Re: Talked to Dr. Melmed/more confused what to do!

[Guest guest]

I didn't use Dr M...but I have read on explantation .com that he leaves the capsule or some of the capsule in to give the breast more volume....if it's true what everyone has said and the capsule needs to be removed to get your health back, I wouldn't go to him. Just my opinion...I have also emailed DR M in the past and he doesn't really believe per say implants make you ill, he explain it like this "Its like a splinter and once you remove the pain goes away " Did you ever ask him about drains and removing all the capsule ? Good Luck to you. And YES I have heard several people do not need lifts...I've read and seen pictures on explantation.com...I got a lift and BOY do I have Scars...YUCK

[Guest guest]

While I haven't explanted yet -I can't really comment on a lot of things in your post; however, a few things you mentioned I've seen addressed on here (or know myself) -so I wanted to add a few cents! lol

>>>4) Let's just pretend that if I now I consider FLYING to Texas, I figure I then might as well explore DRIVNG to OHIO to dr. Feng - (I'm in Chicago) But that office never got back to me on the two msgs I left, so I let it go. <<<

For starters, IF you were to decide to travel to a PS... yes, as you mentioned, travel will cost more, but I also wanted to add that the PS might cost more as well. You mentioned driving to Ohio vs. flying to Texas... from quotes I've been given or seen on message boards... Melmed vs. Fueng differs in cost by thousands. I'm thinking Dr. Fueng's office quoted me well over $10,000 for explant, and much more for explant with a lift. (Forgive me, anyone, if I'm wrong in this, but I'm pretty sure that her and Kolb were neck and neck in quotes when I checked about a year ago-before I found this board. I was thinking it was hopeless until I learned of other doctors quoting $5,000ish...which I still don't have, but am closer to getting than $10,000 and up.) So, I'm thinking Dr. Melmed is much more affordable -maybe even with flying vs. driving. You should weigh them out.

I've seen people on here say that the differences in most surgeons from the higher priced surgeons are that the higher priced ones will probably go to greater extremes to try to remove as much of the capsule as possible. It isn't always possible to get 100% of it out, and apparently it's believed that the higher priced doctors will try harder to get it all.

Also, Fueng (and Kolb) seem to specialize in the knowledge that implants cause illness. These doctors are more likely to treat the 'whole person' rather than just your chest. (Kolb even has a protocol and wellness program, which you may already know about if you've visited her website.)

So, as you can see, there are pros and cons to either route... Granted, you can't put a price on your health -but if some of us don't have it, or don't have insurance to cover it... the best thing to do is scout the less expensive surgeons and learn which of them are most likely to do the best job. A lot of women have had great results with less expensive surgeons, including Melmed. I don't want to send the message that you have to pay more to know they are doing a good job, but rather explain the possible differences I've seen noted on here.

As for saying he always does a lift... Maybe Melmed sees a lot if huge implants come out, and maybe that's why he's saying he always does lifts?

That's something that all depends on each patient, how much breast tissue they have, how big their implants were, how long they were in, your skin, and also where your areola are at the time -and- where you'd like them to be AFTER explant. I'd think if you tell the doc what size you were before implants, and what cc's your implants are, and how long they've been in ---they may be able to tell you over the phone if there's a huge difference in how much of you is mother nature and how much of you is man-made... but otherwise, there have been a lot of women posting on here who say they didn't have one and were just fine. (I'm not one of them -I know 100% I'll need a lift! LOL)

Of course, as always, keep us posted... Hang in there. It's so frustrating filtering through all this to find a doctor, and trying to save, and plan trips --- all while worrying about each step. We all know this and relate, and are praying for you all the way!!! Good luck!!!

Brigite

[Guest guest]

Not necessarily true, but it may sag at first until you fluff

out. An A cup does not usually sag that much unless you were very

saggy before.

You also have the option of Denver, Dr. Huang, who removes them

correctly. Closer than Texas. Not closer than Ohio, however.

Lynda

At 04:20 PM 9/21/2006, you wrote:

>Just when I think I have it all figured it out...I need your help!

>

>so I had a phone consult w/ Dr. Melmed to go over what the ps I was

>going to go to for explant is suggesting. I LOVE Dr. Melmed, he is

>darling, but he was really just telling me how he does the explant and

>how I could come there etc. I mean, I contacted him just for his take

>on this and was going to pay for a phone consultation. I was just

>surprised it was about me going there, as that really wasn't an

>option, so he didn't refer to the organized questions I sent him. I

>LOVED talking to him and what he said, don't get me wrong, I just had

>to hurry and get a few questions in there regarding how I was going to

>get it done HERE.

>

>A couple of things I would love you Melmedians' opinions on

>please!

>

>1) He said the breasts WILL sag after the implants are removed. SO

>confused! i thought that was not the case all the time and the skin

>healed back. And he does a lift right then and there to everyone? My

>ps was saying she doesn't do a lift til she sees if you even need one

>after you heal. and she doubts I would!

>

>If I don't get a lift is it for sure I will sag? Has anyone here NOT

>gotten a lift and been ok? I was an A.

>

>2) I love his technique of not using stiches, but some of your own

>blood to make the tissue stick. I've heard of this, and it sounds

>very cool.

>

>3) I wasn't totally clear about the capsulectomy thing with him: I

>said 'so do you recommend getting all of the scar tissue out' and he

>said 'we want to clean you out so your breast is virginal again " but

>he didn't use words like capsulectomy or capsulotomy.

>

>3) Yes, if I had the money I WOULD go to him in a heartbeat, but the

>reality is this: I have a ps here who says she'll do it how I want

>it. No, I don't adore her, and I wouldn't follow her advice about not

>wearing a bra, for example, but she does have some good things to

>recommend her.

>

>4) Let's just pretend that if I now I consider FLYING to Texas, I

>figure I then might as well explore DRIVNG to OHIO to dr. Feng - (I'm

>in Chicago) But that office never got back to me on the two msgs I

>left, so I let it go.

>

>I know people say you 'can't put a price on health' etc, but if she is

>a good surgeon, does it matter that she doesn't agree with me? I am

>not looking for idealism here, but reality - I do not have job

>security right now, and I may be without one around the holidays, so I

>have MUCH to consider. We are talking about thousands of dollars

>difference, and traveling, which deeply stresses me out. This not $$ I

>even HAVE. If I had it in savings, I would spend it.

>

>The only other thing is, I left word two weeks ago with my ps that I

>DIDN'T want deflation prior to explant and just confirmed a " Retalk "

>appointment would still be that same day. I never heard back, and

>they never put my $300 deposit thru to hold the OR date. It may be

>just a fluke...but that was 2 wks ago. I didn't call to see WHY they

>didn't take my money yet, because I knew I would be talking to Dr.

>Melmed. It occured to me she didn't like that I refused deflation,

>but that seems preposterous.

>

>oh geez, I can't even remember the last time I had this kind of stress

>eating away at me.

>

>Sorry, I babble, but this is my first step in 'meditating on it'.

>

>I guess I just wanted to talk to him, pay him for his time, but not be

>sold on doing it there. sigh.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was explanted by Dr. Feng in February of this year. I had implants under the muscle for six years. I was bearly an A before augmentation, went to a full C, now I am back to the origianal size I was prior to implants. I did NOT have a lift and I look the same as I did prior to implants. There was no sagging. I took about six months to "fluff" out, but I look the same as I did many years ago. I would suggest calling Dr. Feng's office during her office hours. I had to call a couple of times also, but once I got through to her office manager, she answered every question and spent quite a bit of time with me. She even called back later to speak with my husband to answer his questions. Emerald Kittee <emeraldkittee@...> wrote: Just when I think I have it all figured it out...I need your help!so I had a phone consult w/ Dr. Melmed to go over what the ps I was going to go to for explant is suggesting. I LOVE Dr. Melmed, he is darling, but he was really just telling me how he does the explant and how I could come there etc. I mean, I contacted him just for his take on this and was going to pay for a phone consultation. I was just surprised it was about me going there, as that really wasn't an option, so he didn't refer to the organized questions I sent him. I LOVED talking to him and what he said, don't get me wrong, I just had to hurry and get a few

questions in there regarding how I was going to get it done HERE.A couple of things I would love you Melmedians' opinions on please! 1) He said the breasts WILL sag after the implants are removed. SO confused! i thought that was not the case all the time and the skin healed back. And he does a lift right then and there to everyone? My ps was saying she doesn't do a lift til she sees if you even need one after you heal. and she doubts I would! If I don't get a lift is it for sure I will sag? Has anyone here NOT gotten a lift and been ok? I was an A.2) I love his technique of not using stiches, but some of your own blood to make the tissue stick. I've heard of this, and it sounds very cool.3) I wasn't totally clear about the capsulectomy thing with him: I said 'so do you recommend getting all of the scar tissue out' and he said 'we want to clean you out so your breast is virginal again"

but he didn't use words like capsulectomy or capsulotomy. 3) Yes, if I had the money I WOULD go to him in a heartbeat, but the reality is this: I have a ps here who says she'll do it how I want it. No, I don't adore her, and I wouldn't follow her advice about not wearing a bra, for example, but she does have some good things to recommend her.4) Let's just pretend that if I now I consider FLYING to Texas, I figure I then might as well explore DRIVNG to OHIO to dr. Feng - (I'm in Chicago) But that office never got back to me on the two msgs I left, so I let it go. I know people say you 'can't put a price on health' etc, but if she is a good surgeon, does it matter that she doesn't agree with me? I am not looking for idealism here, but reality - I do not have job security right now, and I may be without one around the holidays, so I have MUCH to consider. We are talking about thousands of dollars

difference, and traveling, which deeply stresses me out. This not $$ I even HAVE. If I had it in savings, I would spend it. The only other thing is, I left word two weeks ago with my ps that I DIDN'T want deflation prior to explant and just confirmed a "Retalk" appointment would still be that same day. I never heard back, and they never put my $300 deposit thru to hold the OR date. It may be just a fluke...but that was 2 wks ago. I didn't call to see WHY they didn't take my money yet, because I knew I would be talking to Dr. Melmed. It occured to me she didn't like that I refused deflation, but that seems preposterous. oh geez, I can't even remember the last time I had this kind of stress eating away at me.Sorry, I babble, but this is my first step in 'meditating on it'.I guess I just wanted to talk to him, pay him for his time, but not be sold on doing it there.

sigh.

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/21/2006 9:27:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, emeraldkittee@... writes:

Brig, when are you getting yours out?? You are saving up too?

I have no clue at this point, but I'm working on $$$$$! There are a few minor surgeries I need to get out of the way this winter, plus we've had no luck yet selling a car -or saving money for that matter with all the work my hubby has had to miss over me.

The 22nd, I was supposed to consult with Schnarrs in Norfolk, VA (about 8 hours from me here near ton, WV), but I ended up needing an endoscopy done this week -so I had to cancel. They ended up taking biopsies from my stomach and esophagus, and it's really left me hurting and nauseous -so I'm glad I cancelled and didn't try to travel this way.

But anyway............ like I said -I'm workin' on it! It's not looking like it will happen this year, but hopefully next.

Brigite

[Guest guest]

When I went to Melmed he told me he always tries to remove the entire capsule. If there is a danger to the body he takes out as much as he can, but especially with women who are symptomatic he removes all of it. My caps were analyzed afterwards and were complete. Every capsule is different-- some are tissue thin, others thick; some adhere to the chest wall and need to be scraped off, which is a delicate and difficult procedure.

I don't know why you would have gotten the impression he doesn't believe implants make you ill-- he testified in an FDA hearing that they do. But I think he also believes that when a woman gets sick with implants, it is because the body is responding to having a foreign object implanted-- thus the "splinter" analogy. The fact is that some women have implants for years with no problems, while others get them. It is still a mystery why some women get sick and others do not.

When I went in for a consult, Melmed gave a list of symptoms and asked me how many of them I had, and I had almost all of them! He said I was typical of women who get sick with implants. he told me that most of my symptoms would go away over time, but the muscle aches would be the slowest and he has been right.

Re: sagging: Melmed told me he would know once he saw me whether I needed a lift, and he decided I did. I was a saggy A before implants, and I am a perky B now-- lifted, post-implant. Go figure. To me the scars are minimal.

Yeah, he may have been laying a bit of the hard sell on you. It may be because he is a bit egotistical and thinks he is the best at what he does-- typical PS mentality. But he's a good guy.

Try and find his post on Explantation.com on removing capsules. It'll enlighten you on his views.

I would still try and get some numbers for patients that your current PS has performed caps on, and call them.

Good luck figuring it all out. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Bindi

Talked to Dr. Melmed/more confused what to do!

Just when I think I have it all figured it out...I need your help!so I had a phone consult w/ Dr. Melmed to go over what the ps I was going to go to for explant is suggesting. I LOVE Dr. Melmed, he is darling, but he was really just telling me how he does the explant and how I could come there etc. I mean, I contacted him just for his take on this and was going to pay for a phone consultation. I was just surprised it was about me going there, as that really wasn't an option, so he didn't refer to the organized questions I sent him. I LOVED talking to him and what he said, don't get me wrong, I just had to hurry and get a few questions in there regarding how I was going to get it done HERE.A couple of things I would love you Melmedians' opinions on please! 1) He said the breasts WILL sag after the implants are removed. SO confused! i thought that was not the case all the time and the skin healed back. And he does a lift right then and there to everyone? My ps was saying she doesn't do a lift til she sees if you even need one after you heal. and she doubts I would! If I don't get a lift is it for sure I will sag? Has anyone here NOT gotten a lift and been ok? I was an A.2) I love his technique of not using stiches, but some of your own blood to make the tissue stick. I've heard of this, and it sounds very cool.3) I wasn't totally clear about the capsulectomy thing with him: I said 'so do you recommend getting all of the scar tissue out' and he said 'we want to clean you out so your breast is virginal again" but he didn't use words like capsulectomy or capsulotomy. 3) Yes, if I had the money I WOULD go to him in a heartbeat, but the reality is this: I have a ps here who says she'll do it how I want it. No, I don't adore her, and I wouldn't follow her advice about not wearing a bra, for example, but she does have some good things to recommend her.4) Let's just pretend that if I now I consider FLYING to Texas, I figure I then might as well explore DRIVNG to OHIO to dr. Feng - (I'm in Chicago) But that office never got back to me on the two msgs I left, so I let it go. I know people say you 'can't put a price on health' etc, but if she is a good surgeon, does it matter that she doesn't agree with me? I am not looking for idealism here, but reality - I do not have job security right now, and I may be without one around the holidays, so I have MUCH to consider. We are talking about thousands of dollars difference, and traveling, which deeply stresses me out. This not $$ I even HAVE. If I had it in savings, I would spend it. The only other thing is, I left word two weeks ago with my ps that I DIDN'T want deflation prior to explant and just confirmed a "Retalk" appointment would still be that same day. I never heard back, and they never put my $300 deposit thru to hold the OR date. It may be just a fluke...but that was 2 wks ago. I didn't call to see WHY they didn't take my money yet, because I knew I would be talking to Dr. Melmed. It occured to me she didn't like that I refused deflation, but that seems preposterous. oh geez, I can't even remember the last time I had this kind of stress eating away at me.Sorry, I babble, but this is my first step in 'meditating on it'.I guess I just wanted to talk to him, pay him for his time, but not be sold on doing it there. sigh.

[Guest guest]

I was explanted by Dr. Feng in Feb. of this year. I paid $6,650 for an en-bloc procedure and no lift. I didn't need one. KissofSadness@... wrote: While I haven't explanted yet -I can't really comment on a lot of things in your post; however, a few things you mentioned I've seen addressed on here (or know myself) -so I wanted to add a few cents! lol >>>4) Let's just pretend that if I now I consider FLYING to Texas, I figure I then might as well explore DRIVNG to OHIO to dr. Feng - (I'm in Chicago) But that office never got back to me on the two msgs I left, so I let it go. <<< For starters, IF you were to decide to travel to a PS... yes, as you mentioned, travel will cost more, but I also wanted to add that the PS might cost more as well. You mentioned driving to Ohio vs. flying to Texas... from quotes I've been given or seen on message boards... Melmed vs. Fueng differs in cost by thousands. I'm thinking Dr. Fueng's office quoted me well over $10,000 for explant, and much more for explant with a lift. (Forgive me, anyone, if I'm wrong in this, but I'm pretty sure that her and Kolb were neck and neck in quotes when I checked about a year ago-before I found this

board. I was thinking it was hopeless until I learned of other doctors quoting $5,000ish...which I still don't have, but am closer to getting than $10,000 and up.) So, I'm thinking Dr. Melmed is much more affordable -maybe even with flying vs. driving. You should weigh them out. I've seen people on here say that the differences in most surgeons from the higher priced surgeons are that the higher priced ones will probably go to greater extremes to try to remove as much of the capsule as possible. It isn't always possible to get 100% of it out, and apparently it's believed that the higher priced doctors will try harder to get it all. Also, Fueng (and Kolb) seem to specialize in the knowledge that implants cause illness. These doctors are more likely to treat the 'whole person' rather than just your chest. (Kolb even has a protocol and

wellness program, which you may already know about if you've visited her website.) So, as you can see, there are pros and cons to either route... Granted, you can't put a price on your health -but if some of us don't have it, or don't have insurance to cover it... the best thing to do is scout the less expensive surgeons and learn which of them are most likely to do the best job. A lot of women have had great results with less expensive surgeons, including Melmed. I don't want to send the message that you have to pay more to know they are doing a good job, but rather explain the possible differences I've seen noted on here. As for saying he always does a lift... Maybe Melmed sees a lot if huge implants come out, and maybe that's why

he's saying he always does lifts? That's something that all depends on each patient, how much breast tissue they have, how big their implants were, how long they were in, your skin, and also where your areola are at the time -and- where you'd like them to be AFTER explant. I'd think if you tell the doc what size you were before implants, and what cc's your implants are, and how long they've been in ---they may be able to tell you over the phone if there's a huge difference in how much of you is mother nature and how much of you is man-made... but otherwise, there have been a lot of women posting on here who say they didn't have one and were just fine. (I'm not one of them -I know 100% I'll need a lift! LOL) Of course, as always, keep us posted... Hang in there. It's so frustrating filtering through all this to find a doctor, and trying to save,

and plan trips --- all while worrying about each step. We all know this and relate, and are praying for you all the way!!! Good luck!!! Brigite

Get your email and more, right on the new .com

[Guest guest]

You know, I didn't ask him about drains, I didn't have time, and was

so surprised he didn't address what I sent him after we talked about

it email. He did acknowledge to me, off the bat, that a percentage

of women get sick with flu-like symptom, so that is nice to hear. I

do think he is a great person, and very different than most ps's.

Yes, he did use the splinter analogy to me as well.

thanks for the input - I just feel like I don't need a lift. The

ps's who have seen me say I don't.

>

> I didn't use Dr M...but I have read on explantation .com that he

leaves the

> capsule or some of the capsule in to give the breast more

volume....if it's

> true what everyone has said and the capsule needs to be removed

to get your

> health back, I wouldn't go to him. Just my opinion...I have also

emailed DR M in

> the past and he doesn't really believe per say implants make you

ill, he

> explain it like this " Its like a splinter and once you remove the

pain goes away

> " Did you ever ask him about drains and removing all the

capsule ? Good Luck

> to you. And YES I have heard several people do not need

lifts...I've read

> and seen pictures on explantation.com...I got a lift and BOY do I

have

> Scars...YUCK

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Brig and for chiming in. Great points Brig. Yes, I

had my initial ps quote me only 4500 for the whole enchilada - but

no way was I going back to that jerk - the CURRENT ps would

charge about 6k for total capsulectomy, or 4k for capsulotomy.

(always uses drains) I am amazed alot of you traveled - that desire

is so strong it must just give you the adrenaline to deal with that

extra bit of stress. Bottom line is, Feng, Kolb, Melmed - all seem

great, but my goodness, ya think a girl could find a decent surgeon

in the Windy City!! Believe me, I have been calling and meeting and

weeding them out.

Brig, when are you getting yours out?? You are saving up too?

> While I haven't explanted yet -I can't really comment

on a lot of things in your post; however, a few things you mentioned

I've seen addressed on here (or know myself) -so I wanted to add a

few cents! lol

>

>

> >>>4) Let's just pretend that if I now I consider FLYING to

Texas, I

> figure I then might as well explore DRIVNG to OHIO to dr. Feng -

(I'm

> in Chicago) But that office never got back to me on the two msgs I

> left, so I let it go. <<<

>

> For starters, IF you were to decide to travel to a PS... yes, as

you mentioned, travel will cost more, but I also wanted to add that

the PS might cost more as well. You mentioned driving to Ohio vs.

flying to Texas... from quotes I've been given or seen on message

boards... Melmed vs. Fueng differs in cost by thousands. I'm

thinking Dr. Fueng's office quoted me well over $10,000 for explant,

and much more for explant with a lift. (Forgive me, anyone, if I'm

wrong in this, but I'm pretty sure that her and Kolb were neck and

neck in quotes when I checked about a year ago-before I found this

board. I was thinking it was hopeless until I learned of other

doctors quoting $5,000ish...which I still don't have, but am closer

to getting than $10,000 and up.) So, I'm thinking Dr. Melmed is much

more affordable -maybe even with flying vs. driving. You should

weigh them out.

>

> I've seen people on here say that the differences in most

surgeons from the higher priced surgeons are that the higher priced

ones will probably go to greater extremes to try to remove as much

of the capsule as possible. It isn't always possible to get 100% of

it out, and apparently it's believed that the higher priced doctors

will try harder to get it all.

>

> Also, Fueng (and Kolb) seem to specialize in the knowledge that

implants cause illness. These doctors are more likely to treat

the 'whole person' rather than just your chest. (Kolb even has a

protocol and wellness program, which you may already know about if

you've visited her website.)

>

> So, as you can see, there are pros and cons to either route...

Granted, you can't put a price on your health -but if some of us

don't have it, or don't have insurance to cover it... the best thing

to do is scout the less expensive surgeons and learn which of them

are most likely to do the best job. A lot of women have had great

results with less expensive surgeons, including Melmed. I don't want

to send the message that you have to pay more to know they are doing

a good job, but rather explain the possible differences I've seen

noted on here.

>

>

> As for saying he always does a lift... Maybe Melmed sees a lot

if huge implants come out, and maybe that's why he's saying he

always does lifts?

>

> That's something that all depends on each patient, how much

breast tissue they have, how big their implants were, how long they

were in, your skin, and also where your areola are at the time -and-

where you'd like them to be AFTER explant. I'd think if you tell the

doc what size you were before implants, and what cc's your implants

are, and how long they've been in ---they may be able to tell you

over the phone if there's a huge difference in how much of you is

mother nature and how much of you is man-made... but otherwise,

there have been a lot of women posting on here who say they didn't

have one and were just fine. (I'm not one of them -I know 100% I'll

need a lift! LOL)

>

> Of course, as always, keep us posted... Hang in there. It's so

frustrating filtering through all this to find a doctor, and trying

to save, and plan trips --- all while worrying about each step. We

all know this and relate, and are praying for you all the way!!!

Good luck!!!

>

> Brigite

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Get your email and more, right on the new .com

>

[Guest guest]

hey Bindi,

oh I didn't get the impression he was saying they didn't make women

ill - I know he believes that - I read all of his FDA testimony -

and one PS I saw who testified in favor of them at the same time

(interesting) I did just go on explantation.com and didn't see his

article - but I will chk again.

yours sound perfect now!!!

>

> When I went to Melmed he told me he always tries to remove the

entire capsule. If there is a danger to the body he takes out as

much as he can, but especially with women who are symptomatic he

removes all of it. My caps were analyzed afterwards and were

complete. Every capsule is different-- some are tissue thin, others

thick; some adhere to the chest wall and need to be scraped off,

which is a delicate and difficult procedure.

>

> I don't know why you would have gotten the impression he doesn't

believe implants make you ill-- he testified in an FDA hearing that

they do. But I think he also believes that when a woman gets sick

with implants, it is because the body is responding to having a

foreign object implanted-- thus the " splinter " analogy. The fact is

that some women have implants for years with no problems, while

others get them. It is still a mystery why some women get sick and

others do not.

>

> When I went in for a consult, Melmed gave a list of symptoms and

asked me how many of them I had, and I had almost all of them! He

said I was typical of women who get sick with implants. he told me

that most of my symptoms would go away over time, but the muscle

aches would be the slowest and he has been right.

>

> Re: sagging: Melmed told me he would know once he saw me whether I

needed a lift, and he decided I did. I was a saggy A before

implants, and I am a perky B now-- lifted, post-implant. Go figure.

To me the scars are minimal.

>

> Yeah, he may have been laying a bit of the hard sell on you. It

may be because he is a bit egotistical and thinks he is the best at

what he does-- typical PS mentality. But he's a good guy.

>

> Try and find his post on Explantation.com on removing capsules.

It'll enlighten you on his views.

>

> I would still try and get some numbers for patients that your

current PS has performed caps on, and call them.

>

> Good luck figuring it all out. Let me know if I can help in any

way.

>

> Bindi

>

>

> Talked to Dr. Melmed/more confused what

to do!

>

>

> Just when I think I have it all figured it out...I need your

help!

>

> so I had a phone consult w/ Dr. Melmed to go over what the ps I

was

> going to go to for explant is suggesting. I LOVE Dr. Melmed, he

is

> darling, but he was really just telling me how he does the

explant and

> how I could come there etc. I mean, I contacted him just for his

take

> on this and was going to pay for a phone consultation. I was

just

> surprised it was about me going there, as that really wasn't an

> option, so he didn't refer to the organized questions I sent

him. I

> LOVED talking to him and what he said, don't get me wrong, I

just had

> to hurry and get a few questions in there regarding how I was

going to

> get it done HERE.

>

> A couple of things I would love you Melmedians' opinions on

> please!

>

> 1) He said the breasts WILL sag after the implants are removed.

SO

> confused! i thought that was not the case all the time and the

skin

> healed back. And he does a lift right then and there to

everyone? My

> ps was saying she doesn't do a lift til she sees if you even

need one

> after you heal. and she doubts I would!

>

> If I don't get a lift is it for sure I will sag? Has anyone here

NOT

> gotten a lift and been ok? I was an A.

>

> 2) I love his technique of not using stiches, but some of your

own

> blood to make the tissue stick. I've heard of this, and it

sounds

> very cool.

>

> 3) I wasn't totally clear about the capsulectomy thing with him:

I

> said 'so do you recommend getting all of the scar tissue out'

and he

> said 'we want to clean you out so your breast is virginal again "

but

> he didn't use words like capsulectomy or capsulotomy.

>

> 3) Yes, if I had the money I WOULD go to him in a heartbeat, but

the

> reality is this: I have a ps here who says she'll do it how I

want

> it. No, I don't adore her, and I wouldn't follow her advice

about not

> wearing a bra, for example, but she does have some good things

to

> recommend her.

>

> 4) Let's just pretend that if I now I consider FLYING to Texas,

I

> figure I then might as well explore DRIVNG to OHIO to dr. Feng -

(I'm

> in Chicago) But that office never got back to me on the two msgs

I

> left, so I let it go.

>

> I know people say you 'can't put a price on health' etc, but if

she is

> a good surgeon, does it matter that she doesn't agree with me? I

am

> not looking for idealism here, but reality - I do not have job

> security right now, and I may be without one around the

holidays, so I

> have MUCH to consider. We are talking about thousands of dollars

> difference, and traveling, which deeply stresses me out. This

not $$ I

> even HAVE. If I had it in savings, I would spend it.

>

> The only other thing is, I left word two weeks ago with my ps

that I

> DIDN'T want deflation prior to explant and just confirmed

a " Retalk "

> appointment would still be that same day. I never heard back,

and

> they never put my $300 deposit thru to hold the OR date. It may

be

> just a fluke...but that was 2 wks ago. I didn't call to see WHY

they

> didn't take my money yet, because I knew I would be talking to

Dr.

> Melmed. It occured to me she didn't like that I refused

deflation,

> but that seems preposterous.

>

> oh geez, I can't even remember the last time I had this kind of

stress

> eating away at me.

>

> Sorry, I babble, but this is my first step in 'meditating on it'.

>

> I guess I just wanted to talk to him, pay him for his time, but

not be

> sold on doing it there. sigh.

>

[Guest guest]

Lifts! I'm 65, got implants (silicone) at 25; was a B, became a D (at

least for awhile; gel bleed made them get smaller and smaller, after 25

years I was a C), am now a B again; had no lift when explanted at age 50

and looked fine, no sag. Only the one scar under the breasts, nice

healing, not very noticeable.

[Guest guest]

this is good to know. Thanks , very much.

>

> Lifts! I'm 65, got implants (silicone) at 25; was a B, became a D

(at

> least for awhile; gel bleed made them get smaller and smaller, after

25

> years I was a C), am now a B again; had no lift when explanted at

age 50

> and looked fine, no sag. Only the one scar under the breasts, nice

> healing, not very noticeable.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I also had my explant with Dr. Feng. I only had my implants for six

months, but I went from an A/B to a C, and after explant I look just

about like I looked before I got implants. Dr. Feng didn't think I

needed a lift and she was right. As said, the fluffing

happens over a few months time - 6 months to a year.

Sis

> Just when I think I have it all figured it out...I need

your help!

>

> so I had a phone consult w/ Dr. Melmed to go over what the ps I

was

> going to go to for explant is suggesting. I LOVE Dr. Melmed, he is

> darling, but he was really just telling me how he does the explant

and

> how I could come there etc. I mean, I contacted him just for his

take

> on this and was going to pay for a phone consultation. I was just

> surprised it was about me going there, as that really wasn't an

> option, so he didn't refer to the organized questions I sent him.

I

> LOVED talking to him and what he said, don't get me wrong, I just

had

> to hurry and get a few questions in there regarding how I was

going to

> get it done HERE.

>

> A couple of things I would love you Melmedians' opinions on

> please!

>

> 1) He said the breasts WILL sag after the implants are removed. SO

> confused! i thought that was not the case all the time and the

skin

> healed back. And he does a lift right then and there to everyone?

My

> ps was saying she doesn't do a lift til she sees if you even need

one

> after you heal. and she doubts I would!

>

> If I don't get a lift is it for sure I will sag? Has anyone here

NOT

> gotten a lift and been ok? I was an A.

>

> 2) I love his technique of not using stiches, but some of your own

> blood to make the tissue stick. I've heard of this, and it sounds

> very cool.

>

> 3) I wasn't totally clear about the capsulectomy thing with him: I

> said 'so do you recommend getting all of the scar tissue out' and

he

> said 'we want to clean you out so your breast is virginal again "

but

> he didn't use words like capsulectomy or capsulotomy.

>

> 3) Yes, if I had the money I WOULD go to him in a heartbeat, but

the

> reality is this: I have a ps here who says she'll do it how I want

> it. No, I don't adore her, and I wouldn't follow her advice about

not

> wearing a bra, for example, but she does have some good things to

> recommend her.

>

> 4) Let's just pretend that if I now I consider FLYING to Texas, I

> figure I then might as well explore DRIVNG to OHIO to dr. Feng -

(I'm

> in Chicago) But that office never got back to me on the two msgs I

> left, so I let it go.

>

> I know people say you 'can't put a price on health' etc, but if

she is

> a good surgeon, does it matter that she doesn't agree with me? I

am

> not looking for idealism here, but reality - I do not have job

> security right now, and I may be without one around the holidays,

so I

> have MUCH to consider. We are talking about thousands of dollars

> difference, and traveling, which deeply stresses me out. This not

$$ I

> even HAVE. If I had it in savings, I would spend it.

>

> The only other thing is, I left word two weeks ago with my ps that

I

> DIDN'T want deflation prior to explant and just confirmed

a " Retalk "

> appointment would still be that same day. I never heard back, and

> they never put my $300 deposit thru to hold the OR date. It may be

> just a fluke...but that was 2 wks ago. I didn't call to see WHY

they

> didn't take my money yet, because I knew I would be talking to Dr.

> Melmed. It occured to me she didn't like that I refused deflation,

> but that seems preposterous.

>

> oh geez, I can't even remember the last time I had this kind of

stress

> eating away at me.

>

> Sorry, I babble, but this is my first step in 'meditating on it'.

>

> I guess I just wanted to talk to him, pay him for his time, but

not be

> sold on doing it there. sigh.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> How low will we go? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone

call rates.

>

[Guest guest]

My quote for Dr Kolb was over $17,000.00 the Ps that did it in Norfolk was under $8,000.00 I think and he removed all the capsule and used drains...the only thing is I have more scar but told it was a better lift.

[Guest guest]

Earlier, I had said Feng's office gave me a high quote, but someone said they paid under $7,000... maybe the $10,000+ was including a lift. I just know it was very high, because I remember thinking I'd NEVER be able to afford explant, because at the time I'd only heard of Feng and Kolb acknowledging any of these problems. It wasn't until I found this board that I realized there are other docs out there, and who are cheaper (for those of us with no insurance and no financial options).

[Guest guest]

17 grand!! that is ridiculous! I don't care who or how good this Kolb

is! that is highway robbery. I am glad you like your lift though.

-- In , GMCLADY98@... wrote:

>

> My quote for Dr Kolb was over $17,000.00 the Ps that did it in

Norfolk was

> under $8,000.00 I think and he removed all the capsule and used

drains...the

> only thing is I have more scar but told it was a better lift.

>

[Guest guest]

I know Dr. Huang is about $5000 for explant, including hospital and everything.

It is a little more for a lift, which she says most women do not really need.

Lynda

At 08:44 AM 9/22/2006, you wrote:

>Earlier, I had said Feng's office gave me a high

>quote, but someone said they paid under

>$7,000... maybe the $10,000+ was including a

>lift. I just know it was very high, because I

>remember thinking I'd NEVER be able to afford

>explant, because at the time I'd only heard of

>Feng and Kolb acknowledging any of these

>problems. It wasn't until I found this board

>that I realized there are other docs out there,

>and who are cheaper (for those of us with no

>insurance and no financial options).

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yeah I couldn't believe it...plus the travel and the motel etc......I know she's good and very helpful but when I found out other Ps's removed enbloc and used drains I thought this maybe my better bet.

[Guest guest]

I have the paper work. I almost fainted. Mine was under 8 and a t lift Dr Schnarrs did 's for 4,800. my was more cause I had to do in a hospital.

[Guest guest]

Over $17,000? That's just unreal!GMCLADY98@... wrote: My quote for Dr Kolb was over $17,000.00 the Ps that did it in Norfolk was under $8,000.00 I think and he removed all the capsule and used drains...the only thing is I have more scar but told it was a better lift.

How low will we go? Check out Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

I can't believe her prices are so high now!

Geesh

>

> My quote for Dr Kolb was over $17,000.00 the Ps that did it in Norfolk was

> under $8,000.00 I think and he removed all the capsule and used drains...the

> only thing is I have more scar but told it was a better lift.

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, mine was $4,800. That included the explant, the capsulectomy

and a full T-lift as well as all post op visits. My insurance would

not have covered this, so mine was done in his private surgical

center. I have found that when insurance is used, the price almost

doubles if not triples. Some insurance carriers will not cover it

unless it is done in a hospital setting which drives up the price.

When looking at the procedure with or without insurance, one needs

to compare the total out of pocket expenses.

Sorry ladies that I have not been on...but my Dad passed away and

things have been busy.

Hugs to everyone,

>

> I have the paper work. I almost fainted. Mine was under 8 and a t

lift Dr

> Schnarrs did 's for 4,800. my was more cause I had to do in

a hospital.

>

[Guest guest]

((()))) I don't know you, but I wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about your father passing away....:(sedwards41255 <sedwards41255@...> wrote: Yes, mine was $4,800. That included the explant, the capsulectomy and a full T-lift as well as all post op visits. My insurance would not have covered this, so mine was done in his private surgical center. I have found that when insurance is used, the price almost doubles if not triples. Some insurance carriers will not cover it unless it is done in a

hospital setting which drives up the price. When looking at the procedure with or without insurance, one needs to compare the total out of pocket expenses. Sorry ladies that I have not been on...but my Dad passed away and things have been busy. Hugs to everyone,>> I have the paper work. I almost fainted. Mine was under 8 and a t lift Dr > Schnarrs did 's for 4,800. my was more cause I had to do in a hospital.>

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[Guest guest]

Thank you Leyna. Your thoughts are much appreciated.

The funeral was Sept. 4th (Labor Day) and while that was a couple of

weeks ago, he was the last parent as my mom passed away in 2002.

So....there has been and will continue to be a lot to do.

> >

> > I have the paper work. I almost fainted. Mine was under 8 and a

t

> lift Dr

> > Schnarrs did 's for 4,800. my was more cause I had to do

in

> a hospital.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and

30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.

>

[Guest guest]

, I know how hard it is to lose a parent.....My mom died in July of 2001, and then my Dad died exactly one month and 3 days after she died. I was in terrible shock for awhile, and suffered deep depression over it. The only real condolance that I can think of to give you is that, now, BOTH your parents are with you wherever you go, watching over you. It's how I got by.sedwards41255 <sedwards41255@...> wrote: Thank you Leyna. Your thoughts are much appreciated. The

funeral was Sept. 4th (Labor Day) and while that was a couple of weeks ago, he was the last parent as my mom passed away in 2002. So....there has been and will continue to be a lot to do. > >> > I have the paper work. I almost fainted. Mine was under 8 and a t > lift Dr > > Schnarrs did 's for 4,800. my was more cause I had to do in > a hospital.> >> > > > > > > ---------------------------------> Messenger with Voice. Make PC-to-Phone Calls to the US (and 30+ countries) for 2¢/min or less.>

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