?! I seriously never even thought before about what it would be like to have these things removed! I bet nobody does! Until they do! What a long strange trip it's been.....but so thankful for you women here! I hope I have some breast tissue left - I was super small before so I'm nervous and I'm also nervous about the nipple caving in since I'm getting the areola incision. I'm more excited, though, to get these balls out! I've been looking for cute outfits I can wear that I didn't feel like I could wear with obviously fake boobs. LOL! Inspiration! :) Hope you're doing very well today, my dear!
January 29, 2016
Thank you alicion! I agree...a strange trip with a valuable lesson. I was embarrassed to tell my 2 daughters but used it as a learning experience to encourage them to love their bodies the way they are. I wish I never had these things put in. Every day I feel better. I always thought I slept well, but I would actually wake up every time I changed positions because of the implants. The last 2 nights I have slept like a baby without even waking!! Its wonderful to be natural again!!
February 1, 2016
Like you alicion I had no idea until I came across this site just what was involved with explanting, I just thought find a surgeon and get them out, in, out not so hard, but now I've learned about capsules, tissue adhering to muscle, nipple caving, fluffing, that's why I'm now searching for a ps with explant experience as I had nil breast tissue I want to save whatever I can, please share your journey and results :) good luck and best wishes
February 1, 2016
So happy for you, wishing you so much happiness as you continue to improve :)
February 1, 2016
Hello,
Happy to hear that you are on your way to becoming implant free. Congratulations to you!
Also happy to hear that you are learning about capsule formation and tissue adhering. In my case, the capsule that surrounded my left implant was adhered to my chest wall. I am very grateful that I found Dr. Lu-Jean Feng to perform my surgery enbloc. The truth is that leaving the capsule behind and only removing the implant will not resolve many of the health problems that we face related to scar tissue that is formed on the capsule or just the capsule alone.
I had saline smooth implants put in under the muscle in 2012 and the amount of scar tissue on both capsules was significant. Had a surgeon simply deflated my implants and left the capsules behind, my health issues would never have had a chance to resolve. I am only five days post op and already feel so much better. Being able to fully expand my rib cage again and take a deep breath has been wonderful. I am grateful for being able to breathe again, for the meticulous and amazing care of Dr. Feng and her staff, and for new beginnings!
Keep doing your research and please feel free to contact me if you would like to see any photos or have any questions.
Best of luck to you and congratulations on making the decision to go forward with your surgery :)
Happy to hear that you are on your way to becoming implant free. Congratulations to you!
Also happy to hear that you are learning about capsule formation and tissue adhering. In my case, the capsule that surrounded my left implant was adhered to my chest wall. I am very grateful that I found Dr. Lu-Jean Feng to perform my surgery enbloc. The truth is that leaving the capsule behind and only removing the implant will not resolve many of the health problems that we face related to scar tissue that is formed on the capsule or just the capsule alone.
I had saline smooth implants put in under the muscle in 2012 and the amount of scar tissue on both capsules was significant. Had a surgeon simply deflated my implants and left the capsules behind, my health issues would never have had a chance to resolve. I am only five days post op and already feel so much better. Being able to fully expand my rib cage again and take a deep breath has been wonderful. I am grateful for being able to breathe again, for the meticulous and amazing care of Dr. Feng and her staff, and for new beginnings!
Keep doing your research and please feel free to contact me if you would like to see any photos or have any questions.
Best of luck to you and congratulations on making the decision to go forward with your surgery :)
January 29, 2016
Congratulations on making the decision, you will be glad you did it. I've had complications but even then, I love that my little breasts are soft! No more torpedoes in my chest, that is a great feeling. I was also explanted under local but was given oral sedation so I was asleep for most of it. Keep us posted, and good luck!
January 29, 2016
Wow, I just read all your story again and comments. You sure have been through a lot!! You are one strong woman! I think any surgeon (in any field) that makes someone feel anything less than comfortable and less stressed (because any surgery is stressful) is just a total jerk. That's why I didn't go with the 2nd ps I had a consultation with - she was pushy, arrogant, rude, gave backhanded compliments, flippant, wanted to upsell me, didn't really listen to my questions because she wanted to hear herself talk, totally unconcerned about her patients' welfare or their concerns, made fun of other previous patients she had (mind you this was my FIRST consultation with her! WTF?!?) and made fun of the heart condition that I have that runs very bad in my family by saying it "wasn't a big deal and lots of people have that heart condition." WTF AGAIN?!?! I was concerned about it and told her because I want to be very careful not to get an infection (like my mom did and almost died because of it, and many of my cousins have had heart surgery before they were even 30 years old). God, just talking about it pisses me off all over again!! Anyway, I will update as I go through my process. You look great, by the way!! I'm so glad we are all seeing our natural bodies as something to cherish because we ARE beautiful!!
January 29, 2016
Thanks alicion, I agree. You should definitely go with the person who makes you feel safe and confident. In my case, Kenneth Stein seemed very competent and confident, and as other reviews say he is very nice...when he's trying to sell you, I guess. The day of the procedure he even gave me a hug! In hindsight, he gave me the chance to change my mind right before the procedure, and I should have taken it. I believe he just didn't want to say no to the money but wasn't quite up to the task. Sigh, live and learn and the beauty of the human body is that eventually I will be fully healed and can leave all this behind me.
Don't hesitate to do research on the surgeon you have chosen. I checked the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in my State to make sure mine had not been disciplined or suspended, and he hadn't, but I ignored the poor reviews from other patients and that was my error. I mistakenly thought that an explant wasn't a very complex procedure so there was very little room for error but well, I was wrong. Best of luck to you, and much love.
Don't hesitate to do research on the surgeon you have chosen. I checked the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation in my State to make sure mine had not been disciplined or suspended, and he hadn't, but I ignored the poor reviews from other patients and that was my error. I mistakenly thought that an explant wasn't a very complex procedure so there was very little room for error but well, I was wrong. Best of luck to you, and much love.
January 29, 2016
Oh good suggestion! I just looked her up there and she is clear of anything like that too. But you're right, people can really seem a certain way when they want something but it's the outcome and after-care that is really important. I will review her after it's all done because all I can vouch for now is that she's great before the surgery! haha. I'm just having faith for the best outcome. ;)
January 29, 2016
Congrats on your decision! You won't regret it! I had my saline implants out December 29, 2015, just 4 weeks ago. I had A LOT of health problems related to them and I'm feeling much better. They zapped the life out of me. Anyway, you said you were asymmetrical prior to having the Implants. I was as well, that's I wanted them in the first place. When my PS removed them, she took fat out of my left breast to even them out. I couldn't be happier! I should have done that 9 years ago instead of getting toxic balloons put in me! Lol! Anyway, if you're worried about them being uneven, that's always an options. I'm a 34/36 B now. Anyway, good luck to you and I'll be happy to answer any questions.
January 29, 2016
I do wonder sometimes if I actually do have some health problems associated with them. I've been pretty much physically exhausted all my 30's really and up to my 40's and I've always had this red discoloration all above my chest, it looks like a sunburn but it never goes away since I've had the surgery. Anyway, I am so happy to be getting them out, I wonder if it will be easier to breathe too! :) Honestly, I didn't know my boobs were uneven before until my original PS told me they were, it wasn't too too obvious (well, to me anyway) so I'll just have to wait and see what it looks like now. Either way, I'm excited to move forward! Thank you ~~
January 29, 2016
I am uneven as well...but my PS didn't fix it like he promised so I walked around with one boob almost an entire size bigger than the other for over 16 years!
January 29, 2016
Fatigue is definitely a symptom and weird breathing problems is as well. I had both. Those are both gone!
January 29, 2016
Same with me, my PS promised he would fix my asymmetry with implants. It was better but still not great. So, when talking to my PS, a woman, last month about taking them out, she said she would take some fat out. Wow! My left breast still hurts but at least they look the same size now. Not perfect but much better. How do your breasts look now in terms of your asymmetry?
January 31, 2016
I need all the boob fat I can keep and wouldn't want her to take any out!! Haha! But I don't think any two boobs look exactly alike really, or any features of the body probably. I guess if they were totally different and it bothered me then I'd do something. The original PS did inflate one more than the other then I think they are pretty much the same size now with the implants in. I guess I have no idea what they'll look like without...I'm so looking forward to see, though!! But the PS I'm going to said that it feels like I have more breast tissue than it looks like I originally did so she thinks I might end up with a B size, which would be fine with me! I'm glad you are happier with yours too! :)
January 31, 2016
Oh yes, mine are definitely not perfect with no clothes on. But I'm just happy that I don't have to wear a water bra to make them look the same size. Like you said, no one is perfectly symmetrical
February 23, 2016
Hi Hawaiigirl79, what type of health issues did you have? I have tons of issues and am now thinking the implants are part (or all) of the problem. For the last 8 years I've had unexplained and ongoing adrenal/thyroid issues, digestive issues, food sensitivities, hair loss, major fluid retention, and fatigue. I used to exercise (run/weight lifting) 4-5 days per week and now if I am able to walk a couple miles, it's a good day :(
January 29, 2016
I look forward to your update after surgery - all the best!
January 29, 2016
Congratulations, you have a date! I just made my appointment with a ps on the 10 march to talk about it. Ill be thinking of you
January 29, 2016
Wooohooo! I'm excited and nervous and excited and nervous and trying to be as healthy as I can! Haha. I'm so lucky they could get me in March, the next available appointment was end of April!!! Good luck with your ps on the 10th! It's so interesting to me how the different surgeons do the procedure so differently with different people but I guess it's all based on personal experience, the patient history and etc etc. I'm just hoping I made the right choice with mine!
February 1, 2016
Good luck alicion, can't wait to hear your results, I have to wait until April before I see ps, such a struggle but I hope he will be the best...thinking of you :)
UPDATED FROM alisio
I'm adding my before BA and after BA pictures.....
I took them down for a minute but I'm putting them back up to help other people, not because I love them so much. Ugh! LoL! We're all in this together, ladies!!! ;)
Mind you, this was 1999, we did not have digital cameras back then (remember that?!? haha). So, I took these with my big clunky polorid camera by myself so they aren't the best but I was lucky to have one so I could get some pictures without having to have them embarrassingly developed somewhere! LOL!
I will add the after implant removal pictures when I get them removed on March 3rd in a month and then update as I go through the healing process.
Mind you, this was 1999, we did not have digital cameras back then (remember that?!? haha). So, I took these with my big clunky polorid camera by myself so they aren't the best but I was lucky to have one so I could get some pictures without having to have them embarrassingly developed somewhere! LOL!
I will add the after implant removal pictures when I get them removed on March 3rd in a month and then update as I go through the healing process.
Replies (22)
February 1, 2016
Good luck! My mom had her silicone implants in for 20 years. They have now ruptured and she is literally dying. Who knew, right?
February 2, 2016
Wow!! Is she getting removal soon?? Will she be okay once they are removed? Wishing for your mom's safety, health, and welfare!! :(
February 6, 2016
So sorry to hear about your mum, one of mine ruptured but was replaced without problems, but I can't wait to have these removed, thinking of you and hoping your mum will soon be well :)
February 6, 2016
So sorry to hear about your mum, one of mine ruptured but was replaced without problems, but I can't wait to have these removed, thinking of you and hoping your mum will soon be well :)
February 16, 2016
Funds are an issue as having them removed is about 4 times the cost of having them done in the first place. The silicone has now bonded with the breast tissue so the procedure is a double mastectomy. My mom has other health issues as well and the toxicity of the silicone being absorbed into her tissue has not helped things. Don't think she'll be okay. The emotional and physical damage is just too much. Thanks for caring though.
February 2, 2016
I just bought these two sport bras for after surgery to wear the first couple weeks. What do you guys think about these? It's hard to know what size I'm going to be so I guessed. What did you guys wear after removal surgery?
I got these on amazon.com:
Amoena Women's Frances Front-Closure Leisure Bra,Print,Medium A/B (36/38)
and
Under Armour Bra® Protegée A Cup SIZE 38A Black
(because I thought the 38 would be more comfortable around, but I hope it's still supportive?).
I got these on amazon.com:
Amoena Women's Frances Front-Closure Leisure Bra,Print,Medium A/B (36/38)
and
Under Armour Bra® Protegée A Cup SIZE 38A Black
(because I thought the 38 would be more comfortable around, but I hope it's still supportive?).
February 3, 2016
I think you're going to love them now without fat transfer or anything. They are still perky and the added lbs will give them volume. Good luck to you
February 11, 2016
Thank you KNH!! I sure hope so. I just don't want to even worry about this stuff anymore, I just want to get in shape, be cute with my littles, have a cute wardrobe, be confident and move on with my life!!
February 6, 2016
Wishing you so much good luck alicion, thinking of you and can't wait to hear of and see your results :)
I don't really WANT to go through another procedure, but I was just looking into what the new other options are. But I am also very fortunate to have never had any real problems so far. The first procedure freaked me out enough. I'm feeling pretty positive this evening after my first consultation! She can do the explant in March if I decide to do this....I have an appointment with another PS on Friday so I can get a couple of opinions. Thank you for your well wishes! :-)