Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 HI, Just a quick chime in-- I had my implants out 10 months ago and was told basically the same things by my implanting surgeon that you were (I'd be disappointed in how I looked, etc). Instead I chose to have the explant done by Ed Melmed in Dallas and he told me I would look fabulous and I do, in fact better than before implants. You could ask for the anesthesiologist's phone number and talk with him/her before the surgery, just to ease your mind about being under. Mine made a point of calling all his patients the night before and spent half an hour answering questions. It might make you feel less worried about that part. In the long run, having the entire capsule taken out is the best insurance against lingering symptoms. As for the "screw you to the media, society, etc," I heartily agree. In fact I feel so much better about myself sans implants. More authentic, more me. No more men oggling my faux breasts (I know some women enjoy that kind of attention, but I hated it). When I see a woman who obviously has implants I think, poor girl. They seem so dumb now. Good luck with all that. Keep up the great attitude! Bindi met w/ other PS hi all, I have mulled this over for a few days and now will put all here - I knew she wouldn't be the dream surgeon, and she wasn't what I call warm either. I think I can no longer be impressed But here goes a rather long chronicle of my experience:* the initial nurse that met me has had trouble getting HER records (to be reimplanted) by my old PS as well. It's been OVER a week, and sent an overnighted written request and fee and still have nothing. They promised to fax them right away. I left them a msg now - so I did not bring my records to this apt and still know nothing about my implants.* I was given a whole supplment prototcol that is fabulous - for weeks prior and after - I already had many items, and I believe they are spot-on for preventing bruising and speeding healing. They also require you get many lympathic massages for 6 wks after - again, I like that they understand toxins need to get out.* One of the many items I had to sign was a 'risk of explant' document...I need to get a copy, I thought they would give me one...anyhow, one of the 20 some points was that 'your partner may loose interest in you sexually'. Maybe they have to put that as a disclaimer, so no one can sue them if their looser man rejects them? But to see that in writing was so terribly distasteful, etc. I realized this : I BETTER BE GOING IN WITH A STRONG SENSE OF WHO I AM AND BE READY TO STAND MY GROUND, BECAUSE NO MATTER WHO I MEET WITH, I WILL BE HIT WITH JUDGEMENTS AND OPINIONS THAT RUN CONTRARY TO MY VALUES AND HARD-WON SELF WORTH! * when I met with the ps one of the first things she said to me was that I have 'unrealistic expectations of how I looked {pre implant} and how I will look'. This was mentioned a few times. In the past year I felt one of my breasts was hanging lower, which it hadn't before. This ps is convinced they were always this asymetrical and wants me to still try and get the pre-op pics (which I am trying of course)so I can see how I will/won't look. She said my nipples are very different, too, so I probably don't have an accurate memory of how I looked. (Which is funny, because I did live with the things a good 10 years and I have an excellent memory....* second thing said to me was a story about my first ps, who she said had been an excellent ps with a great reputation 10 yrs ago. Until he recently partnered with someone new (I myself had noticed this when I visisted him a few wks ago - he was now with someone who had a bad reputation - not board certified) Anyhow, I won't get into details, but a) she was right and told me to tell other women not to go to this other doctor and it was still VERY unprofessional and odd to hit me with that off the bat. When I provided my ps's name she exclaimed 'sleazebag, scumball'. (!!!!) She said not to repeat what she said, unless it would help another woman. tacky indeed.* you might recall she was big on deflating them a month prior - initially I believed it was due to the skin retracting/healing and it being easier for her to work with. Alas, I asked her point blank what was easier and she said just taking the implants out was much easier, and NOT deflating. Her reason for wanting me to ? Based on her experience women are so depressed walking around deflated that they have time to change their minds and choose reimplantation. I did push this over and over and am certain, based on her info, there is no medical benefit in me being deflated - an extra $500 as well. She also pointed out that most women feel like they have had masectomies. I pointed out I have considered all the ramifications and have been studying old pictures of myself and love how I looked ("yes, but with clothes" she countered) Many of you asked about the risk of infection from the site of the syringe after deflating and she confirmed, yes there is a risk of that. Antibiotics are started day of. She also offered to put three holes in each implant and let them deflate naturally. I said 'EWWW and the fluids are absorbed into my body' - "It's saline!" she said. uh hu. *Oh, IF I got deflated, I could not wear a bra at all - that can 'train' the tissue to heal/contract improperly. So, there will be no disgusing my altered state, basically. Which is swiftly becoming the least of my worries * she really did a thorough exam of my breasts (which my first ps, who I saw a few wks ago didn't do/find necessary at all) - and did a little 'needle test' on the nipple and I have lost all feeling in one quadrant on both sides. * she said it looks/feels like one of my implants was done under the muscle and one was done over! (Can this be why one is hanging differently?) I was told they were done UNDER. But without the OR report she is not clear yet. I REALLY want my records now first, too, for my own decision making process. She said she knew my ps was doing alot of textured ones (ugh!) and that time. I thought they were smooth, but, again, no clue, and who knows what they put in there! * Ok, the capsulectomy vs capsulotomy. You also might recall in her communication to me she was fine with capsulectomy - and she is, however, she does not recommend it for me. The cost will go up, being under longer, more scarring, all the reasons you have all heard. She said she believes I have no contracture (still soft) and the capsule would be very thin (even after 10 yrs?) and there is no calcification. She said if she goes in and the scar tissue is very thick and has calcification THEN she must do a capsulectomy. She said if I wanted it she would absolutely to do it but wanted to give me options based on her two decades of experience. For the partial capsule removal, she stated she will go thru same incision (areola) and just score the two layers of scar tissue to they don't 'stick' together and healing properly. If she did the whole capsule, it would also have the incision under the breast. * She said capsulotomy would be an hour and a half. and total capsulectomy would be over 2 and half hours. At least she didn't give me the "drive through" time estimates that some ps do.* I asked her what I would look like after surgery and she said 'exactly how you looked before, if you are the same weight'. I asked about sagginess and she said 'only if you were saggy before hand. You are not going to look deformed.'*She never does lifts at the same time, thinks it is crazy, because the tissue will shrink and women should see if they even need a lift first. She didn't think I would be a candidate as I was very small pre-implant.* she said it takes a good 2 yrs for the tissues to fully heal (with either capsulectomy/capsulotomy.*She is adament about drains in any procedure and they will be in for 2 - 7 days depending on the fluids. Pain will be much less than implant.*post explant bras: she would like to ok them first - should be an underwire with a soft jersey material - she said it is so important what kind of shaping explant patients get - just had an elderly woman who wore some sort of push up and her tissue has healed around it and has an indentation of some sort. She recommended some sort of 'shelf bra' type tops as well - like s Secret has all those ones. (Gee, the ones I have been wearing for years now - can I exchange 'em for a smaller model? hehe) Something with a nice shape around the breast is very helpful. * You have follow up appts every week for 6 wks - then 3 mos, 6 mos, one year, and every year. * she is a ps with hospital rights and her office is in a hospital.* afterwards you are give a veritable medicine cabinet of drugs: pain meds, antibiotics (of course), celbrex, zanaz, ambien, etc. (makes you sleep, not depressed, no spasms,) - I said 'well, I will take my pick of those and not get most of them filled - didn't phase them.* They do a platelet test prior to the surgery to make sure your blood is not too thin or thick. I do like this, and think it is so important and over looked. They also require a physical.*they automatically provide you copies of your records/OR rpt.* you are given a several page resume on the ps' credentials, education, certifications, etc. * lastly, I wanted to mention how they stressed to not smoke of course, and not to not be around second hand smoke for 3 months AFTER surgery - because that exposure can literally make your nipple fall off, that tissue is so vulnerable. VERY interesting, wanted to mention that. SO my friends, that is the jist of it. She said, in a surprised way, I was obviously very prepared and rational and had done alot of research. She spend an hour with me talking - I was there nearly 4 hours for the intial consult. Here is my take: * Did I feel she was insinuating I would not look good without my implants? Yes. There was a huge element of "ok do this, and I will do it how you want but I will be able to say 'I told you so' "* the office staff was phenomonal; I think their approach using massage, supplements, etc. is appealing. * I surprised she was not very supportive of a total capsulectomy - because we had emailed and I thought 'bingo, we've got a winner'. Clearly, she is willing to do it, has done it, but believes for me it's not necessary. (don't they all)* Found another ps who has done explant (saw it on another website) for someone who wanted hers out for health reasons - turns out he is or was her partner/they are in the same building and teach together. Maybe I am just tired of this, but would he be worth seeing - it seems like he'll be of the same mind as her, based on his website and his assistant who I already talked to. I mean, I am not going to find a Dr. Feng here, I doubt, so eventually I have to just pick one of the better ones, even if they don't agree with my needs. * I want to rant on my first ps - just give me my records!!! this is insanity that I can't have answers to simple questions that are my rights! the witch told me they found my records and that was over a week ago - all they had to do was get a chk and they'd FAX Them to my house. Well, fedex delivered it to their mansion and you still make me wait. I have been sweet as can be, and nothing. Oh, and get this, the contact number she left me, WAS HER WORK NUMBER!!! (the wife handles the records) - so I had to leave a message on her work number about my personal medical records. (and she works in real estate, mind you) Nice. Grr. Growl. * Ok, now, I want to ask one question - kind of devil's advocate thing. I understand how important total capsule removal is, and have read all the files and Dr. Feng's comments too - but if one only got a capsulotomy, what would the draw backs be? The pieces of silicone shell (I have saline, but I know the shell is silicone) imbedded in you, etc.? I read a list of Dr. Feng's points when she would consider NOT taking out the whole capsule and it was basically if they were 1) smooth 2) no systemic problems/symptoms 3) no contracture and a few other points. Just curious - what DOES happen to that tissue though, even if it is contaminated, does it breakdown eventually. Has anyone been ok here after not getting them all out?Yes, the cost for total capsulectomy is much much greater, and I do not like the idea of those incisions being underneath. I could get them out fairly soon if I didn't get the total capsulectomy, whereas I will have to wait months and months longer for financial reasons for the total. (not saying I won't) I also do not like the idea of being under for over 2.5 hours - I had an experience while being under for a long time once (all wisdom teeth) where my heart rate 'tripled' supposedly and the dr came running out yelling at my mom "you didn't tell us she had a heart problem"? (freaked my poor mom out!!) - I didn't have a heart problem, but I had been under for awhile. That scares me, esp. now that I am older - that was 20 years ago. That scares me more than leaving scar tissue in. Again, I am not discounting any info here at all, this is just part of my decision making process - I like to consider different angles of things. I come to the best decisions that way. The most stress on me now, is not the healing, the 'shock' of being flat, but rather, the going under part. We all have different buttons, and I guess that is mine and it has been pushed:)Finally, all her insinutations that I won't like how I look, which my boyfriend thought were incredibly rude, only gave me a secret smile on the inside, wanting them out more; confirming my desire to be how I was. Little did she know, those comments fueled my strength and fire - I felt like it was a big Screw You to the Media, Society, FDA, and greedy Plastic Surgeons everywhere. I know why I want these out and it has to do with being the most authentic and healthy version of myself that I can be - inside and out - there will always be those who find something wrong with that. That is how they eek out a living. Remember what Upton Sinclair wrote...."It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it."Bless you all for listening Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Bindi - that is a GREAT idea - I do want to chat with the anesthisiolgist - I never would have thought of that! thanks. I love that Dr. Melmed told you you would look fabulous. You are soo right, I can spot a fake pair a mile a way, and I have the same reaction. I mean, I know I NEED these things out, but now, I don't like how they look! I see women with natural ones and I think 'Yes, yes, way to go!'. Implants do just seem so dumb now - when I first thought about getting these removed (before I luckily found you all) vanity told me I would miss them, but it needed to be done. Now, I can't wait! > > HI, > Just a quick chime in-- I had my implants out 10 months ago and was told basically the same things by my implanting surgeon that you were (I'd be disappointed in how I looked, etc). Instead I chose to have the explant done by Ed Melmed in Dallas and he told me I would look fabulous and I do, in fact better than before implants. > You could ask for the anesthesiologist's phone number and talk with him/her before the surgery, just to ease your mind about being under. Mine made a point of calling all his patients the night before and spent half an hour answering questions. It might make you feel less worried about that part. In the long run, having the entire capsule taken out is the best insurance against lingering symptoms. > As for the " screw you to the media, society, etc, " I heartily agree. In fact I feel so much better about myself sans implants. More authentic, more me. No more men oggling my faux breasts (I know some women enjoy that kind of attention, but I hated it). When I see a woman who obviously has implants I think, poor girl. They seem so dumb now. > Good luck with all that. Keep up the great attitude! > Bindi > met w/ other PS > > > hi all, > > I have mulled this over for a few days and now will put all here - I > knew she wouldn't be the dream surgeon, and she wasn't what I call > warm either. I think I can no longer be impressed But here goes > a rather long chronicle of my experience: > > * the initial nurse that met me has had trouble getting HER records > (to be reimplanted) by my old PS as well. It's been OVER a week, and > sent an overnighted written request and fee and still have nothing. > They promised to fax them right away. I left them a msg now - so I > did not bring my records to this apt and still know nothing about my > implants. > > * I was given a whole supplment prototcol that is fabulous - for > weeks prior and after - I already had many items, and I believe they > are spot-on for preventing bruising and speeding healing. They also > require you get many lympathic massages for 6 wks after - again, I > like that they understand toxins need to get out. > > * One of the many items I had to sign was a 'risk of explant' > document...I need to get a copy, I thought they would give me > one...anyhow, one of the 20 some points was that 'your partner may > loose interest in you sexually'. Maybe they have to put that as a > disclaimer, so no one can sue them if their looser man rejects them? > But to see that in writing was so terribly distasteful, etc. I > realized this : I BETTER BE GOING IN WITH A STRONG SENSE OF WHO I AM > AND BE READY TO STAND MY GROUND, BECAUSE NO MATTER WHO I MEET WITH, > I WILL BE HIT WITH JUDGEMENTS AND OPINIONS THAT RUN CONTRARY TO MY > VALUES AND HARD-WON SELF WORTH! > > * when I met with the ps one of the first things she said to me was > that I have 'unrealistic expectations of how I looked {pre implant} > and how I will look'. This was mentioned a few times. In the past > year I felt one of my breasts was hanging lower, which it hadn't > before. This ps is convinced they were always this asymetrical and > wants me to still try and get the pre-op pics (which I am trying of > course)so I can see how I will/won't look. She said my nipples are > very different, too, so I probably don't have an accurate memory of > how I looked. (Which is funny, because I did live with the things a > good 10 years and I have an excellent memory.... > > * second thing said to me was a story about my first ps, who she > said had been an excellent ps with a great reputation 10 yrs ago. > Until he recently partnered with someone new (I myself had noticed > this when I visisted him a few wks ago - he was now with someone who > had a bad reputation - not board certified) Anyhow, I won't get into > details, but a) she was right and told me to tell other women not to > go to this other doctor and it was still VERY unprofessional and > odd to hit me with that off the bat. When I provided my ps's name > she exclaimed 'sleazebag, scumball'. (!!!!) She said not to repeat > what she said, unless it would help another woman. tacky indeed. > > * you might recall she was big on deflating them a month prior - > initially I believed it was due to the skin retracting/healing and > it being easier for her to work with. Alas, I asked her point blank > what was easier and she said just taking the implants out was much > easier, and NOT deflating. Her reason for wanting me to ? Based on > her experience women are so depressed walking around deflated that > they have time to change their minds and choose reimplantation. I > did push this over and over and am certain, based on her info, there > is no medical benefit in me being deflated - an extra $500 as well. > She also pointed out that most women feel like they have had > masectomies. I pointed out I have considered all the ramifications > and have been studying old pictures of myself and love how I looked > ( " yes, but with clothes " she countered) Many of you asked about the > risk of infection from the site of the syringe after deflating and > she confirmed, yes there is a risk of that. Antibiotics are started > day of. She also offered to put three holes in each implant and let > them deflate naturally. I said 'EWWW and the fluids are absorbed > into my body' - " It's saline! " she said. uh hu. > > *Oh, IF I got deflated, I could not wear a bra at all - that > can 'train' the tissue to heal/contract improperly. So, there will > be no disgusing my altered state, basically. Which is swiftly > becoming the least of my worries > > * she really did a thorough exam of my breasts (which my first ps, > who I saw a few wks ago didn't do/find necessary at all) - and did a > little 'needle test' on the nipple and I have lost all feeling in > one quadrant on both sides. > > * she said it looks/feels like one of my implants was done under the > muscle and one was done over! (Can this be why one is hanging > differently?) I was told they were done UNDER. But without the OR > report she is not clear yet. I REALLY want my records now first, > too, for my own decision making process. She said she knew my ps > was doing alot of textured ones (ugh!) and that time. I thought > they were smooth, but, again, no clue, and who knows what they put > in there! > > * Ok, the capsulectomy vs capsulotomy. You also might recall in her > communication to me she was fine with capsulectomy - and she is, > however, she does not recommend it for me. The cost will go up, > being under longer, more scarring, all the reasons you have all > heard. She said she believes I have no contracture (still soft) and > the capsule would be very thin (even after 10 yrs?) and there is no > calcification. She said if she goes in and the scar tissue is very > thick and has calcification THEN she must do a capsulectomy. She > said if I wanted it she would absolutely to do it but wanted to give > me options based on her two decades of experience. For the partial > capsule removal, she stated she will go thru same incision (areola) > and just score the two layers of scar tissue to they don't 'stick' > together and healing properly. If she did the whole capsule, it > would also have the incision under the breast. > > * She said capsulotomy would be an hour and a half. and total > capsulectomy would be over 2 and half hours. At least she didn't > give me the " drive through " time estimates that some ps do. > > * I asked her what I would look like after surgery and she > said 'exactly how you looked before, if you are the same weight'. I > asked about sagginess and she said 'only if you were saggy before > hand. You are not going to look deformed.' > > *She never does lifts at the same time, thinks it is crazy, because > the tissue will shrink and women should see if they even need a lift > first. She didn't think I would be a candidate as I was very small > pre-implant. > > * she said it takes a good 2 yrs for the tissues to fully heal (with > either capsulectomy/capsulotomy. > > *She is adament about drains in any procedure and they will be in > for 2 - 7 days depending on the fluids. Pain will be much less than > implant. > > *post explant bras: she would like to ok them first - should be an > underwire with a soft jersey material - she said it is so important > what kind of shaping explant patients get - just had an elderly > woman who wore some sort of push up and her tissue has healed around > it and has an indentation of some sort. She recommended some sort > of 'shelf bra' type tops as well - like s Secret has all > those ones. (Gee, the ones I have been wearing for years now - can > I exchange 'em for a smaller model? hehe) Something with a nice > shape around the breast is very helpful. > > * You have follow up appts every week for 6 wks - then 3 mos, 6 mos, > one year, and every year. > > * she is a ps with hospital rights and her office is in a hospital. > > * afterwards you are give a veritable medicine cabinet of drugs: > pain meds, antibiotics (of course), celbrex, zanaz, ambien, etc. > (makes you sleep, not depressed, no spasms,) - I said 'well, I will > take my pick of those and not get most of them filled - didn't phase > them. > > * They do a platelet test prior to the surgery to make sure your > blood is not too thin or thick. I do like this, and think it is so > important and over looked. They also require a physical. > > *they automatically provide you copies of your records/OR rpt. > > * you are given a several page resume on the ps' credentials, > education, certifications, etc. > > * lastly, I wanted to mention how they stressed to not smoke of > course, and not to not be around second hand smoke for 3 months > AFTER surgery - because that exposure can literally make your nipple > fall off, that tissue is so vulnerable. VERY interesting, wanted to > mention that. > > SO my friends, that is the jist of it. She said, in a surprised > way, I was obviously very prepared and rational and had done alot of > research. She spend an hour with me talking - I was there nearly 4 > hours for the intial consult. Here is my take: > > * Did I feel she was insinuating I would not look good without my > implants? Yes. There was a huge element of " ok do this, and I will > do it how you want but I will be able to say 'I told you so' " > > * the office staff was phenomonal; I think their approach using > massage, supplements, etc. is appealing. > > * I surprised she was not very supportive of a total capsulectomy - > because we had emailed and I thought 'bingo, we've got a winner'. > Clearly, she is willing to do it, has done it, but believes for me > it's not necessary. (don't they all) > > * Found another ps who has done explant (saw it on another website) > for someone who wanted hers out for health reasons - turns out he is > or was her partner/they are in the same building and teach > together. Maybe I am just tired of this, but would he be worth > seeing - it seems like he'll be of the same mind as her, based on > his website and his assistant who I already talked to. I mean, I am > not going to find a Dr. Feng here, I doubt, so eventually I have to > just pick one of the better ones, even if they don't agree with my > needs. > > * I want to rant on my first ps - just give me my records!!! this is > insanity that I can't have answers to simple questions that are my > rights! the witch told me they found my records and that was over a > week ago - all they had to do was get a chk and they'd FAX Them to > my house. Well, fedex delivered it to their mansion and you still > make me wait. I have been sweet as can be, and nothing. Oh, and get > this, the contact number she left me, WAS HER WORK NUMBER!!! (the > wife handles the records) - so I had to leave a message on her work > number about my personal medical records. (and she works in real > estate, mind you) Nice. Grr. Growl. > > * Ok, now, I want to ask one question - kind of devil's advocate > thing. I understand how important total capsule removal is, and > have read all the files and Dr. Feng's comments too - but if one > only got a capsulotomy, what would the draw backs be? The pieces of > silicone shell (I have saline, but I know the shell is silicone) > imbedded in you, etc.? I read a list of Dr. Feng's points when she > would consider NOT taking out the whole capsule and it was basically > if they were 1) smooth 2) no systemic problems/symptoms 3) no > contracture and a few other points. Just curious - what DOES happen > to that tissue though, even if it is contaminated, does it breakdown > eventually. Has anyone been ok here after not getting them all out? > > Yes, the cost for total capsulectomy is much much greater, and I do > not like the idea of those incisions being underneath. I could get > them out fairly soon if I didn't get the total capsulectomy, whereas > I will have to wait months and months longer for financial reasons > for the total. (not saying I won't) I also do not like the idea of > being under for over 2.5 hours - I had an experience while being > under for a long time once (all wisdom teeth) where my heart > rate 'tripled' supposedly and the dr came running out yelling at my > mom " you didn't tell us she had a heart problem " ? (freaked my poor > mom out!!) - I didn't have a heart problem, but I had been under for > awhile. That scares me, esp. now that I am older - that was 20 years > ago. That scares me more than leaving scar tissue in. Again, I am > not discounting any info here at all, this is just part of my > decision making process - I like to consider different angles of > things. I come to the best decisions that way. The most stress on > me now, is not the healing, the 'shock' of being flat, but rather, > the going under part. We all have different buttons, and I guess > that is mine and it has been pushed:) > > Finally, all her insinutations that I won't like how I look, which > my boyfriend thought were incredibly rude, only gave me a secret > smile on the inside, wanting them out more; confirming my desire to > be how I was. Little did she know, those comments fueled my > strength and fire - I felt like it was a big Screw You to the Media, > Society, FDA, and greedy Plastic Surgeons everywhere. I know why I > want these out and it has to do with being the most authentic and > healthy version of myself that I can be - inside and out - there > will always be those who find something wrong with that. That is > how they eek out a living. > > Remember what Upton Sinclair wrote.... " It is difficult to get a man > to understand something when his salary depends upon his not > understanding it. " > > Bless you all for listening > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Bindi, I hear you loud and clear about feeling and looking better after explant. I am 58 yrs. old and my breasts look like I'm in my 30's. I won't need reconstruction. I have a small dent beside the aerola on the left breast due to a scar from a lump removed a few years ago. It was benign. I had 2 lumps in my left breast. Feeling Happy & Free to Fly, Sunny > > HI, > Just a quick chime in-- I had my implants out 10 months ago and was told basically the same things by my implanting surgeon that you were (I'd be disappointed in how I looked, etc). Instead I chose to have the explant done by Ed Melmed in Dallas and he told me I would look fabulous and I do, in fact better than before implants. > You could ask for the anesthesiologist's phone number and talk with him/her before the surgery, just to ease your mind about being under. Mine made a point of calling all his patients the night before and spent half an hour answering questions. It might make you feel less worried about that part. In the long run, having the entire capsule taken out is the best insurance against lingering symptoms. > As for the " screw you to the media, society, etc, " I heartily agree. In fact I feel so much better about myself sans implants. More authentic, more me. No more men oggling my faux breasts (I know some women enjoy that kind of attention, but I hated it). When I see a woman who obviously has implants I think, poor girl. They seem so dumb now. > Good luck with all that. Keep up the great attitude! > Bindi > met w/ other PS > > > hi all, > > I have mulled this over for a few days and now will put all here - I > knew she wouldn't be the dream surgeon, and she wasn't what I call > warm either. I think I can no longer be impressed But here goes > a rather long chronicle of my experience: > > * the initial nurse that met me has had trouble getting HER records > (to be reimplanted) by my old PS as well. It's been OVER a week, and > sent an overnighted written request and fee and still have nothing. > They promised to fax them right away. I left them a msg now - so I > did not bring my records to this apt and still know nothing about my > implants. > > * I was given a whole supplment prototcol that is fabulous - for > weeks prior and after - I already had many items, and I believe they > are spot-on for preventing bruising and speeding healing. They also > require you get many lympathic massages for 6 wks after - again, I > like that they understand toxins need to get out. > > * One of the many items I had to sign was a 'risk of explant' > document...I need to get a copy, I thought they would give me > one...anyhow, one of the 20 some points was that 'your partner may > loose interest in you sexually'. Maybe they have to put that as a > disclaimer, so no one can sue them if their looser man rejects them? > But to see that in writing was so terribly distasteful, etc. I > realized this : I BETTER BE GOING IN WITH A STRONG SENSE OF WHO I AM > AND BE READY TO STAND MY GROUND, BECAUSE NO MATTER WHO I MEET WITH, > I WILL BE HIT WITH JUDGEMENTS AND OPINIONS THAT RUN CONTRARY TO MY > VALUES AND HARD-WON SELF WORTH! > > * when I met with the ps one of the first things she said to me was > that I have 'unrealistic expectations of how I looked {pre implant} > and how I will look'. This was mentioned a few times. In the past > year I felt one of my breasts was hanging lower, which it hadn't > before. This ps is convinced they were always this asymetrical and > wants me to still try and get the pre-op pics (which I am trying of > course)so I can see how I will/won't look. She said my nipples are > very different, too, so I probably don't have an accurate memory of > how I looked. (Which is funny, because I did live with the things a > good 10 years and I have an excellent memory.... > > * second thing said to me was a story about my first ps, who she > said had been an excellent ps with a great reputation 10 yrs ago. > Until he recently partnered with someone new (I myself had noticed > this when I visisted him a few wks ago - he was now with someone who > had a bad reputation - not board certified) Anyhow, I won't get into > details, but a) she was right and told me to tell other women not to > go to this other doctor and it was still VERY unprofessional and > odd to hit me with that off the bat. When I provided my ps's name > she exclaimed 'sleazebag, scumball'. (!!!!) She said not to repeat > what she said, unless it would help another woman. tacky indeed. > > * you might recall she was big on deflating them a month prior - > initially I believed it was due to the skin retracting/healing and > it being easier for her to work with. Alas, I asked her point blank > what was easier and she said just taking the implants out was much > easier, and NOT deflating. Her reason for wanting me to ? Based on > her experience women are so depressed walking around deflated that > they have time to change their minds and choose reimplantation. I > did push this over and over and am certain, based on her info, there > is no medical benefit in me being deflated - an extra $500 as well. > She also pointed out that most women feel like they have had > masectomies. I pointed out I have considered all the ramifications > and have been studying old pictures of myself and love how I looked > ( " yes, but with clothes " she countered) Many of you asked about the > risk of infection from the site of the syringe after deflating and > she confirmed, yes there is a risk of that. Antibiotics are started > day of. She also offered to put three holes in each implant and let > them deflate naturally. I said 'EWWW and the fluids are absorbed > into my body' - " It's saline! " she said. uh hu. > > *Oh, IF I got deflated, I could not wear a bra at all - that > can 'train' the tissue to heal/contract improperly. So, there will > be no disgusing my altered state, basically. Which is swiftly > becoming the least of my worries > > * she really did a thorough exam of my breasts (which my first ps, > who I saw a few wks ago didn't do/find necessary at all) - and did a > little 'needle test' on the nipple and I have lost all feeling in > one quadrant on both sides. > > * she said it looks/feels like one of my implants was done under the > muscle and one was done over! (Can this be why one is hanging > differently?) I was told they were done UNDER. But without the OR > report she is not clear yet. I REALLY want my records now first, > too, for my own decision making process. She said she knew my ps > was doing alot of textured ones (ugh!) and that time. I thought > they were smooth, but, again, no clue, and who knows what they put > in there! > > * Ok, the capsulectomy vs capsulotomy. You also might recall in her > communication to me she was fine with capsulectomy - and she is, > however, she does not recommend it for me. The cost will go up, > being under longer, more scarring, all the reasons you have all > heard. She said she believes I have no contracture (still soft) and > the capsule would be very thin (even after 10 yrs?) and there is no > calcification. She said if she goes in and the scar tissue is very > thick and has calcification THEN she must do a capsulectomy. She > said if I wanted it she would absolutely to do it but wanted to give > me options based on her two decades of experience. For the partial > capsule removal, she stated she will go thru same incision (areola) > and just score the two layers of scar tissue to they don't 'stick' > together and healing properly. If she did the whole capsule, it > would also have the incision under the breast. > > * She said capsulotomy would be an hour and a half. and total > capsulectomy would be over 2 and half hours. At least she didn't > give me the " drive through " time estimates that some ps do. > > * I asked her what I would look like after surgery and she > said 'exactly how you looked before, if you are the same weight'. I > asked about sagginess and she said 'only if you were saggy before > hand. You are not going to look deformed.' > > *She never does lifts at the same time, thinks it is crazy, because > the tissue will shrink and women should see if they even need a lift > first. She didn't think I would be a candidate as I was very small > pre-implant. > > * she said it takes a good 2 yrs for the tissues to fully heal (with > either capsulectomy/capsulotomy. > > *She is adament about drains in any procedure and they will be in > for 2 - 7 days depending on the fluids. Pain will be much less than > implant. > > *post explant bras: she would like to ok them first - should be an > underwire with a soft jersey material - she said it is so important > what kind of shaping explant patients get - just had an elderly > woman who wore some sort of push up and her tissue has healed around > it and has an indentation of some sort. She recommended some sort > of 'shelf bra' type tops as well - like s Secret has all > those ones. (Gee, the ones I have been wearing for years now - can > I exchange 'em for a smaller model? hehe) Something with a nice > shape around the breast is very helpful. > > * You have follow up appts every week for 6 wks - then 3 mos, 6 mos, > one year, and every year. > > * she is a ps with hospital rights and her office is in a hospital. > > * afterwards you are give a veritable medicine cabinet of drugs: > pain meds, antibiotics (of course), celbrex, zanaz, ambien, etc. > (makes you sleep, not depressed, no spasms,) - I said 'well, I will > take my pick of those and not get most of them filled - didn't phase > them. > > * They do a platelet test prior to the surgery to make sure your > blood is not too thin or thick. I do like this, and think it is so > important and over looked. They also require a physical. > > *they automatically provide you copies of your records/OR rpt. > > * you are given a several page resume on the ps' credentials, > education, certifications, etc. > > * lastly, I wanted to mention how they stressed to not smoke of > course, and not to not be around second hand smoke for 3 months > AFTER surgery - because that exposure can literally make your nipple > fall off, that tissue is so vulnerable. VERY interesting, wanted to > mention that. > > SO my friends, that is the jist of it. She said, in a surprised > way, I was obviously very prepared and rational and had done alot of > research. She spend an hour with me talking - I was there nearly 4 > hours for the intial consult. Here is my take: > > * Did I feel she was insinuating I would not look good without my > implants? Yes. There was a huge element of " ok do this, and I will > do it how you want but I will be able to say 'I told you so' " > > * the office staff was phenomonal; I think their approach using > massage, supplements, etc. is appealing. > > * I surprised she was not very supportive of a total capsulectomy - > because we had emailed and I thought 'bingo, we've got a winner'. > Clearly, she is willing to do it, has done it, but believes for me > it's not necessary. (don't they all) > > * Found another ps who has done explant (saw it on another website) > for someone who wanted hers out for health reasons - turns out he is > or was her partner/they are in the same building and teach > together. Maybe I am just tired of this, but would he be worth > seeing - it seems like he'll be of the same mind as her, based on > his website and his assistant who I already talked to. I mean, I am > not going to find a Dr. Feng here, I doubt, so eventually I have to > just pick one of the better ones, even if they don't agree with my > needs. > > * I want to rant on my first ps - just give me my records!!! this is > insanity that I can't have answers to simple questions that are my > rights! the witch told me they found my records and that was over a > week ago - all they had to do was get a chk and they'd FAX Them to > my house. Well, fedex delivered it to their mansion and you still > make me wait. I have been sweet as can be, and nothing. Oh, and get > this, the contact number she left me, WAS HER WORK NUMBER!!! (the > wife handles the records) - so I had to leave a message on her work > number about my personal medical records. (and she works in real > estate, mind you) Nice. Grr. Growl. > > * Ok, now, I want to ask one question - kind of devil's advocate > thing. I understand how important total capsule removal is, and > have read all the files and Dr. Feng's comments too - but if one > only got a capsulotomy, what would the draw backs be? The pieces of > silicone shell (I have saline, but I know the shell is silicone) > imbedded in you, etc.? I read a list of Dr. Feng's points when she > would consider NOT taking out the whole capsule and it was basically > if they were 1) smooth 2) no systemic problems/symptoms 3) no > contracture and a few other points. Just curious - what DOES happen > to that tissue though, even if it is contaminated, does it breakdown > eventually. Has anyone been ok here after not getting them all out? > > Yes, the cost for total capsulectomy is much much greater, and I do > not like the idea of those incisions being underneath. I could get > them out fairly soon if I didn't get the total capsulectomy, whereas > I will have to wait months and months longer for financial reasons > for the total. (not saying I won't) I also do not like the idea of > being under for over 2.5 hours - I had an experience while being > under for a long time once (all wisdom teeth) where my heart > rate 'tripled' supposedly and the dr came running out yelling at my > mom " you didn't tell us she had a heart problem " ? (freaked my poor > mom out!!) - I didn't have a heart problem, but I had been under for > awhile. That scares me, esp. now that I am older - that was 20 years > ago. That scares me more than leaving scar tissue in. Again, I am > not discounting any info here at all, this is just part of my > decision making process - I like to consider different angles of > things. I come to the best decisions that way. The most stress on > me now, is not the healing, the 'shock' of being flat, but rather, > the going under part. We all have different buttons, and I guess > that is mine and it has been pushed:) > > Finally, all her insinutations that I won't like how I look, which > my boyfriend thought were incredibly rude, only gave me a secret > smile on the inside, wanting them out more; confirming my desire to > be how I was. Little did she know, those comments fueled my > strength and fire - I felt like it was a big Screw You to the Media, > Society, FDA, and greedy Plastic Surgeons everywhere. I know why I > want these out and it has to do with being the most authentic and > healthy version of myself that I can be - inside and out - there > will always be those who find something wrong with that. That is > how they eek out a living. > > Remember what Upton Sinclair wrote.... " It is difficult to get a man > to understand something when his salary depends upon his not > understanding it. " > > Bless you all for listening > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2006 Report Share Posted September 3, 2006 Bindi, I hear you loud and clear about feeling and looking better after explant. I am 58 yrs. old and my breasts look like I'm in my 30's. I won't need reconstruction. I have a small dent beside the aerola on the left breast due to a scar from a lump removed a few years ago. It was benign. I had 2 lumps in my left breast. (fibrocycstic) Feeling Happy & Free to Fly, Sunny > > HI, > Just a quick chime in-- I had my implants out 10 months ago and was told basically the same things by my implanting surgeon that you were (I'd be disappointed in how I looked, etc). Instead I chose to have the explant done by Ed Melmed in Dallas and he told me I would look fabulous and I do, in fact better than before implants. > You could ask for the anesthesiologist's phone number and talk with him/her before the surgery, just to ease your mind about being under. Mine made a point of calling all his patients the night before and spent half an hour answering questions. It might make you feel less worried about that part. In the long run, having the entire capsule taken out is the best insurance against lingering symptoms. > As for the " screw you to the media, society, etc, " I heartily agree. In fact I feel so much better about myself sans implants. More authentic, more me. No more men oggling my faux breasts (I know some women enjoy that kind of attention, but I hated it). When I see a woman who obviously has implants I think, poor girl. They seem so dumb now. > Good luck with all that. Keep up the great attitude! > Bindi > met w/ other PS > > > hi all, > > I have mulled this over for a few days and now will put all here - I > knew she wouldn't be the dream surgeon, and she wasn't what I call > warm either. I think I can no longer be impressed But here goes > a rather long chronicle of my experience: > > * the initial nurse that met me has had trouble getting HER records > (to be reimplanted) by my old PS as well. It's been OVER a week, and > sent an overnighted written request and fee and still have nothing. > They promised to fax them right away. I left them a msg now - so I > did not bring my records to this apt and still know nothing about my > implants. > > * I was given a whole supplment prototcol that is fabulous - for > weeks prior and after - I already had many items, and I believe they > are spot-on for preventing bruising and speeding healing. They also > require you get many lympathic massages for 6 wks after - again, I > like that they understand toxins need to get out. > > * One of the many items I had to sign was a 'risk of explant' > document...I need to get a copy, I thought they would give me > one...anyhow, one of the 20 some points was that 'your partner may > loose interest in you sexually'. Maybe they have to put that as a > disclaimer, so no one can sue them if their looser man rejects them? > But to see that in writing was so terribly distasteful, etc. I > realized this : I BETTER BE GOING IN WITH A STRONG SENSE OF WHO I AM > AND BE READY TO STAND MY GROUND, BECAUSE NO MATTER WHO I MEET WITH, > I WILL BE HIT WITH JUDGEMENTS AND OPINIONS THAT RUN CONTRARY TO MY > VALUES AND HARD-WON SELF WORTH! > > * when I met with the ps one of the first things she said to me was > that I have 'unrealistic expectations of how I looked {pre implant} > and how I will look'. This was mentioned a few times. In the past > year I felt one of my breasts was hanging lower, which it hadn't > before. This ps is convinced they were always this asymetrical and > wants me to still try and get the pre-op pics (which I am trying of > course)so I can see how I will/won't look. She said my nipples are > very different, too, so I probably don't have an accurate memory of > how I looked. (Which is funny, because I did live with the things a > good 10 years and I have an excellent memory.... > > * second thing said to me was a story about my first ps, who she > said had been an excellent ps with a great reputation 10 yrs ago. > Until he recently partnered with someone new (I myself had noticed > this when I visisted him a few wks ago - he was now with someone who > had a bad reputation - not board certified) Anyhow, I won't get into > details, but a) she was right and told me to tell other women not to > go to this other doctor and it was still VERY unprofessional and > odd to hit me with that off the bat. When I provided my ps's name > she exclaimed 'sleazebag, scumball'. (!!!!) She said not to repeat > what she said, unless it would help another woman. tacky indeed. > > * you might recall she was big on deflating them a month prior - > initially I believed it was due to the skin retracting/healing and > it being easier for her to work with. Alas, I asked her point blank > what was easier and she said just taking the implants out was much > easier, and NOT deflating. Her reason for wanting me to ? Based on > her experience women are so depressed walking around deflated that > they have time to change their minds and choose reimplantation. I > did push this over and over and am certain, based on her info, there > is no medical benefit in me being deflated - an extra $500 as well. > She also pointed out that most women feel like they have had > masectomies. I pointed out I have considered all the ramifications > and have been studying old pictures of myself and love how I looked > ( " yes, but with clothes " she countered) Many of you asked about the > risk of infection from the site of the syringe after deflating and > she confirmed, yes there is a risk of that. Antibiotics are started > day of. She also offered to put three holes in each implant and let > them deflate naturally. I said 'EWWW and the fluids are absorbed > into my body' - " It's saline! " she said. uh hu. > > *Oh, IF I got deflated, I could not wear a bra at all - that > can 'train' the tissue to heal/contract improperly. So, there will > be no disgusing my altered state, basically. Which is swiftly > becoming the least of my worries > > * she really did a thorough exam of my breasts (which my first ps, > who I saw a few wks ago didn't do/find necessary at all) - and did a > little 'needle test' on the nipple and I have lost all feeling in > one quadrant on both sides. > > * she said it looks/feels like one of my implants was done under the > muscle and one was done over! (Can this be why one is hanging > differently?) I was told they were done UNDER. But without the OR > report she is not clear yet. I REALLY want my records now first, > too, for my own decision making process. She said she knew my ps > was doing alot of textured ones (ugh!) and that time. I thought > they were smooth, but, again, no clue, and who knows what they put > in there! > > * Ok, the capsulectomy vs capsulotomy. You also might recall in her > communication to me she was fine with capsulectomy - and she is, > however, she does not recommend it for me. The cost will go up, > being under longer, more scarring, all the reasons you have all > heard. She said she believes I have no contracture (still soft) and > the capsule would be very thin (even after 10 yrs?) and there is no > calcification. She said if she goes in and the scar tissue is very > thick and has calcification THEN she must do a capsulectomy. She > said if I wanted it she would absolutely to do it but wanted to give > me options based on her two decades of experience. For the partial > capsule removal, she stated she will go thru same incision (areola) > and just score the two layers of scar tissue to they don't 'stick' > together and healing properly. If she did the whole capsule, it > would also have the incision under the breast. > > * She said capsulotomy would be an hour and a half. and total > capsulectomy would be over 2 and half hours. At least she didn't > give me the " drive through " time estimates that some ps do. > > * I asked her what I would look like after surgery and she > said 'exactly how you looked before, if you are the same weight'. I > asked about sagginess and she said 'only if you were saggy before > hand. You are not going to look deformed.' > > *She never does lifts at the same time, thinks it is crazy, because > the tissue will shrink and women should see if they even need a lift > first. She didn't think I would be a candidate as I was very small > pre-implant. > > * she said it takes a good 2 yrs for the tissues to fully heal (with > either capsulectomy/capsulotomy. > > *She is adament about drains in any procedure and they will be in > for 2 - 7 days depending on the fluids. Pain will be much less than > implant. > > *post explant bras: she would like to ok them first - should be an > underwire with a soft jersey material - she said it is so important > what kind of shaping explant patients get - just had an elderly > woman who wore some sort of push up and her tissue has healed around > it and has an indentation of some sort. She recommended some sort > of 'shelf bra' type tops as well - like s Secret has all > those ones. (Gee, the ones I have been wearing for years now - can > I exchange 'em for a smaller model? hehe) Something with a nice > shape around the breast is very helpful. > > * You have follow up appts every week for 6 wks - then 3 mos, 6 mos, > one year, and every year. > > * she is a ps with hospital rights and her office is in a hospital. > > * afterwards you are give a veritable medicine cabinet of drugs: > pain meds, antibiotics (of course), celbrex, zanaz, ambien, etc. > (makes you sleep, not depressed, no spasms,) - I said 'well, I will > take my pick of those and not get most of them filled - didn't phase > them. > > * They do a platelet test prior to the surgery to make sure your > blood is not too thin or thick. I do like this, and think it is so > important and over looked. They also require a physical. > > *they automatically provide you copies of your records/OR rpt. > > * you are given a several page resume on the ps' credentials, > education, certifications, etc. > > * lastly, I wanted to mention how they stressed to not smoke of > course, and not to not be around second hand smoke for 3 months > AFTER surgery - because that exposure can literally make your nipple > fall off, that tissue is so vulnerable. VERY interesting, wanted to > mention that. > > SO my friends, that is the jist of it. She said, in a surprised > way, I was obviously very prepared and rational and had done alot of > research. She spend an hour with me talking - I was there nearly 4 > hours for the intial consult. Here is my take: > > * Did I feel she was insinuating I would not look good without my > implants? Yes. There was a huge element of " ok do this, and I will > do it how you want but I will be able to say 'I told you so' " > > * the office staff was phenomonal; I think their approach using > massage, supplements, etc. is appealing. > > * I surprised she was not very supportive of a total capsulectomy - > because we had emailed and I thought 'bingo, we've got a winner'. > Clearly, she is willing to do it, has done it, but believes for me > it's not necessary. (don't they all) > > * Found another ps who has done explant (saw it on another website) > for someone who wanted hers out for health reasons - turns out he is > or was her partner/they are in the same building and teach > together. Maybe I am just tired of this, but would he be worth > seeing - it seems like he'll be of the same mind as her, based on > his website and his assistant who I already talked to. I mean, I am > not going to find a Dr. Feng here, I doubt, so eventually I have to > just pick one of the better ones, even if they don't agree with my > needs. > > * I want to rant on my first ps - just give me my records!!! this is > insanity that I can't have answers to simple questions that are my > rights! the witch told me they found my records and that was over a > week ago - all they had to do was get a chk and they'd FAX Them to > my house. Well, fedex delivered it to their mansion and you still > make me wait. I have been sweet as can be, and nothing. Oh, and get > this, the contact number she left me, WAS HER WORK NUMBER!!! (the > wife handles the records) - so I had to leave a message on her work > number about my personal medical records. (and she works in real > estate, mind you) Nice. Grr. Growl. > > * Ok, now, I want to ask one question - kind of devil's advocate > thing. I understand how important total capsule removal is, and > have read all the files and Dr. Feng's comments too - but if one > only got a capsulotomy, what would the draw backs be? The pieces of > silicone shell (I have saline, but I know the shell is silicone) > imbedded in you, etc.? I read a list of Dr. Feng's points when she > would consider NOT taking out the whole capsule and it was basically > if they were 1) smooth 2) no systemic problems/symptoms 3) no > contracture and a few other points. Just curious - what DOES happen > to that tissue though, even if it is contaminated, does it breakdown > eventually. Has anyone been ok here after not getting them all out? > > Yes, the cost for total capsulectomy is much much greater, and I do > not like the idea of those incisions being underneath. I could get > them out fairly soon if I didn't get the total capsulectomy, whereas > I will have to wait months and months longer for financial reasons > for the total. (not saying I won't) I also do not like the idea of > being under for over 2.5 hours - I had an experience while being > under for a long time once (all wisdom teeth) where my heart > rate 'tripled' supposedly and the dr came running out yelling at my > mom " you didn't tell us she had a heart problem " ? (freaked my poor > mom out!!) - I didn't have a heart problem, but I had been under for > awhile. That scares me, esp. now that I am older - that was 20 years > ago. That scares me more than leaving scar tissue in. Again, I am > not discounting any info here at all, this is just part of my > decision making process - I like to consider different angles of > things. I come to the best decisions that way. The most stress on > me now, is not the healing, the 'shock' of being flat, but rather, > the going under part. We all have different buttons, and I guess > that is mine and it has been pushed:) > > Finally, all her insinutations that I won't like how I look, which > my boyfriend thought were incredibly rude, only gave me a secret > smile on the inside, wanting them out more; confirming my desire to > be how I was. Little did she know, those comments fueled my > strength and fire - I felt like it was a big Screw You to the Media, > Society, FDA, and greedy Plastic Surgeons everywhere. I know why I > want these out and it has to do with being the most authentic and > healthy version of myself that I can be - inside and out - there > will always be those who find something wrong with that. That is > how they eek out a living. > > Remember what Upton Sinclair wrote.... " It is difficult to get a man > to understand something when his salary depends upon his not > understanding it. " > > Bless you all for listening > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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