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Implants removed after 22 years!! Couldn't be happier.

UPDATED FROM mynaturalself
24 days post

Thanks!

mynaturalself
WORTH IT$1,500
Awwwww, thank you! I had a bit of a pity party for myself yesterday. Today, I'm mentally much better. I had a tape reaction during my initial BA and I told my dr about it during the consult and also during the actual explant. Since he still used tape, I assumed it was hypoallergenic and I wouldn't react. I took Benadryl and that helped the itching and Im wearing a pre explant sports bra, which is too big but I can pull it down over the irritated areas. I think healing is going to be a few days at least. The areas aren't flaming red and hot anymore. Just really irritated and itchy.

On to something positive.....my neck spasms are gone! For at least the last 10 years I've had excruciating neck and shoulder spasms on the left side and a small area of numbness. I've gone thru physical therapy, taken tons of muscle relaxers, bought pillows, new mattresses, reorganized my workspace for ergonomics, tried chiropractor adjustments, and massage therapy. Nothing helped. It's only been 3 weeks and my left side muscles have fully released, the numbness is gone, and I no longer have the knot under the shoulder blade :) I've seen a lot of specialists about the spasms and not one said it was the implants, but it clearly was. I know how dramatic this sounds but I'm going to say it anyway, I really do feel like this surgery has been life changing.

mynaturalself's provider

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 237 Reviews
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Replies (4)

October 18, 2014
I am so happy for you! I really look forward to do this on monday. I have the same neck and shoulder problem as well! Thanks for sharing.
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October 18, 2014
I'm really glad to hear that your neck aches are gone....HUGE news!!! Before you know it....you are going to be grooving like a mad dancer!
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October 20, 2014
It is a life changer. You still look great!
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October 20, 2014
Sorry, I guess you haven't updated the photos. I'm getting used to this new comment system. :/ So I can say I'm SURE you still look great. ;)
October 20, 2014
I think I look great, too! But honestly, I read everyone's reviews and there's not a single explant photo that I think isn't a huge improvement. Guess I'm biased ;)
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November 25, 2014
Congratulations! I haven't checked your blog for a while, so when I saw your "after" pics, I did a double-take... For real? Woah, you still have boobs, and very shapely ones in the 5 day post-op! I didn't even have a reaction to the tape, but I experienced all sorts of itching during the healing process. So much so, that it even itched 'on the inside' where you can't scratch. Lol. Anyway, congratulations again, you made it to the other side and now it just gets better and better every day. Happy healing, and god bless you.
UPDATED FROM mynaturalself
23 days post

3 Weeks Post Op - 2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back

mynaturalself
Today marks 3 weeks and 2 days post op. Not much has changed in how I look. Still wearing compression bra and hoping to get clarification back from doctor on when I can stop it. Unfortunately, I had a bad reaction to the surgical tape. My incision sites are irritated and terribly itchy. The right side was swollen, but it looks better today. I'm more uncomfortable now than immediately after the surgery. I saw my dr today and I'm to alternate between baby oil and hydrocortisone cream. I just need to be patient and let my body heal. It's so frustrating, though :( I'm tired of "healing" and want to skip ahead to "healed."

So that's my update. Sorry to be such a downer :(

Replies (5)

October 18, 2014
Don't be sorry. Sorry to hear about all the itchiness. I'm sure the cortisone cream will stop it shortly. I hope you get to "healed" super quick! You look gorgeous btw! :)
October 18, 2014
I sure hope it helps soon. The dr said it could get worse before it gets better, which is sooooo discouraging. I'm going to add the Benadryl and hopefully that will get things moving in the right direction.
October 18, 2014
Benadryl cream and cortisone cream together work great. Keep us posted!
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October 18, 2014
Hang in there - you WILL make it to 'recovered' in no time. And no need to apologise, I think we can all relate to your desire for the process to be over with. I'm three days away from my explant and I know that the four weeks I'll spend in a sports bra will feel more like four years! So we're all here with you. When you're feeling low, remember that these few weeks of healing are worth it. Let them take their time, since you'll have a LOOONG happy life without implants ahead of you, and eventually this will be a distant memory.
October 18, 2014
Thanks for your kind words. Today has been a low day for me and these messages help. Good luck with your explant!
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October 18, 2014
Medical tape has always made me super itchy too! I have found tegaderm to be the only adhesive bandage my skin will tolerate. I feel your pain! Oral Benadryl helps to calm irritated skin too. Feel better soon!
October 18, 2014
Thanks for the tip. I can hardly sleep I'm so uncomfortable and will definitely try the Benadryl.
October 18, 2014
I appreciate your situation from the "itchy" standpoint. Healing is a process and going through either implant or explant is a test in patience. Did your PS say anything about after showering, let your girls "breathe"? The tape irritated my skin, so after it was off and before I started wearing scar sheets, I would let them "breathe" after a shower for about 10-15 minutes. I would lay on my bed, exposed and just exist in quiet. I'm not trying to get all kumbaya on you, but I think visualizing your healing really helps. Visualization for healing might include mental pictures of your incisions free of irritation. If you're not sleeping because of the irritation, the Benadryl is a good option. The sleep will help you heal. Make sure you're eating clean; try to stay away from processed foods and alcohol. Drink lots and lots of water! I've also upped my Vit C intake since a week before me surgery. Please understand I'm not in the medical filed, but know enough about my own healing process that propelled my own recovery. The body is an amazing machine and will eventually conquer the rejection of the tape. Best of luck and sending you healing vibes!
October 19, 2014
I'll let the girls breathe! The dr did mention he thought that the area under the tape had gotten wet and irritated the skin and and that's why I had the reaction. And I could definitely learn to be a little more kumbaya :) My life usually travels at Mach speed and I need to slow down and let myself heal.
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October 18, 2014
I'm sorry you are uncomfortable but EVERYTHING exhale said below is right on. Just remember this is a little hiccup in your healing process, one that you will get through. Hang in there - it's worth it - you are implant free and once the irritation is gone, you will feel wonderful!
UPDATED FROM mynaturalself
5 days post

Day 5 photos

mynaturalself

Replies (4)

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September 29, 2014
You look really good! I love what you said....blaming the use of Valium for the internet shopping! That cracked me up! Don't overdo it....rest and allow your body to heal!
September 30, 2014
I loved your story. And by the way, you look great. Good for you!!
September 30, 2014
You look so great! Congrats!
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September 30, 2014
Loved reading your story. I am happy for you. I am suppose to get an explant in about a month. Wish you well.
September 30, 2014
Good luck next month!