After 7 years one of the implants has leaked

I had saline implants done in 2004. I was a B cup and wanted to have bigger breasts. I had surgery and turned out to be a 34D. I did not experience any problems throughout the years and even though I knew that eventually I would have to have them replaced, I though it would be at least 20 years. Well, now after 7 years one of the implants has leaked and now I have a smaller breast. I consulted with my surgeon and he told me that the manufacturer would replace and also pay a portion of the surgery. Well I though, "great this is good news", however after I spoke to the nurse it turns out that even with the company providing replacement and providing some money for surgery, I would still have to pay $6,600. I have considered my decision and read many stories on line and the possibility that my new implants might leak or that I may have to go through surgery again in 10 years and who know how much it will cost in 10 or 15 years, "$10,000???". I have decided to remove them all together. I am worried about sagging and may being unhappy with the natural breast but I think this would be the best decision for me. I am 46 and have never had children and hope that the skin will shrink a bit and my skin would not be so saggy. I guess I will have to buy the padded bras. I don't know how much it will cost just remove the implants but I am sure that it will not be so cheap either. I will keep you posted....

Submitted by Ellen (not verified) on Mon, 09/10/2012 - 08:16.

Hello,

I would appreciate any support from women who have been through this. I am 52 years old, and had Saline Implants done in 2001. The following year, I had a larger sized implant put in, because I was SO small breasted (32a or less- the smallest a woman can possibly be,..) that there wasn't enough skin to even put much of an implant in. The second bilateral augmentation I was happy with,.. at least now I had a 'shape.' Well, 6 years later, the right implant ruptured. Then, 3 years after I had the right implant replaced, the left one went. I had that one replaced. Then, 4 years later, (last month,) the right implant went, again. Now, I am awaiting my surgery, which is scheduled for September 18th. The surgeon is telling me I should go to Silicone Gel, but I am not convinced of the safety, even tho the FDA has allowed them back onto the market. I am SO scared, SO sick of surgeries, and SO conflicted as to what to do. I have pretty much decided NOT to have two new Silicone Gel ones put in, even tho the Mfg is offering a 'discount' on the total price. So now my choice is either to just have them replace the right implant with another Saline to match the left side that I had replaced last June,.. ( and hope to get another 4 years or so out of both..?) or to just have them both explanted and be done and OVER with these darn surgeries. The financial strain on my husband and I has been horrible, and I know that the best decision financially for us, would be to just, finally, have them both taken out. I am concerned as to what on earth I will look like, and I am concerned about depression. But then again, what's more important- how I look and feel about my body,.. or my health and our financial stability? I have only a few more days to decide. Has anyone been through explantation? How do your breasts look afterwords? Is it horrible? Or do you get used to it over time. I hate padded bras,.. but I guess I'll have to go back to those and higher collared shirts, and be a little self concious... but it's not the worst thing in the world either, people certainly go through worse things. Still... I'll miss the confidence and positive body image the implants gave me. thank you for any advice, or shared experiences!
Ellen

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