Forum Discussion
Removal of implants
Hello. It's been a few yrs since I've been on here for advice and support. I'm currently on my 3rd set of implants after my diagnosis and double mastectomy in 2013. Unfortunetly my left implant is again causing me a lot of pain and I have a 2.5cm lump which the scan shows it as a possible haematoma. It constantly gives me pain which is getting progressively worse along with the seroma around the implant. It's been again confirmed as capsular contracture. My options are to replace the implant with another although I've already got a polytech textured implant in, have the fat etc removed from my tummy or back to create a new left boob or remove them both. After 13 surgeries over the last nearly 4 yrs I've thought long and hard and decided to get them removed. I have a few questions if anyone can help. I believe it's still quite major surgery plus drains...has anyone had this done? Also I contacted a local support group on the Gold Coast for advice on what to expect and prosthetics/just simple day to day managing without boobs if that makes sense but no one got back to me so any advice would be great thank you. I'm 45 and work in an office so just the practicalities etc. thank you
16 Replies
- Hi @TinaW, yes I am doing well. I can imagine you will be very relieved after the tough time you have had.
Take care,
paula xx - THanks Melinda. I'm glad you are happy with your results and where you are at, it's good to hear . Wow Paula yes I remember you how are you? Yes it's a bit of a bugger but also a relief it's finally coming to an end...hopefully xx
- @TinaW, I remember you from our breast reconstruction group, I think we had our recons around the same time. I had a bilateral TRAM. You are right it is a big surgery, but also doable. I am so very sorry your implants did not work out for you. Did you have radiation? I know that can be an issue. I totally get why you have reached a point where you just want the implants out. I would be the same. I wish you all the best with your op next week. Many people like @SoldierCrab don’t have recons. The thing with recons is that it is always something you can revisit down the track if you want. I had my recon 2 1/2 Year’s after my mastectomy.
You have been through so much. Sending you lots of love and hugs, and all the best next week.
Paula xxxxi - Thanks Alice, @TinaW are you linked to the Breast Reconstruction Group? here's the link if you aren't http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/1-choosing-breast-reconstruction
Tina, I'm sorry to hear of the many operations you've had to go through and the trouble with the implants, I honestly cannot imagine!! I've been on this road since 2011 with my first diagnosis and a recurrence same breast in 2015. This year I underwent a single mastectomy/diep flap reconstruction. I wasn't able to have an implant due to having radiation in 2011, he also didn't recommend it and prefers the diep flap. Yes it was a massive op as I had it done all in one, about 8hrs. Was a big recovery too I admit. But honestly, I couldnt be happier with the result, I also underwent the revision late July, so have a nipple reconstructed and a right breast lift with great symmetry. I remember my Surgeon saying that if I had an implant Id have to have another op around 10yrs. Uuuugh what I like is, this is it, I don't need any surgery on that breast now. Thing is I really struggled with the thought of a mastectomy, but I have really been happy with where I am. You can see my story in the Group from before and after. Hugs Melinda xo - @melclarity could you share or link Tina to your posts about your reconstruction etc..... please
- Thanks Alice, I've just sent a join request.
- Hi there @TinaW, I choose no reconstruction I had large 20EE breasts and had a bilateral Mastectomy in Oct 2012. I have a group on facebook called Breast Cancer and Beyond https://www.facebook.com/groups/bcnoffaaduaustralia/ we have mainly Australian members who have chosen at various times and for various reasons no reconstruction or removal of the implants etc.
I personally have an allergy list as long as the Darling River so for me it was my best option. I go flat 100% of the time
I am comfortable in my own body. I wear tops that are busy around the chest area and no one notices that I have no Boobs.
Knitted Knockers are great if you want soft inserts and they are washable and free to those who have had BC.
Tina you need to do what you believe is right for your body.
Happy to chat in Private inbox if you want to.
hugs
SoldierCrab aka Alice - @SoldierCrab I think you could discuss life as flat and fabulous.
- Giggle, giggle! When I was in hospital with my expander in place, the process they put you through; well before the finished implant, I can remember laughing at myself in the mirror as I cleaned my teeth I could see my pec muscle moving. Now with the finished product I can flex the muscle into making the implant look like I am trying to hide it! More importantly I can get my left arm back up my back to meet the other arm from the top and clasp the hands so I am pleased with that! I guess we just need to treat these new implants as party tricks! Let's face it they are for when you are dressed and no one notices that it's not real!
I can't comprehend why some will go and get implants to make themselves larger for vanity! Golly gosh! Before we put the frighteners on anyone who is thinking about implant reconstruction, I think it's worth remembering that an overwhelming majority of women cope very well with them.
I'm absolutely covered in low level keloid scars. I heal very quickly, initially, but I end up with raised lumpy tissue over the injury. This is a bit strange, as the people most likely to develop scars like this are of African, Asian, Latino or Indigenous heritage. I'm very much of white European stock, as far as I know, and no-one else in my family has the same response..
I've had some robust discussions with my surgeon who is, reluctantly, coming around to my philosophy that it pays to look at how someone has healed in the past as an indicator of how they may respond to this sort of surgery. My body goes spacco and attacks any foreign body. It took me years to get over having my ears pierced. Dissolvable stiches don't. So inflammatory responses should not come as a great surprise when you shove a couple of kilos of silicon under my pecs.
The issue of them moving is interesting. I'm (still) quite muscular and prior to my first recon I was able to do dozens of pushups and could hay cart with the boys. It's been suggested that I just squeezed them out. Even now if I flex I can feel them squashing flat which feels weird and creepy. I popped my initial expanders into my armpits a week after my 2MX, and wandered around with what looked like sandwich bags full of water just under my skin for nearly a fortnight. It was Xmas 2006 and all the grown ups had gone on holidays and the minions didn't want to believe what blind Freddy could see. I gather they now use a mesh sling that should prevent things like that happening.
I regret the retreads, but how are you supposed to know if it will be Ok or make your life miserable? Phffft.
