I am writing this six weeks post breast explant and breast lift surgery, and wow, what a ride it has been! Please make sure to read my previous blog post, “My Decision to Remove My Breast Implants,” to gain a better understanding of my journey. I hope it offers an additional layer to this sensitive topic and experience.
Surgery Preparations & Pre-Op
My surgery was booked quite quickly. I had only a week to prepare for my actual surgery date, and a lot had to be done. First, I needed to complete pre-op. For those unfamiliar with the term pre-op, it means “before operation.” I met with my healthcare provider to go over my medical history, current medications, and previous surgeries.
I also had my first electrocardiogram (ECG), which records your heart’s electrical activity. These tests are needed to assess how your heart may respond to surgery. It was discovered that I may have PVC, which is a premature ventricular contraction. This means I have extra, abnormal heartbeats that start in one of my heart’s two lower chambers. Since my heart is otherwise normal and this doesn’t occur for longer than 30 seconds, I was cleared.
The final step of completing my pre-op was getting blood work done (again). I made my way to Quest Diagnostics to get my blood drawn, and it was quick and easy. So, all I needed to do was wait and hope that my doctor’s notes and the blood work would go to my plastic surgeon in time to have my surgery later that week.
Any prior vitamins and supplements I took were removed from my daily intake schedule to clear my body of any medicine. I wasn’t taking any medications at this time, so I didn’t have to worry about this. Though, it is recommended to stop taking any medications 1 – 2 weeks before surgery.
Surgery Favorite Things
Making yourself as comfortable as possible after surgery helps tremendously with recovery. A few unique items to help make life easier are well worth getting and paying a little extra for. Here is a list of items that I like to have on hand when having surgery. A few of the items I already had and am currently using from my previous ovarian cyst removal back in August of 2023 were still useful for me.
Wedge Pillow: This pillow helped me so much and made sleeping on my back more comfortable due to this elevated position. The additional height made it easier to get out of bed.
Contour Support Pillow: I transitioned to this pillow a few weeks later because I wanted more support around my neck and less elevation. It allows you to also sleep more comfortably on your back and side. TBH, I swapped it out now and using the wedge pillow instead because it allows me to move more at night.
Mastectomy Pillow: This unique pillow was helpful for so many reasons. I used it on my car drive home because it acted as a soft barrier from the safety belt. Placing it over my breast at night allowed me to sleep more comfortably because I could rest my arms on it relieving any pressure on my chest and incisions and provided underarm relief.
Front-Zip Sports Bra: This is a go-to bra for many yogi ladies but it has become a favorite for post-surgery care. There is no underwire in this bra and the removable inserts are a great feature. The fabric is nice and soft on the body and doesn’t bother my incisions. The zip front feature is the best and makes getting in and out of this bra easy peasy.
Mastectomy Pocket Drainage Pouch: This bundle contains two pouches to help you carry your drains after surgery. One has two separate pockets to store each drain and is worn like a fanny pack around your waist. The other is used like a lanyard and has one main pocket to place your drains during showering.
Mastectomy Recovery Top: I wore this top after my surgery and I am so glad I purchased it. It is nice and roomy and true to size. I ordered a size up and shouldn’t have because it was a lot bigger than necessary. It has two pockets inside to store your drains which is a plus. Another key feature is that it has Velcro tabs instead of buttons.
Air Compression Calf Massager: The doctor sent me home with my own pair after surgery. Note this was also used during my surgical procedure. I used this a couple of times a day during recovery to aid in circulation. It helps with leg edema and improves blood flow minimizing possible blood clots.
Bed Assist Rail: This offered me peace of mind for bedside safety and stability. I had already had this installed in my bed for my ovarian cyst surgery and was glad I didn’t get rid of it. It became the perfect grab bar for me to get me in and out of bed myself. This grab bar made recovery smoother for me.
Flexible Plastic Straws: I know this sounds silly but having a bendy plastic straw sure made drinking water and juices a lot easier for me in and out of bed. No additional straining is needed. The pop of color also made me happy.
Counter Height Side Table: It is important to have your important things within reach. I had a counter-height side table next to my bedside during the early weeks. Being able to reach for my meals, medicine, drink, phone, lip balm, and book – made the healing process comfortable and less stressful.
Surgery Day
Since the surgical center was close to two hours away from home and in the wee hours of the morning, I believe I needed to arrive around 6:00 AM, so we decided to stay in a hotel nearby the night before. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any rest. The hotel was close to a busy road, and the occupants nearby were loud, and I was feeling just so sick from BII. I was looking forward to getting these implants removed.
Albert drove me to the surgery center, and we should have left a little bit earlier. We arrived 10 – 15 minutes late, which completely stressed me out. The nurse was waiting on the main floor of the surgery center and walked us up to the correct floor.
Additional paperwork was completed, and payment for Exparel, which is an optional post-surgical pain relief medicine, was made. If you are worried about pain management after surgery, ask your doctor if Exparel is an option. It is a topical, sustained-release medication applied directly to the breast area “pockets”. It helps with post-surgical pain for up to 72 hours, and I recommend it.
My surgery took about 3 – 3.5 hours, and my doctor performed an en-bloc capsulectomy. This means my capsules (scar tissue) were still intact around my breast implants during removal. The goal here is not to cut into the capsule. The scar tissue, aka capsules, and implants were removed in one entire piece. This has many benefits because it is believed that en bloc capsulectomy prevents any fluids, silicone gel, bacteria, chemicals, and any other potential pathogens from leaking out of the capsules and making you sick.
I decided to also have a mastopexy, also known as a breast lift. The doctor removed any additional skin to create a new shape and form for my breast and help with firmness. I guess it was a blessing in disguise that I have gained 15 pounds since my implantation because I had extra fat tissue to work with. My breast size with implants was 36D and too big for my frame. My surgeon said after my breast explant and lift I could be a full B or small C cup.
My doctor took photos of my removed implants and capsules. It was so crazy to see the images! I asked to have my implants taken home. It is still in the same package, and I have not taken them out to look at them. I can’t believe how heavy they felt and it’s no wonder that my neck and back felt achy with my implants and during my menstrual cycle in the pain my breasts were bad.
When I woke up from surgery, I was anticipating feeling a lot of pain. I felt so much pain after my ovarian cyst removal. However, to my surprise, I felt okay which is good for me. I was so happy to be on the other side of this – the bright side. I looked down at my new breasts and thought they looked beautiful and I smiled. I am finally on the road to recovery!
Recovery Mode
The drive back home from surgery was giving me anxiety as it was a Friday and we were making our way from Encino (Los Angeles County) to Laguna Niguel (Orange County). Yes, there was traffic, but my husband made sure he was driving safely. I am glad I remembered to pack my Mastectomy Pillow and use it during the commute home. I sat in the second row of seats in our Mommy Van (Honda Odyssey) and took a short nap.
I took Tylenol with Codeine for a day or two for pain management. But honestly, I felt that I didn’t need it, and I also didn’t like how I felt with pain medication. Electing to pay for Experal for pain relief helped immensely. The pain was tolerable and was much better than the implantation. The doctor recommended that I get up and walk often during the day to prevent blood clots and pneumonia, and the movement also aids in recovery. So, I made sure I got up often to use the bathroom, and in a few days, I had enough strength to walk down into the kitchen and interact with the family.
The next day after surgery I was advised to take a shower. The doctor and nurses said I would feel better after the shower. I removed my ace bandage and made sure to not bump my drains as they are a bit uncomfortable and just annoying. Using the Mastectomy Pocket Drainage Pouch helped so much to hold the drains in a comfortable space. My husband helped me wash my hair and body and thank goodness we had a hand-held showerhead.
My husband told me that my breasts looked great and that I looked beautiful. I am truly grateful for the support of my husband. And finding the right surgeon to perform my en bloc capsulectomy makes all the difference.
One-Week Post Op
I remember the morning of traveling to Dr. Elliot Hirsch’s office the morning of my post-op appointment. I didn’t want to go for three reasons: I was tired, it was raining cats and dogs outside and I was scared about how bad the traffic would be with the rain. And one more thing I was dreading the drains removal!
Let’s just say our guardian angels were watching over us because the heavy rains that day made the roads completely dangerous. We dodged so many car accidents on the freeway – it was like we were in a video game. I am so grateful we arrived there alive at the doctor’s office.
The sweet staff at Dr. Hirsch’s office came to see me and stayed in the room with me to see how I was doing. Both Kassandra, the Surgery Coordinator, and Karla the Head Nurse were so surprised and happy for me when they saw my breasts. They said my breasts looked absolutely beautiful and that I had great results! I was so happy to hear this because I believe it too! They said that I would be very happy with my results as I healed and they were delighted with the surgery outcome.
Karla was very patient and kind while removing my drains! I was completely freaking out because I remember how painful it was to have them removed when I had my breast implants put in. This experience was less painful and more quick. The left drain had quite the suction and made a large suctioning noise when removed. Interestingly enough, my left side was much more tender and sensitive than my right which had a painful contracture. I was so glad to have those awful drains removed and out of my body.
Dr. Hirsch came in and examined my breasts and said I looked great! All is well with my surgery and nothing suspicious was seen on my capsule and implants. I was told to keep my surgical tape in place during the next few weeks and allow it to fall off on its own.
Four-Week Post Op
I was getting stronger and stronger every day. My post-op appointment was done through the phone via FaceTime as it wasn’t necessary to drive to the office unless I had a problem or big concerns. I had pain like a bruise pain under my left rib after surgery. I am not sure quite why but Karla (the head nurse) said that that would be a normal healing symptom and now it has since resolved. Most of my surgical tape was still intact at this point she told me I could remove them now. I also had the option to go braless for a while now if I wanted to.
And I have to tell you I love going braless. It feels so good. I have been walking slowly on the treadmill now from home for a week and I know I finally have clearance to hit the gym and modify my movements and weights as needed and work my way up! I have missed the gym so much. At this point, I have been mindful of how heavy items are when lifting them up keeping to only 5 to 10 pounds. There are times I am tired and then I will take a nap but really I am feeling great!
6-Week Post Op
Here I am at 6-week post op and I feel like a different person! My eyes were very bloodshot before my surgery and now they are clear and white. My body aches and pains are gone. My annoying headaches and migraines are gone. The brain fog is slowly going away! I can focus better and get my thoughts out easier. The inflammation in my breasts and body is gone! I lost 9 pounds since my surgery but gained a few back as I am on my period again and recently indulged in a lot of yummy treats for my birthday.
The general feeling of malaise that took over my body is gone! I can’t believe how good I feel and how nice I look. Originally I was thinking of having this surgery either in April or sometime in the summer but honestly Iam so glad I had it on January 26, 2024. I can’t even imagine suffering for any longer than I did! My whole body ached – my soul was hurting. I don’t know how to explain it. Looking at pictures of the day of my surgery – I can see the PAIN in my eyes.
The Future Is Bright and Light
What I see now when I look in the mirror is a beautiful strong woman. I am courageous to have this surgery and so happy I continued pushing until I found the right doctor. I didn’t go to the same doctor who implanted me. I wanted to go to a surgeon who specializes in breast explants and believes in Breast Implant iIlness.
I am happy to share that I don’t feel any discomfort on my sides from the incisions or around the incisions. The incisions are still pink and raised but I have been told that they will heal over the next few months. I am also excited to see what they look like when they “fluff” and this process of fluffing could take up to a year.
My small breasts are beautiful to me. They fit my body. I still feel very feminine and beautiful! There is a lightness in my step. I feel joy inside of me.
Also, this is the second week hitting the gym and I love it! I am slowly regaining my strength and listening to my body. I am almost walking every day and getting in about 5K – 10K steps a day.
Well, I think it this is all I have to say about my breast explant surgery and lift and the recovery process. If you are thinking about an explant – do it! You are making the right decision. There is nothing to fear. If you have any questions or need any support I am here to help, sis!
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