Exchange City
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So I had my two week followup after my exchange surgery. The PS is so pleased she took pictures for promotional material I think. Anyways, I am happy they look even except that my boobs are smaller than I wanted. She also told me it is not recommended to go bigger because of my chest wall size, the ability for my radiated side to stretch anymore and the fact that implants are heavier than you realize and you can introduce muscle aches and pains in your back and neck. She inserted full profile round inserts. My new boobs are symmetrical. The radiated side is a bit "perkier" but not by much. She told me to wear a really supportive bra 24/7 for 6 weeks. No lifting, no pulling/pushing, no strenous exercise and no "jiggling". She said this is because she lifted up one side with sutures and I need to develop enough internal scar tissue so that the heavy implant will not fall.
So today I switched the surgical bra for a regular underwire bra. The cup size is a C because of the TE size and that is the size I wanted to go to. Well, my new boobs do not fill it out. I am the same size as I was before I had mastectomies, just different shape. Boo hoo.... Which is a small B. I am disappointed today. I thought I would at least have cleavage. Nope.
So, I am trying to be grateful that I even have boobs now and the surgery did go well and I am not grotesque or anything. I feel so vain.
wallan
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Hi Wallen,
I am in the exact same place as you are with the boob size. you do not have to feel like you are being "vain" after all we have been through I think it's normal to be disappointed if things don't look like what we expected. Believe me I feel the same way as you do right now. I'm hoping that in a few weeks I start to accept the fact that I at least have boobs and am cancer free. I think we just have to work through all these phases one at a time.
VeGal - thanks for the response, I received the Natrelle Inspira SRF-450. I'm not even sure what that means as she did not show me the implant before putting them in. As far as getting a new PS that is probably not going to happen. With our insurance we are only covered by Mayo System. She is the ONLY one in our area that works for the Mayo system. I'm kind of screwed in that aspect.
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I travel for my PS. 110 miles for the first one and 75 for my current one. I'm rural, though, so am used to it.
The SRF is the next to the highest profile Inspira there is. You could probably gain a few tenths of a centimeter with the SRX or SCX Inspira, but not much more.
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Discouraged-my PS used Alloderm to anchor the te's and the implants. He also does the pre-pectoral implants, though, so don't know if that makes a difference. Hope this helps!
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Good Morning Ladies,
So happy for all you wonderful ladies who are pleased with your results and prayers for you who are not. I think we miss our old selves so much and think "plastic surgery, this will fix me". My breast are nothing like they were, not that they were great before, but they were mine. I had a double mastectomy (not nipple sparing) with tissue expanders and switch out to anatomical 675cc high profile implants mid November. I can't tell there has been any settling and although the implants are much softer than the TEs they are still quite firm. I'm pleased with the way I look in clothes and my PS has been great and I left everything basically up to him as he was highly recommended with a big following. I did tell him all the time though what my expectations were and I feel he did a good job with what he had to work with. I'm getting 3-D nipple tattoos 4/9 thanks to an angel who's sister passed away from breast cancer and although she normally does permanent make-up tattoos has been medically trained to do this type work in honor of her sister. I've been so blessed by the people I've come in contact with thru the breast cancer ordeal. I just feel grateful to be alive, cancer free according to markers, and having had the opportunity to decide to have reconstruction because of insurance coverage. It is not a bad thing to miss what we've lost, or to even be unhappy that the results aren't quite what we expected. These feelings are normal, we're human, and we can have these and still know that we're blessed. My hats off to all you brave women and I hold out nothing but good thoughts for you all.
Letty F
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Nice comment, Letty. Right on for most of us.
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Agree, well said, Letty.
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right on, Letty!
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Wallen and Kmb, hugs. I am grateful to be alive, but I miss my real boobs too. Feelings are feelings, and you are at the stage where the end of treatment is near. And now you finally have time to process and mourn this whole thing. It is a process, some days will be better, some days, you'll wonder why you bothered.
We do suggest to step away from the mirror for a while. Many changes need time to settle. The scars will fade a bit, the implants will settle in too. After 6 months, take a good look, then make a decision if you need more work done.
We do try to remind oeople that projection will be lost compared to TEs. TEs have a hard back to stretch the front skin. The actual implants dont start from this hard line resting on the top of some of your interior muscles, but will fill in the cavity first, before projecting outward. Thus, some loss of projection. Also, your original breast tissue was held in your breast pocket by millions of connected cells. Your implant is only held by some muscle, skin, and sometimes a sling of alloderm, or its like. So weight is a factor, as is skin integrity, whether your implant is in front of pectorals or imbedded in them.
In my case, I was scheduled to get 900cc saline implants, the largest made at the time. (They removed almost 700 cc each breast during my BMX). But, my chest was not wide enough for those when he went in. Wasnt large enough for the 800s either. So he put in 750s, and filled them to 850. I was barely a C cup before, now I am a C cup. But not enough to fill out the tip of the bra. I use a Bali bra, which does fill out quite nicely, and doesnt leave a sag in front. You may have to try on a few to find one that works for you.
I hope that long post will help. But remember, give it time.
Much love and hugs.
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I had my appointment with my plastic surgeon yesterday. I am 5 weeks post rads and we were talking about my reconstruction surgery which will likely take place in May or June. I had a BMX with tissue expanders and ALND in July. The non-cancer side was a nipple/skin sparing. After surgery I had chemo and rads. My cancer-side TE has always sat higher than the other side and it looks like rads has pushed it up even more. It is larger and higher than the other side. The nipple on the non cancer side is sitting too low. She is suggesting I think about having the Latissmus Dorsi with implants because she thinks I will have better results. She said she would use a round smooth implant which would stay in place better with this procedure. Have any of you had this procedure with implants? I am so scared of a big surgery like this! What are the pros can cons?
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Thanks Letty
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New here and have a question: how long does it take on average to have your final fill and exchange surgery? I hope to get my lastdrain out Monday and start fills the following week after BMX. Thanks.
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MX on June 3...fills up to 800 with last fill on Sept 8. Scheduled exchange in December to fit my teaching schedule, but I had to wait at least 6 weeks to 2 months, so early November would have been the earliest. TT
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Hi Ladies
Usually, when joining a thread, I read previous posts. I'm on several forums now. This is the only one I haven't read. My name is Jayme, and I was diagnosed with IDC of the left breast on Feb 16th 2017. I had a unilateral mascectomy in March, and thirteen nodes taken out. I had one positive node. I chose reconstruction at the time of mascectomy. As with most of us, I had an expander put in. What fun that is!!!! So, my diagnosis is Stage 2a 1.3 cm, one of thirteen lymph nodes positive. I had the onco test, score of 14, so onco said no chemo. So, six weeks after my mascectomy, I think, my plastic surgeon started expanded my expander. Well, we find out I need radiation due to the lymph node. So, the PS expanded quicker so I could start radiation. She reached full capacity, then a month later, radiation starts. Well, as we know, after radiation, I had to wait six months for the expander. Finally, I'm having my exchange with a silicone implant Feb 26th. Yayyyyyy. Tired of this Barbie doll boob. Also, I'm having my right breast lifted, to match the implant. She'll take some of my areola off, and some reduction. I just wonder if I should have had a double mascectomy to begin with. My onco didn't recommend it. So, did anyone have a unilateral mascectomy, with an implant, and a breast lift on the other? Also I'm having a 3D tattoo nipple two months later. I'm so sorry for the long text, but I'm scared, and nervous. Can anyone share their experience just like my situation? Was their pain, how long is the surgery, and were you happy with the results? I would love some feedback. Thank you so much.0 -
Jaymeb,
I was stage 2a, had a unilateral mastectomy (on right) with TE inserted in same surgery...had some fills in advance of six months of chemo (starting in March and ending on August 31s!!!)...waited until November 2 for my final exchange on the right with a breast lift on the left (amd fat grafting). So, we live on the same block, so to speak!
I have been perfectly happy with my results, even though I might get a minor revision. There is a science and art to this surgery, when you have a unilateral mastectomy. I see my PS next month. We might do a bit more fat grafting to shape the top of the lifted breast or might do a small implant. The size of the implant that my PS chose was perfect in terms of volume. We are just talking about improving the shape and, depending on how things finally settle, maybe a slight additional lift on the left. I am just about even laterally (no one can tell with my clothes on and sometimes I can hardly see a difference), but it is not quite where a leveler from my toolbox would say that it is perfectly even:) Again, it will be a minor revision, if that.
The healing the from the surgery was fast and much easier than the mastectomy!
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Scrafgal
Thank you for responding. That helps a lot, and puts my mind at ease. I have faith in my PS, and am praying I will be happy with the results. Did you have a nipple put on? Did you have a complete modified radical mascectomy, or nipple sparing?0 -
This is my first time posting in this forum, looking for some advise on style and size of implants. My exchange surgery has been scheduled for 4/4/18 with my pre-op appointment scheduled for 3/6. I have had 3 fills and am now at 480ccs, the last two fills have been with my PS physicians assistant. I was rather large before, 3436 EE and I want to be smaller but not too small that it doesn't balance my other curves. The PA said that I am big enough now for implants that would be a size C or D, I find that really hard to believe but I will obviously take their advise. My biggest fear is that I am too small when its all over and done with. I am looking forward to being able to find clothes to fit a little better, but again I do not want to be out of proportion.
My question to those of you that downsized after bilateral mastectomy, how much did you downsize and were you happy with it? Just looking for a little insight as I have seen many posts that say that they were smaller than they expected after exchange.
Thanks in advance!
Jada
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That doesn't sound quite right. Do you like the current size? Know the implants will likely appear smaller than the TE.
I am pretty thin and my first implants were 595 cc Natrelle 410's. I could fit into 34C bras. I switched to 615 Natrelle Inspira SCX and now am 34 DD, yet they don't really look bigger than the 410's, just better.
Hope that helps.
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Jadalulu,
I was not as big as you to begin with and don't mind that I am a bit bigger now. However, I thought that I would give you my stats to help you think about a few things.
First, I didn't tell my PS an exact desired size, but just said "I wouldn't mind being fuller but I don't want a "rack". I work out and don't want them getting in the way." I started out as a 34B. I got 500ccs filled and ultimately got 445cc implant (Naturelle Inspiria Cohesive Rounds, SCM). Now, I am a 34DD.
Had my PS told me that I would wind up a 34DD, I would have told him that was just too big. However, the way that implants fit inside of a bra, and the projection of the implant (mine is moderate rather than high profile) makes a difference. If I had high profile implants, my breasts would look too big. However, my breasts look very proportionate for my build: athletic build, 5'7", 153lbs.
I am glad that I didn't restrict my PS to a cup size. I just described the look. He seemed to get it. In the end, I am pleased and NEVER would have agreed to a DD size.
So, I don't know how small you want to be, but you might as well communicate as much as possible now with your PS.
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Did you have a nipple put on? Did you have a complete modified radical mascectomy, or nipple sparing?
Jaymeb,
I will have a 3D nipple tattoo done, as soon as I know that I will not have a minor revision. I discussed options, and the tattoo was my preference. I am at MD Anderson and my PS likes a particular person who does it there. My PS had been very good so far. I trust his opinion.
I had a skin sparing mastectomy--not nipple sparing and not radical.
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Oh, and Jadalulu,
I am 51 years old, and feel that the moderate rounds give me a natural look. I am lifted (not sagging) but the don't sit as high as a much younger woman might want to sit.
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I am new to this site. I had my exchange surgery on January 9. Overall, my PS did an amazing job and I am so grateful. Not just that I lived, but that I was able to have reconstruction. I am wondering how much the implants will drop? I feel it's important to note that I have a very small frame. I was a 32B (on a good day) post BMX. I was not a candidate for using my own skin and was not able to save my nipples. Therefore, a lot of skin was removed along with all of the tissue. My chest, after the BMX, was VERY tight. The TEs were really uncomfortable and painful. My PS was able to stretch my skin enough to get 400cc implants in, but they feel only moderately soft (so the skin is still tight) and are sitting high. I have been wearing the bandeau to try to get them to move down, but it has only helped a little. Anyone with a similar situation whose implants eventually settled low enough to look more natural? Most of the pictures I find or posts I read are women who had larger breasts to begin with so they had more skin. Naturally, this allows for more of a natural "droop" much more than very tight skin.
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Has anyone experienced or heard anything about the Mentor memory gel Xtra round smooth high profile implants? They seem to be new (at least in australia) and have higher fill ratios. They sound similar to the inspira cohesive high fill ratio round implants.
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LJ4618
Clearly, I am avoiding work today and have been posting in various communities here!:)
I had my surgery on November 2 (3.5 months ago)...the implant has dropped down into the pocket more (I have been taking pictures (bottom views, side views, front views), so the difference is visible and real. I am so impressed with how things have softened. From day 1, it is better than the TE, but I am talking about the feel of the implant. It feels really good and as natural as I could expect from am implant. I have to say that I don't even think about the implant all of the time, the way that I could never forget that I had the TE inside of me. Give it time. It will get even better!
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Scrafgal,
Thank you for your reply! Do you mind me asking if your size and chest cavity was small/tight, as mine was? I am curious about how much they are able to drop/settle when they start off very tight and high.
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lj4618, I wouldn't say that my chest size was small and tight. I don't think that I had a lot of skin removed because, after my mastectomy, both the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon said that that like to save as much skin as possible, and they showed me some of the skin saved around the scar area (at that time). In any case, my PS told me to massage the implant size frequently, particularly around the top and then circling down/around. He said that this would encourage the implant to slide deeper into the pocket. The pocket size matters. If it is too tight, then there is little opportunity for movement. If it is too big, the implants can rotated to the underarm area, so I hear! I massaged daily (sometimes twice a day) with shea butter. Mine definitely dropped.
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For those of you who will be getting exchange surgery after TEs, are you getting textured or smooth implants?
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OCDAmy - I had my exchange surgery 2 weeks ago today. My PS does not use textured implants because of the association with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. The risk is very low, but he gets good results with the smooth so avoids texture.
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OCDAmy:
I had Exchange in Sept and got smooth. PS preference and mine as well -- due to small risk with textured. I'm happy with mine.
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Thanks so much. My PS said the same thing, she prefers the smooth because of the risk. I have read that sometimes they don't stay in place as well as the textured?
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