POSTED UNDER Breast Implant Removal REVIEWS
After Almost 30 Years, They Come out Tomorrow! - Woodland Hills, CA
ORIGINAL POST
Hi all, I need to share to help calm my nerves...
tmr777June 22, 2016
Hi all,
I need to share to help calm my nerves.
I'm 56 yo and have had implants since my early 20's to bring symmetry to very uneven small breasts.
My last augmentation was 1988, it included the Surgitek double lumen saline/silicone implant (Bristol).
As far as I know, they are intact (per X-rays) but after breastfeeding 4 kids, they have dropped and my left breast has hardened to grade 2.
I do suffer from extreme left shoulder muscle strain, fatigue and chronic kidney disease. These condition are my motivations for removal, also I feel like I'm harboring time bombs in my chest!
I expect to be very saggy post surgery and resemble a coffee table, but I'm done.....this will be my 4th breast surgery....
I also figured after 30 years, I pretty much got my money's worth on these things...heck, they outlasted my husband!
Please say a prayer for me tomorrow. I'm very nervous, but confident.
Tmr777
I need to share to help calm my nerves.
I'm 56 yo and have had implants since my early 20's to bring symmetry to very uneven small breasts.
My last augmentation was 1988, it included the Surgitek double lumen saline/silicone implant (Bristol).
As far as I know, they are intact (per X-rays) but after breastfeeding 4 kids, they have dropped and my left breast has hardened to grade 2.
I do suffer from extreme left shoulder muscle strain, fatigue and chronic kidney disease. These condition are my motivations for removal, also I feel like I'm harboring time bombs in my chest!
I expect to be very saggy post surgery and resemble a coffee table, but I'm done.....this will be my 4th breast surgery....
I also figured after 30 years, I pretty much got my money's worth on these things...heck, they outlasted my husband!
Please say a prayer for me tomorrow. I'm very nervous, but confident.
Tmr777
Replies (11)
June 23, 2016
I am 64YO, and am four weeks postop after removing implants that I had for 36 years (two sets). Mine were saline placed above the muscle. You are making the right decision to put an end to the implants. It will never be easier to go through the surgery and shock of removal, so you are giving yourself the gift of a healthier body going forward. I had chronic pain in my right shoulder, arm and neck region that I had never associated with my implants, but noticed complete relief immediately after the explant surgery! That alone made the explant worth it. I do have a dent in my right breast above the nipple, but it is slowly improving, and all things considered, I am very happy to have my implants done with. Best wishes for a quick recovery:-)
June 23, 2016
Thank you for the comments! I spoke to my doctor yesterday and he was so kind in telling me that he has NEVER had an ex plant patient regret their decision and chose to replace their implants after the fact. He admitted that his patients reported feeling better with improved health. I'm looking forward to that. I will give an update. Thank you all! I go in this afternoon.
June 23, 2016
I'll be thinking of you! It's so great your surgeon told you his explant patients are not regretful. That must make you feel very reassured. It does me. Best wishes to you!
June 23, 2016
Surgery today? Best wishes. You are doing what's best for your body! The pain is most likely due to your contracture and making your pex muscle tighter, this affects the back and shoulder. I think you will get relief for sure. Just don't expect it overnight, your body will have to adjust for compensating for the implant. Rest up!
UPDATED FROM tmr777
2 days post
In recovery, is this normal?
tmr777June 25, 2016
Hi all, I'm on my 2nd day of no implants. I over did it yesterday so today I'm weak and staying in bed. I noticed that I have fluid in both my breasts- I can hear it shloshing around in there....is that ok? I don't have drains........And, if I absorb this fluiddoes that mean my breasts will be even smaller? I will be concave!
Anyone else had the fluid in the breasts?
Thank you all for helping me through this....
T.
Anyone else had the fluid in the breasts?
Thank you all for helping me through this....
T.
Replies (2)
June 25, 2016
Hi, I don't think fluid is normal. I think that is called a seroma. I would contact your PS and have them check it out. You can have fluttering from tissue moving around, but fluid, I think that needs to get looked at as soon as possible.
June 25, 2016
https://www.realself.com/question/cali-long-fluid-continue-build-in-my-breast-after-implant-removal
UPDATED FROM tmr777
5 days post
Post Op........5 days after surgery
tmr777June 29, 2016
Hi all,
Everything looks good so far except I have minimal seroma in both breasts. PS stated that no action is needed, I can leave it alone, in fact it gives extra volume. I can have the fluid removed if I'm bothered by it. Anyone have this? Thoughts on leaving it alone? I'm fine with the fluid, it has reduced somewhat so there is a chance it may disappear on its own.
PS said that my left implant had ruptured but did not travel beyond the capsule (that's the side of my intense shoulder pain!) and the right was intact but very weak. A capsulectomy was performed on both sides, tissue was benign.
He was very pleased with everything and I only need to see him again if I choose to remove the breast fluid. I should do it within the next month or so.
I'm so relieved that everything is finished (hopefully).
I will see how I feel about schlooshy breasts....
Thoughts or advise for post surgery recovery is so appreciated.
Thank you all in advance!
T.
Everything looks good so far except I have minimal seroma in both breasts. PS stated that no action is needed, I can leave it alone, in fact it gives extra volume. I can have the fluid removed if I'm bothered by it. Anyone have this? Thoughts on leaving it alone? I'm fine with the fluid, it has reduced somewhat so there is a chance it may disappear on its own.
PS said that my left implant had ruptured but did not travel beyond the capsule (that's the side of my intense shoulder pain!) and the right was intact but very weak. A capsulectomy was performed on both sides, tissue was benign.
He was very pleased with everything and I only need to see him again if I choose to remove the breast fluid. I should do it within the next month or so.
I'm so relieved that everything is finished (hopefully).
I will see how I feel about schlooshy breasts....
Thoughts or advise for post surgery recovery is so appreciated.
Thank you all in advance!
T.
Replies (6)
June 30, 2016
Hello tmr777, and congrats on getting through the surgery with such a good attitude. I wish I could offer experienced advice about the fluid but I haven't been down that road yet. I hope someone will respond to you with guidance. In the meantime, I would be inclined to rely on the advice of your PS, assuming you trust him implicitly. Another idea would be to ask the doctors on the Q&A site. I've had luck with getting very thoughtful responses to a questions there. Best wishes to you.
October 19, 2018
Hello tmr777. I too have the same implants you have. Surgitek bilumen saline silicone. I have had them since 1989 with no known medical issues and have done many MRIs to make sure there was no leaking. Yesterday they found two lumps and I'm going in for needle biopsies. I am curious to know once they removed your implants were they still intact or not? tc4agents@gmail.com. hope I you are doing amazing!
October 19, 2018
Hi! My left implant had leaked and my right was very fragile. PS said that it could have leaked at any time. They truly needed to come out. I was told it’s easier to replace the implants immediately after explanation rather than waiting. Considering your possible lumps, follow your docs instructions- I wish you the best of luck. Keep me posted on how you’re doing! I’m doing well, my health has improved greatly. I no longer have an issue with kidney disease. I’m thinking the leaking implant was stressing them out. T
Mine were also small and uneven so I'm interested to see what they'll be like once I have them out. Good luck!