Ancient Breast Implants Needed to Go - Vancouver, BC

This was not a surgery that I looked forward to! I got my first breast implants at 29 and had a revision/replacement well over 30 years ago. Over time both sets of implants grew hard and sat on my chest like a pair of grapefruits. I just couldn't imagine being an old lady and having a part of my body being so unnaturally perky. The irony is that I didn't want big breasts in the first place; I just didn't like having the empty envelopes I was left with after the birth of my child (now nearing 50, by the way). In hind sight, a nice little breast lift at that time would have suited me just fine!
I toyed with the idea of having the implants removed several times over the years and even had a couple of consultations with other surgeons to discuss possible courses of action. Then, a full-body MRI in 2011 showed leaks in the implants so the heat was on to have them removed.
I had many fears about the surgery, reasonable and just plain paranoid: length of recovery, pain, possible loss of the use of my arms (the paranoia part!), inability to drive, permanent nerve damage... No real fears of disfigurement because vanity no longer drives my decisions as far as my health goes, but I did run every worst-case-scenario over and over in my mind UNTIL...
I was about to turn myself in to a senior surgeon whom I trusted, but I'd waited so long that he retired before I could book a date with him. Having already done the big work of psyching myself up for surgery, I reluctantly booked a consultation with a young surgeon, Dr. Alex Seal, and everything changed after the very first appointment. I felt calm, optimistic, reassured and peaceful about proceeding with the surgery. I was informed about what to expect pre-and post-op, and knew there would be back-up and all the support I might need during recovery.
I can't say enough how HAPPY I am with the outcome! I decided to have surgery in his private facility instead of taking my chances waiting for a time in the hospital. More expensive, yes, but a very good choice. The atmosphere was pleasant, private and comfortable, and the care I received was personal and considerate in every way. I had surgery at 8:30 A.M. on a Friday and was home - chatty and pain-free by 12:30. My discomfort was easily managed with a couple of doses of meds and re-freezable ice-paks that accompanied me home. Dr. Seal called that evening to check up on me but I was elatedly already well on my way to recovery. I was able to drive in less that two weeks but followed the advice to stay out of the gym for six weeks.
I would love to have had someone like myself to talk to during the stress-filled years when I just stewed about a surgery that I imagined would be a terrible ordeal. I can't highly enough recommend Dr. Alex Seal for his kindness, empathy, reassurances, and - most importantly - for his surgical skill. I chose not to have new implants but to live with whatever the result after having my "grapefruit" explanted. I have very small breasts but they're not at all bad looking (kind of cute, I think) and best of all - they are MINE and I feel more like myself than I have since I was 29 years old! Clothes fit differently (I think better) and I've lost weight. :) Of course!
Thank you, Dr. Seal!