Exchange City
Comments
-
Wanted to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!
0 -
My scars run just under the tatoos. I don't think the scar matching thing is a common issue. Even with my multiple revision surgeries they are still Ok. I also had the 3D tatoos done. Initially I had not planned on doing it, but in the end it was just a little too weird not having anything there. I ended up crying through the damn tatoos (emotionally difficult process for me, not a painful process for those that have not done it yet). I had no issues with this going into the BMX, or the exchange so kind of weird that was the point that I found difficult. In hind sight though for sure I am glad I had it done!
0 -
Hi Amstar,
Look for a bra that closes in the front- not the back. There are also styles that you put on over your head instead of close. The recovery from an exchange is much easier, but in the very beginning it is easier on the arms if you can clasp it shut in the front. I picked up some at Walmart very cheap, as it was only something that I would use during recovery and they worked fine. Here is a link to what I used if that helps. You want them to fit snug to offer compression. I then used my Genie bras once I could get them over the head without too much pain. I had these from my BMX and tissue expander phase so it was not a new purchase post exchange. I just noticed the Genie bra being sold at either Sams or Costco for a great price.
Mederma is a scar cream available over the counter. My PS said it didn't really work, but others say it helps. Not sure how best to direct you on that, or if that it the brand mentioned by your doc- but it is a common one. I wish you and your wife well~
0 -
ThinkingPos- capsular contraction is when post exchange scar tissue forms around the implant. If enough of it forms, it compresses and "squeezes" the implant. It can be painful, and also results in more of a torpedo shaped look that looks far "perkier" than the non-encapsulated implant. I have now had it happen twice. In both cases if you were to look at me while wearing a reasonably fitted shirt there is a couple of inches different from the left side compare to the right. The left is the one causing problems and it rides much higher than the other side, and is very hard to the touch compared to the side that went well. My first revision the scarring was worse and it was more painful- enough where it impeded daily life. This time it is still severe enough to warrent surgury, and asthetically also riding high again. In my case for whatever reason my body kicks out a ton of fluid. Most women get drains out within 2 weeks of the exchange, but I always go a full month and then barely reach a point where the doc felt like he could take them out. If your PS uses strattus (probably spelling that wrong) it reduces the scarring. On my next revision the doc is going to replace the implant (again), flush the area, remove the scar tissue, and score the strattus. Then post op I will be taking steriods in an attempt to reduce the inflammation.
0 -
Hey Audrey, Happy Thanksgiving to you too and to all the wonderful ladies for your advice, knowledge, and support! I truly don't know what I would have done without you!
0 -
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
0 -
Have. Blessed day! Enjoy your families! Thank you for all your love and support.
Robin
0 -
2 weeks from today is my exchange. Trying to get thanksgiving out of the way, and finish Christmas preparations and shopping done before then. That way there will be no pressure to get anything done afterwards. It's crunch time now! Can there be such a thing as a stress free Christmas? I hope so! That is certainly my plan!
Happy Thanksgiving ladies!
0 -
Happy Thanksgiving all. Lharry, I'm right there with you. I need a stress free Christmas. This has been one heck of a roller coaster year but I'm feeling so much better now and getting in shape finally.
Scottie
0 -
Happy thanksgiving to all my boobie sisters. I'm grateful to have found all of u to share this journey with. Hugs!!!!!!
0 -
I am one of those who likes the Genie bra for its compression. I found it easier though, especially right after surgery, to step into it instead of pulling it over my head.
0 -
Well -- me being me.. I ended up getting 6 different bras... I got a zip up under amour sports bra (zips in the front), I got her a genie bra, I got her some Playtex ones, some hanes ones.. another zip up one from walmart... basically I just wanted to make sure that she was comfortable.
I will let you know which ones worked out best for her. Surgery is December 8th
0 -
I find that the front zip up bras seem to stick out through my shirts. They're also so high up that they're hard to hide.
I had my implant exchange two weeks ago and I'm still sore on the radiated side. The surgeon removed a lot of scar tissue so apparently that's why it's so sore. But at least I got my drain out!
0 -
Leslienva, congrats! What implants did you get? Hope you are feeling better soon. I still get weird pains here and there. Esp if I wear the wrong bra...or use my chest muscles too much.
Amstar, sounds like you got it all covered! I got 3 zip up the front sports bras. They are easy. I wear them to the gym. Under armour is a good brand.
0 -
Kingster, I got the Inspira implants. They're 360 cc, while my TEs were 460! So I'm pretty disappointed with my results. Plus my original scars are not symmetrical so I'm not sure how that's going to look when I get the 3D tattoos. The surgeon went in underneath my breast to put the implants in.
It's been over two weeks since the surgery and I am still VERY sore on the left side. I'm not taking any pain meds other than neurontin at night, which helps with the nerve pain but not the steady ache around where the drain was and underneath my breast where the incision is. I had been hearing that implant exchange surgery was so easy! I guess that made my expectations too high!
0 -
Thanks for the suggestions on the bras! I'm going to head to Walmart later and buy the Fruit of the Loom front close sports bra that doesn't have a zipper. I looked at the website that HappyTeacher posted and the bra doesn't go as high up as the ones I have and with a hook and eye instead of a zipper, it shouldn't poke out.
0 -
Leslienva, are the inspira implants anatomical? Wonder why the implant size was smaller? I had an even swap out at 700 ml. I just know that everyone's experience is so different, and so are the plastic surgeons.
Has anyone had 3 d tattoos done by "forma naturalis" in Pittsburgh, PA? I have a consult with them in 2.5 weeks and would love to hear from you. The tattoo artist name is Luke. Thanks.
0 -
Kingster, I have Inspira implants and they are round, high profile.
0 -
Oh, Imjust read your post again. They seem smaller because implants are always smaller than the expsnders. Even though you were filled to 700 and your implants were 700.....they just are. I think it has something to do with expanders being filled with saline and the projection is different. I may be wrong but this is what I have learned.
0 -
Hello Ladies, long time no chat. I hope you're all well! I have been waiting a long time for my exchange surgery, it's been almost 10 months! But I finally have a date for December 11, 2015. Now I am getting nervous and I would rather be more excited lol!
I think I am dreading the recovery period the most, especially since it will be during Christmas holidays and I don't want to feel useless. And I feel I should be getting everything finished and ready before December 11th. Is it true this recovery is better than the bilateral BMX with TEs? My PS says he will be doing some pocket work and hopes to lower the pockets and try to bring them closer together ( I have a huge gap between my TEs), and he cannot tell ahead of time whether or not I will have drains. He is putting in anaromicals so will that make a difference in recovery as well? He didn't tell me what to wear afterwards either ( and I cannot ask him now as he is off doing charity surgery in India at the moment ).
Thanks for reading, any advice or input is greatly appreciated!
0 -
mysunshine - the projection difference between expanders and implants is not related to saline versus silicone, it is because the expander has a hard backing and a flexible and expandable front so as the saline is added it moves the front of the device forward but the back stays firm. A round implant, whether saline or silicone, is soft all the way the way around so you lose projection in most cases due to that.
zuki - most experience far less recovery issues and discomfort at exchange. If there is expensive pocket work done you may have some added discomfort, but it is not usually comparable to BMX because the surgery is not as involved and tissue is not being removed. Good luck!
0 -
Zuki, I had anatomicals and pocket work to bring pockets closer too and my exchange was a breeze. No drains. I took norco the night after surgery and Tylenol the next few days. The pain is more of a discomfort. My TE expansions were very painful though! I wore surgical bra for a week post op and then soft stretchy bras for awhile. I can finally wear a regular bra now at 10 weeks post op. I was verynervous too but really surprised how good I felt the day after. Most ladies seem to do fine! As will you! Keep us posted.
0 -
Thank you for the replies! I have become quite anxious about the upcoming surgery even though I cannot wait for it to be finished! I admit I am kind of being a little testy and crabby and harder to live with lol!
I am also dreading the weekend after my surgery (which is on a Friday) as my son and husband will be away at a hockey tournament - I feel like I will be a bit lonely and isolated, even though my 12 year old daughter will be with me. Oh poor me, I know!
This time of year here in Canada is hard as well! Where is the SUN?!?
Thanks again, I feel better knowing that this recovery should be easier......
0 -
Thanks for explaining, SpecialK!
0 -
Has anyone had nipple reconstruction? Mine is scheduled for the ninth of December. Little nervous about this. Taking the skin from the crease in my leg. Can anyone tell me what to expect please, can't imagine it could be any worse than anything that I have already been through! Thanks
0 -
Thinking, I haven't had it. Several people on here did though and will be able to fill you in.
Zuki, there are a very few people who have trouble for exchange. But most don't so don't borrow trouble. It was pretty easy for me and I'm by myself a lot. You an actually be able to do something special with your daughter then.
Much love to all.
0 -
OMG - 8 more days to go........!!!!!!
Lol
0 -
ThinkingPositive, I'm having nipple recon and fat grafting tomorrow. My surgeon does the "origami" technique where he doesn't need to take skin from another area of the body. I'll post how it goes, but according to him it's an easy surgery to recover from. Frankly I'm more worried about the fat grafting. Last time the donor area (my inner thighs) hurt for quite a while and were very bruised.
0 -
Hello ladies!
I am taking the plunge and booking a revision surgery. The PS is going to remove right implant and do some pocket work to open up the muscle area that is causing my wonky cleavage. He said my skin looks good now and he can definitely improve the look. He is also going to insert a brand new implant, I was happy to hear him say that. He is also going to work on left breast loose skin issue, along the outside of the left breast.
Now, here's the kicker. He wants to do fat grafting, which I am terrified of. He said I would only have bruising on my stomach and just feel bruised, no real pain, back to work in a few days. Does this sound doable? I don't want to lose too much time from work. Surgery would be a Thursday, giving me 4 days to recover. I know I could have gone back to work 4 days after my exchange, even though I took 7 days off.
All experiences will be appreciated, the good, the bad and the ugly.
As always, best wishes and love to all!
0 -
Hi Audrey,
I had fat grafting two months ago, and I would not be terrified of doing it again! It all depends on how much fat your PS plans to take. The more fat taken, the more painful. Mine took 400-500cc from my belly and inner and outer thighs. I was bruised on the outer thigh area but not elsewhere--that's where most of the fat came from. I took one week off work, but it was mostly anesthesia fog that kept me home. I felt definite pain getting up and down out of bed for the first 3-4 days, but once I was up I was fine. I did not need narcotics--Advil was enough, and it was only painful when I got up and down.
If your PS only plans to take a little fat, it won't be a big deal at all. If he/she plans to take tons, it'll be a bigger deal. There's a fat grafting thread on here. I'll post a link.
0
