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Original poster

My breast implants are failing after 25 years

62 replies

Knackeredboobs1972 · 13/08/2024 09:01

I'm 51 and had implants privately after my late grandma left me some money. I'd had a terrible time in high school up to early 20's when I finally got the chance to afford it. I was ridiculed at school for having no boobs and this absolutely destroyed me. It affected my mental health so much I was unable to go on holiday for fear of my partner seeing someone's boobs on the beach, watching TV with him was stressful, life was very difficult and as a result I attempted suicide twice. Shortly after that I inherited the money and had surgery. I also had counselling. It changed my life. I'm happy with my body and have been for years.
But obviously they don't last for ever. They have been dimpled and lumpy for years. I've ignored it as I do not have any money to get them taken out or replaced. They are getting worse and worse and I'm terrified they are causing damage. What do I do? I'm up to my eyes in credit card debt and bills already. I work 2 jobs, as does my partner. There is no way I can get thousands to sort this out.
Would the nhs ever sort this out or do I just have to live with this.

OP posts:
MiddleagedBeachbum · 13/08/2024 18:27

MichaelAndEagle · 13/08/2024 18:22

I've had breast implants removed and not replaced. I'm 43 and honestly they look fine, they are a bit saggy but not too bad and probably not that much worse than anyone else my age.
They are not half as bad as you might imagine.
There's a website called real self I think, that has before and after pictures of real people.
I had mine out under a local, in a Nuffield hospital, so no overnight stay, no GA and therefore much cheaper.

Do you mind me asking approx how much?
I too want mine out

MichaelAndEagle · 13/08/2024 18:22

I've had breast implants removed and not replaced. I'm 43 and honestly they look fine, they are a bit saggy but not too bad and probably not that much worse than anyone else my age.
They are not half as bad as you might imagine.
There's a website called real self I think, that has before and after pictures of real people.
I had mine out under a local, in a Nuffield hospital, so no overnight stay, no GA and therefore much cheaper.

BlackShuck3 · 13/08/2024 18:19

This must be a common scenario OP, I'd go to the gp & see what they say.
I hope everything works out for you🙏

EmilyGilmoreCardiganEnergy · 13/08/2024 18:14

Please can you update the thread when you have seen your GP OP, I'm interested to know what happens when they are removed and not replaced.
*because I have implants too not for weirdo reasons.

Original poster
Knackeredboobs1972 · 13/08/2024 18:10

I don't think I would want them replacing at my age. I just want to know they aren't harming me.

OP posts:
Original poster
Knackeredboobs1972 · 13/08/2024 10:09

Thank you. I'm scared of the damage that's already done for ignoring it for so long but I'll have to see the GP. Does anyone know how long recovery is and how long the op takes? I dread to think what they'll look like after

OP posts:
Deebee90 · 13/08/2024 09:43

Exactly what’s been said here. The nhs won’t replace them. Save what you can and go from there. If it’s that important to you you can find a way.

Beautiful3 · 13/08/2024 09:39

Go and see your GP. I'd want to have them removed before they cause any problems.

Woww2 · 13/08/2024 09:38

They did not tell me when I had implants they need to be changed every 15 years.
my friend had hers out in the nhs. Speak to your gp.

DancingLions · 13/08/2024 09:07

I don't know. I would imagine that if they are in any way life threatening, then the NHS would remove them but not replace. But you really need to sort it out. I'd go and see the GP as a first step.

supercalifragilistic123 · 13/08/2024 09:07

The nhs will take them out but they will not replace them. Speak to your GP.

Implants do not last forever and can cause problems if left in too long.

(I'm a theatre nurse)

CharlotteUnaNatalieThompson · 13/08/2024 09:06

It depends on the policy in the area you live (Google CCG breast implant removal and your county and it might let you see the local policy). Where I work (as a breast surgeon) we could remove implants put in privately for the reason you describe on the NHS only if they are ruptured or there is a significant capsular contracture but not just on request. And they would not be replaced.

You can ask for an appointment with your GP to discuss this.

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