Re: explant surgery on June 21

[Guest guest]

I am not getting a lift, just the explant. My PS has put explantation with

capsulectomy on all of my paperwork. But, when I see him again, I will ask

him to also have something in writing about doing the procedure en bloc

(which he already agreed to doing). I am getting very anxious and will be so

happy when this is all over. I will keep you posted as I am going through

recovery. Thanks for all the support.

Holly

[Guest guest]

Holly

Try to make sure that your PS will help you as far as sending your implants

to Dr Blaise in Canada and make sure they handle them properly and don't

throw them away as some do. You never know. Also I hope that they are

putting everything in writting that they will remove everything, that is

about all I can think of right now. I am glad you are coming to terms with

this and please keep us up to date, you will be in our prayers and thought

and I know you will not regret this decision. Are you getting a lift too or

not?

Keep us posted ok!

Hugs

----- Original Message -----

From: " hollymdoyle " <hollymdoyle@...>

< >

Sent: Friday, June 14, 2002 9:35 AM

Subject: explant surgery on June 21

> Hi everyone. I am scheduled to have my saline breast implants

> removed on June 21. I am a bit nervous and don't really know what to

> expect. I am having them removed en bloc with full capsulectomy, and

> not having a lift done. Anyone who may have any suggestions on how

> to prepare for surgery, or words of wisdom regarding recovery, I

> would really appreciate any info you have. You can email me directly

> at hollymdoyle@...

>

> Thank you so much!

> Holly

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Holly,

I have been keeping up with a few e-mails, and in yours, you mentoned ( en bloc ) What exactly does that mean?

Layne

[Guest guest]

Holly I am glad that you will double check that is so important, I want you

to get well soon. Please sweetie try not to be too stressed, make sure you

take your vitamin c and drink lots of water and eat healthy, try to get in

lots of exercise whatever you can do, before your surgery date, it will help

you to relieve stress. I worked out right up to the day I left for Ohio, it

helped me to remain calm and focused.

Try to be good to yourself, take hot baths with eposm salts and if you can

get a massage or sit in a hot tub. Pamper yourself, and try to remember how

good it will be to have this over with

Hugs

----- Original Message -----

From: <hollymdoyle@...>

< >

Sent: Saturday, June 15, 2002 11:12 AM

Subject: Re: explant surgery on June 21

> I am not getting a lift, just the explant. My PS has put explantation

with

> capsulectomy on all of my paperwork. But, when I see him again, I will

ask

> him to also have something in writing about doing the procedure en bloc

> (which he already agreed to doing). I am getting very anxious and will be

so

> happy when this is all over. I will keep you posted as I am going through

> recovery. Thanks for all the support.

> Holly

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Layne,

That is when the PS removes the implant and the capsule around it in one

piece. It is important to have the implants removed this way. It prevents

any contaminated fluid from leaking into your system. Feel free to email me

if you have any other questions. I will try to help. What is your

situation? Are you thinking about having your implants removed?

Holly

[Guest guest]

Hello Holly

Thanks for explaining the ( en bloc) to me... I now understand it and have researched it a bit.. No. I am not planning on having mine explanted just yet, but I do have to have them replaced. I have acumulated fluid behind my right breast, which has made it quite larger. A size larger to be exact.

Layne

[Guest guest]

I have to ask why you would want to replace them knowing that you may need(actually will need) another replacement, in fact you will continue to be replacing them every few years. This can be very hard on your body, but I realize it is a personal decision. I just feel so sorry for women who get caught up in the cycle of implants, replacing them as they fail every so often, all the money and eventual health problems, it is so sad.

----- Original Message -----

From: Laynie1434@...

Sent: Sunday, June 16, 2002 6:16 PM

Subject: Re: explant surgery on June 21

Hello Holly Thanks for explaining the ( en bloc) to me... I now understand it and have researched it a bit.. No. I am not planning on having mine explanted just yet, but I do have to have them replaced. I have acumulated fluid behind my right breast, which has made it quite larger. A size larger to be exact. Layne

[Guest guest]

Layne,

Did your doctor explain to you why you might have accumulated the fluid

behind your breast? I hope that it is nothing serious, and hopefully you are

not having any other symptoms associated with the implants. I'm not sure if

en bloc would be necessary in your position since you are having

replacements. You may want to ask some of the other women on the board what

they think. Be cautious in listening to what your doctor says. En bloc is

much more elaborate to do during surgery, and from what I have found, many

doctors are reluctant to do it. I hope that you get the care you need. Try

to arm yourself with as much information as possible before you talk to your

doctor again.

Good Luck.

Holly

[Guest guest]

Layne--Would definitely have en bloc removal--the capsule is

not only where most particles reside, but is what is

often found chronically inflamed and if infection

is found, it will contaminate capsule also.

You may wish to instruct the physician not to

reimplant now if he/she finds a problem, such as

chronic inflammation or an infection, allowing your

body some time to recuperate first. I haven't heard

of anyone recuperating from an infection with new

implants. In fact, it is practically a given that the

bacteria in the area (especially if capsule remains) would

immediately start adhering to new biomaterial/

silicone. You not only would be replacing again,

but could become quite ill this time.

If you decide to do this, it might be a good idea

to do it in writing and give it to the physician the

day of surgery (memories seem to fail more on

surgery days)

Seromas and hematomas can occur anytime

(even years) after surgery, but one would wonder

what is causing either, if that is what it is. Not

knowing exactly what it is is reason enough for

discussion (without implants) after surgery. You

may be one of those who ruptured without deflating

and it may be just saline, but suggest you find

out. The physician may say what it is--and may

be correct--but really doesn't know until he/she

gets in there. And most physicians will reimplant,

regardless. If it fails, they will charge to reimplant

again!

Look out for yourself--this has become a

"buyer beware" situation. Unfortuantely,

many plastic surgeons have assumed the

role of salesmen, and it's difficult for patients

to know where the line is drawn between

them and sincere physicians.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Holly...

The Dr that I am going to , who is going to do my re-do, say's that I don't need to have mine en-bloc, being that I am replacing them. I guess If I were to take them out completely, then he would. Have you heard of anyone else replacing them, and leaving the capsule?

Layne

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 06/17/2002 6:38:20 AM Pacific Daylight Time, Bos@... writes:

again, but could b

Bonnie,

Thank you so much for the e-mail. You have made me think a bit more about things. I know what your saying, and will make a good decission. Is it actually possible for me to have ruptured , and be holding the saline? I would have thought that my body would have abdsorbed it somehow. Like you say, they will not know until they get in there. Also, I don't much about the capsules, and if they are left behind when doing a re-do. I know it's best to take them out with the implant if your expanting. If there is any information on this issue, I would love to read about it for my knowledge.

Layne

[Guest guest]

Layne--yes, it is possible that saline is being

held in by the capsule surrounding the

implants--not probable, but possible. . .it has happened before. But I doubt your breast would swell in those circumstances--I believe

something more serious is occurring than deflation. The fortunate

part is that obviously the capsule is holding it in there. I believe it

would take some real talent to remove that particular one en bloc.

I would take the capsule out for the reasons mentioned before--I can't

immediately put my hands on a specific paper--and don't even know if

there is one, or I have just gathered info over the years. The capsule

around the implants is what holds the particles that are shed through

wear from the implant. Also, bacteria are known to adhere to biomaterials,

silicone being one. That info is plentiful in the National Library of Medicine.

If they are adhering to the silicone shell, they are also in the capsule.

No--as far as plastic surgeons are concerned, you do not have to take

capsule out; as far as you are concerned, I would. (You must look

out for yourself--it's not anyone's job but yours.) Many plastic surgeons do

not know how to remove en bloc. Most know how to remove in pieces. If

you have the capsule removed in pieces, and there is in fact, a bacteria around the implant, it will get into the rest of the body. Neither you nor

the doctor knows what is going on in one breast--it could be saline, bacterial

infection, just bacteria, a seroma--who knows?

And, a lot of plastic surgeons do not want to remove capsule--it's very

time consuming--it means the OR is tied up for a smaller fee than a new

surgery, which is a larger fee. The surgeon is there to do whichever you

ask and whichever you are willing to pay for. It will cost more to remove

capsule--regardless of how it's done. The whole ordeal can be made less

of a gamble if you remove the capsule en bloc--but you are the only one

who knows how much of a chance you are willing to take.

If you should decide not to have the capsule removed, or not have it

removed en bloc, please at least start a broad spectrum antibiotic a day before surgery. . . it won't do much good if one is started upon discovery of an infection. . .it really needs to get into the system. I would also suggest getting some "probiotics" from the refrigerated section of the healthfood store and taking them at the same time. Have whatever is in the breast cultured--it would be a good idea to give this

to the doc in writing.

Wish I could offer more decision-making info--sorry.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Layne,

I haven't really heard from anyone who has replaced their implants. Most of

the people I have spoken with had, or will have, them removed. I know that

removing the capsule is a more complicated surgery, so I would guess that if

you're not symptomatic, and having replacements put in, leaving the capsule

is probably fine. I would definitetly post to some of the other women who

have more knowledge about this than I do. Well, best of luck. I hope your

surgery goes well.

Holly

[Guest guest]

Holly:

Best wishes for you on your upcoming surgery.

Take care.

-Marie

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much. I will be sure to post something as soon as I am able. I

can't wait!!!

Holly

[Guest guest]

This post just reminded me of something--there will be a new

capsule that will grow around the new implant--you will then have

two capsules. Each time you replace the implants there will

be a new capsule. I read about the growth in the surgeon's Operative

Reports. . .it starts immediately.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Wow... Thats very interesting. Thanks for sharing that with me!

Layne

[Guest guest]

I would think that if you leave the capsule in everytime you replace your

saline implants eventually you will be full of scar tissue that may cause

your body to react, who knows? It sounds kind of gross to me, but I suppose

if your not having any health problems now you can replace and leave the

capsule in. The issue that would concern me is that what if later(as is

common) say 10 years + down the road, you do develop problems and then you

want them removed, will this become more difficult to remove the capsule if

there has been more than one surgery? These are all good questions which I

could make assumptions about, but in reality I don't know the right answer.

There are just so many unknowns with implants. I guess what it really boils

down to is how much do they mean to you and how much are you willing to risk

to have them. If that doesn't bother you, then I guess you may as well leave

the old capsules in and hopefully you won't have the same problems so many

of us have had.

Good luck to you

----- Original Message -----

From: <hollymdoyle@...>

< >

Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 9:31 AM

Subject: Re: explant surgery on June 21

> Layne,

> I haven't really heard from anyone who has replaced their implants. Most

of

> the people I have spoken with had, or will have, them removed. I know

that

> removing the capsule is a more complicated surgery, so I would guess that

if

> you're not symptomatic, and having replacements put in, leaving the

capsule

> is probably fine. I would definitetly post to some of the other women who

> have more knowledge about this than I do. Well, best of luck. I hope

your

> surgery goes well.

> Holly

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I agree with Bonnie here, well said!

----- Original Message -----

From: Bos@...

Sent: Monday, June 17, 2002 10:51 PM

Subject: Re: explant surgery on June 21

Layne--yes, it is possible that saline is being held in by the capsule surrounding the implants--not probable, but possible. . .it has happened before. But I doubt your breast would swell in those circumstances--I believe something more serious is occurring than deflation. The fortunate part is that obviously the capsule is holding it in there. I believe it would take some real talent to remove that particular one en bloc. I would take the capsule out for the reasons mentioned before--I can't immediately put my hands on a specific paper--and don't even know if there is one, or I have just gathered info over the years. The capsule around the implants is what holds the particles that are shed through wear from the implant. Also, bacteria are known to adhere to biomaterials, silicone being one. That info is plentiful in the National Library of Medicine. If they are adhering to the silicone shell, they are also in the capsule. No--as far as plastic surgeons are concerned, you do not have to take capsule out; as far as you are concerned, I would. (You must look out for yourself--it's not anyone's job but yours.) Many plastic surgeons do not know how to remove en bloc. Most know how to remove in pieces. If you have the capsule removed in pieces, and there is in fact, a bacteria around the implant, it will get into the rest of the body. Neither you nor the doctor knows what is going on in one breast--it could be saline, bacterial infection, just bacteria, a seroma--who knows? And, a lot of plastic surgeons do not want to remove capsule--it's very time consuming--it means the OR is tied up for a smaller fee than a new surgery, which is a larger fee. The surgeon is there to do whichever you ask and whichever you are willing to pay for. It will cost more to remove capsule--regardless of how it's done. The whole ordeal can be made less of a gamble if you remove the capsule en bloc--but you are the only one who knows how much of a chance you are willing to take. If you should decide not to have the capsule removed, or not have it removed en bloc, please at least start a broad spectrum antibiotic a day before surgery. . . it won't do much good if one is started upon discovery of an infection. . .it really needs to get into the system. I would also suggest getting some "probiotics" from the refrigerated section of the healthfood store and taking them at the same time. Have whatever is in the breast cultured--it would be a good idea to give this to the doc in writing. Wish I could offer more decision-making info--sorry. Bonnie

[Guest guest]

There is a lady on explantation.com who had a re-do and the surgeon

left the scar tissue from the previous implants behind. She ended up

being able to 'feel' the old capsule on some parts of her breast/s.

> I would think that if you leave the capsule in everytime you

replace your

> saline implants eventually you will be full of scar tissue that may

cause

> your body to react, who knows? It sounds kind of gross to me, but I

suppose

> if your not having any health problems now you can replace and

leave the

> capsule in. The issue that would concern me is that what if later

(as is

> common) say 10 years + down the road, you do develop problems and

then you

> want them removed, will this become more difficult to remove the

capsule if

> there has been more than one surgery? These are all good questions

which I

> could make assumptions about, but in reality I don't know the right

answer.

>

> There are just so many unknowns with implants. I guess what it

really boils

> down to is how much do they mean to you and how much are you

willing to risk

> to have them. If that doesn't bother you, then I guess you may as

well leave

> the old capsules in and hopefully you won't have the same problems

so many

> of us have had.

>

> Good luck to you

>

> ----- Original Message -----

> From: <hollymdoyle@c...>

> < @y...>

> Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 9:31 AM

> Subject: Re: explant surgery on June 21

>

>

> > Layne,

> > I haven't really heard from anyone who has replaced their

implants. Most

> of

> > the people I have spoken with had, or will have, them removed. I

know

> that

> > removing the capsule is a more complicated surgery, so I would

guess that

> if

> > you're not symptomatic, and having replacements put in, leaving

the

> capsule

> > is probably fine. I would definitetly post to some of the other

women who

> > have more knowledge about this than I do. Well, best of luck. I

hope

> your

> > surgery goes well.

> > Holly

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Nasty stuff!

----- Original Message -----

From: Bos@...

Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 6:12 PM

Subject: Re: explant surgery on June 21

This post just reminded me of something--there will be a new capsule that will grow around the new implant--you will then have two capsules. Each time you replace the implants there will be a new capsule. I read about the growth in the surgeon's Operative Reports. . .it starts immediately. Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Bonnie is correct, and the old capsules contain all the 'garbage' from the previous implants which they held in place. As Dr. Blais state, the capsules literally become another 'organ' themselves. Therefore, it is extremely important that the entire capsule be removed with the implants that the capsule became a part of. Scar capsules MUST be removed with each set of implants to which they are attached!

Please stay in contact! If you need more info about this matter, please let me know ASAP!

Blessings,

MM

Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537

----- Original Message -----

From: Bos@...

Sent: Tuesday, June 18, 2002 7:12 PM

Subject: Re: explant surgery on June 21

This post just reminded me of something--there will be a new capsule that will grow around the new implant--you will then have two capsules. Each time you replace the implants there will be a new capsule. I read about the growth in the surgeon's Operative Reports. . .it starts immediately. Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much MM for your information! You have helped me alot with this issue.

Layne

[Guest guest]

Hi Layne,

You are more than welcome! Please contact me anytime with your questions.

MM

Martha Murdock, DirectorNational Silicone Implant Foundation | Dallas Headquarters"Supporting Survivors of Medical Implant Devices"4416 Willow LaneDallas, TX 75244-7537

----- Original Message -----

From: Laynie1434@...

Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2002 10:51 AM

Subject: Re: explant surgery on June 21

Thank you so much MM for your information! You have helped me alot with this issue. Layne

[Guest guest]

Martha,

I have since been to the Dr, and had a complete removal of implants and capsules. They are doing testing for the fluid that was behind my implant on the right side, which I had swelling from. My surgery was on Thursday, and today is Saturday, and I am in a bit of pain, but doing well.,., Thanks for everything.

Layne