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Exchange City

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Comments

  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 869
    edited February 2018

    I got textured in Sept exchange...which was a surprise since we had only discussed smooth. I will need a revision, 800 is TOO big!, so plan to downsize and go smooth.

  • eastcoastts
    eastcoastts Member Posts: 352
    edited February 2018

    I think if the PS creates a good pocket, except for normal settling, the smooth won't go anywhere. Mine have not. ;)

  • veggal
    veggal Member Posts: 261
    edited February 2018

    I agree with EastcoastTS.

  • OCDAmy
    OCDAmy Member Posts: 289
    edited February 2018

    Thank you all so much for your input. Thank goodness for this site to be able to get good and informed feedback.

  • meg2016
    meg2016 Member Posts: 188
    edited February 2018

    Jada- I went from a DD to a full C. I am happy with this size. My ps insisted she would be looking for proportion rather than just cup size. That includes side projection, front, cleavage, etc. Mine have high projection, so much perkier than before (which is what I wanted.) I just got to the point where I can wear normal bras after my exchange, I'm really happy with the result. Feel free to pm me if you have questions.

  • TaRenee
    TaRenee Member Posts: 406
    edited February 2018

    I meet with my PS tomorrow morning (this morning if I am getting picky) to discuss my exchange. Surgery is end of March. I’m actually happy with the TE and am rather nervous about getting implants. Is that crazy

  • Ghionik
    Ghionik Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2018

    My exchange surgery is less than 3 weeks away! I’m getting the smooth implants and that’s about all I know until I see my PS next week.

    TaRenee, I like the size of my TE’s but hate the way they look without clothes on. I’m dreading getting cut back open again afterfinally being all healed up, but hoping this will be an easy recovery compared to the double MX. You aren’t crazy. I’m feeling a bit the same as you are.

  • bringon2017
    bringon2017 Member Posts: 60
    edited February 2018

    Hi Jada I had my bmx with TEs a year ago. Before that I was a generous 38C. I wanted to go smaller. My PS had 500 and 600 Tes in the OT but managed to fit in the 600TEs. Was glad he did as I still looked prepubertal at fills up to 480. We overfilled to 680 and inserted Replicon silicon teardrop extrahigh profile. I am now a 38B. However do keep in mind that patients vary due to chest wall width etc. Some patients will end up with a B cup with 350cc. In my case I was still completely flat at 320. My PS had been planning on Replicon EHP 635 but upgraded to 665 after I had done my fills based on what things were looking like. Ultimately it is very individual. 

    If you look up whippetmom there is a thread she started on implant sizing that is very informed and she may be able to help you too. Keep in mind that the implants will be slightly smaller than the TEs. If you are not happy with the sizing do speak up now though before the surgery. 

    Good luck and take care.

  • bringon2017
    bringon2017 Member Posts: 60
    edited February 2018

    Hi TaRen and Ghionik...... yes crazy as it sounds I was more nervous for the exchange than the bmx. But for the bmx I was still under shock and the effect of the C word. But the exchange was smooth. I was at home eating supper less than 12 hours after having left home! I let my body recover slowly but the recovery was a dream compared to the first surgery. 

    Good luck and this is a great thread!


  • eastcoastts
    eastcoastts Member Posts: 352
    edited February 2018

    Ghionik: Trust me, Exchange is SO much easier than BMX! You will be tempted to do too much -- that's how much easier it is. And I had lots of pocket work and not the easiest Exchange. And it was amazing how much better it was. Don't stress this one if you can help it. I hated to have my incisions opened back up, too, but the surgeon will "clean up" any scar tissue and all that good stuff, too, while in there.

    TaRenee: No, you're not crazy to like the look of the TEs. But, boy, are implants so much more comfortable. And I didn't have the worst TE experience -- but they are NOT built for comfort. Just talk to the PS about projection (if that is what you like about the TEs) because you'll lose some with implants. You may want high profile then.

    Good luck to all! You got this!

  • Jadalulu
    Jadalulu Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2018

    Scrafgal you bring up some very important points. I have the same feeling as you, I don’t want them flat but also not too big that they get in my way. I have dealt with that all my life! I will just have to trust his judgement. Initially he thought I would be happy with 600cc’s, and that size would look good on my frame. I just don’t want to be disappointed with the end result, after all we go through to get to this point I just want to be happy with my new body! I know you get that. Thanks for the advice

  • Jadalulu
    Jadalulu Member Posts: 32
    edited February 2018

    thank you Meg2016 for the info, I know it’s an individual case by case situation that is what is so hard about it! I feel like if they are front and center and full thatwill make All the difference.

  • Shadie
    Shadie Member Posts: 31
    edited February 2018

    I am scheduled for bilateral exchange on Thurs. 4/19, and hope to return to work (a desk job) on the following Mon or Tuesday, 4/23 or 4/24. My TEs were placed above the chest muscle, so the initial skin and nipple sparing PBMX recovery was quite easy. My guess is that my implants will be in the 400-500 range, if that makes a difference. Is my return-to-work schedule reasonable or crazy? And did you have drains? The doctor has not said anything about drains.

  • eastcoastts
    eastcoastts Member Posts: 352
    edited February 2018

    Shadie:

    I did not have drains but it was a possibility.

    Any way you could maybe get a week off? Although many on here went back sooner than I did. I had pocket work, so I needed a few extra days. I also have desk job.

    But Exchange is SO much easier than BMX. So much. So worst case, you'll be fine but maybe tired. You really have to try and not do too much. Lifting, etc., etc.

  • TaRenee
    TaRenee Member Posts: 406
    edited February 2018

    Very good visit with PS this morning. I told him what I like about how I look now. We played with about 8 different implants (WHAT???) but I felt like I was very well informed on all my options. Surgery is next month. Whew! In many ways this has all been a blur. In others... feels like an eternity. Glad to have the decision on this behind me. Thanks all for the support.

  • Ghionik
    Ghionik Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2018

    Excellent news, TaRenee! I’m hoping my PS visit next Tuesday will be as informative. Thanks all for the info about the exchange surgery being so much easier. I’ll be glad to be done with surgeries and get on with life. This page has been so helpful. Xox

  • Shadie
    Shadie Member Posts: 31
    edited February 2018

    EastCoastTS--taking a week off in April is not a possibility--getting some blowback because I took off 3.5 weeks for the first surgery, and some pushback for wanting to take two additional days in April. Politically, unless I was really, really sick, I would not be able to take a week off before July, which is a long time to wait for this.

    I don't have to lift anything as part of work, and commute via mass transit, so driving is not an issue, either.

  • scrafgal
    scrafgal Member Posts: 413
    edited February 2018

    Shadie

    With this surgery, your plan could work, although I agree with Eastcoast: you will probably feel more tired than you want to..I did not have drains but my PS always said it was a slight possibility.

  • xxxgggyyy
    xxxgggyyy Member Posts: 21
    edited February 2018

    Shadie- I just had my exchange surgery less than 2 weeks ago. Mine was on a Wednesday, and I returned to work on Monday. Other than a little soreness, I feel great. Good luck to you

  • Nifer
    Nifer Member Posts: 15
    edited February 2018

    Hello everyone! I finished my last fill and I am having my exchange surgery in 6 weeks. I need to decide what type of implants to go with. Do most people get the round or tear drop shape? What are the pros and cons of each. My ps wouldn't recommend one over the other.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,353
    edited February 2018

    Nifer - I'd suggest you to to Breast Implant Sizing 101, read the header and provide your specific information for Whippetmom. She is really a guru. I have anatomical & love them. Just as many have rounds.

  • scrafgal
    scrafgal Member Posts: 413
    edited February 2018

    Agreed...many seem happy with both. I thought that I wanted anatomicals until my PS explained why he thought rounds were a much better choices for me, given my chest dimensions/anatomy. I love my rounds, so I am glad that I trusted him.

  • lynae23
    lynae23 Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2018

    MinusTwo who did you have for your PS? I had Dr. Gordley in the Woodlands that MDA recommended, but I got my 2nd opinion at MDA Main Campus and saw Dr. Carrie Chu.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,353
    edited February 2018

    Lynae - My docs were at Methodist in the med center., BS was Dr. Lim and PS was Dr. Friedman.

  • lynae23
    lynae23 Member Posts: 39
    edited February 2018

    Ah okay. Thank you! How are you doing with your implants?

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,353
    edited February 2018

    I had Allergan 410 anatomical implants in 2011 & I am very happy with them. When the cancer recurred in 2013 in the nodes, the BS was able to cut it out w/o breaching the implant on that side. So the only difference is the side with the 2nd surgery and subsequent radiation is a bit higher & tighter. PS has said he can make the other one match but since I'm at 7 years. I'll likely just wait for 10 years.

  • Dafne
    Dafne Member Posts: 35
    edited February 2018

    Girls, wish me luck.

    Tomorrow I'm checking myself in the hospital and the day after tomorrow, March the first, is my exchange surgery.

    It's been a crazy, hectic time the last couple of months. My surgery was postponed 3 times so far, for various reasons, but now the time has come. With a moving into a new apartment and a very demanding translation project I had to deliver in time, I didn't even had the time to stress or worry abt the new surgery, but now I am a little bit I guess.

    I just hate the fact that just when I was starting to gain my strenght back and be able to sleep on my side, I'll be again a few steps back. I know it's actually a few steps ahead, and I do look forward to put this surgery behind me, but I just hate all the rest. The drains, the new kind of pain, the unknnown, the recovery time... Our new place is still a mess, many things still in boxes, so many chores to be done, so little time tcked with unopened boxes and all... Well, I guess I'll have to take it easy when I'm back and let others do things too (easier said than done).

    Please tell me that things will be easier than the bmx surgery. I know many of you feel much better with the implants, but I'm so worried. What really happens with the terrible iron bra feeling? Do you still get to feel this way after the exchange? Is there really a chanche this will ever go away?

    And how about cold weather and the pecs spasm? I get that all the time and although it's not really painful, iit's certainly not pleasant.

    Did you all have to wear a compression bra for a full month after your exchange surgery?

    In a few words, was it any easier?

    I know my ps will use implants smaller than my expanders, and my expanders already look rather small. He said the implants will look smaller, so I'm already freaking out abt it too. What if I see them and don't like them at all?

    Uff... sorry for the rant, girls. My anxiety is really kicking in.

    Any info and tips welcomed.

    Please, keep me in your prayers!

  • eastcoastts
    eastcoastts Member Posts: 352
    edited February 2018

    Dafne:

    Hello! I'll chime in where I can.

    (1) I found Exchange SO MUCH easier than BMX. And I had loads of pocket work, so not the easiest Exchange. You will simply feel so much better and so much sooner -- that I think you'll have to contain yourself and not do too much, too soon. I do feel that the "iron bra" is pretty much gone. I'm 6 months past Exchange and really don't notice the implants all that much anymore. Some tightness in the incision area but that's about it.

    (2) I have gotten small cold weather spasms but short and not really a biggie.

    (3) I wore a surgical bra of sorts for about a week. Then went into these coobie (is that right?) type bras. Like a sports bra. To keep everything from shifting while the pockets healed. I actually still wear them a lot and sleep in them. For the moment, it's just more comfortable wearing something. Maybe just in my mind.

    I actually like my implants but it was about month 3 before I think they settled and began to look how they should. Be patient!

    You're going to do great. The recovery for this is much easier than BMX.

  • jaymeb
    jaymeb Member Posts: 241
    edited February 2018
    Hi Ladies


    I just had my exchange surgery with an implant in my left breast. Bye bye tissue expander. Also, I had my right breast lifted, and some tissue was cut out, as well as some of the nipple. My PS did this for symmetry, which I wanted. My left breast feels softer, but still a little hard. Also, the breast is itching like crazy, and under my arm. When I scratch underneath, I can't feel it due to the numbness. Also, both of my breasts are sore. I just had the surgery yesterday. Did any of you have problems with itching, and some pain? Also, how long does it take for the breasts to heal? To me, my right breast looks strange. How long does it take to heal from reconstruction, and the exchange? Also, how long does it take for both breasts to look good? Sorry for so many questions. Thanks so much. I have to wait four months for the 3D nipple tattoo!!! I'm getting irritated and impatient. Sighhhh
  • Dafne
    Dafne Member Posts: 35
    edited February 2018

    Eastcoast, thank you so much for chiming in and sharing, you really gave me some much needed encouragement. I just hope and pray everything will be ok for me too.

    Jaymeb, hope you ll feel better soon. A day out of surgery is really a short time.

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