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Thank you to all who have come before me and...
Thank you to all who have come before me and shared so vulnerably and honestly about your implant and then explant journeys. Having volunteered for the past 4 years with newly bereaved Mom’s who have lost their baby, I know how it can seem you are all alone…and then you find others like you and it’s not quite as overwhelming. I know this from personal experience. The same has happened for me in finding this site and reading so many personal stories and seeing so many photos…I am not alone and I feel encouraged and supported in my explant journey.
Short story: After 32 years, (pretty much my entire adult life) I am choosing to have my implants removed. I have a consultation scheduled on July 5, 2016 with Dr. Rotatori in Winter Park, FL. My hopes are that after Labor Day, I will have my explant surgery.
My plan is to document my journey along the way, sharing to support myself and hopefully those who come to read this after me.
I am very open to feedback, suggestion, questions and encouragement, so please feel free.
Longer Story: In January 2016, I had a Mammogram and the woman administering it casually mentioned that my implants were kind of hard. I started thinking about this in the weeks following and realized that I had some choices - I could either do nothing, get them replaced or get them removed. My mom had expressed concern in the previous years - which motivated me to send a mammogram to my plastic surgeon in 2009/10 and he said he thought they looked ok, but to keep having them checked. My first implants I received when I was 22, my second when I was 29. I have had the current implants for 25 years.
Recently, I have been in a place where I’ve chosen some quiet time and to work on deeper healing – something I have done lots of over the years. Given that, I decided to really take on diving deep in to looking at my implants. In a short amount of time I was clear that I wanted to have my implants removed and then proceeded to work on understanding more deeply and healing the “why” behind them. I could write many pages on my realizations and healing work I have done in the past 3 – 4 months, no doubt similar to many who have shared here – influenced by my Dad leaving my mom for a younger woman and seeing my mom suffer, thinking I needed to look differently on the outside to attract men, therefore finding women as my competition. I am feeling sad as I write these words as so much of my healing work over the years has been about loving, honoring, valuing and appreciating who I am on the inside and reconnecting and creating deep and wonderful friendships with women and seeing them as my support, my tribe, my family.
My wonderful husband has only known me with implants and he has definitely been on my mind with this decision. We have talked and shared and no doubt will do more. I know he loves me deeply and will be there for me…and still, there is a little nervousness in my belly when I think of him looking at me post surgery.
I have created a long list of questions for my consultation – most of which I have collected from many of you. Happy to share if anyone is interested.
Questions I do have: I would appreciate hearing about diet/nutrition to support surgery, healing your gut after antibiotics, creams and massage for scarring, and bra suggestions.
Thank you.
Consultation Complete - lots of details and surgery date set!
I had my consultation on July 5th with Dr. Rotatori (who I had done a lot of research on – and others) who is located in Winter Park, FL. My husband came with me for support – being there for and with me, taking notes, asking additional questions and also recording the session. I had a huge list of questions and felt as prepared as I could be – thanks to all the research and months of reading and conversing with so many beautiful women on Real Self!
The office was lovely, the staff was friendly and warm. All in all, I felt comfortable and liked the Doctor. He has a very calm and even-keeled voice/nature and seemed gentle. I went ahead and scheduled my surgery for September 9th and my Pre-op Appt is on August 26th – dates I had figured out ahead of time just in case!
Specifics: We talked for a while first, he examined me and then we talked more after. The entire time with the Doctor, we were in a small examining room. He does explants pretty regularly, I think he said every couple of weeks. He does take out the scar tissue capsule and implant together = capsulectomy. I asked if he could take a photo of it and if I could have the implants back. He said yes, I would need to remind him and that if they were ruptured, he couldn’t give it back to me.
One of the questions I had for him was if he thought I needed a lift. After examining me he said I didn’t – that my nipples were positioned in the center of the breast and that the breast has a nice shape. He said I may end up being a full A when I’m done, now the breast is ¾ implant…which was not a surprise given how I started. I asked about feeling/sensation in the breast/nipple area and he said that pulling out the capsule would cause a “stretch injury” and that the nipple and breast sensation would go through a period of healing where I could lose feeling and then have it come back. I lost feeling in the bottom part of my breast when I had BA…so will be curious what happens after. We talked about the surgery process, aftercare and the healing process. He said it’s a pretty quick recovery. My original scars are at the bottom of my areolas and the surgery will be under my breasts in the crease. My implants are on top of the muscle. I brought my two most recent mammo reports and there is a bulge in one implant (which I am aware of) and he said it could just be a crease or a possible small rupture. I will have drains, which will come out in a week or sooner and I will have gauze pads and a bra that they will put me in after surgery. I will wear this bra for 2 -3 weeks and then can wear a soft bra for another month. Then I am free to do whatever. I come back to be checked a week later, 2 weeks after that and then a month later.
I asked for the Consent Form ahead of time (which I received) so I could take it home and read it slowly and carefully. His office also gave me a booklet with lots of information - about risks, instructions, reactions, descriptions of what happens in the operating room and recovery room and common reactions from friends and family.
At my pre-op appointment (2 weeks before), I will receive the prescriptions - so that I can have them filled out already – for the pain meds and antibiotics. The cost for the capsulectomy with explantation is $5,165.00. That includes the operating room and Anesthesia. I paid a $500 non-refundable deposit when I scheduled the surgery.
I had a very busy day after the appointment and the next morning after it setting in for a bit, I felt emotional. I have done so much inner work in my life and then a bunch this year…some of it specific to my implants…I am really feeling ready. Still, I have had them 32 years of my 54 years of life. Yesterday, I started saying to my breasts/implants “thank you” and sending them lots of love and gratitude. I am wanting to create a ceremony for me for this transition in my life.
Again, I thank all the women who have gone before me and shared here. You are making a difference and have helped me.
The office was lovely, the staff was friendly and warm. All in all, I felt comfortable and liked the Doctor. He has a very calm and even-keeled voice/nature and seemed gentle. I went ahead and scheduled my surgery for September 9th and my Pre-op Appt is on August 26th – dates I had figured out ahead of time just in case!
Specifics: We talked for a while first, he examined me and then we talked more after. The entire time with the Doctor, we were in a small examining room. He does explants pretty regularly, I think he said every couple of weeks. He does take out the scar tissue capsule and implant together = capsulectomy. I asked if he could take a photo of it and if I could have the implants back. He said yes, I would need to remind him and that if they were ruptured, he couldn’t give it back to me.
One of the questions I had for him was if he thought I needed a lift. After examining me he said I didn’t – that my nipples were positioned in the center of the breast and that the breast has a nice shape. He said I may end up being a full A when I’m done, now the breast is ¾ implant…which was not a surprise given how I started. I asked about feeling/sensation in the breast/nipple area and he said that pulling out the capsule would cause a “stretch injury” and that the nipple and breast sensation would go through a period of healing where I could lose feeling and then have it come back. I lost feeling in the bottom part of my breast when I had BA…so will be curious what happens after. We talked about the surgery process, aftercare and the healing process. He said it’s a pretty quick recovery. My original scars are at the bottom of my areolas and the surgery will be under my breasts in the crease. My implants are on top of the muscle. I brought my two most recent mammo reports and there is a bulge in one implant (which I am aware of) and he said it could just be a crease or a possible small rupture. I will have drains, which will come out in a week or sooner and I will have gauze pads and a bra that they will put me in after surgery. I will wear this bra for 2 -3 weeks and then can wear a soft bra for another month. Then I am free to do whatever. I come back to be checked a week later, 2 weeks after that and then a month later.
I asked for the Consent Form ahead of time (which I received) so I could take it home and read it slowly and carefully. His office also gave me a booklet with lots of information - about risks, instructions, reactions, descriptions of what happens in the operating room and recovery room and common reactions from friends and family.
At my pre-op appointment (2 weeks before), I will receive the prescriptions - so that I can have them filled out already – for the pain meds and antibiotics. The cost for the capsulectomy with explantation is $5,165.00. That includes the operating room and Anesthesia. I paid a $500 non-refundable deposit when I scheduled the surgery.
I had a very busy day after the appointment and the next morning after it setting in for a bit, I felt emotional. I have done so much inner work in my life and then a bunch this year…some of it specific to my implants…I am really feeling ready. Still, I have had them 32 years of my 54 years of life. Yesterday, I started saying to my breasts/implants “thank you” and sending them lots of love and gratitude. I am wanting to create a ceremony for me for this transition in my life.
Again, I thank all the women who have gone before me and shared here. You are making a difference and have helped me.
My Pre-op Appointment
Yesterday I had my Pre-op appt which is 2 weeks before my surgery - Friday September 9th at 7:30am. It was pretty straight forward for me…lots of papers to sign, a packet of information for me and lots of information shared. I had a list of questions (some of which was covered) that I asked about when the nurse was finished. I did have a bit of an emotional down after the appointment in the afternoon – feeling very vulnerable and needing support and understanding. I was able to share this with my husband and trusted my knowledge that feelings come and go and this morning woke up feeling great.
Some of the specifics from my appt. - not in any particular order were:
I was told that my bilateral capsulectomy with explantation will take about 2 hours and then about 1 hour of recovery before I can go home.
Use frozen peas (not directly on skin) on breasts for the first 2 – 3 days, 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off – as comfortable.
Sleep on back slightly propped up till drains are out and it feels comfortable for me to move to my side (my favorite way to sleep).
She suggested (my question) a dinner with protein and carbs the night before and said that sometimes when people eat a lot and late prior to the midnight cutoff, they actually end up being hungrier.
Eating after surgery – soft, mild, broth, soup, protein. Eggs sounded good to me.
After 2 days I can take a shower – dressing/gauze off, wear a lanyard or shoestring so I can clip drains and I don’t need to replace the dressing after.
Surgery bra – wear 24/7 for 3 weeks except when showering or washing it.
Steri strips remain on for 2 weeks.
Take Arnica (I asked her and she suggested it…I was already planning on it, just wondering what she would say).
I have requested photos of my implants/capsules and also to receive my implants back.
Movement after surgery – gentle neck rolls, shoulder rolls and gentle movement with arms to see what feels ok with range of motion – no overhead.
She suggested a stool softener and prune juice and extra vitamin C because of the antibiotic.
I was given my 2 prescriptions to fill ahead of time – one for pain and one antibiotic.
I will have my post op appt 1 week later.
My husband was instructed on the drains. I had this job this past spring with my sister who had breast cancer surgery, so I am already familiar.
The nurse said once the output in each drain is 20ml or less per drain for 2 days in a row, I can come in and get the drains taken out.
In addition to my chiropractor who studies Functional Medicine, I have been working with an Acupuncture Physician, Chinese Herbalist (AP, DOM) in addition to doing my own research about diet prior to surgery.
This is some of what I am choosing to do:
To give my liver (detox) a break, I stopped the following 3 weeks before surgery and will go at least one week after surgery:
Gluten, corn, sugar, alcohol, soy and dairy.
I have purchased (with my DOM’s support), the Vitamedica program to help recovery after surgery – should receive it a few days.
I am having a super green shake for dinner 2x a week in addition to my morning healthy smoothie.
I have a list of foods to make sure and eat at least 1 week prior to surgery to help with recovery and after effects of anaesthesia.
I will change my pro-biotic (that I take daily) to a recommended one to take while you are on antibiotics - once I start my anti-biotic.
I also continue to work on my emotional well-being and support. I am receiving acupuncture, will see my therapist (who I go to on an as-needed basis) once more before surgery and then again after.
I have been journal writing and sharing deeply with my husband, close friends and family about my journey.
My little Sis (who I mentioned earlier) sent me her super cool shirt to wear that was made specifically for breast surgery with drains – a little pocket for them and easy step in and out. I am touched that I will be wearing the same shirt she wore.
I am feeling confident about the surgery, my intentions and my outcome. I am awed by the opportunities for learning in life. This is a big one for me and I have been working on it for a long time. I knew that when I started the journey in January of deciding to explant, my deep emotional healing needed to come first. I have been committed to this for months and am proud of the work I have done. As I have so intimately learned (personally and educationally) from grief, you are never “over it”, yet you can come to a beautiful place “being with it”.
The journey continues and the next step will be September 9th – my explant surgery.
Some of the specifics from my appt. - not in any particular order were:
I was told that my bilateral capsulectomy with explantation will take about 2 hours and then about 1 hour of recovery before I can go home.
Use frozen peas (not directly on skin) on breasts for the first 2 – 3 days, 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off – as comfortable.
Sleep on back slightly propped up till drains are out and it feels comfortable for me to move to my side (my favorite way to sleep).
She suggested (my question) a dinner with protein and carbs the night before and said that sometimes when people eat a lot and late prior to the midnight cutoff, they actually end up being hungrier.
Eating after surgery – soft, mild, broth, soup, protein. Eggs sounded good to me.
After 2 days I can take a shower – dressing/gauze off, wear a lanyard or shoestring so I can clip drains and I don’t need to replace the dressing after.
Surgery bra – wear 24/7 for 3 weeks except when showering or washing it.
Steri strips remain on for 2 weeks.
Take Arnica (I asked her and she suggested it…I was already planning on it, just wondering what she would say).
I have requested photos of my implants/capsules and also to receive my implants back.
Movement after surgery – gentle neck rolls, shoulder rolls and gentle movement with arms to see what feels ok with range of motion – no overhead.
She suggested a stool softener and prune juice and extra vitamin C because of the antibiotic.
I was given my 2 prescriptions to fill ahead of time – one for pain and one antibiotic.
I will have my post op appt 1 week later.
My husband was instructed on the drains. I had this job this past spring with my sister who had breast cancer surgery, so I am already familiar.
The nurse said once the output in each drain is 20ml or less per drain for 2 days in a row, I can come in and get the drains taken out.
In addition to my chiropractor who studies Functional Medicine, I have been working with an Acupuncture Physician, Chinese Herbalist (AP, DOM) in addition to doing my own research about diet prior to surgery.
This is some of what I am choosing to do:
To give my liver (detox) a break, I stopped the following 3 weeks before surgery and will go at least one week after surgery:
Gluten, corn, sugar, alcohol, soy and dairy.
I have purchased (with my DOM’s support), the Vitamedica program to help recovery after surgery – should receive it a few days.
I am having a super green shake for dinner 2x a week in addition to my morning healthy smoothie.
I have a list of foods to make sure and eat at least 1 week prior to surgery to help with recovery and after effects of anaesthesia.
I will change my pro-biotic (that I take daily) to a recommended one to take while you are on antibiotics - once I start my anti-biotic.
I also continue to work on my emotional well-being and support. I am receiving acupuncture, will see my therapist (who I go to on an as-needed basis) once more before surgery and then again after.
I have been journal writing and sharing deeply with my husband, close friends and family about my journey.
My little Sis (who I mentioned earlier) sent me her super cool shirt to wear that was made specifically for breast surgery with drains – a little pocket for them and easy step in and out. I am touched that I will be wearing the same shirt she wore.
I am feeling confident about the surgery, my intentions and my outcome. I am awed by the opportunities for learning in life. This is a big one for me and I have been working on it for a long time. I knew that when I started the journey in January of deciding to explant, my deep emotional healing needed to come first. I have been committed to this for months and am proud of the work I have done. As I have so intimately learned (personally and educationally) from grief, you are never “over it”, yet you can come to a beautiful place “being with it”.
The journey continues and the next step will be September 9th – my explant surgery.
Provider Review
Dr. Rotatori
I have my consultation on July 5th and will make my final decision then whether or not to proceed with Dr. Rotatori. Right now, I am feeling confident with my choice after the research I have done.