BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
Comments
-
blessings: I am so happy to hear from you and I am so encouraged about your relationship with your PS! You are on the first step in this journey. Please let us know how you are doing as fills progress. You might want to find a sports bra - the TEs are heavy - and we want to keep them afloat...so to speak! Some women are finding the Ahh bra works well with TEs.
Deborah
0 -
Deborah - the PS wants me in a compression sports bra, and I have a great one from JCPenney - it has a zip-front closure, and great support.
I was finding it to be too tight at night, so I emailed the PS, who replied that night compression was not necessary, just use a looser sports bra. I have the Genie bra and love it, but the only issue is the band rolling up.
Of course, when I lose this weight....
0 -
Thank you to all you ladies who have posted. It has been a tremendous help to me since I first found these forums. This is the first time I am asking a question. I am scheduled for my exchange on Jan. 17th. I meet with the PS on the 3rd to discuss the procedure. Whippetmom has been so helpful to many and was hoping for some help too. In the past the PS has been vague as to what the final size would be and I would like to be prepared when I see him next. I found my implant ID card and it is Natrelle style 133v(133mx-14) 600cc, I was filled to 675cc in each. My chest measures 36" and I am 5'6" tall. What questions should I ask him? He did mention he would make more cleavage on the exchange. I am not sure how that works but will ask him.
0 -
tenaj: Some questions for you.....
When you say your chest measures 36 inches, are you referring to the measurement under your TEs - measuring around the ribcage, or are you referring to the measurement around the "mound."? I need the former measurement, not the latter. Also, how do you feel about the size? Does it seem to be enough or do you feel you are too small? I want your opinion regarding the size. Were you large breasted prior to the BMX - e.g. - is the skin pretty tight over the TEs or do you have quite a bit of skin - some laxity over the TEs? Your PS' reference to cleavage probably suggests that your TEs are widely spaced - as they often have a tendency to migrate laterally during expansion. So he plans to bring them closer together - hence giving you more "cleavage" - at the time of the exchange. Glad to help. Just supply me with this additional information.
Deborah
0 -
Wow thanks for the quick response. The measurement was under the expanders. They seem to be the right size, I would prefer them to be as they are and not smaller as I have read that happens. I dare to say larger as I don't want to be too big and have to wear a bra all the time. I was at least a 38 D but was probably not wearing the right size. My skin is not loose but not extremely tight either. If the TE's are brought closer together does that mean the implant is wider? I remeasured and I'm more like 35.5" Thanks
0 -
I just got my official "Mentor" card from Emory hospital in the mail today! How funny....it tells me what size I got..smooth, round, moderate profile w/ 200 ccs. I'd have been just as happy w/
150 or less,(picky, the smaller the better) but I'm good. I'm gonna carry it in my wallet right next to my AAA card.
How funny!
P.S Whippetmom is the bomb! what a gift she is to us here on the forum! Thank you for all you do
0 -
Deborah,
First off a HUGE thank you for all you do for all of us getting ready for exchange! I really appreciate your time and have learned so much from all your posts...thank you thank you thank you! I had a BMX Nov 30 and was filled with 200 cc each side. Since then I have had 2 fills of 60 each which brings up the total to 320 each side. I was a full b( I think) prior to surgery and was hoping to get some insight on what size implants I should exchange these te's out for. My stats are: 5'5 1/2, 130 pounds, rib cage 30 inches, and my ps put in Natrelle 133MV 13. He used alloderm at time of BMX. He has been filing me weekly and then said after final fill that I would wait 3-4 weeks then do exchange. I am hoping to go up a size and have nice projection, but still look natural. I also had 2 lumpectomies on my right side last May, so the right side has 3 scars, but all the scars look totally healed and it seems like I am stretching out nicely so far. If you need any other information or pictures of how the tissue expanders look then I can get them up on the picture site. Thanks so much and have a good night!0 -
tenaj: Okay, you want Allergan Style 20, 700 ccs. This would be the minimum I would recommend. 750 ccs might be even better. But certainly your TEs and your overfilling, contemporaneous with your pre-BMX skin envelope, should be sufficient to get you to either size of implant.
Your TEs: 14 cm wide - 13 cm height - 7.1 cm projection.
Allergan Style 20 - 700 ccs: 14.5 cm width - 6.2 cm projection. Believe me, it will work and you could use the extra width. If the implants are brought closer together, they will not be impeding into the armpit region. The width does not change.
0 -
vivi: It helps very much that you posted what you received. I have only twice previously had gals wanting to be as small as you, and so it helps to know what to recommend, when using the smallest implant which will be appropriate for the ribcage is in order. In your case, I worried that a moderate [instead of moderate plus] would be too low profile, but you describe that it is just fine and you would have been happy with less volume! So I am just happy, happy that it has worked out for you! Congratulations!!!
0 -
jenni: I would recommend Allergan Style 20, 500 ccs. You can tell me how you are feeling about the size once you reach your final fill at 400 ccs. Your PS may want to overfill a bit, but the dimensions of your TEs should mirror the dimensions of the Style 20-500 ccs, ensuring good implant coverage. So much of it depends on your skin integrity and how your skin has responded to expansion. My TEs were the same style/size as yours, and my implants are Allergan Style 20 - 550 ccs. If your skin is quite taut and your PS feels this is too much, Style 15 - 371 ccs or 397 ccs - would be another option. But I think you will prefer Style 20.
0 -
Deborah: thank you so much for your time and dedication to all of us going through this process. I feel prepared to see my PS on Tuesday now. Happy New Year and I will post after my visit.
Janet
0 -
vivirasselena - I love your tag line ... simply beautiful! And amen! xo
Also ... so glad that you're happy with your size. If you don't mind me asking ... I'm just curious here ... what are your stats ... how tall are you and how much do you weigh? I'm 5'5" and 109#. I have 325cc's and it was funny because after every fill I was like, "Ok, I'm done." And then after a couplel of days I wanted to go bigger. Glad you're where you wanted to be!
And I totally agree that whippetmom is the bomb!
0 -
Hi all- been forever since i got on the forum. It is good to hear from many of you, and to see others getting encouragement as they begin this journey. I had my BMX in May and my TE replacement in September. I ended up with moderate plus profile implants, as Whippetmom suggested, and i am glad i did not go for the high profile- I went from a barely B to a D! However, i also had a lot of rippling and my left breast was just hanging off me when i leaned forward- very disconcerting. So i switched to a different PS who appeared to listen better, and had a mastopexy to correct my drooping nipples and sagginess. It looks better, though those round scars are a little freaky! Unfortunately the left nipple has been problematic- black and blue from too little venous circulation. It looks like now, at 11 days post-op, I will be able to keep it, but i had some of the stitches removed today and now the right side,which had looked fine, has a triangular gap at the bottom of the nipple incision about half an inch wide. Is there anything i can do to keep it tight? should i call the surgeon to see if i need to be re-stitched? Or does it eventually resolve and i just get a really funky scar there? :-} I will be grateful for any advice from you wonderful ladies...
On another note, I have a lot to be thankful for- my mom is walking again and out of the rehab center after 6 months of surgeries, infections, and struggle! God is good!
0 -
spellgirl: I would see your surgeon again. Native nipples are tricky, tenuous little buggers, especially when it comes to circulatory compromise. You need to have your PS tell you if anything at all can be done. Many thousands of women who undergo mastopexies eventually grow accustomed to the lollipop scars around their nipples. If your areolae are not too large, you can always augment the size with tattooing and disguise the scars somewhat.
Keep us posted on what you find out...
0 -
whippetmom - I asked you for advice back in August when I was starting fills. I am almost done now and just wanted to revisit. Here are the stats 5'3", 125 lbs. on a good day, 32" ribcage, Mentor style 7200 TE's med. ht., recommended fill 550 cc's. I have height in the legs, shorter torso. I do not expect you to remember this so I will recap briefly - I had necrosis issues with a BMX with NS/SS and lost the left TE after three skin excisions. It was out for chemo and put back last July. I am currently filled to 600 on the right and 525 on the left but look pretty symmetrical due to scar tissue. PS is predicting two different size implants. The skin on the left side has done beautifully - we have gone slowly, which has been great. I am looking at two more 25cc fills. You had originally thought 600-650 cc Mentor Hi Pro Smooth Round silicone. That is looking very consistent with where I am now. I was a solid B cup before but would like to be slightly larger and feel I will be with the size implant you originally thought I would end up with. Do you have any thoughts on the differing size - have you seen this before? Knowing that the skin has held up well how are you feeling about your original thoughts?
0 -
SpecialK: My thoughts about sizing are unchanged. We have seen the need for the use of two different sizes/ volume implants, but I want to go over this further when I am on my computer vs my phone. Cindy (hillck) might have some information for you also. More tomorrow.
0 -
Thanks - will await further info and check with hillck too.
0 -
Whippetmom- thanks. I go to see my surgeon again on tuesday- keeping things quiet till then over the holiday weekend! :-)
0 -
Whippet mom- Thank you so much for responding to my post on implant size..as always your knowledge and help is so appreciated!
Jenni0 -
Whippet mom - Hi. I was hoping you might help me/give me some direction on any questions I might need to ask my plastic surgeon. I'm scheduled for BMX Jan 11. The PS said I was the perfect canidate for TE. He mentioned the possibility of using alloderm if there was not enough tissue/muscle to fully cover the TE. I asked him about cup size and he said there was no way to fully predict that, so it makes me feel better to read what you wrote about that. He said he would most likely put in a 400 or 500 cc expander. The rest of what he said is pretty much a blur.
I know I am schueduled to meet with him on Jan 10 to be marked for surgery, but I was going to see if I could schedule a meeting with him this week to go through things one more time. I just don't know exactly what I need to be asking him. I am 5'4". Current weight is 145, but I lost 15 lbs in the last few months and don't have faith that it will stay off. I had been training for a half marathon and the weight came off with that and I know I won't be running any time soon. My bras are a 38B, but I don't completely fill those. One BS I saw said I was an A or barely a B right now. I measured under my bra line and got 32". I'd like to come out of this able to fill a B cup completely. Don't want to be smaller but don't want to be a whole lot bigger. I don't think I'd know what to do with a C or C+. Haha. What do you recommend and what questions do you think I should ask my PS? Thank you.
0 -
The PS told me I can be any size I want and that with a bmx I wont have to have mammograms and that I can throw away all my padded bras...ok thats 3 reasons to be happy today.....I just go around looking for some so I wont get depressed. Worried about the pain and chemo and rads and hair loss and my fiance leaving me.............I gotta look for reasons to be happy right? Wow that was a lot of info which this whole site is and practical stuff we can only get from the sisters who have been thru it personally.
0 -
bludaizy: If your PS could use a 400 cc or 500 cc TE - that would be excellent. I think that with your description of marathon running - you might prefer midrange profile style implants down the road. The midrange style has a bit more of an "athletic profile" - not as much projection as the HPs. If he uses 400 cc variable projection TEs, I think that perhaps 421 or 457 ccs [using Allergan, for example] in Style 15 would be nice on your frame. You need somewhere between 13.0 cm to 14.0 cm in width on your frame. If you opt for an HP, this would translate to at least 500 ccs - Allergan Style 20. If he uses a 500 cc variable projection TE, this would mean around 492 ccs in a Style 15 or 600 ccs in a Style 20. You have a number of options...and he will use the TE which works best - which he can safely use.
Let us know how things go for you!
0 -
Layla: It sounds as though you have a lot on your plate right now - with many decisions to make. I know there are many threads here on bc.org where you can get answers and support about your concerns about chemo and rads. There is a thread also which helps women retain their hair - called "Cold Cap Users" - and it is pretty amazing that some of these women preserved their hair during chemo. As for your fiance - it is better to know now - before you get married - what kind of man he is, because you need a strong one or none at all at this time in your life. Please let me know if you need any help with sizing issues.
0 -
I wanted to post about a visit I had with a PS for a 2nd opinion. I am so glad I paused during this whirlwind process to evaluate the course I am on. It can feel like a runaway train, and I feel like I have regained some control. My MSKCC PS said that I am filled as much as he thinks is best (280ccs in FV 300 TEs). I was a full B before surgery (full C before kids!) and was hoping to get back to a full B, maybe C. Right now I'd say I am an average B and wish I could have more fills (1-2 more). Anyways, I saw Dr. Choi and she said she thought I could have 2-3 more fllls and that she recs Allergan Style 20 high profile silicone rounds for me, not gummies as the PS at MSKCC would prefer. Basically, visiting with her gave me the confidence to only go to the exchange when I am happy with how I look and not accept anything else. I may be extremely blessed to have survived my brish with cancer, but I don't have to take whatever is pushed in my direction as far as new boobs just because I am lucky, I want to look good after all of this, I need it!
0 -
Hi Whippetmom,
Thanks for all the help you give people. You're truly a Godsend.
I'm having a problem with the picture forum and wonder if you could help. I joined it a few months ago, but when I just tried to log on, it told me my password isn't correct. When I asked for a new password to be send to my email, it didn't send me one. Can you help with that or let me know who could help? Thanks.
I just had my implants put in on Wednesday and I'm not sure I'm happy with them (they seem too big, not what I expected). It seems silly to worry about such things when there are so many more important things in the world, but I confess I feel pretty down about it. Thanks for your help. Therese9/Stephanie
0 -
Lauren: RUN! Go to Dr. Choi. Otherwise, you will not get the results you seek. I agree with her completely!
I have to add that it just irks me that your MSK PS is doing this to his patients. It is such a controlling, egomaniacal type of position to take. Grrrr...
0 -
Therese:
PM Lilah or Timtam and ask them to help you with access.
If you want to give me all of your data - and implant style/volume, I can help you figure it all out. You can always email me photos also.
0 -
I've read that you can view pictures but, I can't seem to find them here. Can someone help please?
0 -
Layla if you get nipple reconstruction you might want to get a lightly padded bra. The do stick out all the time. Many women get 3-D tattoos instead. I did the nipple recon. I need some slight padding when I wear thin shirts like tee-shirts.
You fiance is not marrying you for your boobs. If he truly loves you now he will truly love you through this journey. Just remember he is going through this too. He will also might not know what he needs to do to be supportive. Be sure to communicate with him. Try not to get mad just talk things out. My husband was wonderful throughout my journey… there are many women here who can say their partners were very supportive.
0 -
Hi Whippetmom,
I wrote to you about access to the picture site but haven't been on long enough to gain access yet. Can you help me with sizing? My PS initialy told me he preferred smooth silicone but when I saw him last he told me he ordered 'medium textured' (no other info) It didn't register with me at the time but then I found these forums and called in and asked what he had ordered for me - the receptionist looked in my file and told me HP saline. What!!!!!!!!
Now I am confused and scared about surgery coming up on Jan 23rd. The receptionist told me he is totally booked next week and that means I will not be able to see him until a couple of weeks before surgery. She suggested I email the surgical co-ordinator with my questions and she would get with my PS and get back with me. I'm not sure I feel comfortable with that and maybe I need to see him face to face to have him looking at my TE's when I am talking to him.
I am 5'7" and 130# with a slim build and bony chest. I am not long or short waisted. I was barely an A but a little bigger than an AA before. I measure 31" under my TE's and 36" at the fullest part of the mound right now with 50cc's left to go. My last fill is on Jan 3 and will put me to what he said was capacity at 370cc.
BMX on Sept 20 with TE's filled at 50cc as he could not fit in the hoped for 150ccs after my bmx. I've been getting 50cc's every 2 weeks and at my last fill the nurse said it was a 'push' to get the last 10cc in. I have in Allergan style 133V TE's and the card says they are catalog # LPPFH 12. This is a device id card and the only other thing I know is he told me they held from 310 to 370cc's. My TE's At 10 days after my last fills are tight but they usually feel ok by the time I go for my next fill. My journey with the BMX and TE's has been pretty problem free other than the normal discomfort of expansion.
I would like to be the same size as I am now or a little bigger but not smaller. I want to be a nice full B - at least that's the size that I see on other women that I like - proportionate for me but not too big. My PS said he would not go bigger than a B on me because my frame would not handle it. He also told me like most Dr's do that it was hard to figure cup size so the 'B' is a reference point. He is planning to do FG on me to lessen the shelf and soften the edges of the implants.
Help - I don't want saline!!! I didn't like how they felt and am worried about rippling. I don't understand why the change to textured saline when he himself told me smooth round were better. I am worried about traction rippling with the textured. Can you make a recomendation on what would be a good type and size for me? Any ideas on why he would have changed to textured saline? I would like to have nice clevage and haeve a space between the TE's right now of about 1.5" which seems not to bad to me for TE's. Are HP appropriate? I would like them to stick out a little more than they do now with the TE's.
Thanks so much, Deborah!!!!!!
0
