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Exchange City

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Comments

  • misty123
    misty123 Member Posts: 63
    edited July 2009

    oncRN - glad to hear your happy with the cleavage and made it thru surgery without nausea, get some rest and enjoy the unveiling.

    kbram - good luck with your surgery tomorrow, I am sure you will be just as happy as oncRN.

    Speedy healing and good health to all you ladies on the board.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited July 2009

    Celine... Here is to no more pain with expansions...:(... I am very sorry for your pain...

    DEBORAH.. I have a question for you..

    If I were to tell my PS that I do not want the fat graphs for my ripples... but  a bigger implant.. or maybe the higher 45's ( I have pretty good upper pole as it is... but maybe...) could this work? Could this take care of the ripples?

    For me.. the exchange surgery was very easy. I could literally take off  about 4-5 days off work and that is all...

    Anyway... what do you think? Is it simply that I have no fat there, and a bigger implant would not work anyway. Have you learned anything about this issue in your research?

    Thank you...

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited July 2009

    Laura:  Next Thursday I have a consultation with the plastic surgeon in San Diego who did the trial study on the efficacy of autologous fat grafting.  So I will be able to tell you much more Thursday evening. With everything I have read, it takes at least two procedures to really be measurably successful with fat grafting.  It seems likely that ripples could be reduced or corrected with larger volume implants or, as you stated, higher profile implants.  However, if it does NOT work - it is far more intensive and invasive [and expensive] than fat grafting to explant the implant and exchange for another implant .  I have resigned myself to this:  If I were unhappy with my size or lack of symmetry or placement of my current implants, I would not hesitate to go through this all over again.  I would exchange them out in a heartbeat.  But I am happy with the size and symmetry. Yes, I wish they were a little higher, but fat grafts [if successful] should address this issue as well.  

    Frankly, I think the ripples and my step off have more to do with the fact that my chest wall has negligible fat [read: bony] and I have thin skin and there you go.  It might happen with larger implants...it might happen with higher profile implants.  I know this is much more detail than you asked for, but it is sort of where my mind has gone and I know you are just about to go there also, since you are behind me in the exchange process.  Sometimes I feel so guilty complaining about ripples, seemingly something so minor - in comparison to what some of the other women who come here are going through.  But it does not negate the importance it is to us.....don't get me wrong.  It is an example of how very crucial all aspects of this reconstruction journey have become to all of us. 

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited July 2009

    Thanks Deb... I like my size.. but I could go bigger.. not too much.. but a little. If you could ask this doctor for all of us here..... "Would going bigger and higher rid us uf ripples." That would be GREAT! I did not ask my PS about this. My ripple at this point is sooooooo minor.. BUT.. I have until Dec.31st 2009 to decide... every year my deductible is 3000.00.. and I am sooooooo tired of paying this... every yr for some time now.. I wanted to get done, whatever I needed by this yr. So I am really trying to get all the info I can.. and make a good decision.. ya know.

    If you could ask him.. that would be great. I look forward to what he has to say about the fat grafting too. My PS told me it would alomost 100% take two times to hold if I used that to fill the ripples... And I HATE the idea of lipo... not my idea of a good time...lol

    Thanks Deborah!

  • packergirl
    packergirl Member Posts: 81
    edited July 2009

    Is lipo tough to go through?

    And how do they get the fat in the upper part anyways? Does that require yet another cut on the top part of the breast?

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited July 2009

    I am going to ask a BOATLOAD of questions, not the least of which will be whether a larger implant or higher profile implant would solve the problem.  The fat grafting is NASTY!  It was harder for me than the mastectomy.  Wearing that compression contraption - like an instrument of torture!  Don't EVER do fat grafting in the summer!  So do I look forward to doing this a second time?  Heavens no.  have not even told my DH I am considering doing this again.  I know he would have me locked up and throw away the key.  I'll just spring it on him. 

    packergirl....They extract the fat from your abdomen - through the belly button - and use a needle to inject the fat into the ripple defects and other defects to fill out the empty spaces and/or to create more upper pole fullness.  Nice plan, if it works.  It has for a number of women who come here. 

    BTW:  Kathie - sam1991 - WHERE ARE YOU?  Drop by and say hello and give your 2 cents about this for us!!!! We miss you.  Are you in the process of moving????

  • packergirl
    packergirl Member Posts: 81
    edited July 2009

    Sorry to ask an exercise question in this forum- but I thought with all the implant expertise here it would be the best place to ask.......I am a huge fan of power Yoga. I have been able to resume classes for some time now but I can not do the pushups anymore without pain and weakness in my chest. I have TE's in. Is this weakness and pain going to be a permanent consequence of doing implants?

  • rockwell_girl
    rockwell_girl Member Posts: 517
    edited July 2009

    wow just got done skimming 5 pages

    Laura you made me laugh but I forget what u said that made me laugh lol

    my bloodwork an dmamo on healthy side was good, just waiting on MRI results

    yesterday when I saw my gyno for fibriods he did a biopsy of my uterus

    it about made me jump off the table, I should hear back about that in a week

    ok time for rest

    I miss u ladies

    Deb it looks like your doing a great job helping everyone out

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited July 2009

    Sandy.. glad to make ya laugh...:)

    Your results will be fine.. let us know K? I HATE the waiting....

  • sftfemme65
    sftfemme65 Member Posts: 74
    edited July 2009

    Thank you Deborah for answering me.  I have contacted Sam to get info from her as well.  I saw her pics, she has 700cc's and looks amazing I can only hope I look as good. 

    Thanks again,

    Teresa

  • oncRN
    oncRN Member Posts: 27
    edited July 2009

    Well, it is early AM the day after exchange...and I did already peak!  I had placed a "no tape" restriction on my allergy list, so my incisions are not covered by steristips....I had to peform a litte surgery on myself last night, as the incisions weeped a little (which is normal at first) and had very nicely woven themselves into the gauze that was covering them.  So now I just have two angry and red suture lines to look at, but I have slathered them with neosporin and covered with nonstick sterile gauze.  I am so glad the nerves were cut there, because as I was pulling the gauze out of the incision, I just kept telling myself how lucky I was that I couldn't feel it! I do have the burger bun effect, but I think they will settle out nicely....and 600 cc on my 5'10", 160 lb, 38 bra band body really isn't as big as it sounds! Plus the ones God originally gave me were frequently spotted down around my knees pre-mastectomy, so it is nice to see the new ones appear on my chest in the bathroom mirror! 

      I haven't taken any pain meds at all, and I really don't feel like I need them. I feel more "beat up" than anything else...dull aches instead of sharp pain...much easier than mastectomy and expanders!  The best part so far is being able to take a DEEP breath without feeling constricted by expanders!  I feel confident I will be able to return to work as some point next week, and until then I will just relax and read lots of good books! 

    Sandy, good luck with the biopsy report!  I had a laproscopic hysterectomy last year for fibroids creating major bleeding issues...I have the ability to grow lumps in ALL the wrong places too! However, I am thrilled with the decision to do that surgery as well...I am not missing that uterus one bit!

    Laura, do you think the rippling might go away as things settle out from your exchange? I think I have noted a number of women on these boards who had the experience.  Praying that is resolves for you as well!  And Deborah, I think you deserve to be happy..and part of what makes our husbands so wonderful is that in the end, they will support us in being happy...even if there is a lot of moaning and groaning that comes with the support!

  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 399
    edited July 2009

    oncRN: Glad you are doing well and in no real need for pain killers....that's a good thing. I know what you mean about being glad there's no feeling there when you have to perform your own surgery. I had stitches in 3 places that wouldn't melt and were starting to get infected so I had to perform a little surgery on myself as well. It's a funny feeling when you're looking down at yourself while doing this knowing that it should hurt and yet you feel nothing....lol

    Deborah: Again, the wealth of knowledge and looking forward to hearing what you have to say after your trip to San Diego!

    Laura: You continue to crack me up and if they were worried you'd lose your sense of humor, they worried for nothing....you're a hoot! So sorry I can't make it to Vegas, seems I'm going to miss out on a great time!

    Celine: Glad your pain is subsiding..Smile Hang in there !

    Terri

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited July 2009

    I have finally posted updated photos this morning.  My main concerns:  Step-off of the left side, rippling and not enough upper pole fullness.  My implants are sitting quite low.  Just want you to know that they look larger in photos than they are in real life.  It is like your side mirrors which read, "objects in this mirror are closer than they appear." 

    ADDENDUM:  I also just added photos taken just after fat grafting....

  • Red91RU
    Red91RU Member Posts: 7
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    I had my exchange surgery 2 weeks ago.  My TEs were filled to 570ccs and the implants were Mentor High Profile 500ccs.  I'm happy its over, but like some of you, not overly excited about the results.  I was hoping to be a low C.  I'm probably more of a high B almost C now, but it doesn't look like it.  I had been a low B prior and the silver lining in all of this was to get some perky new girls, but it is hardly noticeable.  And my right one is visibly smaller than the left one.  That was the same for the TE too. 

    Now, I have to wear this band wrap over the top of my new girls for 3 months, 24/7.  I guess to keep them from drifting upward? Also need to massage them for 30 minutes/day. Its actually difficult to do for the full 30 minutes. While I know this is supposed to help prevent scar tissue, does it help with the fluffing too?  I've read some of your postings about fluffing.  Does the fluffing actually yield a fuller look or bigger size?  I'm hoping!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited July 2009

    Red: Yes, the compression band is to push the implants down into the pocket.  Wish I had that problem Cry  Sounds like you might have complete submusculars - implants partially under the pectorals but under the lower 1/3 under muscle as well?  If so, you will see appreciable relaxing of the skin and muscle and gain some volume and projection but it could take a month or two or three or four. Once the implants drop they will look entirely different and much fuller, because projection naturally occurs in the lower pole. Actually, I have noticed at four months that I have more projection and I do NOT have complete submusculars.  So give it time...

  • KarenLazarovitz
    KarenLazarovitz Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2009

    Hi Ladies,

    Can anyone direct me to the picture page.  Now that I'm in the TE process i'm breast obsessed and will look at anyone who will show me theirs.  I really haven't seen too many final products but I have seen a few from my plastic surgeon and it looks great.  I would just like to have comparisons.

    Thanks

    xo

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited July 2009
    PM timtam here on this site... after you have posted on here for some time.. she will allow you access.. it is a private site just for gals like us... :)
  • Jean12
    Jean12 Member Posts: 6
    edited July 2009

    Hello DENRulzBC:

    I'm glad that you got some relief from your fill, by your thread is helping me to understand a little bit about procedures I'll be getting for fills, hang in there!

    Well, as for me I punked out of getting my first fills today, the doctors didn't seem to happy about me asking questions, he just wanted to do the fills and get me out of there, he had just came back from vacation, I guess he was backed up but this wasn't the first time he did that. He did a great job so far on the temporary expander but he don't like for me to ask questions.

    The reason why I had questions is because when It was time for me to get my first chemo, I couldn't because my blood counts was low, I didn't even start chemo yet and already my white blood counts was low so I didn't let him do the fills because I was worried that I might get and infection.  I hope I made the right decision.

    Anyone, please fill free to comment on this post, your thoughts are welcome.

    May God be with us all.

    Jean12

  • Firni
    Firni Member Posts: 521
    edited July 2009

    Jean12, it's always good to be careful when it comes to WBC and chemo.  There is no hurry getting your fills done and if it felt wrong to do the fill, well, you need to follow your instincts.  My PS would do my fills 1-3 days before chemo so my white count was at it's highest.  I'll tell you, bed side manner is seriously lacking in many doctors.  I'm sorry your PS didn't make you feel like he was there for you.

    OncRN, doing self surgery is not my idea of a good time.  I'm glad you're doing ok otherwise.

    kbram,  hope everything went well today and you're feeling no pain! 

  • DENRulzBC
    DENRulzBC Member Posts: 99
    edited July 2009

    JEAN - I sent you a private message, check your box.  HUGS, Dawn

  • rascal_gal
    rascal_gal Member Posts: 5
    edited July 2009

    I am three weeks post exchange. I had to wear a compression bandage for 3 from that Friday after surgery till Sunday. She was going to do fat grafting but decided I filled out nicely without it. They did do liposuction on my sides.. and boy that hurts! It's still swollen.

     When I first took the bandage off I was really upset  because they look so small. But she told me they would fluff out and it would take time. Other than that, they look good. The incisions are covered with surgical adhesive and it's starting to flake off.

    I have to go to Dillards to be fitted with a bra, but I guess since they didn't do the fat grafts, I don't have to get a compression bra. She said I am to wear the bra all day but can take it off at night.

    Right now I wear a sports bra, she thinks I would get rubbed raw and not get a good fit till the swelling goes down. I forgot to ask if I can sleep without it on. I don't want these to drift like my TE's did. So I'm scared to NOT wear one.

     My implants are the Natrelle Style 20 475 high profile. She said I would wear a D cup due to the dimensions of the implants. They don't look like a D cup at all right now because they're kinda squished looking.

    My question is, how long was it before you slept without a bra?
    And good luck to those who are having their surgeries! I hope everything went well!

    Kim

    I also have photos over at Tim Tams, but only of my TE's. I haven't put my implant photos up yet.

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited July 2009

    Hey Kim.. first.. congrats... second.. you donot have to keep that tape there.. put baby oil on it and it will come off with a little scrubbin'... I have mine off already and it has been only11 days for me....

  • greytmom_17
    greytmom_17 Member Posts: 48
    edited July 2009

    I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading these posts.  Even though I have a while before my exchange, it gives me an idea about what to expect.  I only have one more expansion, then I'll just be on hold until chemo is over and onco clears me for surgery!

    Quick question- I see mixed info from PS on bra types after surgery, wear one, don't wear one, etc.  My question is this:  I will have the implant on the cancer side in September or October, then 3 months later a reduction on the "good" side.  I am a 36DD, so going without a bra is really not an option, especially since I teach high school!  Anyone else who was in this situation - what did you do?  I can't flop around for 3 months!

  • kbram
    kbram Member Posts: 63
    edited July 2009

    Hi everyone,  I had my bi-lat exchange surgery this morning.  And I do mean MORNING!  Had to be at the hospital at 5:30 am for a 7:30 surgery!!  There is not much air that time of day.

    All went well except for the fact it took three tries to get an IV in. Ouch!  So far, so good.  Not too much pain, just a little pins and needles feeling and for some reason my arms are sore.  I guess from pulling and tugging during surgery.  Have to wear ace wrap for two days and then can have the big reveal.  Will update again after that. 

    Wishing everyone good luck and healing thoughts.

    Kathy

  • mooma
    mooma Member Posts: 9
    edited July 2009

    Greytmom....My ps says 'no bra'....not with TE's or Implants.  Not until my incision is healed, can I wear a bra.  The TE's are so hard you need a bra....there will be no flopping!  I've actually found I don't need one with the implants either.  I just wear a chami under shirts when I go to work.  I can't wait to go buy a pretty bra with NO PADDING!!!  For years it's be all padding!

    Also, some of you girls were talking about fat grafting.  I didn't know what I had was called that but seems to be what you are describing.  My ps took fat from my tummy and injected it in my chest to fill it in.  I have hardly any pain with that and I think it looks really good.  However, I'm only 4 days out from my exchange.

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited August 2009

    Deborah--Love your new photo.  Off to check out photos, I'm really waiting to hear about your PS appointment.  I made one for next week because I have soo many questions and I think my left implant is shifting.  I just can't wait for preop in October to get some answers.

    Hugs to everyone.

     Karen --KEW

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028
    edited August 2009

    Karen!  Love YOUR new avatar!  Wow....is your hair lighter?  I love it!!!

    Greyhound momma.....I can go without a bra and no one would ever know.  But many of us were able to wear regular bras and/or sports bras within a week to ten days after surgery. 

  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 399
    edited August 2009

    Deborah: GREAT PHOTO!

    I posted some photos of my little boobies with these expanders on the picture forum. Just wondering what you ladies think about my right "breast"...it is definitely tighter and not filling out as well as the left. Is there anything I can do to help it along???

    Terri

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Kathy, the iv is the worst part for me as well.  When I got in the operating room the anesthesiolgist saw the swollen bruise on the back of my hand and was ticked.  Then she saw where the iv was finally put in and was ticked again. 

    Mooma, I was told a soft bra but find I need a padded one and am not pleased with that.  They also said I could go to the gym (at 1 week post op, now its 2 weeks) and do what I felt comfortable with.  I asked about weights, chest presses and running and was told as long as I had a supportive sports bra I could do anything.  Isn't that crazy? 

    I was going to be very careful anyway to prevent shifting like I had with the expanders.  Then finally thought, why?  If they shift, I get them replaced with something that I actually like!  Its not like I am going against the doctors instructions. 

    So tonight I went to the gym and ran for about 10 minutes and walked on the treadmill for another 20 minutes.  Surprise, it feels like the left shifted again.  It felt fine while I was running but when I took the sports bra off, it feels like it has moved.  

    I don't hate the implants, meaning I am not sitting around crying.  I just want boobs you could actually see!

  • dani42
    dani42 Member Posts: 206
    edited August 2009

    Kathy, the iv is the worst part for me as well.  When I got in the operating room the anesthesiolgist saw the swollen bruise on the back of my hand and was ticked.  Then she saw where the iv was finally put in and was ticked again. 

    Mooma, I was told a soft bra but find I need a padded one and am not pleased with that.  They also said I could go to the gym (at 1 week post op, now its 2 weeks) and do what I felt comfortable with.  I asked about weights, chest presses and running and was told as long as I had a supportive sports bra I could do anything.  Isn't that crazy? 

    I was going to be very careful anyway to prevent shifting like I had with the expanders.  Then finally thought, why?  If they shift, I get them replaced with something that I actually like!  Its not like I am going against the doctors instructions. 

    So tonight I went to the gym and ran for about 10 minutes and walked on the treadmill for another 20 minutes.  Surprise, it feels like the left shifted again.  It felt fine while I was running but when I took the sports bra off, it feels like it has moved.  

    I don't hate the implants, meaning I am not sitting around crying.  I just want boobs you could actually see!

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