New to forum and freaking out

[jamsmak04]

If I were you I would consider myself lucky to be honest. I am only 5 months post op and am considering a second revision to have normal looking breasts. If my implants looked good after my one surgery and then lasted me 10 years I would be over the moon happy.

Your recovery will be next to nothing. I just had my 1st revision last week and I have 4 toddles, 5,4,3 and 1 in age and I was taking care of them right after the anesthesia wore off.

For 800 more go with silicone, its worth the extra price and they feel really natural.

[esq]

i'm sorry you had to go through this. here's my take on the price difference between the two surgeons.

the first one is taking advantage of the warranty that replaces one implant, it needs to be similar (since the original probably isn't around anymore) to your existing one. (saline) and you'd be buying another saline for the opposite side to match which is your out of pocket expense (should be less than 1K for the saline implant itself)

the second one isn't taking advantage of the warranty and you'd be buying TWO implants, more expensive ones instead of just the one cheaper saline.

HTH

[tabby15208]

All I can say, in addition to saying that I'm sorry you are going through this, is to suggest you go onto the lift section of this forum (if you haven't already) and see what those ladies think. I do know that some women on JBI were told they needed a lift, didn't get one and are now happy...others were not so lucky and some even need an additional surgery. Get some advice on that specifically before you make a decision. Good luck!

[gyddieupquirt]

Originally Posted by Jinxcatt

Update...

I met with my original surgeon on Monday, and she was WAY MORE EXPENSIVE. By a few thousand! I don't really understand it, actually. I have decided I am going to go with the Dr. I met with last Thursday. I really liked him, and he seems to have a good reputation, plus his fee seems reasonable. However, I realize now I have more decisions to make so I thought maybe you all could shed some light?


*First doc says: $4355, including operating room and anesthesia. Since I have been very happy, says I may as well go with saline to save money, and I'll get one free one (warranty). He says that the recovery won't be nearly as bad, that it is much easier since I already have a pocket, and that I won't be as restricted for nearly as long. He did recommend a lift but said I'd be okay without one. Said we'd do it exactly the same since I was happy before...under muscle, and suggested I go a bit bigger to combat breasts lowering (am a double D, when skinny a D)

*Second doc (original surgeon) says: $$4920 + $2500 operating/anasthesia, total $7420. She says definitely to upgrade to Silicone, and mentions no credit for prior implant (even though it was in that office). She says that she might have to cut under the breast even though my scar is nipple, although she believes she can make it work with the nipple. She says we should go over the muscle this time, and it will pick me up a bit without a lift (?). Suggested I might want to go bigger (like I said, I am a double D now!).

Argh. So I called first doc, asked coordinator about over the muscle. She said no, it is the opposite, the muscle helps hold it in place, and if you do it over the muscle you may droop more. So, confused there.

Then I asked about silicone. It would be an additional $835, but possibly worth it if that means less risk of rupture later. Although originally she said another $1334 but she wasn't taking into consideration the $500 credit, so I didn't ask about incision for silicone, that may decide it right there because I do not want another scar. However, if they tell me that they can go through nipple, should I do silicone? Seems like rupture is less of a risk and they feel better. I think that is probably worth $834.

Thoughts, opinions?

I have silicone gel, with silicone you dont have to worry about deflation and ruptures are less likely, it would take severe trauma to rupture silicone. Downside is you have to get an mri if you suspect a rupture.

[hot_tamale]

If you were happy before the deflation, then you will be happy afterwards as far as the lift goes. Whatever you choose, know that a redo is MUCH easier..the pocket is already made and skin already stretched. I had a redo to go bigger and I was up and going in a few days. It was NOTHING like the first time.

Just don't wait around forever (which I know you're not) because the pocket can start closing up. Sounds like you are on the right track. The original plastic surgeon is pricing silicone with no credit for the deflated saline, correct??? That is why they are so much higher. If you can afford it, I say go w/silicone. Just looking/feeling of the ones in my plastic surgeon office, I can tell you there is a world of difference between the two. But either way, you know you will be happy w/saline as thats what you have now and if you liked the size, I would stick to that range. I really think you will be surprised at how easy it is!!

[cougartown]

I'm sorry you are going through this, but it sounds like you have some really good options. I can't suggest what would be best for you, but I wanted you to know that I had a similar situation. I had silicone implants for 14 years, breast fed my daughter who is now 11! The ruptured and created capsules. I had to have them removed, along with most of what little breast tissue I had to begin with. I decided not to replace them as it was 6 years ago and I was not comfortable with the products out there.

Needless to say, my breasts looked like I had a mastectomy for 6 years. Now I have had them replaced and am very happy! There is light at the end of the tunnel. The saline didn't damage your body and you can have it corrected with little impact to your body (but large to your pocketbook)!

I think it's crappy your original plastic surgeon wouldn't give you a break, but maybe it's meant to be. I don't understand the suggestion of over the muscle??

Anyway, hang in and know it is temporary. You have good support and will make it through. I'm thinking good thoughts for you.