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Exchange City

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Comments

  • janett2014
    janett2014 Member Posts: 2,950
    edited November 2015

    The pain pump does seem to be too much for exchange surgery. I think I took the Rx pain meds for the first day or two "just in case," then switched to over-the-counter.

    I was happy to have the pump post-BMX but definitely would not have needed or wanted it after exchange surgery.

  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2015

    Hi everyone!

    So funny, I bought pink perfect a few months ago, prior to exchange. My scars look so bad I didn't even bother to put them on. I did the other night though. Glue was horrible, and they looked terrible with my scars, as I suspected. What a mess the glue made. So of course I was just a little depressed. So yesterday I went to Ulta and saw Dermablend. I bought a lipstick type tube, lovely young girl helped me color match. Tried it last night and OMG what a difference it makes. I've been so worried about my scars I was afraid even Vinnies would not look good. Now I can see a light at the end of the tunnel. BTW, Dermablend is so easy to apply just swipe among scar line, a little blending then brush powder to set. I used mineral veil from bare minerals. No transfer to bra. I spend more time putting face makeup on.

  • mysunshine48
    mysunshine48 Member Posts: 915
    edited November 2015

    Nice to hear from you, Audrey. I guess I am fortunate, in that, both my incisions were under my breasts. My PS used glue and not stitches. I am 6 weeks post exchange and very happy. I cannot even see a scar unless I put a mirror under my breasts. Happy you found something to help you feel better.

  • LoriWNY
    LoriWNY Member Posts: 178
    edited November 2015

    I called and scheduled an appointment with Vinnie at his Baltimore area location. FYI, he is scheduling into May 2016 at this time.

  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,072
    edited November 2015

    Lori. . .Thanks for the FYI. I need to call this week, but probably won't go until next fall. We have a nephew in the area who is getting married next summer or fall and we are trying to coordinate the trip up.

    Scottie

  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2015

    I have a question. The skin on my left side is looser than my right side. My left was always larger than the right pre mastectomy. Also my lumpectomy scar on the left is right above my mastectomy scar and the loosness of the skin is now causing an indented pucker. This is all at the side of my breast. It wasn't like this right after exchange but has developed, I'm thinking settling of the implant. PS said he could correct this in his office surgery suite, asleep or awake. I'm just not sure what to do. I have a love hate relationship with my Foobs. Naked, They look good and then can look bad, lighting, scars, etc . They always look good in clothes. They are perfectly symmetrical. I just want this over. Has anyone done minor or major scar revision or skin tightening and been happy with results?

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited November 2015

    Did she match the skin on the chest she could see, or did she work on your scars

  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2015

    Hi Robin. She matched the skin close to my scar and the part of my scar that is in my cleavage. She would have done the scar but we were standing in the aisle. LOL. I was just blown away with the coverage I achieved at home. I also have a redness in the skin near my cleavage due to a muscle situation and that redness is easily hidden too. I had been using makeup at home, just playing around, but results were not great.

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited November 2015

    Audrey, I went to Ulta today and the girl put many colors of the quick fix stick until she found the right one. Nude is my color. She put it on the top of my foob near the cleavage, in the aisle like you. They were out of it but I found it on Amazon Prime for $24! Will be here Wednesday. I wear Bare Minerals makeup so already have the mineral veil. Thanks for posting this information. :) Robin


  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2015

    You're welcome Robin. My color is nude too. I had purchased some Christmas gifts and had $14 in rewards. So just paid $15 for it. I like ulta because they take everything back if you're not happy and their sales staff are very knowledgeable.

    I've been using the Dermablend since Saturday and I'm loving it. It's amazing how such a small thing as a scar covered up makes me feel better. Nobody knows but me but it makes me fee better and that's priceless.

    I hope you enjoy the product as much as I do. I've even experimented with it on my face too. Just a dab on a freckle and poof, it's gone. Best cover up ever.

  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,072
    edited November 2015

    I'm going to have to look into this cover up when I have some time. I use mostly Origins but have some Bare Minerals from a Sam's road show.

    Thanks for the tip Audrey

    Scottie

  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 321
    edited November 2015

    Had a little hiccup and exchange is delayed another 10 days or so. Was taking a Mexican brand muscle relaxant and oops--it had an analgesic in it as well like Aleve. Too much risk of a hematoma and some docs believe that can cause capsular contracture, so better to be safe than sorry. Bummer. I am anxious to join the squishy side.

  • Elizabethaw
    Elizabethaw Member Posts: 165
    edited November 2015

    I'm sorry! I was really frustrated when my surgery was delayed! You're all set and...

    Hang in there!

  • thinkingpositive
    thinkingpositive Member Posts: 564
    edited November 2015

    What is capsular contracture?

  • Lharry
    Lharry Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2015

    WHOOP WHOOP - surgery is scheduled!!!

    December 10th is my day! I'm excited and nervous all at the same time! OMG! They called me and scheduled my pre-op, surgery and post-op appointments. Wow! Feeling a little overwhelmed, but in a good way (not like the overwhelming feelings we all had when we heard cancer the first time).

    Ok. Taking a few deep breaths, to keep myself from jumping up and down! I can see the light at the end of this tunnel!!! It is within reach

  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 321
    edited November 2015

    Thanks. Elizabeth! I wish the doc would call back with my new date!

    ThinkingPositive: Capsular contracture is ugly (IMHO) and can be very painful. It is not a desirable result:

      Capsular contracture is the term used to describe scar tissue that can form around breast implants which may cause the breasts to harden, may cause the breasts to look or feel different, and may cause some discomfort from the tightening of the capsule.
  • I_Spy
    I_Spy Member Posts: 33
    edited November 2015

    Upsidedown: I read how easy everyone had it after exchange, so I was not expecting how difficult it ended up being for me. Granted, my exchange was much sooner than we anticipated -- got some redness so the ps wanted the TEs out out out -- so it had only been three months since my BMX, and my pecs had not finished relaxing yet. It is definitely much easier than BMX, for one thing there were no drains and it was out-patient surgery, but I did have a lot of pain. However, I was back to work at two weeks (even though I'd rather not have been); after BMX I definitely needed the six weeks.

  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 321
    edited November 2015

    Surgeon called--new date is Nov. 18. Phew--at least it is before Thanksgiving.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,359
    edited November 2015

    Thinking Positive - here's a link to WIKI. If you google you'll find information on lots of sites.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capsular_contracture

  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,072
    edited November 2015

    ispy. . .hope you're now enjoying the new girls. I was out 4 weeks for Ex and have been going to PT since Aug. I am finally getting my ROM back and nerve pain is noticeably better. At least my girls look good.

    Good luck katcar.

    Scottie

  • Lharry
    Lharry Member Posts: 37
    edited November 2015

    Wow, 4 weeks? The nurse told me 1 week. Hmm. I guess I better talk to my Dr. to make sure

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited November 2015

    I went back to wirk 2 weeks post EX! I probably could have gone back in 1. Much easier recovery than BM

  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 343
    edited November 2015

    I'm having my implant surgery tomorrow but I'm concerned that my scars won't match up and if it will look strange if they don't when I have the tattoos done. Has anyone had an issue with this?

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited November 2015

    Leslie, My scars are right in the middle of my breasts at nipple line. I have tattoos and they are over the scars in the middle. I will PM you a picture if you would like. I just got the Dermablend camoflauge stick to put on my scars that are still a bit red. I will put that on and take a new foob selfie. Best wishes for a sucessful exchange tomorrow! What type of implants are you getting? I have the Allergan 410 anatomicals 475 cc. I am 8 months post EX. I love them. They are firmer than the smooth rounds but have a nice natural feel and look.

    Robin

  • katcar0001
    katcar0001 Member Posts: 321
    edited November 2015

    Scottie -- I am so glad the PT is helping the ROM and pain! I hope you get a 100% result!


  • summerangel
    summerangel Member Posts: 182
    edited November 2015

    Lharry, I went back 1 week post-exchange but could have gone back earlier. It was no problem at all!

  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,072
    edited November 2015

    Lharry. . .everyone is different. I have very tight pecs and PS put in larger implants than expanded TEs. I'm happy with the result, but it contributed to my extra time off. If you need more time your PS will order it but you probably won't.

    Leslie. . .my scars are also midline and PS used same incision for Ex so it healed the same as after BMx. I will probably get 3D tattoo next fall.

    Thanks Katcar!

    Scottie

  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2015

    regarding Dermablend, it did not wash off well in the shower which is a good thing as I have had no transfer issue to my bras. Tonight I just used neutrogena makeup wipes and it did the trick. We just keep on learning. LOL.

    Robin, how do you like the Dermablend?

    Best wishes to all having upcoming surgeries.

  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 485
    edited November 2015

    Audrey, just got it from Amazon today. I put it on but haven't tried to remove it. It didn't cover as well as I thought. Do you have to use alot?

  • AudreyB
    AudreyB Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2015

    Robin, I press and swipe it along the scar line. Darker areas I add a little more. I think it's something that has to be played with to get the proper coverage. I hope you can get it to work for you.

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