Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 PREPARING FOR EXPLANT SURGERY Finding the right surgeon: Questions to ask Ask if s(he) is familiar with 'the en bloc procedure' for removing implants.Ask how many procedures of this nature s(he) has performed, and when the lastone was performed. Have the plastic surgeon explain, step-by-step, how the procedure will takeplace. Begin with how you will be "prepped." for surgery. Ask if it would be possible for you to view some "before and after" photos ofexplantation surgeries s(he) has performed. If the plastic surgeon did not mention drains in the explanation of how theprocedure will be done, ask if s(he) will use drains to prevent accumulationof fluid and infection. Ask how long the surgery will take. Ask how long initial recovery will take. Ask the length of time it will beuntil you are able to function independently at home. Find out how long youwill need someone to stay with you after surgery. It is advisable thatsomeone stay with you for the first 24 hours, and possibly a little longer.depending upon your recovery progress. Ask how long it will be before you can resume normal activity. Everybodyrecovers at different rates, but most women are 'out-of-commission' for abouttwo weeks, and cannot raise their arms above their heads for a month orlonger. Find out how long you are not to lift anything heavier than threepounds, how long you should not drive, and how long should you wait toparticipate in any strenuous activities such as jogging, sex,exercising.. .etc. . Ask what size (s)he expects you to be after the surgery. Have the plastic surgeon explain what Mastopexy (breast lift) surgery is, howit is performed, and if you would benefit from it. Ask if (s)he will prescribes antibiotics after surgery to prevent thecomplication of infection. Discuss all post-op medications he will use andwhat their purposes are. Ask if it would be possible to fill them the daybefore surgery to provide the convenience of them being available directlyfollowing surgery. Ask if (s)he will film the surgery on video. If so, request a copy foryourself. Ask whether or not you need to supply a blank tape. If this is notpossible, ask if you may provide a camera to have the surgery photographed.Ask what type of bandage (s)he will use and how long it is to remain on. Ask when you will need to start wearing the sports bra. Ask for the phone numbers you will need to get in touch with him after-hours. Request that any cysts or other suspicious tissue be sent to the pathologistfor examination and report. Tell him that you would like to have any removedsuspicious tissue and cysts returned to you with your implants. You may wishto have another pathologist examine them at a later date. Explain that you wish to have your implants returned to you, and if you intend to have them analyzed at a different lab, request that they remain unsterilized (which would kill anything growing)but properly packaged for transport. They should not be packed in formaldehyde. Ask which pathology service (s)he uses and ask for their contact information. Ask him the proper procedure to use to ensure that your implants are returned to you, and make your request known to the pathology lab. Explain that you would like to request copies of the Operative Report and thePathology Report from this surgery. Ask about proper procedure to ensure thatyou receive these copies. Once You Have Selected a Plastic Surgeon and Have Set a Surgery Date, Be Sureto Discuss the Following With Your Doctor: List all Medications that you take, includingthe strength and frequency that you take them.Inform your doctor of any drug allergies that you may have. Also, let yourdoctor know if you are allergic to latex or talc. Make a list of all of any symptoms you may have, include dates that theybegan, and how they have progressed since they began. Include a history ofall surgeries you have had.Obtain and bring your original operative/surgical report from having yourbreast augmentation surgery. The original operative report will containhelpful information about your implants, such as: the manufacturer, the modelnumber, the lot number, and the will indicate how the implant was positioned. Also, bring any recent MRI, mammogram, xeromamogram, or ultrasound reports. Ifyou have had any recent lab work, bring these results with you, even though,your doctor will probably have them repeated prior to surgery. A comparisonof the most recent labwork and the labwork he will do, will be helpful toyour doctor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2008 Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 I think some of these suggestions needed additional comments, so I've added them:>> PREPARING FOR EXPLANT SURGERY> > > Finding the right surgeon: Questions to ask> > > Ask if s(he) is familiar with 'the en bloc procedure' for removing implants. (They should be willing to do this for you.)If (s)he is not willing to do an en bloc removal, then they should commit to doing a total capsulectomy. It must not be a partial capsulectomy...it must be a TOTAL capsulectomy. If your doctor does not agree wholeheartedly to do a total capsulectomy, it is not suggested that you go through explant with this doctor, as they do not understand the risk that a retained scar capsule presents to the body over time. (See Dr. Pierre Blais's report on the risks of a retained scar capsule.) > > > Ask how many procedures of this nature s(he) has performed, and when the last> one was performed. (Preferably they have done many and recently.)> > > Have the plastic surgeon explain, step-by-step, how the procedure will take> place. Begin with how you will be "prepped." for surgery. > > > Ask if it would be possible for you to view some "before and after" photos of> explantation surgeries s(he) has performed. > > > If the plastic surgeon did not mention drains in the explanation of how the> procedure will be done, ask if s(he) will use drains to prevent accumulation> of fluid and infection. > > > Ask how long the surgery will take. ( A properly done explant is not a quick affair. It is not simply popping the implants out and sewing you back up. It should take definitely longer than an hour and can take as long as 4 hours or more, in order to ensure that all of the scar capsules are gone.)> > > Ask how long initial recovery will take. Ask the length of time it will be> until you are able to function independently at home. Find out how long you> will need someone to stay with you after surgery. It is advisable that> someone stay with you for the first 24 hours, and possibly a little longer.> depending upon your recovery progress. > > > Ask how long it will be before you can resume normal activity. Everybody> recovers at different rates, but most women are 'out-of-commission' for about> two weeks, and cannot raise their arms above their heads for a month or> longer. Find out how long you are not to lift anything heavier than three> pounds, how long you should not drive, and how long should you wait to> participate in any strenuous activities such as jogging, sex,> exercising.. .etc. . > > > Ask what size (s)he expects you to be after the surgery. > > > Have the plastic surgeon explain what Mastopexy (breast lift) surgery is, how> it is performed, and if you would benefit from it. > > > Ask if (s)he will prescribes antibiotics after surgery to prevent the> complication of infection. Discuss all post-op medications he will use and> what their purposes are. Ask if it would be possible to fill them the day> before surgery to provide the convenience of them being available directly> following surgery. > > > Ask if (s)he will film the surgery on video. If so, request a copy for> yourself. Ask whether or not you need to supply a blank tape. If this is not> possible, ask if you may provide a camera to have the surgery photographed.> > > Ask what type of bandage (s)he will use and how long it is to remain on. > > > Ask when you will need to start wearing the sports bra. > > > Ask for the phone numbers you will need to get in touch with him after-hours.> > > Request that any cysts or other suspicious tissue be sent to the pathologist> for examination and report. Tell him that you would like to have any removed> suspicious tissue and cysts returned to you with your implants. You may wish> to have another pathologist examine them at a later date. > > > Explain that you wish to have your implants returned to you, and if you intend> to have them analyzed at a different lab, request that they remain> unsterilized (which would kill anything growing)but properly packaged for> transport. They should not be packed in formaldehyde. Ask which pathology> service (s)he uses and ask for their contact information. Ask him the proper> procedure to use to ensure that your implants are returned to you, and make> your request known to the pathology lab. > > > Explain that you would like to request copies of the Operative Report and the> Pathology Report from this surgery. Ask about proper procedure to ensure that> you receive these copies. > > > Once You Have Selected a Plastic Surgeon and Have Set a Surgery Date, Be Sure> to Discuss the Following With Your Doctor: > > List all Medications that you take, including> the strength and frequency that you take them.> > > Inform your doctor of any drug allergies that you may have. Also, let your> doctor know if you are allergic to latex or talc. > > > Make a list of all of any symptoms you may have, include dates that they> began, and how they have progressed since they began. Include a history of> all surgeries you have had.> > > Obtain and bring your original operative/surgical report from having your> breast augmentation surgery. The original operative report will contain> helpful information about your implants, such as: the manufacturer, the model> number, the lot number, and the will indicate how the implant was positioned. > > > Also, bring any recent MRI, mammogram, xeromamogram, or ultrasound reports. If> you have had any recent lab work, bring these results with you, even though,> your doctor will probably have them repeated prior to surgery. A comparison> of the most recent labwork and the labwork he will do, will be helpful to> your doctor.> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Thank you for all this info. I've had my implants in for 24 1/2 years now due to a double mast. Over the past summer, I seriously started researching explants. I had my mastectomies done in a teaching hospital and due to the experiences there I'm not particularly fond of docs or hospitals and I didn't really know where to get informed. I still don't know about getting the explant surgery, but I have a lot more to work with. I live in Wyoming the medical situation out here isn't the best, so I may have to go out of state to find a competent doc, but I have questions I can ask - again thanks! --- In , Tricia Trish <glory2glory1401@...> wrote: > > PREPARING FOR EXPLANT SURGERY > > > Finding the right surgeon: Questions to ask > > > Ask if s(he) is familiar with 'the en bloc procedure' for removing implants. > > > Ask how many procedures of this nature s(he) has performed, and when the last > one was performed. > > > Have the plastic surgeon explain, step-by-step, how the procedure will take > place. Begin with how you will be " prepped. " for surgery. > > > Ask if it would be possible for you to view some " before and after " photos of > explantation surgeries s(he) has performed. > > > If the plastic surgeon did not mention drains in the explanation of how the > procedure will be done, ask if s(he) will use drains to prevent accumulation > of fluid and infection. > > > Ask how long the surgery will take. > > > Ask how long initial recovery will take. Ask the length of time it will be > until you are able to function independently at home. Find out how long you > will need someone to stay with you after surgery. It is advisable that > someone stay with you for the first 24 hours, and possibly a little longer. > depending upon your recovery progress. > > > Ask how long it will be before you can resume normal activity. Everybody > recovers at different rates, but most women are 'out-of-commission' for about > two weeks, and cannot raise their arms above their heads for a month or > longer. Find out how long you are not to lift anything heavier than three > pounds, how long you should not drive, and how long should you wait to > participate in any strenuous activities such as jogging, sex, > exercising.. .etc. . > > > Ask what size (s)he expects you to be after the surgery. > > > Have the plastic surgeon explain what Mastopexy (breast lift) surgery is, how > it is performed, and if you would benefit from it. > > > Ask if (s)he will prescribes antibiotics after surgery to prevent the > complication of infection. Discuss all post-op medications he will use and > what their purposes are. Ask if it would be possible to fill them the day > before surgery to provide the convenience of them being available directly > following surgery. > > > Ask if (s)he will film the surgery on video. If so, request a copy for > yourself. Ask whether or not you need to supply a blank tape. If this is not > possible, ask if you may provide a camera to have the surgery photographed. > > > Ask what type of bandage (s)he will use and how long it is to remain on. > > > Ask when you will need to start wearing the sports bra. > > > Ask for the phone numbers you will need to get in touch with him after-hours. > > > Request that any cysts or other suspicious tissue be sent to the pathologist > for examination and report. Tell him that you would like to have any removed > suspicious tissue and cysts returned to you with your implants. You may wish > to have another pathologist examine them at a later date. > > > Explain that you wish to have your implants returned to you, and if you intend > to have them analyzed at a different lab, request that they remain > unsterilized (which would kill anything growing)but properly packaged for > transport. They should not be packed in formaldehyde. Ask which pathology > service (s)he uses and ask for their contact information. Ask him the proper > procedure to use to ensure that your implants are returned to you, and make > your request known to the pathology lab. > > > Explain that you would like to request copies of the Operative Report and the > Pathology Report from this surgery. Ask about proper procedure to ensure that > you receive these copies. > > > Once You Have Selected a Plastic Surgeon and Have Set a Surgery Date, Be Sure > to Discuss the Following With Your Doctor: > > List all Medications that you take, including > the strength and frequency that you take them. > > > Inform your doctor of any drug allergies that you may have. Also, let your > doctor know if you are allergic to latex or talc. > > > Make a list of all of any symptoms you may have, include dates that they > began, and how they have progressed since they began. Include a history of > all surgeries you have had. > > > Obtain and bring your original operative/surgical report from having your > breast augmentation surgery. The original operative report will contain > helpful information about your implants, such as: the manufacturer, the model > number, the lot number, and the will indicate how the implant was positioned. > > > Also, bring any recent MRI, mammogram, xeromamogram, or ultrasound reports. If > you have had any recent lab work, bring these results with you, even though, > your doctor will probably have them repeated prior to surgery. A comparison > of the most recent labwork and the labwork he will do, will be helpful to > your doctor. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 What prompted your research...are you having problems? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Hi there, and welcome.... Wow, you have had your implants a very long time! Are you having any health issues that may be associated with them? Stay with us and keep asking your questions...we are here to help. Wyoming is a sparsely populated state, but you aren't too far from help, if you can get to Denver, where Dr. Huang is. She is one of our doctors who understand proper explant. Let us know how we can support you. Take care, Patty > > > > PREPARING FOR EXPLANT SURGERY > > > > > > Finding the right surgeon: Questions to ask > > > > > > Ask if s(he) is familiar with 'the en bloc procedure' for removing > implants. > > > > > > Ask how many procedures of this nature s(he) has performed, and when > the last > > one was performed. > > > > > > Have the plastic surgeon explain, step-by-step, how the procedure will > take > > place. Begin with how you will be " prepped. " for surgery. > > > > > > Ask if it would be possible for you to view some " before and after " > photos of > > explantation surgeries s(he) has performed. > > > > > > If the plastic surgeon did not mention drains in the explanation of > how the > > procedure will be done, ask if s(he) will use drains to prevent > accumulation > > of fluid and infection. > > > > > > Ask how long the surgery will take. > > > > > > Ask how long initial recovery will take. Ask the length of time it > will be > > until you are able to function independently at home. Find out how > long you > > will need someone to stay with you after surgery. It is advisable that > > someone stay with you for the first 24 hours, and possibly a little > longer. > > depending upon your recovery progress. > > > > > > Ask how long it will be before you can resume normal activity. > Everybody > > recovers at different rates, but most women are 'out-of-commission' > for about > > two weeks, and cannot raise their arms above their heads for a month > or > > longer. Find out how long you are not to lift anything heavier than > three > > pounds, how long you should not drive, and how long should you wait to > > participate in any strenuous activities such as jogging, sex, > > exercising.. .etc. . > > > > > > Ask what size (s)he expects you to be after the surgery. > > > > > > Have the plastic surgeon explain what Mastopexy (breast lift) surgery > is, how > > it is performed, and if you would benefit from it. > > > > > > Ask if (s)he will prescribes antibiotics after surgery to prevent the > > complication of infection. Discuss all post-op medications he will use > and > > what their purposes are. Ask if it would be possible to fill them the > day > > before surgery to provide the convenience of them being available > directly > > following surgery. > > > > > > Ask if (s)he will film the surgery on video. If so, request a copy for > > yourself. Ask whether or not you need to supply a blank tape. If this > is not > > possible, ask if you may provide a camera to have the surgery > photographed. > > > > > > Ask what type of bandage (s)he will use and how long it is to remain > on. > > > > > > Ask when you will need to start wearing the sports bra. > > > > > > Ask for the phone numbers you will need to get in touch with him > after-hours. > > > > > > Request that any cysts or other suspicious tissue be sent to the > pathologist > > for examination and report. Tell him that you would like to have any > removed > > suspicious tissue and cysts returned to you with your implants. You > may wish > > to have another pathologist examine them at a later date. > > > > > > Explain that you wish to have your implants returned to you, and if > you intend > > to have them analyzed at a different lab, request that they remain > > unsterilized (which would kill anything growing)but properly packaged > for > > transport. They should not be packed in formaldehyde. Ask which > pathology > > service (s)he uses and ask for their contact information. Ask him the > proper > > procedure to use to ensure that your implants are returned to you, and > make > > your request known to the pathology lab. > > > > > > Explain that you would like to request copies of the Operative Report > and the > > Pathology Report from this surgery. Ask about proper procedure to > ensure that > > you receive these copies. > > > > > > Once You Have Selected a Plastic Surgeon and Have Set a Surgery Date, > Be Sure > > to Discuss the Following With Your Doctor: > > > > List all Medications that you take, including > > the strength and frequency that you take them. > > > > > > Inform your doctor of any drug allergies that you may have. Also, let > your > > doctor know if you are allergic to latex or talc. > > > > > > Make a list of all of any symptoms you may have, include dates that > they > > began, and how they have progressed since they began. Include a > history of > > all surgeries you have had. > > > > > > Obtain and bring your original operative/surgical report from having > your > > breast augmentation surgery. The original operative report will > contain > > helpful information about your implants, such as: the manufacturer, > the model > > number, the lot number, and the will indicate how the implant was > positioned. > > > > > > Also, bring any recent MRI, mammogram, xeromamogram, or ultrasound > reports. If > > you have had any recent lab work, bring these results with you, even > though, > > your doctor will probably have them repeated prior to surgery. A > comparison > > of the most recent labwork and the labwork he will do, will be helpful > to > > your doctor. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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