New to forum and freaking out

[Jinxcatt]

Hi,

Brand new, first post. I am totally freaking out...a few hours ago, I realized my left breast is deflating.

I've been crying for a couple of hours (in between shuttling kids around from place to place).

I had surgery over 11 years ago, my twins turn 11 in January and I had implants put in about 6 months before I got pregnant. I nursed 3 babies (despite scar tissue in one side) and my breasts look PERFECT. They look totally, completely natural, you would never know they are implants (saline).

And now, I am panicking. I will call my plastic surgeon tomorrow, who I haven't seen in over 11 years, but until then, I don't even know how to go about life in my house. Will insurance help at all? How am I going to come up with the money if not? How do I deal with the surgery and recovery, I have FOUR kids! What about the possible complications? I was skinny and hot when I first got them, now, well, I look like I had 4 kids. I'm 35, and when I have them redone they are going to look like ridiculous basketballs on my motherly body. I'm just sick about this...can anyone offer any advice or thoughts on this?

My breasts are the only thing I like about my body. Seriously. I wanted them for 10 years before I got them and it was the best thing I've ever done for myself. My husband is being supportive but pointed out there are worse things (obviously), but I am devastated...

[MissPriss]

Well, they had a good run...11 years is a long time. And im sure you are aware of the general rule of thumb being that the life of an implant on average is about 10 years. Im so sorry that you are dealing with this, i really feel for you. However, you will be able to get a new set that will look just as beautiful and natural. Nothing says that you have to get a huge high profile implant that looks fake and abnormal on you...there are so many options for you hun. I dont think insurance will help in this situation though, but maybe financing could be an option. Just a thought. I hope you get it all sorted out, just take a deep breath and relax, this is fixable! And welcome to the forum btw! Hugs to you and good luck!

[1C&C]

I am so sorry you are having to deal with this. From my experienceI have learned that you need to do do your homework before letting any surgeon just go at it. Make sure he understands what you do not want, along with what you do. Write it on paper and give it to him before the surgery if you must, to make sure he is hearing you. I came out of surgery with so many things done that I did not want, I was sure he must have gotten my consult records mixed up with someone elses. Now after he did three surgerys on me, I am a mess. I really wish the surgeons would take the time to let every patient know that the implants are not permanent, most of the time it seems like the desk person just says "sign here, here, and here.
Also call your insurance co. before surgery, they may help at least with part. Good luck, be patient, check on everything you can.

[HNS]

I'm so sorry to hear about your "de-flation" I wouldn't think that insurance would cover it unless you had them done for reconstructive reasons after a medical breast issue. There are alot of medical loans out there though, that let you have no intrest for 12-18 months.

I could be wrong, but I wouldn't think if you went with a similar size that it would look high up or like "basketballs". and it shouldn't be as hard being your second time around since your muscles and pocket has already made room for the implants you have.

I wouldn't think there would be any complications that weren't a possibility the first time around. I guess the good thing is that there are more options avaiable to you now than you had 10 years ago. For instance you can now go cohesive silicone gel. Having to look forward to another surgery is never any fun, but it could always be worse.

Good luck in getting this taken care of. I know, as a mom of 3, that it's hard to find the money and the time, but it will work out....it always does. Take care and vent away here on the site.

[Jinxcatt]

Thanks for the reassurance, it does help a little.

My husband is being very supportive but I feel like he is a tiny bit irritated, like he thinks I am overreacting, and is implying there are much worse things (duh). I know this isn't like having cancer or any of the other terrible things you can experience, but I just asked him how he would feel if he suddenly lost 3 inches? Um, yeah, I am pretty sure he'd be freaking out.

What I do know is that I loved them. And they will never be the same. I am also worried that I will have no feeling whatsoever left, since I am already sort of numb and have loss of feeling. When I say they were perfect, they really, really were.

Doctor's office opens in 5 minutes.

[Jinxcatt]

Oh, and my arm and upper chest are tingly and sort of numb, and I feel a coldness under my skin, much like an IV would feel. It is creeping me out, even though it is saline, that it is just leaking into my body.

[Jinxcatt]

Surgeon can't get me in until Monday, I am going to go out of my frigging mind.

[expatbrat]

I hope you and your plastic surgeon can find out what's wrong and come to a solution. You must be so upset. I'm having my BA next month and I have 3 boys. There are tons of moms here who have 3-4 kids and more and are able to recoup from a BA. Let us know how things work out.

[Jinxcatt]

Ah, got in with another surgeon today at 3:45. I would want a second opinion anyway so it will accomplish that plus give me peace of mind.

I feel like I need to do something to keep my mind off things, but I can't seem to be able to! I have trips coming up too...I'm so disturbed by this I want to just cancel them, but I'd lose so much money, plus dissapoint the kids. The last thing in the world I am going to do though is get into a swimsuit.

Okay, so how do I balance out in the meantime? What do I use to stuff? I haven't padded my bras for 11 years!

[chrisn]

Sorry about your boobie!

You can still have natural looking breasts!!! I am 40 and have 304 mod+ silicone gel implants. They are 10 months old. HONESTLY...if you were to look at me naked, the only way you could tell my boobs are implants is if you lifted up a boob and saw the scar.

They have a natural teardrop shape with just a tiny bit of hang. I know what you are concerned about. I didn't want to have boobs that looked twenty to go with my 40 year old a$$. This is one of the reasons why I chose my plastic surgeon as he loves the natural result look and does a very nice job with it.

Just be clear with what you want. VERY clear, and don't go too big or too high profile. What size are you now? From what you have described you want, sounds like a mod profile to me. You can still achieve a very natural result from a mod+ too.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[saraj]

Hi.

No need to freak out. your implant has lived a good life. just time for new ones.

If you loved them before, then go with the same type/size of implant and same dr. you will love them just as much the second time. maybe more!

as far as being a mom, don't worry. I had my surgery 8 months ago with 3 kids. just get your friends and DH to help out with driving and housework. look at your recovery time as a good time for you to take it easy. read. scrapbook. call an old friend.

its all for a good cause....nice boobies!

[sumall]

I can relate to your story. I had saline implants for 7 years before one deflated. I was so happy with my implants, they looked fabulous, natural. I was devastated when this happened... they become a part of your body, your life... and when something goes wrong, it's understandably upsetting.

I had to get them fixed pronto... I couldn't walk around with one boob! So I quickly made a few appointments for consultations, chose the doctor I felt comfortable with, and scheduled my surgery date. I'm now 4 months post op with my "new set" and couldn't be happier! I chose to go bigger this time around because my body had changed in the last 7 years since my first BA. My hips are wider, gained more weight, etc. I also chose to go with silicone for 2 reasons: (1) I won't have to go through another deflation (2) they feel amazing!

My new boobs, although bigger, look completely natural on me and they quickly became a part of me. My happiness has replaced the pain I felt from losing my first pair.

Hang in there - this could be a wonderful change for you! Embrace it. You will be happy, no doubt!

[hubbyskitty75]

Hey I am so sorry for what is happening to you. I do suggest that you look into finacing and some surgeons have payment plans. Your implants lasted a long time and since you were happy with your first result you should try to stick with your first surgeon. When you go to the consultation today, ask about sizes and also look into silicone, eventhough they are a bit more expensive. I wish you the best and I hope it all works out for you.
I was looking at bras online for augmented breasts and they do have fake boobies for women that have had their breast tissues removed from cancer. Check out lindasonline.com or thebralady.com

[Dare]

Originally Posted by Jinxcatt

Ah, got in with another surgeon today at 3:45. I would want a second opinion anyway so it will accomplish that plus give me peace of mind.

I feel like I need to do something to keep my mind off things, but I can't seem to be able to! I have trips coming up too...I'm so disturbed by this I want to just cancel them, but I'd lose so much money, plus dissapoint the kids. The last thing in the world I am going to do though is get into a swimsuit.

Okay, so how do I balance out in the meantime? What do I use to stuff? I haven't padded my bras for 11 years!

Oh hun..please don't cancel your vacation plans. I've only had one BA, but I've read countless times from those that get redo's that the 2nd time around is MUCH easier. Way less pain, recovery time, and less needing to wait for drop/fluff.

I would go to Victoria's Secret or Macy's or Nordstrom's, and try on their silicone inserts. They come in pairs. I used them before my BA for a couple of weeks to make sure I could adjust to having big boobs again. You many need to put both into your deflated side. HTH! Hang in there sweetie.

[Jinxcatt]

I met with a surgeon this afternoon, and I have an appointment with my original surgeon on Monday. I feel IMMENSELY better now that I have had a consult, I am so glad they squeezed me in, and I wanted at least two opinions anyway.

He said this is strictly my choice (obviously) and if I am happy with myself it isn't necessary, but he thinks I need a lift. I know what he is talking about, the implants are higher than my skin, I've had three babies and it has been almost 12 years so I see what he is saying, although I am not sure to have them perkier is worth double the price. Anyone have thoughts on that? Quotes were $4300 for redo and over $8000 to include a lift. I get one free implant (warranty) and I have to pay for the other. I'm thinking no to the lift, I really am not budgeted for all of this and $8000 will be quite a smack to the household. I'd really like to cancel our family cruise in December but I just booked it last week and it is already in the penalty phase, so including airfare loss it would cost me about $2000 to cancel a $4000 trip. Doesn't make much sense.

I am happy to have it confirmed though that the recovery won't be nearly as bad as the first time around, and I feel SOOOO much better...I was a frigging nut case last night and this morning.

Thanks for all of the support, you don't know how much I appreciate it!

[Camilla]

hopefully you'll feel better once you see the docter - i know Monday sounds like an eternity. i'm sure you'll be completely satisfied once they're fixed. best of luck. :-)

[Slinky]

Originally Posted by Jinxcatt

Hi,

I have FOUR kids! What about the possible complications? I was skinny and hot when I first got them, now, well, I look like I had 4 kids. I'm 35, and when I have them redone they are going to look like ridiculous basketballs on my motherly body. I'm just sick about this...can anyone offer any advice or thoughts on this?

I can't offer a whole lot of advice..... you've already gotten some great advice. But I can tell you this - I also have four kids. Got my 1st implants at 50+yrs old and I do NOT have the ridiculous basketball look at all! LOL! Seriously, I do not. Don't worry! You won't either, if you and your plastic surgeon really discuss the look you want now, at this point in your life and choose the right implant size and profile. I can't tell you what that will be for you...... but there are so many available that there is no doubt one is just what you need. Hope you find it and are very happy.

Slinky

[unsure]

I'm so sorry. Don't feel bad about freaking out. Anyone with implants would be doing the same thing. Pray for peace and acceptance b/c you can't do anything until Monday. In the meantime, stay on this forum to find a good plastic surgeon in your area (or your old one if you were happy.) I just got mine a couple weeks ago, but you can buy a warranty (although for only 10 years so you wouldn't have been covered anyway.) I think that today we know all implants will need to be replaced sooner or later. The time is here. Hopefully you can get in asap. The child thing is a problem, obviously. Your husband will need to step up to the plate.

I don't know how you are financially, but I would imagine it is worth some debt to not have an empty sack. You can get it fixed quickly, I bet. Hang in there. Your experience will help other people, and I know other people on this forum have been in your position. Search the forum, and be selfish for a bit. Your kids will live without your full attention while you research your options.

Hang in there. Like another person said, this is fixable. I would pad my bra in the meantime, of course. YOU ARE DOING EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD BE DOING. You called your plastic surgeon right away. You are thinking about a plan of action. So, you are right where you are supposed to be. You will be in my prayers. Please keep posting so you can help others who have this problem in the future.

[VisionQuest]

Originally Posted by Jinxcatt

I met with a surgeon this afternoon, and I have an appointment with my original surgeon on Monday. I feel IMMENSELY better now that I have had a consult, I am so glad they squeezed me in, and I wanted at least two opinions anyway.

He said this is strictly my choice (obviously) and if I am happy with myself it isn't necessary, but he thinks I need a lift. I know what he is talking about, the implants are higher than my skin, I've had three babies and it has been almost 12 years so I see what he is saying, although I am not sure to have them perkier is worth double the price. Anyone have thoughts on that? Quotes were $4300 for redo and over $8000 to include a lift. I get one free implant (warranty) and I have to pay for the other. I'm thinking no to the lift, I really am not budgeted for all of this and $8000 will be quite a smack to the household. I'd really like to cancel our family cruise in December but I just booked it last week and it is already in the penalty phase, so including airfare loss it would cost me about $2000 to cancel a $4000 trip. Doesn't make much sense.

I am happy to have it confirmed though that the recovery won't be nearly as bad as the first time around, and I feel SOOOO much better...I was a frigging nut case last night and this morning.

Thanks for all of the support, you don't know how much I appreciate it!

I want to say I am sorry to hear you are going thru this what stress I want to wish you the very best with your choices as for lift or not lift I cannot help you there I know most plastic surgeon know best on this so I think if he recommended it then he felt like it would help you look your best in the long run so I think you have to sit back and think since this was kinda thrown at you with a rupture and all first off you want this surgery to last you want to look your best for a long time sooo with that being said I myself would recommend the lift and the BA. Good luck with all thats ahead nothing worse then these unexpected expenses.

[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?