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Exchange City

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Comments

  • Sweet_Pea
    Sweet_Pea Member Posts: 90
    edited June 2018

    DebAl, I had drains again, but it seemed like less time this surgery. I understand what you mean about how the TEs look, but believe me, the implants are so much more comfortable!

  • debal
    debal Member Posts: 600
    edited June 2018

    minus2, I will check out the link! Sweet pea, lol, I had heard several women say they noticed permanent implants more comfortable as soon as they were in the recovery room. Thank you ladies!

  • Rascalsmom
    Rascalsmom Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2018

    I'm scheduled for exchange July 10th. I'm hoping the "dog ears" are gone after. Looking forward to squishy implants. Won't miss the turtle shells. PS mentioned another procedure -fat grafting. I do NOT have much fat. So that doesn't seem possible to me. Lol. Friends and family are volunteering to donate their fat. Ha!

  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 214
    edited June 2018

    Here is my 7 week update...

    I had revision exchange surgery w a new PS...he released my scar tissue on my radiated side, swapped out my initial implants, [I had Natrelle SRF 450 (L) and SRF 435 (R) ] I now have SCF 550 on both, and did fat grafting. My breasts are starting to fall into the pockets (my incisions in my IMF are now hidden), both sides are softening nicely (rads side is noticeably softer), and I am wearing a sport bra 24/7. I have a softer lighter impact style I sleep in.

    For this exchange I did not have drains but for my initial exchange I had 2 small drains that were taken out a week later. My current PS explained that the decision for drains or not depends on the amount of bleeding during surgery.

    For those ladies about to have surgery best wishes, implants are much more comfortable than TEs and will soften over time. A reconstructed breast differs from an augmented breast and needs time to heal, soften & settle...this will be the most frustrating part of your journey.


    For those ladies who have recently had surgery...remember just because you can doesn’t mean you should...listen to your surgeon and your body.

    Hugs!















  • alicia63017
    alicia63017 Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2018

    It's heartening to hear that this is your 7 week update. I guess I didn't realize what a process it is. I'm 1 week post op and I cried when I looked for the first time because I was expecting the visual to be as good as the squishy non-baseball feel immediately was. Now I realize I have to wait awhile and see what happens with time. I was only diagnosed in January so everything has been so fast and I kind of just thought it would be the end of the journey, back to normal, when I woke up. I'm glad to hear that they will change and this isn't the new normal everyone talks about. Thank you so much for sharing.

  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 214
    edited June 2018

    alicia63017 no one explains the exchange process...this is my 2nd exchange my first results were mediocre and I knew I could achieve better results. Since I had rads I needed someone who specialized in the process. My former implants continued to change in softness and placement for the year I had them...stay patient. If at the 6 month mark things don’t seem like they’re looking more natural go seek a 2nd, 3rd or 4th opinion...(which is what I did) it is normal to have revisions which is covered by insurance. Implants for breast recon is greatly different for BC patients then it is for augmented patients. If you have questions feel free to PM.

  • debal
    debal Member Posts: 600
    edited June 2018

    thanks everyone, even 2 drains for 1 weeks is better than 4 drains for almost 3 weeks! Definitely don't want to do that again! My exchange is July 18th. I've been lucky the TE's have been no problem and hope for the same this time. Mine are pre pec so no discomfort with fills. He mentioned possible fat grafting if needed at the same time. Rascal, friends and family sure come out of the woodwork then don't they? Ha ha If not , will evaluate for grafting in a few months. Can't wait to hit the beach with my TE's and bald head next week! Heck, I'm thrilled to be going!! Have a good evening!

  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 871
    edited June 2018

    imkopy - glad to read your assessment that the SCF is becoming soft. I too will get a revision. Have TCX which is toooo big and has never really softened up. Not sure if it is the Textured case that has prevented it so was thinking of going to the SRX which is what I thought I was getting (actually what I had signed off on so the TCX was a shock/surprise). If I read it correct you went from an SR to SC and you think they are fairly soft? TT

  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 214
    edited June 2018

    Trmtab

    I had SRF for 13 months & my non rad side it softened up...rads side not so much. I’m only 7 weeks out but my current SCF is softening up pretty well. No ripples. I can’t say for certain but I believe I am now pre pec as opposed to sub pec. After my first exchange I had a great deal of animation which is now gone. When is your revision? Hopefully this time your surgeon gives you what you want. Praying for a successful revision

  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 871
    edited June 2018

    I am 9 months out and will start looking for a new PS shortly, so at this point I don't have a scheduled exchange revision...

  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 214
    edited June 2018

    TT- gotcha do your homework for sure I absolutely love my new PS what a difference! Where are you located? Maybe some of us can help you in the pricess

  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 871
    edited June 2018

    I am in the Richmond, VA area if anyone has suggestions. TT

  • star2017
    star2017 Member Posts: 370
    edited June 2018

    TrmTab, is the dc area too far?


  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 871
    edited June 2018

    Not for Dr Fabulous!

  • Shoregirl
    Shoregirl Member Posts: 338
    edited June 2018

    TT, have you considered this Washington DC surgeon? He has some pretty stellar reviews but I don't have personal experience. I am in MD, out of network or I would have consulted with him myself.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,395
    edited June 2018

    You might PM Whippetmom. She keeps a list of recommended surgeons.

  • Mom-mom
    Mom-mom Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2018

    One week to my exchange and fat grafting day! Any words of wisdom or advice on prep or that first week post surgery? I’ve had my TE in righty since Memorial Day weekend 2017. Ready to part ways with it.



  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 214
    edited June 2018

    Mom-mom- good luck on your upcoming exchange, I had FG and exchange at the end of April. Not sure if you need compression (spanx) for your donor site, if so be sure to follow that rule it is sooo helpful. Also, I have to wear a sport bra 24/7. If this is the case you will be very swollen even though it doesn’t seem like it. I had a couple of sportbras that I bought after surgery which felt comfy ( they were way bigger then my reg size) and be sure to kick your feet up and rest. Exchange surgery is waaaay easier then BMX or UMX and that’s where we tend to forget how important the rest factor is. Listen to your surgeon, follow your restrictions and im sure you’ve heard ‘just because you can doesn’t mean you should’...this is so true. At this stage in the game you don’t want to risk your final results.

    Remember reconstructed breasts are not the same as augmented breasts and they take a great deal of time to take shape and soften. This process can be months or even years...if you have questions be sure to ask or feel free to throw something out on the boards we’re here to help.

    Oh yeah and Shoregirl said pineapple (fresh not canned) helps to detox after surgery and also helps to heal. I ate a ton of it with this last surgery and she was soooo right.

    Hugs!


  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 343
    edited June 2018

    TRMTab, I went to Mark Venturi in McLean, VA for my nipple reconstruction and fat grafting. That’s the only part of my surgery I actually think looks good. My PS who did my expanders and implants couldn’t get me to the size I wanted.

    I went to Amy Black in Richmond for my nipple tattoos. She’s been doing the tattoos for around eight years.

    I had a consultation with Dr. Ariel Rad when I was considering the DIEP surgery. If I had decided to go that route, I would’ve gone with him.

  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 871
    edited June 2018

    Thanks Leslie. I have been looking at Amy Black's web site for over a year...since I am still looking for a revision of the implant that is a long way off, but am glad to hear you are happy with her. It looked like a reasonable way to go versus traveling to Vinnie's

    Have heard good things about Sharline Aboutanous in RIC...I will start going for consults after my next MO appointment in early August...so if folks have other suggestions, please keep them coming or PM me if you want to keep it private.

    Thanks so much...hard to believe I will be starting this up again...TT

  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 214
    edited June 2018


    I’m in the same boat you are...I had revision surgery April 25th to be exact. I wanted to love my initial results but I couldnt get there, so I went out to find a surgeon. Actually my search started as finding a ps who would do nip recon (I had rads), as I interviewed each prospect I also asked about fixing or tweaking what I had. After I found my new surgeon I left his office thinking I had a plan, it wasn’t until my pre op visit (2weeks before surgery) did I find out he decided he was starting from scratch. New implants scar release and FG (stage 1) & I can say I immediately noticed the difference. The day after surgery I was sore but much more comfortable then my first exchange even tho he went bigger and lowered my imf, I just felt better. Recovery seemed like nothing, 8 weeks out I’m so happy I decided not to settle for mediocre.

    I know your journey has been long and you just want to move on but let’s face it, reconstruction is the final piece to our puzzle. I want those last pieces to fit like their supposed to not just come close, if that means finding a new surgeon then go for it. My first ps made me feel like I was on a need to know basis or like I didn’t know what I was talking about. My new surgeon doesn’t do anything unless he feels I understand completely what he’s going to do before he does it. Remember whoever you choose works for YOU... if he/ she isn’t listening to what you have to say or dismisses something you know can be done, politely excuse yourself. The ladies on BCO have the wisdom and knowledge of what can and can’t be done. I remember when I asked one surgeon about stem cells in FG improving the integrity of radiated tissue and he laughed and said oh that’s a good question and a great idea but that can’t be done. I thought hmm that’s funny because I just read a medical journal on that exact topic. Come to find out the more research I did I found out one of the surgeon said who conducted that very research became my new ps. Hugs hon and hang in there!

  • Shoregirl
    Shoregirl Member Posts: 338
    edited June 2018

    Good info Imkopy2! You are so right about the PS working for US! I feel it is critically important to be on the same page and to have a doctor that doesn't make you feel rushed or uncomfortable in any way! So glad to hear how thrilled you are since having your revision with the new PS!!

    I am getting in the boat with you TrmTab. I too had to switch PS. The one that did my initial expanders and exchange refused to do nips and only minimal fat grafting. I was NOT going to settle for doing things HIS way. I found a wonderful female PS who was on board with what I wanted and had a great rapport with. She did a revision last Nov with another planned for June 14. It had to be cancelled due to a false alarm on my Stress Test. Once we got that figured out I got the bad news her office mgr decided to stop participating with my insurance. I now have an appt for a consult with a good friend of hers, another female PS over at Johns Hopkins. I see her July 5. Thankfully she has a satellite office over in Columbia, MD so this country gal doesn't have to drive in Baltimore! Hopefully the 3rd PS is the CHARM!!! Like you TT, I can't believe I am starting over either. It was a bit discouraging at first, but now that I have a new PS in the wings my spirits are back!! Being in VA you have a lot of great options I am sure. The one I sent you the link for (Dr. Rad) and Dr. Venturi mentioned by Leslienva would def be worth looking into. You too will feel better once you have someone you feel completely comfortable with. You deserve the very best!! Keep us posted!!


  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 871
    edited June 2018

    I am between Richmond and Williamsburg, VA...so tried the best in Williamsburg...and now will start in Richmond. While I could do DC...it is a 3 - 5 hr trip depending on traffic. Really hoping for a female PS. TT

  • Shoregirl
    Shoregirl Member Posts: 338
    edited June 2018

    TT---ooh, yes 3-5 hours is quite a hike. I bet you will find her in Richmond! Dr Nadia Blanchet looks promising!!



  • minuteatatime
    minuteatatime Member Posts: 68
    edited July 2018

    I've been off the boards for a while, kind of wanting to forget about this whole thing. However, I really need revision surgery. I have tons of rippling, animation, and my right boob is dropping down and towards the right. So, I went to a new PS here at Kaiser who my friend used and loved, and who gets great reviews. He pretty much wants to start from scratch and is a strong advocate of pre-pectoral implants and in fact only does that. He says that it will require the use of alloderm which will get attached to my ribs or muscle (I can't remember which now) and that b/c of that, I will feel achey for a while (I think up to a month or more) after surgery. Also, he said recovery is 6 weeks, drains 1-2 weeks. Dang! With all that time and pain, I feel like I might as well get autologous surgery and forget the implants altogether. I asked him if fat grafting alone would solve my problems but he doesn't think they will, especially for the long term even if it's ok in the short run.

    So, I'm a bit confused and frustrated. Has anyone here found that Fat Grafting fixed your rippling and animation? what about the dropping? (My right breast has dropped to below where my left breast is, and they are both lower than they used to be.) Am I crazy to think of getting autologous breast reconstruction at this point?

  • lanne2389
    lanne2389 Member Posts: 220
    edited July 2018

    Hi Minute - you're not crazy to consider autologous surgery. I'm switching from tissue expanders to DIEP surgery - I can't stand the feeling of the expanders and have had too much nerve pain to think implants will solve it. If your insurance will cover it, it is a viable option. Check out the 2018 DIEP board - lots of ladies have just finished surgery and are sharing their experiences

    Lanne

  • minuteatatime
    minuteatatime Member Posts: 68
    edited July 2018

    Thank you Lanne! I will check it out.

  • trmtab
    trmtab Member Posts: 871
    edited July 2018

    Minute - I am 8 months post exchange and starting to look for a new PS for revision...what concerns me with your new Dr is he is simply offering you what he does which wasn't really what you were looking for. As I am in the looking process, if someone simply offers me what they do vs what I am looking for, that is my signal to make another appointment with someone else and keep looking. In my first round of this, I accepted a lot by the BS and PS as to what was best for me...but I have learned a lot in the nearly 3 years since this all started for me and I hope to be much more discerning the second time around.

  • blessedinthismess
    blessedinthismess Member Posts: 18
    edited July 2018

    Hello ladies! I haven't had my exchange yet, and I don't even have a date, but I am thinking it might be in October. I have questions, and although I've tried to browse topics and posts, there are so many that I get overwhelmed trying to find the answers. They might be stupid questions, and this might not be the correct place to ask, but here goes...

    I am getting to the end of my fills, and I know this is my ONE chance to get to the size that I'll be comfortable with. When you had your exchange, how do the implants compare in size with your expanders? I know the implants won't be hard, or sticking straight out like these lovely expanders do, but will the size be pretty close to what I am seeing now? Also, I held implants in my hands at my consultation before surgery, and I remember them feeling heavy. I assume they use the same amount/size implant as the saline that I am carrying now? I am getting the gummy implants. I'm afraid that I'll regret the size or have back trouble if I go too big, although I was a DD before surgery and never had back trouble. I don't necessarily want to be a DD, and would be happy with a healthy C, but I just don't want to wake up after surgery and be drastically smaller.

    I plan to discuss these things with my PS when I go for a fill next week and I know he can answer some of these questions, but I would rather hear your experiences and know how things actually feel and look from your perspective. Thanks in advance and feel free to redirect me if necessary.

  • minustwo
    minustwo Member Posts: 13,395
    edited July 2018

    Blessed - I'm sure others will come along to answer more of your questions, but here are a few of my thoughts.

    I had Allergan 410s and have never regretted the cohesive silicone. Some people think they are heavier, but my natural breasts were always horribly heavy so I don't notice a problem. In addition, I wanted to go smaller as long as I had decent cleavage.

    You're right, the implants will not have even the projection that the TEs do. Unfortunately talking about cup size or bra size is not relevant since each one of is different. How close they will look to the TEs depends on your surgeon, your chest size, your height, whether he uses alloderm, and a hundred other variables. You should go to Breast Implant 101, read the header, provide your stats as requeste, repeat your questions and ask Whippetmom for her recommendation.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...


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