Exchange City
Comments
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Leslienva, Thank you for responding. My guess would be that my PS would say don't wear compression garment also. I honestly can't imagine that he took very much as I'm petite.
noodlesmom, that is what I'm thinking, as far as quantity couldn't have been much. I have a follow up next Tuesday so I'll check then.
Thanks for your responses buffyjc, Shoregirl & VegGal. I wish I would have had the foresight to ask my PS if there was anything I should do for the area at the time of surgery.
Hope each and everyone of you has a wonderful weekend. For all of you that just had your exchange remember the motto - step away from the mirror for a while. (I'm trying to remember that too)
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Trmtab:
I'd go for 3 week appt. I had a similar schedule as you to begin with -- with next follow-up at 2 weeks after the last (this Tuesday). Which will put me at almost 3 weeks out. And even though things are looking good (enough), I still have a couple of questions about the incisions and healing, and frankly, they should be looking at us fairly close to surgery's end. Just in case they see something we do not.
Just my 2 cents.
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Noodles! You made it. Hope pain isn't bad. Rest/rest/rest.
You didn't even get compression bra? I got this compression bandage thingie for the first few days. It looked like a Daisy Duke halter top -- no kidding. I have wondered if because we have smaller implants, do we still need the extreme compression? I'm just in sports bras now and none seem perfect fit. Too large or too small.
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The image of your Daisy Duke top made me laugh. Maybe it's cause I live in TX.
The surgical bra they sent me home in is quite loose so not really offering any compression. It's basically just keeping the gauze pads in place. My follow up is a week from Tuesday but I'm planning to call the office tomorrow to ask if I can wear a tank or camisole. This bra is so baggy and the straps don't stay up so trying to hide it under a top is hard, especially since it's close to 90 degrees. No big sweaters to help hide.
Can anyone weigh in with the normal amount of compression the PS typically recommends?
Thank you!
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I'm interested in this too, because the surgical Daisy Duke was pretty tight (wide velcro strips keeping it closed, and I don't think I could have gotten it back on myself that tight). Nurse took it off at first post-Op appt. Now I'm in sports bras of various types but some seem too tight but most not that tight. Certainly not like the surgical thingie. Are we now trying to reduce movement or compress for swelling?
(I have another appt on Tuesday and plan to ask her this too and will report back. I'm actually going to show her the bra(s) in question.)
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I'm in a front opening sports bra that I can barely close myself. The doc said I needed that for 6 weeks. I had fat grafting, too, so the compression surprised me but so far it looks like most of the little fatties are hanging in there.
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I had fat grafting as well and was told no tight compression so that blood supply can get to the fat cells. Coobies were recommended as a good option. But then again it's clear that different PSs have different requirements.
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Leslienva and noodlesmom......can you talk more about how the fat grafting feels? How's the donor site pain? Does the fat on your breast feel like a natural breast? I can feel every ripple and edge of one implant . I can almost feel "mentor" stamped on it......ok maybe it's not that bad. But I'm consider fat grafting to cover up the edges. Tell me more please.
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Herculesmulligan- I'm only 2 days post exchange so although I can definitely attest to the donor site soreness, I'm not sure about the other questions. I can say that the edges of the implant (where cleavage would be if I had any) are very soft and natural looking. My PS used the grafting to make the implants look closer together and I think he was successful. I know there's swelling so I'm not entirely sure how much this may change once the swelling goes down.
I've heard that most PS typically use the abdomen to harvest. That was the plan for my PS but I'm pretty lean there so he opted for thighs instead. And I am not nearly as lean there so he had plenty! It is pretty darn sore. Hard to sit. Have to walk carefully. But it's better than it was yesterday so hopefully a few days will make all the difference.
Hope that helps. I'll try to post an update once the swelling goes down to let you know how the grafts look.
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I had my exchange surgery May 17th I have 800cc implants as previously I was a 38D. My plastic surgeon put in the extra high profile and I have to say that even though I don't particularly care for the look of these I have great cleavage and they look good in clothes so I think that's about as good as it's going to get. however, on my cancer side that previously had radiation ln 2008 Im having some divoting. PS wants to put in fat grafting. Girls do you think it's worth it. I'm very tired of dealing with these Barbie doll boobs and I just can't decide if I want to go through anything else can anybody tell me what the processes is?do you have to be put to sleep again do they liposuction from any area you want kind of, I suppose it depends on how much they need to take. Okay just wondering thank you
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OG56, I had FG in March and scheduled for a second round in Oct. They took the fat from my thighs. They use a small incision and inject liquid into the donor site, I think to reduce pain and help with the fat harvesting (?), and then suck out the fat and liquid. The fat is the separated from the liquid and injected under the breast skin. I was put out for the surgery, but I think it depends on the surgeon. Recovery was fairly easy for me but I have heard others complain that it was painful. I think it depends on donor site and how much fat they remove. I had the surgery on Wed. and back to work on Mon. By Sunday I was pretty much back to normal, driving, etc. The bruising lasted about 6weeks, so keep that in mind if you have any events where you plan to wear anything revealing or low cut.0
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6 weeks of bruising! Oh my, I am 2.5 weeks post exchange, still a bruised up wreck...yes, having to make outfit choices based on how to cover up and given we are still having days in high 80's low 90's that is a pain.
Had exchange to 800 and after a fast round of swelling have settled/reduced to the same measurement for 2 weeks....which I pray is actually still swollen as I am a DDD on L and my natural is simply a D, so I am now padding my native breast to balance out somewhat. For me, this is worse than the TE. sign...TT
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My donor site bruising is all but gone (thighs) 18 days post and I have one tiny bruise left on Righty. My legs still feel kind of tight when I get up and start walking after being still but otherwise I'm back to normal and walked 3 miles this morning.
For the life of me, however, I can't understand why the PS used two different sized implants. Lefty, who has always been smaller is now HUGE compared to Righty, and sits about an inch lower as well. I went in with a big Righty that was hanging 2 inches lower than Lefty so while things are better, I cannot call them great. The PS said things would even out in 2 weeks....but so far nothing. I doubt silicone will shrink (insert sarcasm).
Oh well, I see the PS Wed. Stay tuned.
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I'm on day 5 post-op (exchange and fat grafting). Was scheduled to return to work today but decided I needed another day to rest/recover at home. My donor site was my abdomen, which PS told my DH after surgery that he took a "fair amount". I can say with absolute certainty that I had NO idea what Iwas in for in terms of recovery. I knew there would be bruises but I didnt expect my entire torso to be covered in them. I also knew there would be some pain and discomfort but I didn't expect to still need pain meds 5 days later...I stopped using them on day 3 after mastectomy. My back hurts...I have bruises on my back but I'm not sure if the pain is a result of the bruises or adjusting to the weight of the implants. I'm exhausted from lack of sleep due to being so uncomfortable at night.
I know this is all temporary and I feel guilty complaining especially given the reason I needed any of these surgeries to begin with but everyone...EVERYONE...said this surgery/recovery would be a breeze in comparison to the mastectomy. So far, it hasn't been. Praying for strength right now!
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Buffy, don't feel bad for venting! If we can't commiserate with each other, I think we would all lose it!! I had my exchange in April. It was def easier than the msx, but I wouldn't say it was a breeze. I had a lot of pocket work. I did not however, have any fat grafting at the time. From what I have read, the FG is what causes so much discomfort & pain at the donor sites. My FG is scheduled for Nov 29 along w/implant downsizing and more pocket work. In my research of the boards trying to get a feel for what to expect w/my upcoming revision I read that it helps to massage the donor sites to keep them from getting lumpy. I swear I learn more reading on here than I do from my ps. I hope you feel better soon. I know its hard when you aren't able to sleep well. Praying for strength for you and also rest and healing!
Hugs, Shoregirl
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Shoregirl, I noticed you said you were still feeling the surgery to reduce along the side...now with a downsize in implant, will the side part also need to be re-do? I plan to downsize as well (in Dec???) and will have the side done at that time as well...was really unhappy to read last week that 5 months out that part of the exchange surgery was still sore/stiff/etc. TT
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I'm just popping in to say my surgery went well. I had a lot of pocket work and fat grafting so I am pretty sore. I've been wearing the surgical wraps on chest and abdomen. Kind of annoying but doable. I am surprised that other ps say no compression to breast receiving fat grafting...just don't know what to do. My first post op appt is tomorrow morning. Hoping to get less hours per day in the wraps. I'm trying not to pay much attention to how they look as still pretty swollen. Also, hoping to get released to drive.
Went to a pampered in pink event yesterday held by the cancer society. Had a free manicure but it turned out looking bad. Manicurist had no clue what she was doing. You get what you pay for I guess.
Hoping tomorrow is better😥
DizzyGirl
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Hercules, I had the fat grafting to fix an indentation above my left implant and to even up the right side. I don’t see much difference on the left side, tho, but I also had nipple reconstructIon at the same time and I’m pretty happy with that.
My donor site was my lower abs. The entire area was numb for about a week, then it was sore for a few more weeks. It was also really bruised. Everything has healed, but I have a small bump where the fat was removed on the right side that developed despite massaging the area. I may have to get it removed
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thanks for the inside info on fat grafting, friends. I'm going for a second opinion to a new plastic surgeon this morning. Wish me luck.
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Skin stretching/dry and flaking...
Now isn't that a lovely intro! I had very good skin integrity in the TE expansion process, but with the implant, I am very tight skinned, and after my morning shower (still in bra all day/night except for shower time), skin is dry and flaking off. I use Dove bodywash so I don't have a harsh soap...
What have folks used for a lotion/moisterizer? This is mainly on the upper pole, lower pole is where incision is, still under the tape bandage from exchange 2.5 weeks ago.
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My PS recommended Bio Oil or coconut oil. What you are experiencing is normal. The skin has been traumatized.
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Thank you...PS was silent on moisterizers post exchange...
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Both my surgeon & my dermatologist recommend CeraVe lotion or cream. It's also what I used during rads with the approval of my RO.
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Dizzy, glad to hear all went well! I am surprised about your ps saying to use compression on grafted areas. I hope your post op visit goes well and you get clarification.
TrmTab, my dog ear incisions are sore mainly where they intersect w/IMF. It is not terrible, just uncomfortable after a long day. Its like the skin was pulled too tight. I told my new ps that I think the 1st ps removed too much tissue from my sides. It is slightly indented. I use BioCorneum scar therapy twice a day. Sometimes I use an organic essential oil blend when the skin feels extra tight. As for flaky skin, I LOVE the lotions from Shea Moisture. They are all natural, free from parabens and very emollient. This one is my favorite. It is super rich and I always get compliments that I smell great when I wear it. I try to get it when it is BOGO 50% at Ulta or Walgreens.
Good luck at your consult Hercules!
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I was told to use bio oil or coconut oilon my scars/skin too.
I met with my new plastic surgeon today and really liked her open communication style. She recommended a couple rounds of fat grafting so I'm scheduled for November 13! Any advice from you ladies is greatly appreciated.
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thanks for answering my questions about fat grafting. I see it's as individual as everything else. I did not have that grafting during my Exchange unfortunately that divot occurred after everything settled down. So I will talk to my plastic surgeon about this when I see him later next month. I had 800cc implants and I know someone else on here did also and they were talking about it being larger than their native breast well I find that when you're very large breasted and you have a BMX and direct to tissue expanders and then exchange surgery it doesn't look anything like you think it will be. I asked my plastic surgeon why I don't have more projection and he talked about how the larger breasted you are the more tissue they have to remove and my scars go around almost to my back and he said there's just a very deep cavity for your pocket work and they don't make implants big enough for some of us gals although I did hear Through the Grapevine that Mentor was coming out with a silicone implant that was going to be 1200 cc's I think mine are big enough now , but it's taken months for them to take shape.
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19 day post-op appt with PS today. Things looking good. Nothing has dropped really or softened (maybe leftie a little) but they will, I'm sure. The PS took off the tape -- IMF incisions.
When did you guys start using anything on scars? I have Bio Oil and BioCorneum, which I used post BMX. My PS was pretty silent on placing anything on them now. May be too soon. I'm a little nervous without the tape, though I'm glad it's gone. Are the incisions just fine hanging out there? (I can't recall what I did with BMX, although it was a little more like glue or something.)
Still in bra until next appt in 3 weeks.
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My PS says oiling can commence at 3 weeks. I have IMF incisions covered with surgical tape. They said they want the tape to stay secure until 3 weeks, when it can then be softened for removal with the oil.
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EastcoastTS, my ps made me wait until there was not even a hint of a scab. I have very long incisions, IMF all the way around to shoulder blades. I started w/the BioCorneum during the 3rd month post op. I actually prefer my essential oil blend though, it seems like the BioCorneum makes the scars more sensitive. I usually use the BC as it was so darn expensive, but when I feel I need more softening I use the oil.
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Hello everyone! I am going for my exchange Nov1st from TE's to implants and my PS will use my thighs for fat grafting. I have a vac scheduled for Nov 17th to go see snow in Banff, Canada and my PS says I may be sore but should be fine to go...I am not sure I believe him lol. I wanted to hear from you all since some of you have already had your exchange! Please let me know your thoughts! I would like to snow mobile and do some sight seeing. Will i be up for it or should i reschedule for after vac? Thanks & Hugs
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