Guest guest Posted June 16, 2005 Report Share Posted June 16, 2005 Grrrrrrrrrr - HMO's irritate the hell out of me! Several years back I changed to Blue Cross POS (point of service) as it has 3 tiers.....HMO with a $10 co-pay and you're stuck with one doctor.....PPO with a $35 co-pay and you can see any PPO doctor......and the old 80% - 20% for any doctor not on any of these plans. It also allows me to go anywhere in the U.S. and they will cover it. But Kam, to my knowledge if you switch to PPO you will be allowed to see any doctor of your choosing who is on the PPO program, which just about every doctor is. And you will not need a referral either. I would investigate and most definitely switch over if you can! ~~ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 16, 2005 Report Share Posted June 16, 2005 Kam, I am sure you have explored this, but I would also investigate what your rights and options for time off under your current work situation. Are you covered by a labor contract? If so, it may spell out what your options are for requesting an unpaid leave. If you are not covered contractually, your Human Services may be able to tell you if it is possible to take a medical leave without pay. While I recognize that will have some down side financially..you probably can elect to continue your insurance benfits for a defined period by contributing your and employers share if you do it right...what you don't want to find happen is that you loose your job because you have been out sick so much, and then loose your benefits... Like everything in life, timing is everything... I applaud your search for the ultimate in pain control and surgery deferring techniques! Good luck, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 ~ Your main focus is what symptoms you have, like severe pain and burning, if you have painful lumps and things then add that. If the pain is interfeering with your life, than that needs to be stated too. Like the pain is so bad you cannot function, or if it causes pain or numbness down your arm or what ever. Reguardless of what has caused all your problmes, you are having problems all around in your breasts, and this is reason for investigating surgically. Since they deem implants safe, this is not a tool you want to use. Just put it by the wayside for now. Wishing you very well, and hoping for your miracles...... Hugs Dede See what's free at AOL.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 You need to have a doctor order an MRI or an ultrasound to check for rupture or leakage. I think most docs would write a letter for you. I am sure Dr. Huang would, as she has done it for a number of women I have sent to her. She is in Colorado and so am I, so I have referred many hundreds (if not more) women there. I would just ask the docs. I know that many make you pay up front and then file for your insurance, so check that also. Lynda At 09:49 AM 7/11/2007, you wrote: >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to >leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. >You all have been very helpful. > > Cutshall > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 , YOu will have to make this decision on your own. They are all good doctors. Dr. Kolb seems very good at writing letters to the insurance companies for getting coverage, as she is familiar with the proper verbiage. However, my doctor got mine covered before surgery was scheduled as well. The focus was on my Baker IV capsular contractures, which I thought were just hard saline implants. You'll be in good hands no matter which way you go. Trust your judgement and your instincts and go with the doctor you desire. Patty > At 09:49 AM 7/11/2007, you wrote: > > >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. > >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to > >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. > >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that > >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by > >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me > >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't > >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. > >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they > >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants > >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, > >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the > >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I > >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible > >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have > >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send > >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me > >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said > >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to > >leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or > >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but > >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be > >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. > >You all have been very helpful. > > > > Cutshall > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Hi ,I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to different Dr's about explant and still don't know who to see. I was trying really really hard to find someone who would do a casulectomy for me in Canada (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a while about getting the implants out and leaving the capsules, but decided against it. So now I am saving the money up, because I have bad credit and can't borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb too, eventhough it would be very difficult for me to afford her at this time. She really understands the lymph node connection which is a really bad problem for me.So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that sometimes its not possible to get all the capsule? Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat transfers as well... I am considering this as an alternative to a lift.Katy:)michellecutshall71 <michellecutshall71@...> wrote: I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, (leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to leave "some" especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. You all have been very helpful. Cutshall Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Hi , I just wanted to chime in on the insurance thing quickly. If you're really sick and really need the money to explant, then of course pursuing the insurance route is a good way to go. Unfortunately I have now heard of several women who, because they let their insurance companies know they were so sick from implants, have had their policy rates hiked tremendously and in one case, policy cancelled (they did pay for the explant though). They are also now basically uninsurable. I don't have individual health insurance--it's through my husband's work, so they can't cancel or raise it, but...it is in the back of my mind--what if some day I need to get health insurance, or want to raise my life insurance? Would I be declined b/c of the explant if I tried to get them to cover it? For me, I'm not mentioning any of it to the insurance company. The less they know, the better, and I'm certainly not going to tell them I am sick in any way (in my case, I'm not though). I'm not saying you shouldn't--just wanted to mention that sometimes there is a downside to bringing it to their attention. I wish you the best of luck! > > Hi , > > I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to different Dr's about explant and still don't know who to see. I was trying really really hard to find someone who would do a casulectomy for me in Canada (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a while about getting the implants out and leaving the capsules, but decided against it. So now I am saving the money up, because I have bad credit and can't borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb too, eventhough it would be very difficult for me to afford her at this time. She really understands the lymph node connection which is a really bad problem for me. > > So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that sometimes its not possible to get all the capsule? > > Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat transfers as well... I am considering this as an alternative to a lift. > > Katy:) > > michellecutshall71 <michellecutshall71@...> wrote: I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. > I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to > decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. > Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that > would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by > email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me > great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't > have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. > Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they > said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants > making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, > (leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the > surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I > have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible > doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have > been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send > multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me > know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said > that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to > leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or > chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but > getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be > good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. > You all have been very helpful. > > Cutshall > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Katy, Is Dr. Kolb expensive?? I heard today that she was really, really expensive. But Dr. Feng is expensive too. That's who i wanted to go to but she quoted me $13,200 for explant/lift. I have been talking mostly to Dr. Melmed. He got on the phone and talked to me today explaining the whole procedure, the myths, internet rumors, capsules, lifts and such. He said you can't 100% get rid of all the capsules. He said anyone who says they can are lieing. And Dr. Huang said the same thing. They both said if it has adhered to your ribs or lungs or chest wall then there will be some left. However, he said that if you have saline implants that the capsule will dissipate within a year. Silicone will not. They have to make a choice to either cause you severe bleeding, possible puncture of the lungs or chest wall or to leave some. He said they get what is humanly possible. Dr. Melmed also says that most women who have implants behind the muscle don't need a lift cuz the muscle will pull the breast tissue back up, but sometimes it is necessary if you had sagging breasts before implants. So that's good news. Oh, he also doesn't charge for the lift and he can take out the implant and do the lift through the areola!!! No nasty T scar!!! That's a plus!! Dr. Kolb says she can do that too. I like Dr. Huang also cuz she does the fat transfers. She quoted me for explant/fat transfer around $9000. That's a little higher than i wanted. Not sure if she does the areola incision, i will have to ask.I hope you get yours out soon too. If my insurance will cover it then i want mine out ASAP!!!! if not, i will have to wait till next march. That sucks when you know what's wrong but you can't fix it!! God Bless!!! Cutshall katy mclean <thesuddendeparture@...> wrote: Hi ,I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to different Dr's about explant and still don't know who to see. I was trying really really hard to find someone who would do a casulectomy for me in Canada (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a while about getting the implants out and leaving the capsules, but decided against it. So now I am saving the money up, because I have bad credit and can't borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb too, eventhough it would be very difficult for me to afford her at this time. She really understands the lymph node connection which is a really bad problem for me.So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that sometimes its not possible to get all the capsule? Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat transfers as well... I am considering this as an alternative to a lift.Katy:)michellecutshall71 <michellecutshall71 > wrote: I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, (leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to leave "some" especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. You all have been very helpful. Cutshall Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers. No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with for Mobile. Get started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 The capsule will absolutely not dissipate in a year. That is a myth some docs perpetuate. Often the capsule continues to grow. This has been shown in journal articles. Yes, there may be RARE cases where the capsule has grown between ribs and adhered to the lungs. This is not usually the case and most of our doctors will work very hard to get it all. Melmed is not one who does, and his words to you show how important he does not think it is to get it all. My scar capsule was removed 8 1/2 months later, and was still completely there. What does that tell you? We have had some very disappointed women who went to Melmed and then had to go elsewhere to have scar tissue removed. Please be careful. A doctor who scares you about all the possibilities is one I would run from. Some women lose a lot of breast sensitivity when they have incisions around the areola. I would not risk that. Dr. Huang's office often quotes high, so pin them down. Maybe Feng and Kolb do also. Just be sure you know what you are getting and not getting. Lynda At 10:22 PM 7/11/2007, you wrote: >Katy, > >Is Dr. Kolb expensive?? I heard today that she was really, really >expensive. But Dr. Feng is expensive too. That's who i wanted to go >to but she quoted me $13,200 for explant/lift. I have been talking >mostly to Dr. Melmed. He got on the phone and talked to me today >explaining the whole procedure, the myths, internet rumors, >capsules, lifts and such. He said you can't 100% get rid of all the >capsules. He said anyone who says they can are lieing. And Dr. Huang >said the same thing. They both said if it has adhered to your ribs >or lungs or chest wall then there will be some left. However, he >said that if you have saline implants that the capsule will >dissipate within a year. Silicone will not. They have to make a >choice to either cause you severe bleeding, possible puncture of the >lungs or chest wall or to leave some. He said they get what is >humanly possible. Dr. Melmed also says that most women who have >implants behind the muscle don't need a lift cuz the muscle will >pull the breast tissue back up, but sometimes it is necessary if you >had sagging breasts before implants. So that's good news. Oh, he >also doesn't charge for the lift and he can take out the >implant and do the lift through the areola!!! No nasty T scar!!! >That's a plus!! Dr. Kolb says she can do that too. I like Dr. Huang >also cuz she does the fat transfers. She quoted me for explant/fat >transfer around $9000. That's a little higher than i wanted. Not >sure if she does the areola incision, i will have to ask.I hope you >get yours out soon too. If my insurance will cover it then i want >mine out ASAP!!!! if not, i will have to wait till next march. That >sucks when you know what's wrong but you can't fix it!! > >God Bless!!! > Cutshall > > >katy mclean <thesuddendeparture@...> wrote: >Hi , > >I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to different Dr's >about explant and still don't know who to see. I was trying really >really hard to find someone who would do a casulectomy for me in >Canada (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a while >about getting the implants out and leaving the capsules, but decided >against it. So now I am saving the money up, because I have bad >credit and can't borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr >Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb too, eventhough >it would be very difficult for me to afford her at this time. She >really understands the lymph node connection which is a really bad >problem for me. > >So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that sometimes its not >possible to get all the capsule? > >Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat transfers as >well... I am considering this as an alternative to a lift. > >Katy:) > >michellecutshall71 <michellecutshall71@...> wrote: >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to >leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. >You all have been very helpful. > > Cutshall > > > >Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. ><http://ca.answers./>Go to Answers. > > > >No need to miss a message. ><http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail>Get >email on-the-go >with for Mobile. ><http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail>Get started. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 Wow!! I wish someone would show me the proof that SALINE capsules will dissipate or that they won't!! The more I talk to people on here and Doctors the more confused I get!!! Dr. Melmed says he DOES remove the capsule. Only a miniscule amount will remain IF it has adhered to your ribs or lungs. He also sends them off to be tested and prove that he got the capsule. I talked to Kacey Long who did the MTV spot on her implants and she HIGHLY recommends him. Says he does a wonderful job and her breasts look great after having the areola incision explant. Thats how I got the implants was through the areola and i still have sensation. I guess we just have to pray about it is what it boils down to. I am thankful for everyone's input and suggestions. Thank you!! Lynda Roth <coss@...> wrote: The capsule will absolutely not dissipate in a year. That is a myth some docs perpetuate. Often the capsule continues to grow. This has been shown in journal articles.Yes, there may be RARE cases where the capsule has grown between ribs and adhered to the lungs. This is not usually the case and most of our doctors will work very hard to get it all. Melmed is not one who does, and his words to you show how important he does not think it is to get it all.My scar capsule was removed 8 1/2 months later, and was still completely there. What does that tell you?We have had some very disappointed women who went to Melmed and then had to go elsewhere to have scar tissue removed. Please be careful.A doctor who scares you about all the possibilities is one I would run from.Some women lose a lot of breast sensitivity when they have incisions around the areola. I would not risk that.Dr. Huang's office often quotes high, so pin them down. Maybe Feng and Kolb do also.Just be sure you know what you are getting and not getting.LyndaAt 10:22 PM 7/11/2007, you wrote:>Katy,>>Is Dr. Kolb expensive?? I heard today that she was really, really >expensive. But Dr. Feng is expensive too. That's who i wanted to go >to but she quoted me $13,200 for explant/lift. I have been talking >mostly to Dr. Melmed. He got on the phone and talked to me today >explaining the whole procedure, the myths, internet rumors, >capsules, lifts and such. He said you can't 100% get rid of all the >capsules. He said anyone who says they can are lieing. And Dr. Huang >said the same thing. They both said if it has adhered to your ribs >or lungs or chest wall then there will be some left. However, he >said that if you have saline implants that the capsule will >dissipate within a year. Silicone will not. They have to make a >choice to either cause you severe bleeding, possible puncture of the >lungs or chest wall or to leave some. He said they get what is >humanly possible. Dr. Melmed also says that most women who have >implants behind the muscle don't need a lift cuz the muscle will >pull the breast tissue back up, but sometimes it is necessary if you >had sagging breasts before implants. So that's good news. Oh, he >also doesn't charge for the lift and he can take out the >implant and do the lift through the areola!!! No nasty T scar!!! >That's a plus!! Dr. Kolb says she can do that too. I like Dr. Huang >also cuz she does the fat transfers. She quoted me for explant/fat >transfer around $9000. That's a little higher than i wanted. Not >sure if she does the areola incision, i will have to ask.I hope you >get yours out soon too. If my insurance will cover it then i want >mine out ASAP!!!! if not, i will have to wait till next march. That >sucks when you know what's wrong but you can't fix it!!>>God Bless!!!> Cutshall>>>katy mclean <thesuddendeparture (DOT) ca> wrote:>Hi ,>>I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to different Dr's >about explant and still don't know who to see. I was trying really >really hard to find someone who would do a casulectomy for me in >Canada (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a while >about getting the implants out and leaving the capsules, but decided >against it. So now I am saving the money up, because I have bad >credit and can't borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr >Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb too, eventhough >it would be very difficult for me to afford her at this time. She >really understands the lymph node connection which is a really bad >problem for me.>>So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that sometimes its not >possible to get all the capsule?>>Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat transfers as >well... I am considering this as an alternative to a lift.>>Katy:)>>michellecutshall71 <michellecutshall71 > wrote:>I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week.>I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to>decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr.>Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that>would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by>email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me>great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't>have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it.>Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they>said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants>making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out,>(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the>surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I>have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible>doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have>been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send>multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me>know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said>that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to>leave "some" especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or>chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but>getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be>good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages.>You all have been very helpful.>> Cutshall>>>>Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. ><http://ca.answers./>Go to Answers.>>>>No need to miss a message. ><http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail>Get >email on-the-go>with for Mobile. ><http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail>Get started.> No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with for Mobile. Get started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 11, 2007 Report Share Posted July 11, 2007 How do i know if i have a capsular contracture?? I have been having a tightening in my breasts more than usual lately and they are sore. Especially my left breast. And they feel rigged on the under portion of my breast. How do you know if they have ruptured?? Thank you for your advice. It is hard to choose. I have heard many good suggestions and a few negative. All is appreciated!!! Blessings! glory2glory1401 <glory2glory1401@...> wrote: ,YOu will have to make this decision on your own. They are all good doctors.Dr. Kolb seems very good at writing letters to the insurance companies for getting coverage, as she is familiar with the proper verbiage. However, my doctor got mine covered before surgery was scheduled as well. The focus was on my Baker IV capsular contractures, which I thought were just hard saline implants.You'll be in good hands no matter which way you go. Trust your judgement and your instincts and go with the doctor you desire.Patty > At 09:49 AM 7/11/2007, you wrote:> > >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week.> >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to> >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr.> >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that> >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by> >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me> >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't> >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it.> >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they> >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants> >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out,> >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the> >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I> >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible> >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have> >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send> >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me> >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said> >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to> >leave "some" especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or> >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but> >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be> >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages.> >You all have been very helpful.> >> > Cutshall> >> >> Get the toolbar and be alerted to new email wherever you're surfing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 , I wish Dr. Melmed will show us his proof for saying the capsules will dissolve. Did you ask him? I am sure he can get it all if it is not too risky. I'd just want to make sure he has it in his mind to get it all if he can. In that case he may be a very good choice for you. I would just want to know that my doctor is not basing any of his actions regarding my outcome on false assumptions, such as capsules dissolving. At this point, we believe it is best to get out all of the scar tissue, based on several studies and papers written by medical professionals, and the experiences of women who did not have capsules removed and did not heal. You can see these articles for yourself in our files section and links section on explant. Be sure to read them and review them carefully. You'll just have to go with your own instincts! Dr. Melmed has a great bedside manner from what I have heard. By the way, how is Kacey doing? The last I heard she was still dealing with some symptoms that have not resolved. Patty > >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. > >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to > >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. > >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that > >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by > >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me > >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't > >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. > >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they > >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants > >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, > >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the > >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I > >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible > >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have > >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send > >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me > >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said > >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to > >leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or > >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but > >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be > >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. > >You all have been very helpful. > > > > Cutshall > > > > > > > >Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. > ><http://ca.answers./>Go to Answers. > > > > > > > >No need to miss a message. > ><http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail>Get > >email on-the-go > >with for Mobile. > ><http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail>Get started. > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go > with for Mobile. Get started. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Hmm, that's very interesting that Huang says the same thing as Melmed about the difficulty of removing all of the capsules. I was under the impression from previous posts that Huang ALWAYS removes ALL the capsules. From the research I have read, some women who have residual capsules take longer to resolve symptoms, but I haven't read anything about women who have small scraps of residual capsules. My guess is that the body might still think it has foreign invaders (implants) if the whole capsules are left behind, taking longer to get the message, but tiny scraps of capsule don't have the same effect. If I am not mistaken, all the surgeons who remove capsules make incisions around the areola, but some, like Feng, also add a vertical incision. Bindi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 , You will have to get a doctor familiar with the Baker scale to know what level of contracture you have, but you'll know almost just by looking at them and feeling them. Contractures are hard as baseballs, and look stuck on your chest at their worst. There are less hard levels. Here is the scale: Baker Class I :implant as soft as a natural breast, Class 2: breast hardness that can be felt but not clearly visible, Class 3 : breast that is firmer so that it can be easily felt and can be seen (or distortion is present) Class 4 :breast that is firm, hard, tender, painful and cold, with visible distortion. You'll know if there is a frank rupture if you've experienced sudden deflation with saline implants. But they can slow leak also, and that will not show as suddenly, leaking over long periods of time, such as days, weeks or even months. With silicone gel it is not as easy to tell if they are ruptured. Many women have had ruptured implants and never knew it until they had an MRI. Patty Cutshall <michellecutshall71@...> wrote: How do i know if i have a capsular contracture?? I have been having a tightening in my breasts more than usual lately and they are sore. Especially my left breast. And they feel rigged on the under portion of my breast. How do you know if they have ruptured?? Thank you for your advice. It is hard to choose. I have heard many good suggestions and a few negative. All is appreciated!!! Blessings! glory2glory1401 <glory2glory1401 > wrote: ,YOu will have to make this decision on your own. They are all good doctors.Dr. Kolb seems very good at writing letters to the insurance companies for getting coverage, as she is familiar with the proper verbiage. However, my doctor got mine covered before surgery was scheduled as well. The focus was on my Baker IV capsular contractures, which I thought were just hard saline implants.You'll be in good hands no matter which way you go. Trust your judgement and your instincts and go with the doctor you desire.Patty > At 09:49 AM 7/11/2007, you wrote:> > >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week.> >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to> >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr.> >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that> >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by> >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me> >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't> >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it.> >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they> >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants> >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out,> >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the> >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I> >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible> >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have> >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send> >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me> >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said> >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to> >leave "some" especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or> >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but> >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be> >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages.> >You all have been very helpful.> >> > Cutshall> >> >> Get the toolbar and be alerted to new email wherever you're surfing. Park yourself in front of a world of choices in alternative vehicles.Visit the Auto Green Center. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Hi , I really appreciate you sharing your findings with me. I really want to get something set up as a goal to work towards. I wish I could get something covered by insurance, but because I live in Canada I can't and none of the 3 surgeons I consulted with here are willing to remove my capsules. That scares me a bit, but my instincts tell me I should get them out with the implants. Plus there is so much information from the women here about it. I don't want to take chances... I have been worried about getting a lift or transfer because I don't have any children yet and am concerned that it would cause problems with breastfeeding in the future. Dr Melmed, Feng and Huang have all assured me that this shouldn't be a problem. I am not sure about how it works with the transfers though. I sent photos to Dr Huang and Melmed and he thinks I could use a lift although she doesn't... I just keep gathering information while I save up. I have been working towards my explant for a year now. It is taking much longer than I expected but hopefully I will be really prepared when the time comes. Today Dr. melmed told me in an email that almost everyone can look good after explant. He said alot of PS tell you that you will be deformed or have a 'bad cosmetic result' and its not true. That was nice to hear for a change!! Keep me posted on your progress and I will share any information too. Katy:) --- Cutshall <michellecutshall71@...> wrote: > Katy, > > Is Dr. Kolb expensive?? I heard today that she was > really, really expensive. But Dr. Feng is expensive > too. That's who i wanted to go to but she quoted me > $13,200 for explant/lift. I have been talking mostly > to Dr. Melmed. He got on the phone and talked to me > today explaining the whole procedure, the myths, > internet rumors, capsules, lifts and such. He said > you can't 100% get rid of all the capsules. He said > anyone who says they can are lieing. And Dr. Huang > said the same thing. They both said if it has > adhered to your ribs or lungs or chest wall then > there will be some left. However, he said that if > you have saline implants that the capsule will > dissipate within a year. Silicone will not. They > have to make a choice to either cause you severe > bleeding, possible puncture of the lungs or chest > wall or to leave some. He said they get what is > humanly possible. Dr. Melmed also says that most > women who have implants behind the muscle don't need > a lift cuz the muscle will pull > the breast tissue back up, but sometimes it is > necessary if you had sagging breasts before > implants. So that's good news. Oh, he also doesn't > charge for the lift and he can take out the implant > and do the lift through the areola!!! No nasty T > scar!!! That's a plus!! Dr. Kolb says she can do > that too. I like Dr. Huang also cuz she does the > fat transfers. She quoted me for explant/fat > transfer around $9000. That's a little higher than > i wanted. Not sure if she does the areola incision, > i will have to ask.I hope you get yours out soon > too. If my insurance will cover it then i want mine > out ASAP!!!! if not, i will have to wait till next > march. That sucks when you know what's wrong but you > can't fix it!! > > God Bless!!! > Cutshall > > > katy mclean <thesuddendeparture@...> wrote: > Hi , > > I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to > different Dr's about explant and still don't know > who to see. I was trying really really hard to find > someone who would do a casulectomy for me in Canada > (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a > while about getting the implants out and leaving the > capsules, but decided against it. So now I am saving > the money up, because I have bad credit and can't > borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr > Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb > too, eventhough it would be very difficult for me to > afford her at this time. She really understands the > lymph node connection which is a really bad problem > for me. > > So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that > sometimes its not possible to get all the capsule? > > Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat > transfers as well... I am considering this as an > alternative to a lift. > > Katy:) > > michellecutshall71 <michellecutshall71@...> > wrote: I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. > Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. > I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so > very hard to > decide which would be best for me. It would be > easiest to see Dr. > Melmed because I have family in texas that I could > stay with and that > would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has > contacted me by > email and phone which has impressed me very much. > Dr. Huang showed me > great compassion in her email and hopes that i get > better so I don't > have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta > pray about it. > Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my > insurance and they > said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is > my implants > making me sick and that they can prove they need to > come out, > (leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it > prior to the > surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard > proof from what I > have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter > from a reputible > doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that > as well. I have > been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she > had to send > multiple letters but she finally got her insurance > to pay. So let me > know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i > talked to said > that they remove the capsules but there are times > that they have to > leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your > lungs, ribs, or > chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't > always achievable but > getting out the majority of the implant and capsule > still has to be > good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding > to my messages. > You all have been very helpful. > > Cutshall > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Ask a question on any topic and get answers from > real people. Go to Answers. > > > > > --------------------------------- > No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go > with for Mobile. Get started. Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is at giving junk email the boot with the All-new at http://mrd.mail./try_beta?.intl=ca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 , I can tell you that Dr Kolb is very expensive, more than the others. I don't know why this is so. I have been her patient, and the quote just for taking out SOME capsule is 7,000. No lift, no fixing anything else. And this is after two other surgeries with her. Very expensive. Nan I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. > I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to > decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. > Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that > would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by > email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me > great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't > have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. > Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they > said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants > making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, > (leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the > surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I > have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible > doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have > been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send > multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me > know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said > that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to > leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or > chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but > getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be > good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. > You all have been very helpful. > > Cutshall > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Answers. > > > > > --------------------------------- > No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go > with for Mobile. Get started. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Dr. Pierre Blais, a biochemist, says that absolutely does not happen. Many journal articles have been written on retained capsules. Dr. Melmed has not ever offered any proof of what he says, he just keeps saying it. We have asked him for supporting articles and research, and nothing is ever given. We know this is not true, as so many women have had to go and have retained scar tissue removed. From Saline implants. Dr. Melmed has left women looking pretty good, but so have all the others. Lynda At 10:48 PM 7/11/2007, you wrote: >Wow!! I wish someone would show me the proof >that SALINE capsules will dissipate or that they >won't!! The more I talk to people on here and >Doctors the more confused I get!!! Dr. Melmed >says he DOES remove the capsule. Only a >miniscule amount will remain IF it has adhered >to your ribs or lungs. He also sends them off to >be tested and prove that he got the capsule. I >talked to Kacey Long who did the MTV spot on her >implants and she HIGHLY recommends him. Says he >does a wonderful job and her breasts look great >after having the areola incision explant. Thats >how I got the implants was through the areola >and i still have sensation. I guess we just have >to pray about it is what it boils down to. I am >thankful for everyone's input and suggestions. Thank you!! > > > >Lynda Roth <coss@...> wrote: >The capsule will absolutely not dissipate in a year. That is a myth >some docs perpetuate. Often the capsule continues to grow. This has >been shown in journal articles. > >Yes, there may be RARE cases where the capsule has grown between ribs >and adhered to the lungs. This is not usually the case and most of >our doctors will work very hard to get it all. Melmed is not one who >does, and his words to you show how important he does not think it is >to get it all. > >My scar capsule was removed 8 1/2 months later, and was still >completely there. What does that tell you? > >We have had some very disappointed women who went to Melmed and then >had to go elsewhere to have scar tissue removed. Please be careful. > >A doctor who scares you about all the possibilities is one I would run from. > >Some women lose a lot of breast sensitivity when they have incisions >around the areola. I would not risk that. > >Dr. Huang's office often quotes high, so pin them down. Maybe Feng >and Kolb do also. > >Just be sure you know what you are getting and not getting. > >Lynda > >At 10:22 PM 7/11/2007, you wrote: > > >Katy, > > > >Is Dr. Kolb expensive?? I heard today that she was really, really > >expensive. But Dr. Feng is expensive too. That's who i wanted to go > >to but she quoted me $13,200 for explant/lift. I have been talking > >mostly to Dr. Melmed. He got on the phone and talked to me today > >explaining the whole procedure, the myths, internet rumors, > >capsules, lifts and such. He said you can't 100% get rid of all the > >capsules. He said anyone who says they can are lieing. And Dr. Huang > >said the same thing. They both said if it has adhered to your ribs > >or lungs or chest wall then there will be some left. However, he > >said that if you have saline implants that the capsule will > >dissipate within a year. Silicone will not. They have to make a > >choice to either cause you severe bleeding, possible puncture of the > >lungs or chest wall or to leave some. He said they get what is > >humanly possible. Dr. Melmed also says that most women who have > >implants behind the muscle don't need a lift cuz the muscle will > >pull the breast tissue back up, but sometimes it is necessary if you > >had sagging breasts before implants. So that's good news. Oh, he > >also doesn't charge for the lift and he can take out the > >implant and do the lift through the areola!!! No nasty T scar!!! > >That's a plus!! Dr. Kolb says she can do that too. I like Dr. Huang > >also cuz she does the fat transfers. She quoted me for explant/fat > >transfer around $9000. That's a little higher than i wanted. Not > >sure if she does the areola incision, i will have to ask.I hope you > >get yours out soon too. If my insurance will cover it then i want > >mine out ASAP!!!! if not, i will have to wait till next march. That > >sucks when you know what's wrong but you can't fix it!! > > > >God Bless!!! > > Cutshall > > > > > >katy mclean > <<mailto:thesuddendeparture%40.ca>thesuddendeparture@...> wrote: > >Hi , > > > >I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to different Dr's > >about explant and still don't know who to see. I was trying really > >really hard to find someone who would do a casulectomy for me in > >Canada (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a while > >about getting the implants out and leaving the capsules, but decided > >against it. So now I am saving the money up, because I have bad > >credit and can't borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr > >Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb too, eventhough > >it would be very difficult for me to afford her at this time. She > >really understands the lymph node connection which is a really bad > >problem for me. > > > >So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that sometimes its not > >possible to get all the capsule? > > > >Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat transfers as > >well... I am considering this as an alternative to a lift. > > > >Katy:) > > > >michellecutshall71 > <<mailto:michellecutshall71%40>michellecutshall71@...> wrote: > >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. > >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to > >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. > >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and that > >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by > >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang showed me > >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I don't > >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about it. > >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they > >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants > >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, > >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the > >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I > >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a reputible > >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have > >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send > >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let me > >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said > >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have to > >leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or > >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable but > >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to be > >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my messages. > >You all have been very helpful. > > > > Cutshall > > > > > > > >Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. > ><<http://ca.answers./>http://ca.answer > s./>Go to Answers. > > > > > > > >No need to miss a message. > ><<http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobi > le./mail>http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail\ >Get > > >email on-the-go > >with for Mobile. > ><<http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobi > le./mail>http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail\ >Get > started. > > > > > >No need to miss a message. ><http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail>Get >email on-the-go >with for Mobile. ><http://us.rd./evt=43910/*http://mobile./mail>Get started. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Saline implants go flat if ruptured. All inplants will harden with capsular contracture, given enough time. Lynda At 10:52 PM 7/11/2007, you wrote: >How do i know if i have a capsular contracture?? >I have been having a tightening in my breasts >more than usual lately and they are sore. >Especially my left breast. And they feel rigged >on the under portion of my breast. How do you know if they have ruptured?? > >Thank you for your advice. It is hard to choose. >I have heard many good suggestions and a few negative. All is appreciated!!! > >Blessings! > > >glory2glory1401 <glory2glory1401@...> wrote: >, >YOu will have to make this decision on your own. They are all good >doctors. > >Dr. Kolb seems very good at writing letters to the insurance >companies for getting coverage, as she is familiar with the proper >verbiage. However, my doctor got mine covered before surgery was >scheduled as well. The focus was on my Baker IV capsular >contractures, which I thought were just hard saline implants. > >You'll be in good hands no matter which way you go. Trust your >judgement and your instincts and go with the doctor you desire. >Patty > > At 09:49 AM 7/11/2007, you wrote: > > > > >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all >week. > > >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to > > >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr. > > >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and >that > > >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by > > >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang >showed me > > >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I >don't > > >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about >it. > > >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they > > >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants > > >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out, > > >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the > > >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I > > >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a >reputible > > >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have > > >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send > > >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let >me > > >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said > > >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have >to > > >leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or > > >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable >but > > >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to >be > > >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my >messages. > > >You all have been very helpful. > > > > > > Cutshall > > > > > > > > > > > >Get the toolbar and ><http://us.rd./evt=48225/*http://new.toolbar./toolbar/feature\ s/mail/index.php>be >alerted to new email wherever you're surfing. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Dr. Huang removes all the capsule except for the rare occasion that a bit of it has adhered to the lung or has grown uder the ribs and is too dangerous. Same with Feng and Kolb. Lynda At 01:00 AM 7/12/2007, you wrote: >Hmm, that's very interesting that Huang says the >same thing as Melmed about the difficulty of >removing all of the capsules. I was under the >impression from previous posts that Huang ALWAYS removes ALL the capsules. > > From the research I have read, some women who > have residual capsules take longer to resolve > symptoms, but I haven't read anything about > women who have small scraps of residual > capsules. My guess is that the body might still > think it has foreign invaders (implants) if the > whole capsules are left behind, taking longer > to get the message, but tiny scraps of capsule don't have the same effect. > >If I am not mistaken, all the surgeons who >remove capsules make incisions around the >areola, but some, like Feng, also add a vertical incision. > >Bindi > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 , Dr. Huang has always said that many women receive unnecessary lifts. I do believe she does some internal work to lift the breasts so a visible lift can be avoided. Lynda At 01:56 AM 7/12/2007, you wrote: >Hi , > >I really appreciate you sharing your findings with me. >I really want to get something set up as a goal to >work towards. I wish I could get something covered by >insurance, but because I live in Canada I can't and >none of the 3 surgeons I consulted with here are >willing to remove my capsules. That scares me a bit, >but my instincts tell me I should get them out with >the implants. Plus there is so much information from >the women here about it. I don't want to take >chances... > >I have been worried about getting a lift or transfer >because I don't have any children yet and am concerned >that it would cause problems with breastfeeding in the >future. Dr Melmed, Feng and Huang have all assured me >that this shouldn't be a problem. I am not sure about >how it works with the transfers though. I sent photos >to Dr Huang and Melmed and he thinks I could use a >lift although she doesn't... I just keep gathering >information while I save up. I have been working >towards my explant for a year now. It is taking much >longer than I expected but hopefully I will be really >prepared when the time comes. > >Today Dr. melmed told me in an email that almost >everyone can look good after explant. He said alot of >PS tell you that you will be deformed or have a 'bad >cosmetic result' and its not true. That was nice to >hear for a change!! > >Keep me posted on your progress and I will share any >information too. > >Katy:) >--- Cutshall ><<mailto:michellecutshall71%40>michellecutshall71@...> >wrote: > > > Katy, > > > > Is Dr. Kolb expensive?? I heard today that she was > > really, really expensive. But Dr. Feng is expensive > > too. That's who i wanted to go to but she quoted me > > $13,200 for explant/lift. I have been talking mostly > > to Dr. Melmed. He got on the phone and talked to me > > today explaining the whole procedure, the myths, > > internet rumors, capsules, lifts and such. He said > > you can't 100% get rid of all the capsules. He said > > anyone who says they can are lieing. And Dr. Huang > > said the same thing. They both said if it has > > adhered to your ribs or lungs or chest wall then > > there will be some left. However, he said that if > > you have saline implants that the capsule will > > dissipate within a year. Silicone will not. They > > have to make a choice to either cause you severe > > bleeding, possible puncture of the lungs or chest > > wall or to leave some. He said they get what is > > humanly possible. Dr. Melmed also says that most > > women who have implants behind the muscle don't need > > a lift cuz the muscle will pull > > the breast tissue back up, but sometimes it is > > necessary if you had sagging breasts before > > implants. So that's good news. Oh, he also doesn't > > charge for the lift and he can take out the implant > > and do the lift through the areola!!! No nasty T > > scar!!! That's a plus!! Dr. Kolb says she can do > > that too. I like Dr. Huang also cuz she does the > > fat transfers. She quoted me for explant/fat > > transfer around $9000. That's a little higher than > > i wanted. Not sure if she does the areola incision, > > i will have to ask.I hope you get yours out soon > > too. If my insurance will cover it then i want mine > > out ASAP!!!! if not, i will have to wait till next > > march. That sucks when you know what's wrong but you > > can't fix it!! > > > > God Bless!!! > > Cutshall > > > > > > katy mclean > <<mailto:thesuddendeparture%40.ca>thesuddendeparture@...> wrote: > > Hi , > > > > I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to > > different Dr's about explant and still don't know > > who to see. I was trying really really hard to find > > someone who would do a casulectomy for me in Canada > > (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a > > while about getting the implants out and leaving the > > capsules, but decided against it. So now I am saving > > the money up, because I have bad credit and can't > > borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr > > Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb > > too, eventhough it would be very difficult for me to > > afford her at this time. She really understands the > > lymph node connection which is a really bad problem > > for me. > > > > So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that > > sometimes its not possible to get all the capsule? > > > > Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat > > transfers as well... I am considering this as an > > alternative to a lift. > > > > Katy:) > > > > michellecutshall71 > <<mailto:michellecutshall71%40>michellecutshall71@...> > > wrote: I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. > > Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. > > I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so > > very hard to > > decide which would be best for me. It would be > > easiest to see Dr. > > Melmed because I have family in texas that I could > > stay with and that > > would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has > > contacted me by > > email and phone which has impressed me very much. > > Dr. Huang showed me > > great compassion in her email and hopes that i get > > better so I don't > > have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta > > pray about it. > > Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my > > insurance and they > > said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is > > my implants > > making me sick and that they can prove they need to > > come out, > > (leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it > > prior to the > > surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard > > proof from what I > > have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter > > from a reputible > > doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that > > as well. I have > > been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she > > had to send > > multiple letters but she finally got her insurance > > to pay. So let me > > know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i > > talked to said > > that they remove the capsules but there are times > > that they have to > > leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your > > lungs, ribs, or > > chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't > > always achievable but > > getting out the majority of the implant and capsule > > still has to be > > good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding > > to my messages. > > You all have been very helpful. > > > > Cutshall > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Ask a question on any topic and get answers from > > real people. Go to Answers. > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go > > with for Mobile. Get started. > >Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is >at giving junk email the boot with the All-new > at ><http://mrd.mail./try_beta?.intl=ca>http://mrd.mail./try_beta\ ?.intl=ca > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Katy- A skilled plastic surgeon should be able to make you look fabulous after removing implants. I had very large implants and definitely needed a lift, which Melmed did. I look better than I did pre-implant. Of course I wish I had gone for the lift in the first place. Melmed told me I could still breastfeed if I wanted, and I was like, Huh? I have two grown daughters and one teenager! Bindi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Dr. Kolb told me today that her pricing is $9000 to $10,000 with the lift. I think I would rather have the fat transfers then cuz it's the same price. So far, Dr. Melmed is the most affordable. But I like the idea of the fat transfers. I don't understand though, if they can transfer fat to our breasts then why haven't they done this instead of implants in the first place??? I don't get it. Lynda Roth <coss@...> wrote: ,Dr. Huang has always said that many women receive unnecessary lifts. I do believe she does some internal work to lift the breasts so a visible lift can be avoided.LyndaAt 01:56 AM 7/12/2007, you wrote:>Hi ,>>I really appreciate you sharing your findings with me.>I really want to get something set up as a goal to>work towards. I wish I could get something covered by>insurance, but because I live in Canada I can't and>none of the 3 surgeons I consulted with here are>willing to remove my capsules. That scares me a bit,>but my instincts tell me I should get them out with>the implants. Plus there is so much information from>the women here about it. I don't want to take>chances...>>I have been worried about getting a lift or transfer>because I don't have any children yet and am concerned>that it would cause problems with breastfeeding in the>future. Dr Melmed, Feng and Huang have all assured me>that this shouldn't be a problem. I am not sure about>how it works with the transfers though. I sent photos>to Dr Huang and Melmed and he thinks I could use a>lift although she doesn't... I just keep gathering>information while I save up. I have been working>towards my explant for a year now. It is taking much>longer than I expected but hopefully I will be really>prepared when the time comes.>>Today Dr. melmed told me in an email that almost>everyone can look good after explant. He said alot of>PS tell you that you will be deformed or have a 'bad>cosmetic result' and its not true. That was nice to>hear for a change!!>>Keep me posted on your progress and I will share any>information too.>>Katy:)>--- Cutshall ><<mailto:michellecutshall71%40>michellecutshall71 >>wrote:>> > Katy,> >> > Is Dr. Kolb expensive?? I heard today that she was> > really, really expensive. But Dr. Feng is expensive> > too. That's who i wanted to go to but she quoted me> > $13,200 for explant/lift. I have been talking mostly> > to Dr. Melmed. He got on the phone and talked to me> > today explaining the whole procedure, the myths,> > internet rumors, capsules, lifts and such. He said> > you can't 100% get rid of all the capsules. He said> > anyone who says they can are lieing. And Dr. Huang> > said the same thing. They both said if it has> > adhered to your ribs or lungs or chest wall then> > there will be some left. However, he said that if> > you have saline implants that the capsule will> > dissipate within a year. Silicone will not. They> > have to make a choice to either cause you severe> > bleeding, possible puncture of the lungs or chest> > wall or to leave some. He said they get what is> > humanly possible. Dr. Melmed also says that most> > women who have implants behind the muscle don't need> > a lift cuz the muscle will pull> > the breast tissue back up, but sometimes it is> > necessary if you had sagging breasts before> > implants. So that's good news. Oh, he also doesn't> > charge for the lift and he can take out the implant> > and do the lift through the areola!!! No nasty T> > scar!!! That's a plus!! Dr. Kolb says she can do> > that too. I like Dr. Huang also cuz she does the> > fat transfers. She quoted me for explant/fat> > transfer around $9000. That's a little higher than> > i wanted. Not sure if she does the areola incision,> > i will have to ask.I hope you get yours out soon> > too. If my insurance will cover it then i want mine> > out ASAP!!!! if not, i will have to wait till next> > march. That sucks when you know what's wrong but you> > can't fix it!!> >> > God Bless!!!> > Cutshall> >> >> > katy mclean > <<mailto:thesuddendeparture%40.ca>thesuddendeparture (DOT) ca> wrote:> > Hi ,> >> > I am in the same boat as you! I have been talking to> > different Dr's about explant and still don't know> > who to see. I was trying really really hard to find> > someone who would do a casulectomy for me in Canada> > (where I live) but have been unable. I thought for a> > while about getting the implants out and leaving the> > capsules, but decided against it. So now I am saving> > the money up, because I have bad credit and can't> > borrow it. I have been in contact with Dr Feng, Dr> > Huang, Dr Melmed so far. I want to talk to Dr Kolb> > too, eventhough it would be very difficult for me to> > afford her at this time. She really understands the> > lymph node connection which is a really bad problem> > for me.> >> > So did all of the surgeons you spoke to say that> > sometimes its not possible to get all the capsule?> >> > Are you going for a lift as well? Dr Huang does fat> > transfers as well... I am considering this as an> > alternative to a lift.> >> > Katy:)> >> > michellecutshall71 > <<mailto:michellecutshall71%40>michellecutshall71 >> > wrote: I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr.> > Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week.> > I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so> > very hard to> > decide which would be best for me. It would be> > easiest to see Dr.> > Melmed because I have family in texas that I could> > stay with and that> > would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has> > contacted me by> > email and phone which has impressed me very much.> > Dr. Huang showed me> > great compassion in her email and hopes that i get> > better so I don't> > have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta> > pray about it.> > Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my> > insurance and they> > said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is> > my implants> > making me sick and that they can prove they need to> > come out,> > (leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it> > prior to the> > surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard> > proof from what I> > have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter> > from a reputible> > doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that> > as well. I have> > been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she> > had to send> > multiple letters but she finally got her insurance> > to pay. So let me> > know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i> > talked to said> > that they remove the capsules but there are times> > that they have to> > leave "some" especially if it is adhered to your> > lungs, ribs, or> > chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't> > always achievable but> > getting out the majority of the implant and capsule> > still has to be> > good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding> > to my messages.> > You all have been very helpful.> >> > Cutshall> >> >> >> >> >> > ---------------------------------> > Ask a question on any topic and get answers from> > real people. Go to Answers.> >> >> >> >> > ---------------------------------> > No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go> > with for Mobile. Get started.>>Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is >at giving junk email the boot with the All-new > at ><http://mrd.mail./try_beta?.intl=ca>http://mrd.mail./try_beta?.intl=ca>> Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games. Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection. Try the free Beta. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 yeah, really from speaking with these doctors myself they all have said the same thing that Lynda just said. They only leave some if it is dangerous to remove. Dr. Melmed said it is like removing a wet tissue from glass with the saline capsules. You pick and pick trying to remove it all but there may be some residual leftover if it has adhered to organs. it's not worth puncturing your lungs!!! But we have God on our side, so I believe he works all things out for the good of those who seek him!!! :)Lynda Roth <coss@...> wrote: Dr. Huang removes all the capsule except for the rare occasion that a bit of it has adhered to the lung or has grown uder the ribs and is too dangerous. Same with Feng and Kolb.LyndaAt 01:00 AM 7/12/2007, you wrote:>Hmm, that's very interesting that Huang says the >same thing as Melmed about the difficulty of >removing all of the capsules. I was under the >impression from previous posts that Huang ALWAYS removes ALL the capsules.>> From the research I have read, some women who > have residual capsules take longer to resolve > symptoms, but I haven't read anything about > women who have small scraps of residual > capsules. My guess is that the body might still > think it has foreign invaders (implants) if the > whole capsules are left behind, taking longer > to get the message, but tiny scraps of capsule don't have the same effect.>>If I am not mistaken, all the surgeons who >remove capsules make incisions around the >areola, but some, like Feng, also add a vertical incision.>>Bindi> Sick sense of humor? Visit TV's Comedy with an Edge to see what's on, when. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 Thanks Lynda!! Mine are probably from the capsule then. Lynda Roth <coss@...> wrote: Saline implants go flat if ruptured. All inplants will harden with capsular contracture, given enough time.LyndaAt 10:52 PM 7/11/2007, you wrote:>How do i know if i have a capsular contracture?? >I have been having a tightening in my breasts >more than usual lately and they are sore. >Especially my left breast. And they feel rigged >on the under portion of my breast. How do you know if they have ruptured??>>Thank you for your advice. It is hard to choose. >I have heard many good suggestions and a few negative. All is appreciated!!!>>Blessings!>>>glory2glory1401 <glory2glory1401 > wrote:>,>YOu will have to make this decision on your own. They are all good>doctors.>>Dr. Kolb seems very good at writing letters to the insurance>companies for getting coverage, as she is familiar with the proper>verbiage. However, my doctor got mine covered before surgery was>scheduled as well. The focus was on my Baker IV capsular>contractures, which I thought were just hard saline implants.>>You'll be in good hands no matter which way you go. Trust your>judgement and your instincts and go with the doctor you desire.>Patty> > At 09:49 AM 7/11/2007, you wrote:> >> > >I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. Kolb, and Dr. Huang all>week.> > >I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so very hard to> > >decide which would be best for me. It would be easiest to see Dr.> > >Melmed because I have family in texas that I could stay with and>that> > >would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has contacted me by> > >email and phone which has impressed me very much. Dr. Huang>showed me> > >great compassion in her email and hopes that i get better so I>don't> > >have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta pray about>it.> > >Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my insurance and they> > >said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is my implants> > >making me sick and that they can prove they need to come out,> > >(leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it prior to the> > >surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard proof from what I> > >have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter from a>reputible> > >doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that as well. I have> > >been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she had to send> > >multiple letters but she finally got her insurance to pay. So let>me> > >know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i talked to said> > >that they remove the capsules but there are times that they have>to> > >leave "some" especially if it is adhered to your lungs, ribs, or> > >chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't always achievable>but> > >getting out the majority of the implant and capsule still has to>be> > >good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding to my>messages.> > >You all have been very helpful.> > >> > > Cutshall> > >> > >> >>>>>Get the toolbar and ><http://us.rd./evt=48225/*http://new.toolbar./toolbar/features/mail/index.php>be >alerted to new email wherever you're surfing.> Got a little couch potato? Check out fun summer activities for kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 12, 2007 Report Share Posted July 12, 2007 , The reasons that they don't use fat transfers to increase breast size are several. First, when I was getting explanted and asked about this, I was told that it was too extreme of a surgery to be done routinely on women. It was reserved only for those who had had mastectomies and were reconstructing the breast. That was in 1997. Second, since they've advanced in their procedures somewhat over the years, they have begun offering this more to women in conjunction with liposuction, but the fat transfers are not as effective as breast implants in terms of long lasting size increases. With fat transfers, you also cannot attain large changes in size, say from an A cup to a D cup. With fat transfers, the fat can eventually dissipate over time, and you may lose a good portion of the size gain, thus making the surgery somewhat ineffective overall. I have read that around 40% of the fat will dissolve or redistribute. The reason is that it does not have a blood supply. It is not self sustaining. So, while a fat transfer may appear to be a solution for those wanting larger breasts, in the end it may not be worth the expense and the effort if most of the fat redistributes. We may begin to see some further development in this area though, as new technology begins to advance using our own tissue for breast enlargement. A Japan clinic is doing what is called Cell Assisted Lipotransfer, which is essentially a fat transfer, but they take an extra step to cull stem cells from the fat obtained through liposuction. These extra stem cells form a blood supply to keep the fat healthy and anchored in the breast area. It is not being performed in this country yet though. I've got links posted on this clinic in our links section. Over the years there have also been research companies working on cloning cells to make body parts, and some have even created breasts. We're probably still a ways off from seeing that used as an effective breast enlargement technique though, if they ever do. All in all, I think we will see gains being made in this area that will make silicone breast implants a thing of the past. I certainly hope so. Patty I have been talking to Dr. Melmed, Dr. > > > Kolb, and Dr. Huang all week. > > > I still haven't decided which one I want. It is so > > > very hard to > > > decide which would be best for me. It would be > > > easiest to see Dr. > > > Melmed because I have family in texas that I could > > > stay with and that > > > would save me on hotel expenses. But Dr. Kolb has > > > contacted me by > > > email and phone which has impressed me very much. > > > Dr. Huang showed me > > > great compassion in her email and hopes that i get > > > better so I don't > > > have to see her. Three very good doctors, just gotta > > > pray about it. > > > Anyway, the reason I am writing is I called my > > > insurance and they > > > said that if a Dr. sends a letter stating that it is > > > my implants > > > making me sick and that they can prove they need to > > > come out, > > > (leaking, rupture or whatever). I have to send it > > > prior to the > > > surgery. Don't know if there is really any hard > > > proof from what I > > > have read though. But maybe a good persuasive letter > > > from a reputible > > > doctor would be enough. And God's blessing on that > > > as well. I have > > > been talking to Kacey Long as well and she said she > > > had to send > > > multiple letters but she finally got her insurance > > > to pay. So let me > > > know what you all think. Also, all three doctors i > > > talked to said > > > that they remove the capsules but there are times > > > that they have to > > > leave " some " especially if it is adhered to your > > > lungs, ribs, or > > > chest wall. So I guess a complete removal isn't > > > always achievable but > > > getting out the majority of the implant and capsule > > > still has to be > > > good, right?? Thanks to all who have been responding > > > to my messages. > > > You all have been very helpful. > > > > > > Cutshall > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Ask a question on any topic and get answers from > > > real people. Go to Answers. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go > > > with for Mobile. Get started. > > > >Be smarter than spam. See how smart SpamGuard is > >at giving junk email the boot with the All-new > > at > ><http://mrd.mail./try_beta?.intl=ca>http://mrd.mail..c om/try_beta?.intl=ca > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Boardwalk for $500? In 2007? Ha! > Play Monopoly Here and Now (it's updated for today's economy) at Games. > > --------------------------------- > Sucker-punch spam with award-winning protection. > Try the free Beta. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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