Exchange City
Comments
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Nae-I did have a TE that was leaking. After four days from one of my fills I looked down and noticed that one was smaller than other. I called the PS and his assistant told me that it probably sprung a leak (internally). I ended up getting an appointment with him the next day because I was very worried about it. He told me it did spring a leak and I could either come back to keep getting it refilled or leave it alone. Either decision would not compromise the final outcome (the skin was already stretched). He said there was no need to replace the TE. I went back every two weeks to get refilled. By the time I had my exchange (did not get refilled for four weeks) last Wednesday I was able to tell the PS that I wanted the end result to look like the TE that is filled rather than the one that was leaking. At least I had something visual to show him what I really wanted! So far it looks like the leaking expander did not create any problems. I am just hoping for that "drop and fluff" thing to happen soon!
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Here is Bette's contact info:
Bette Dietrick
304 E Marshall St., Apt. 832
West Chester, PA 19380
Home: 610-344-7627
Cell: 610-322-1975
bglps139@verizon.net
Just re-emphasizing what Deen has said, she is our fellow BC sister from the Aug 08 thread & she is on FB too. Her husband Tom has been keeping us all updated on CaringBridge.com. They would greatly appreciate cards and prayers.
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Jane - we must have been posting simulataneously this morning! Hope you're feeling better today..... I absolutely agree - jazzercise definitely helped me get through all this bc stuff. Knowing that I needed to get back to my "ladies" after my bmx and then again after my exchange gave me just a little bit more inspiration to keep working on "reclaiming" my body. Yeah....I guess it is a bit of a cult, lol........
My dh took some more pics the end of last week and we finally got them uploaded. I'll try to get them posted today....in between laundry.....and a swim meet.....and cooking dinner.....
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Hello Everyone, I'm eternally grateful for all the incredible support and information one finds in the diversity of these forums. I'm scheduled for my exchange, and would appreciate some feedback in particular with implant sizing. I'm trying to decide between the Allergan Style 20 versus Style 45. Presently, I have the Allergan Style 133MV14 Expanders - w=14, Ht=13, Projection=6.0 when filled to 500cc capacity. I'm now filled to 760cc, and I like the size with the exception of the width of the Expander. My physician and I have discussed Style 20 in 700, 750, and 800cc, as well as Style 45 in 700 or 800cc sizes. I'm aware that variable factors determine this choice, and I'm finding it difficult to envision which will have ultimately the best ratio with regard to dimensions. Ladies, once again, thank you all for your diversified support, optimism, and wit throughout this journey.
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RisingPhoenix: What is your height, weight, ribcage dimensions? Measure the circumference just under your TEs...The choice of tissue expander typically dictates to the PS the style and approximate size of implants he intends to use at the time of exchange, and with a 14.0 cm width, I doubt he had the Style 45 in mind, because you would need the largest volume in that style - 800 cc's - in order to provide the width necessary for the pocket he created. He could make some pocket revisions, but we will get into that later....
Go to Page 99 of this thread and you will see some diagrams with additional measurements which should be taken into consideration when you are considering that ultra high profile implant. Your sternal notch to nipple [or imaginary nipple in most cases] distance is generally what indicates whether you are a candidate for an ultra full profile implant. It is not so much profile/projection as it is height - and in some body types, the ultra full in the upper volume might be too tall for your chest wall.
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Hi all.... haven't been on any threads for a while. I am finally set for hopefully my last surgery before nips. Dec. 1st for a Left Lat Flap with implant exchange and right tweak. Anyone have a Lat Flap? What was your experience like? Guess I will have two drains. I have had one before. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery!
Kathleen
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I finally get to join this thread!! After 15 months for my right TE and 4 months for my left, I finally have any exchange date. (I had my left TE removed and waited 7 months due to an infection.) I will be having the exchange along with a minor pocket revision on the right on January 25. (You can see my TE photos under the sreenname sandollars on TinTam's site.) My right TE sits higher than the left.
Now I'm concerned about size. I'm 5'6 144 lbs. with a 31 inch ribcage. My TE's are 133-MV 600s filled to 690 and I love the .14 x 15 x 6.4 cm dimensions. My PS uses almost exclusively the textured silicone Allergan implants for reconstruction. I see in the catalog that the largest high profiles (600 or 650) are 14.5 or 15.5 cms but only have a projection of 4.9 and 5.0. That's almost a half inch. Am I going to miss that projection?
He will do nips at the time of the surgery ... so I want to make sure we get these right.
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Ladies.. I have a friend whose TE is poking through her skin..:(.. it is not infected yet... but air has hit the pocket.. ( I have no idea why this is bad??)
Anyway.. if she chooses to take out the TE and waiting for everything to heal... how long before she can put the TE back in and try again?
TY!
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Deborah I have seen you suggest going to page 99 of this thread before and I confess I actually tried to go there by paging through from the beginning one page at a time and it was so maddening I gave up. So now I'm going to ask: how does one go to page 99 directly? What am I missing?
Cheers,
Lilah
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Angel: The sports bra I use is a Champion Powersleek, Model #1691 - the same one Linda54 wears and recommended to me. I wear a 34 band size in that bra and have two of them. They fit really snug on me - I buy a cup size smaller than needed. I alternate between these and a surgical compression bra - this one....
http://www.makemeheal.com/mmh/product.do?id=33111&procid=1&catid=8
and when all of the above are in the wash, I also use the bra given to me after my exchange surgery, which is not too terribly supportive but very comfortable - probably very much like this one....provided for me by Kaiser
http://www.compressiongarments.com/baplpobrso.html
I am looking for another sleep bra right now...probably another surgical compression bra. They just tend to be more comfortable for sleeping. What I am looking for is one which lifts and separates the breasts, but does not place pressure on the upper pole of the breast.
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Hi Whippetmom
Thanks for the reply I really appreciate it! its so wierd to be in communication Ive been reading for so long....I am in London so they call everything something different here although I think what I have is Alloderm, but its called Stratis in London and I have it on the lower pole and the implants are under the muscle on the upper pole my implants are quite big and were filled in the surgery so have always been big for me, DD right now. Its so different in the US your thread is the reason I started to ask more questions and postponed my exchange surgery. I have had one second opinion and the PS reccomended mastoplexy to regain the shape this involves moving the ni[ple across and removing tissue to make them smaller again three scars, around the nipple, from the centre of the nipple down, and another one underneath. My DH is not so sure about the scar bit he thinks a bad shape might be better, my NHS PS reccomended just removing tissue from underneath with just one new scar. The question what is better, to have good shape (whatever that is) but 3 new scars or just a slightly better shape with wonky nipples but less scars?? Hope Im making sense!
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Hi Whippetmom
Thanks for the reply I really appreciate it! its so wierd to be in communication Ive been reading for so long....I am in London so they call everything something different here although I think what I have is Alloderm, but its called Stratis in London and I have it on the lower pole and the implants are under the muscle on the upper pole my implants are quite big and were filled in the surgery so have always been big for me, DD right now. Its so different in the US your thread is the reason I started to ask more questions and postponed my exchange surgery. I have had one second opinion and the PS reccomended mastoplexy to regain the shape this involves moving the ni[ple across and removing tissue to make them smaller again three scars, around the nipple, from the centre of the nipple down, and another one underneath. My DH is not so sure about the scar bit he thinks a bad shape might be better, my NHS PS reccomended just removing tissue from underneath with just one new scar. The question what is better, to have good shape (whatever that is) but 3 new scars or just a slightly better shape with wonky nipples but less scars?? Hope Im making sense!
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Hi Whippetmom
Thanks for the reply I really appreciate it! its so wierd to be in communication Ive been reading for so long....I am in London so they call everything something different here although I think what I have is Alloderm, but its called Stratis in London and I have it on the lower pole and the implants are under the muscle on the upper pole my implants are quite big and were filled in the surgery so have always been big for me, DD right now. Its so different in the US your thread is the reason I started to ask more questions and postponed my exchange surgery. I have had one second opinion and the PS reccomended mastoplexy to regain the shape this involves moving the ni[ple across and removing tissue to make them smaller again three scars, around the nipple, from the centre of the nipple down, and another one underneath. My DH is not so sure about the scar bit he thinks a bad shape might be better, my NHS PS reccomended just removing tissue from underneath with just one new scar. The question what is better, to have good shape (whatever that is) but 3 new scars or just a slightly better shape with wonky nipples but less scars?? Hope Im making sense!
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Whippetmom - Thank you for your prompt reply. As advised, I took into consideration your measurements on Page 99, particularly the SN-N distance, with regard to determining whether to choose a high profile implant such as the Allergan Style 45.
Foremost, what is the difference between the Style 20 which is indicative of a "high profile", and the Style 45 which is indicative of a "full profile"?
Does the high profile come up higher on the chest, or merely just has more frontal projection?
I wish to stay in the full C to small D cup size, if possible. I am 5'4', 120lbs, and my ribcage is 32'. My SN-N measurement = 8.5' =21.59 cm. As stated, a SN-N of >21 is indication for high profile implants As well, those that fall into the cusp of 19cm or 21cm can go in either direction of moderate or high profile? I do have strong pectoral muscles, however I'm not sure if that would indicate prominent pectoral muscles. My upper torso is proportionate, definitely not petite, with an athletic build.
In order to avoid pocket revision, would I have to stay within the 14cm width of my Expander? As I mentioned, I am not particularly fond of the width of the Expander.
If I were to opt for the Style 45 700cc at 13.5cm width, do you find that there would be much pocket revision? The Style 45 800cc would fall into the width of my Expander, however I'm not sure where the Style 45 800cc would take me relevant to cup size.
Lastly, if it is advisable to stay within the Expander width, I like the projection of the Style 20 700cc, but it has a 14.5cm width. Would this, being wider than my Expander, cause any pocket revision?
How much effect does pocket revision have on the outcome of implant placement and staying in place, as well as any effect on pectoral muscle function? My interest is to not compromise either.
Apologizing for the mouthful, however I've been mulling over the options, and I'm still undecisive.
Thanking you, in advance, for your time and response.
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Fifi: Scars heal ..... But why not do what is least invasive to correct a misshapen breast mound? I would really like to see what you look like so that I can get an idea of what would occur with these recommended revisions. I can understand the nipple/areola malposition, but I am not sure what you have going on with the shape of your breast. Nipple sparing surgery is new enough that medical treatises out there and available for review carry little discussion re: addressing nipple malposition after exchange. My favorite author, Kenneth Shestak, does have a section on this topic, on Page 477 and following - which really sort of sounds like a Benelli lift - a V or Y lift. Hope the link works...I had to reduce it:
I want my sister [who had a nipple sparing] and Peg also - to ask their plastic surgeons how they plan to address these NAC positioning issues with those who desire correction. [My sister has decided to live with her little bit "wonky" NAC positioning - but her breast shape is excellent. ] But referable to photos: If you are not comfortable with posting on the pictures forum, you can email me your pictures privately. PM me and I can give you my email address or help you post photos on the forum.
Deborah
And I cannot BELIEVE you lurked for almost what...six months? Well, you are here now...
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Lilah: I found an EASY way to go directly to a certain page without doing what you were doing....too laborious. Just look at the browser web address at the top of your screen and you will see http://community.breastcancer.org....yadda, yadda, yadda...and at the end - the page number which now is 260.! Just change that page number to 99. See if it works for you.....0
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I just tried to post, but the message never appeared and must be floating around in cyberspace. Yesterday I went to the PS to see about my CC and learned it is now a high 3 on the Baker scale and the whole capsule has to be removed. I would like to get it done soon, but my dilemma is whether to have another, smaller implant placed at the time of surgery or learn to live without an implant. The chance of another CC is higher for me because I had rads after exchange, necrosed skin removed 2 weeks after mx, and have current CC. Sorry for whining -- just wanted to check in. --bonnie
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RisingPhoenix: The Style 45 is really an "extra full projection" style of implant. It will have more projection, but in order to achieve the additional projection, the implant is constructed also to be taller than the Style 20. While you are a candidate for a Style 45, with your SN-N ratio, your desires for a certain SIZE will preclude you from using this implant. You could go with this style, but in order to remain a D cup or smaller, you would need some extensive work to narrow the pockets and go with a smaller volume of that style - say 600 cc's.
But certainly you would be a great candidate for the Style 20 - which is the standard high profile. I think you have my vital statistics almost identically, including the SN-N ratio. - and I have this style in 550 cc's. I am a 34 DD. But do not focus so much on cup size because 550 cc's on your frame might respond entirely different, despite the fact we are the same size.
You need to go to the pictures forum and look at moodyk13. She is around 5'5" and 115 pounds, as I recall...but I think though she has a 30 inch ribcage....She has the Style 45 implants in 700 cc's. She is not a D, not a double or triple D, not an E, but a "G" cup I believe....So what I am saying is, 700 cc implants are going to be really huge on you...And who is it girls?....Is it Journey? I think she was switched out to Style 45 in 600 cc's. You might want to look at her pictures also....
I personally think that the 133 MV 500 cc TE- with a 13.0 cm width - would have been better for you but we are going to work with what you have going on now. Okay....so my own personal opinion is that if you are bothered by the width now, you will really be unhappy unless you have your PS narrow those pockets at the time of exchange and then really wear a great support bra almost immediately afterwards to keep the newly created pockets protected and to keep the implants from migrating laterally. Do a little more research - looking at photos - of the Style 45's. I will tell you honestly, I researched the Style 45 ad nauseum....till my eyeballs bulged....and even on the breast augmentation forums you see the Style 45 used very infrequently. I found TWO women on the forums I researched who had this style. The most common implant styles for breast augmentation - in Allergan are the Style 15 [midrange profile] and Style 20.
BTW...and an important question, do you have partial submuscular placement - under the pectorals only - or complete submuscular - under pecs above but lower 1/3 under rectus abdominus, etc? Find out and let us know....
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Bonnie: Let me do a little research on this for you....
samiam: Any possibility of getting your PS off of that textured silicone implant he is so fond of? There are a few and I mean few of the hundreds of us with smooth silicone - who have textured implants - but many of them - Dani will chime in here if she sees this....are getting ready to exchange them out for smooth silicone. Additionally, you just cannot get the amount of projection you can get with the smooth silicone implants. I think you would be happier with Style 20 - smooth silicone - and if you like the dimensions of your TEs, why not look at the Style 20 in 650 cc's - 14.2 cm by 5.9 or the 700 cc's - 14.5 cm by 6.2 cm....the latter volume is nearly perfect...
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Oh my gosh Deborah that is SO SIMPLE. I can't believe I didn't notice that. Yes my method was so laborious I gave up after 25 pages. Thank you! I knew you would know
Cheers,
Lilah
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Ok Deborah, I am here and I agree. Don't even bother with the textured. My former ps did what he wanted to do without caring about what I wanted. I went ahead with the surgery hoping he would be right, He wasn't.
You need to wonder why the majority of women are getting Style 20 and so few are getting textured. My instincts told me not to go through with it, I was an emotional mess, in fact. I didn't know of another plastic surgeon that participated in my insurance plan that used silicone implants. Denise (4GreatKids) gave me the name of my new ps and it was definitely an example of angels at work. I will be forever grateful to Denise.
Just get a second opinion, that is all you need to do.
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ok everyone here goes todays quetions..LOL
I did post these in another forum too, but b/c this is the exchange one, i want ur input too!!!
1- i want silicone..but it appears there is HIGH PROFILE, MODERATE PLUS PROFILE & MODERATE PROFILE..(this i found under the mentor website). i am assuming to project more outward is high? which do u you guy have or want...or which might be better if i wanna b a "b" cup?
2_ Round or contoured?
3- How many here have had CC? If u had it do u know what grade scale u were in? Did u have a replant?
4-who on this board has had their implants in for at least a yr now?
5- I see on ur "profiles", ER(plus)/PR (plus), HER2 & different Grades..what does this mean?
6-On EC forum there is a way to view the womens pix they post of themselves after/beofre during reconstruction...does this forum have anything like this?
7- sub muscular or intra muscualr (if i am even getting these things right) :-)
Thank all for all ur patience!!!! U all Rock
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FiFi... Welcome you little lurker you!! Glad you posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is nice to meet you! Sit down... grab a cup-o-coffee or whatever you drink... and become a a part of the Ta Ta Sisterhood!
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Can I just say........... because I seem to be labeled the " cheerleader of the group"..........
Go Deborah.... Go Deborah... Go Deborah... Go Deborah.... Go Deborah.... Go Deborah.....
Wahoooooooooooooooooooooooooo
You are SUPER helpful this week to the new gals!!! I want to thank you for your ministry!!!
Love to you! I am so proud of you !!!!!!
L.
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OK SHOSHI,....:).. here I go.....:)
HIGH>>>> ROUND>>>> SILICONE>>>>> NO CC here... nor many at all on BCO... just one lady I know....>>>> MANY here have their implants a yr or more and doing GREAT!...... there is a picture site I SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO recommend you go to... please PM a lady named.... .....TIMTAM... here on BCO... ask her to join her pictures site... this is where we all are....
ER/PR/HER2... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> this is our cancer type.... I am TOTALLY hormone negative...and Her2 Gene...positive..... so I am..... Er- Pr- Her2+
I have been on BCO for 1 1/2...... if you have questions outside reconstruction... or even reconstruction.... please feel free to PM ( private message) me... I will visit with you and answer your questions. If I do not know the answer... I will tell you who to contact here who will!!
We care for you and all our ladies here.....:)
Laura
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Shoshi: Okay, so I just looked at your profile and I am confused. It sounds as though you have LCIS - lobular carcinoma in situ - but you state in your profile you are going to have a PBMX which sounds like prophylactic mastectomies. We could give you some assistance prior to your surgery - some things to go over with your surgeon. How about your height, weight and measure the circumference of your ribcage under your bra line....we can help you further.
Also, spend some time navigating through Exchange City and perhaps through the thread "Implants Smaller than Expanders", where many different styles and sizes of implants are discussed. This way you can learn on your own about some of the styles of implants and different issues we discuss.
I think your next question might be how to contact Timtam: The link to PM Timtam is here: Look to the right and send her a private message:
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thank u all.. i have pm TIMTAN & EVEN GOT A CREEN NAME & PW & I WAS TOLD I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE moderator of that site..it is seperate from this web & forum..i asked again yesterday & was not given any more answers...so i dont know...i have asked & i will be happy to post me when the time comes ...but thank u all
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Shoshi: I might add...there are options OTHER than expanders to implants.....donor flap surgeries - have you discussed ANY of this with your PS?
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Timtam is the moderator of the picture forum. It is totally separate...Be patient she'll get back to you. Deborah is right (what a surprise! LOL) one thing at a time..
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Wow...a lot of new activity here today! Welcome to all the newbies! I hope you are finding that reading the posts is giving you information and inspiration!
Just wanted to report on what I learned during my "unveiling " today from breast revision and nipple recon on Monday.
I have what my PS called 2 very "proud" nipples....yes, I do! But I told him this week I was working on patience and humility! He replied you have shown patience already! (infection, drug induced hepatitis, ripples etc.) but humility (ie smaller nips) would take a month or two more! But humility will come! Amen!
Regarding my lift or bottoming out on my cancer side, he took out my implant and stitched my inframammary fold from the inside, so I was not cut outside. A lot more work on his part, but less scarring! It does look much better....even now and with the nipples..wow...it almost looks real!! The rippling is very much improved but I cannot say it is eliminated. There is still some striations, but so much better than before!!
And to think I was seriously thinking of 3D nips only...having real nips does make me feel like I have breasts again. Ladies, listen up!I am quite sore...didn't really expect that, but since I now understand about the removal of the implant and internal stitching, I should not be surprised! Good news is that there will not be any ADDITIONAL scars in getting me the lift I needed to even me out. Olives on my eggs bendict's tats would sit quite evenly, thank you very much!!
Gentle cyber hugs tonight, and I already have a card for Bette in my outbox! Is is really helpful when a loved one tells you exactly what the "patient" needs! Cards... we can do that! We are the ta-ta sisterhood!
God Bless!
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