Implant Removal - advice/comments/help

Options
Bettyboops
Bettyboops Member Posts: 239
edited October 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

I have the latest revision of the silicon gel implants put in June 2013 after double mastectomy for breast cancer.  I had I wanted to have some kind of breast but wasn't a candidate for flap (back problems). I really didn't like any of the options but chose silicon gel implants. It's been 8 months and I now dislike the implants. My health is going down hill. Some minor arthritis I had in my hands has become crippling, I have unexplained skin rashes, just don't feel good. I have to believe that my immune system is taxed. On the other hand I am afraid to have yet more surgery and am afraid to be totally flat or concave and having to wear a prosthetic. Has anyone out there in "web land" been through this thought process and had implants taken out? I had a nipple sparing double mastectomy and went through the tissue expansion process so I have a lot of skin remaining. Is that a problem for removal?

Thanks,

bc1

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Ariom
    Ariom Member Posts: 6,197
    edited February 2014

    Hi bc1, just wanted to say Hi to you.

    I am so sorry about what you've been through. I don't have any experience with recon, but there are women here who have had their implants removed and are very happy with the results. I am sure there will be someone along who has been through that experience who can answer your questions.

    There is a group on Facebook called Flat and Fabulous, who may have some relevant information that may help you.

    I wish you all the very best!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited February 2014

    It's interesting that you should talk about a rash. I have always wondered if I am allergic to my silicone implants. Ever since I got them, I have had a rash and it drives me crazy. Has anyone else had this problem?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bettyboops
    Bettyboops Member Posts: 239
    edited February 2014

    thanks Ariom. I will check out flat and fabulous. I appreciate your response!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bettyboops
    Bettyboops Member Posts: 239
    edited February 2014

    hello sdstarfish. Yes, weird. I never had any skin issues like eczema or anything like that ever before. My health seems to be going down hill fast. I just made an appointment with my plastic surgeon to have a chat. I feel like I can't move forward until I talk to her- I don't know what she is going to think of me wanting to maybe take out my implants...

    Bc1

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited February 2014

    Wow, that's a shame that happened, Betty.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bettyboops
    Bettyboops Member Posts: 239
    edited February 2014

    thanks starfish. I feel everything happens for a reason so maybe I 'm supposed to find another way. We'll see.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Bettyboops
    Bettyboops Member Posts: 239
    edited February 2014

    i'm replying to myself with an update. I made an appointment with my PS to discuss implant removal. I want to know if she can use the stretched out muscle to build a small bump. Has anyone heard of this? I also have the name of a highly recommended PS who i will see for a second opinion- as a reality check. I am a lot more clear headed in hindsight than I was at diagnosis and cancer removal etc... Any advice or thoughts? So far, friends who have never had breast cancer think this is a little nutty. Im not an erratic person. Cant people understand these are impossible choices and decisions!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited August 2014

    Betty, is saline an option? Or would you rather just stay away from implants altogether? The only other thing I know of is actually a hit/miss option - fat transfer. The thing about that is the fat can leave the area over time. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • sdstarfish
    sdstarfish Member Posts: 544
    edited August 2014

    Oops. I just noticed you posted back in Feb. Hope all worked out well for you :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • amyleigh7
    amyleigh7 Member Posts: 2
    edited October 2014

    Betty- Did you have your implants removed? Was toxicity ever mentioned by any of your doctors? My mom had a double mastectomy with implants and has had pain since day 1. She has symptoms including arthritis, unexplained muscle pain, fatigue, etc. that sound like breast implant toxicity. Many doctors refuse to admit that this toxicity exists, but it sounds like many women experience their bodies rejecting implants. Are you better with implants removed? My mom is torn on what she should do...

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories