BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
Comments
-
vik11 - what Whippetmom says is true. It's a strange thing, but somehow it just is. Glad you are finding the strength you need.
0 -
Whippetmom - HAD MY EXCHANGE SURGERY YESTERDAY!!! WOOT!!!
Haven't seen the new girls yet....I am wrapped in a big honkin' Ace bandage that won't come off til Saturday.
It took about two and a half hours in the OR - the PS needed to do a lot of revision work. I know he released more of the pectoral muscle, and from what he described to DH (who wasn't exactly a fountain of information
) I think he also performed the lateral capsulorraphies.Although I have no constant pain, I am VERY sore, which he said I probably would be. But I got sent home with some nice drugs, so can't complain.
I did look at my cards when I regathered enough brain cells to read....I got the Allergan Smooth Saline High Profiles (68-HP700s) - just like we discussed! He filled them to exactly 700ccs...not underfilled, not over filled. I think I'm going to be very happy.
Will know more when I go for my Post-Op on Monday.
So for Whippetmom - for your expertise, your guidance, your reassurances, and all your kindnesses....
0 -
Blessings: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Bless you... It's been SUCH a LONG TIME coming it sounds... Well done you, obviously a top-patient - Home already!
Sending you gentle hugs and looking forward to hearing about the new girls on the block!
Buddhawolf
0 -
I am really worried about my upcoming exchange surgery. I am 5'4" , 130 lbs (up 10lbs since surgery!) and prior to left mastectomy I wore a 32 E bra ( band size 29"). I have a mentor TE 650cc overfilled to 720cc. I shall be getting a lift on the right side and PS said she will have to take out a small amt of tissue so I will be a bit smaller. She is planning on taking in a number of different sized Mentor silicone implants into the surgery and will see what she thinks looks best. She will also have onhand a small implant for the right side in case she thinks I need it. This is freaking me out as I have no idea what Iam going to end up with. Did anyone else have it done this way?
0 -
Blessings2011 - YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Take good care of yourself and keep us posted!0
-
Can anyone provide a link to the Allergan/Natrelle .pdf catalog for silicone implants? I know it was a bit tricky to find on their website, but I can't find it at all now plus any links that were posted here don't seem to work for me. They've either moved/removed it or I'm cracking up (probably the latter
). 0 -
congratulations Blessings and Sherry!
)))))))) 0 -
Tina here it is: linky
susannickski I can only speak from my experience. I went larger and had a BMX so very different than yours. My PS did bring in 3 sizes. This is very common. Some bring in more. This isn't an exact science so they sometimes don't know till the get in there. Your rib cage might have bumps etc. You must be clear with your PS about what YOU want. If you are uncomfortable then call. I too panicked before my exchange. Everyone says the boobie prizes are perfect size for my frame. I had such little ones before (34B and not very full). I'm now a full 34D. Only a few of my old shirts didn't fit.
0 -
Susannickski -- it's common for a PS to do some nip and tuck (or a LOT lol -- which is what I had) on the native breast when reconstructing unilaterally. So the lift and the snip sound right to me. I've also heard of uni's getting an implant to help with symmetry (though usually those are women who are augmenting to match)... still, this plan sounds like one that is within the realm of possibility
Unilateral implant reconstruction is trickier than BMX because you are matching an implanted breast mound to a natural one. If you have concerns or questions, ask your PS -- even on the day of surgery! It's OK to question them or to seek reassurance.0 -
Lilah, I think like you that I need a lot of nip and tuck! At the moment I have this huge hard rock thing way up on my chest which is so uncomfortable and the other side is way down. I just cannot get my head around what size I should even aim for. I am terrified of ending up with soccer balls on my front but also worried that I end up being flat.
Hopefully, if the PS can show me the implants before the surgery I may get a better idea.0 -
Blessings: Congratulations indeed! I am very happy for you and I know you are going to be needing to really take at easy, with all of the pocket work he performed. Be so very careful with lifting and, well, you know the drill. I cannot wait to see how they look! Let me know when you have posted pics!
Hugs...
Deborah0 -
Blessings: I'm so happy for you !!! I'm looking forward for my exchange...It will be in september ! I can't wait to get these TE's out !!!!! Take care of you ! Hugs ! 0
-
Had my exchange on Tuesday and am feeling pretty good today. Pain is minimal today, PS did quiet a bit of pocket work. I was expanded to 400cc and the PS was planning on putting in 450cc. On my radiated side the 450 was too tight so he had to use a 425. In order for the right to match symmetrically he used a 400cc. They look great except they are defiantly smaller than my 400cc TE's. I am disappointed about that but will see my PS on Tuesday and see what he has to say. I know part of my issue is the radiated skin and muscle. Anyway DH says they look great but does agree they look smaller, but also said they are so much larger than my real boobs. I had a 32C that I was spilling out of and now it just fits and I had to tighten up the straps. So defiantly smaller. Not totally unhappy just was not prepared to look smaller
0 -
Congrats to you Blessings and Sherry! Blessings, I hope the unveiling tomorrow goes well. I'm sure you will be letting us know. Sherry, sorry to hear your disappointment. Perhaps your ps will have other ideas for you. Both of you take care and keep us posted!
0 -
Thank you, BuddhaWolf, TinaT, GreenMonkey, Whippetmom, loulou24, and vik11!!!!
A long time ago, when this saga first started, I asked my PS what he needed from me in order to have the best outcome. He said "Just follow my instructions."
So I did. To the letter. Obsessively. Never pushed the limits, never ignored his warnings, never tried to get away with more just because I could. I have excellent training and experience in the fine art of doing nothing, so when someone tells me to be a couch potato for two weeks - I'M ON IT!!!!
Right now, I am sore, but understandably so. There are two raw areas in the back of my mouth from the LMA (laryngeal mask airway) that are getting better every day. I'm a bit itchy from the Cipro, but am taking Benadryl. For pain, the Norco keeps me in a resting state of mind.
The top of the Ace bandage is getting a little ruffly from my efforts to look down inside for a sneak peek at the girls....and it seems that there may be some indentations across the bottom of the left implant. But that's also where a big crease is in the thick bandage, so I will be happy to swap it out for a sports bra tomorrow. I can tell that the swelling has moved down about an inch below my collarbones.
Thank you all again for this amazing support!!!!!
xoxoxo
Deborah - will let you know when pics are posted... probably Saturday!!!
0 -
Hello everyone and congrats to those who made it thru exchange without issues. I'm sure it's such a big relief to get those turtle shells out. YAHOOOO! I've been thinking about all of you but have been on heavy drugs for almost a month now so have not been wanting to post. I want to welcome all the new girls too! Glad you are here.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to Whippetmom for her guidance. Because of her I found another PS who really seems to care about my outcome. My last PS was nice, but had me on 12 Hydrocodone and 3-4 Valium per day to manage my TE pain--I was due for exchange on 10/18 and could not bear being drugged up for another few months. I was crying and sleeping all day, could not work or drive. Just miserable. When I called her office last week and said I was still not feeling right and the pain was still very bothersome even with the meds, she said she would schedule me for exchange this week. Unfortunately I am only at 570ccs and need to have a 700-750cc implant. In my drug stupor I agreed to have the surgery, but in the meantime I saw another PS on Whippetmom's adivice who advised me to SLOW down. The first thing he said was he wanted me off the drugs and into physical therapy. Then he said, once the pain was at bay, he would resume fills VERY SLOWLY and do the exchange when I was at about 800ccs. If he did the exchange now, I would be much smaller than what I was shooting for and my boobs would be 3 inches apart due to where the TEs are now placed. He assured me he could fix me without having my TEs removed. Double YAHOOOOO!
I have my first PT on Tuesday and we will take if from there. I am trying to get off these pain meds because I am honestly not worth a darn while taking them. But I am so relieved and thankful for this site!
Dear Whippetmom, your kindness and willingness to help those of us who have never traveled this path are so much appreciated. Big hugs to you. I'll send pictures when I'm done.
Hope everyone else is well and is looking forward to a nice, relaxing, pain-free weekend.
Hugs to all.
0 -
DigitalCowgirl!
I am so very relieved for you! Something was just not right with your former PS. Happy to help and please do send me photos and keep me updated on how you are doing....
Let us all know here how you are progressing!
Deborah
0 -
Congrats Blessings and Sherry! I hope to join you in the next month or so. Went to my PS today and he agreed to discuss more fills; however, there is a spot on my right breast that is smaller than 1/2 cm that has not completely healed. He wants to give it another week to heal before we fill more. I am ok with that, just ready to move forward and get these things out.
I have discovered that yoga is an incredible way to work through the soreness. I feel like I am 80 instead of 43 because my mobility is not very good, but it is getting better everyday.
Whipptemom, you recommended Style 45 in Allergan - 650 ccs - extra full projection style implant - or Style 20 - 600 ccs - high profile for me. I think my PS only uses Mentor. What is comparable so I can discuss in more depth with him next time.
At the time of exchange, is the extra pocketwork what allows a larger implant than TEs without being too tight and more natural looking and feeling?
0 -
I talked to my surgeon's PA today, asking what they had in mind for me, or if they'd even discussed it yet. She mentioned they were considering Natrelle Style 45 in 500 or 550. She said we'll talk much more about it in person and at that time they'll do something...
(big help- I've already forgotten). The 20s might work well too. She was concerned about the fact my TE's are only 12 cm wide though. Shoot. What if I'm overfilled at 490 each side...
-- Can they not go wider than the 12 cm?? That would certainly limit my options. Oh, when I mentioned I only wanted smooth, she said they never use textured silicone. I wish I could envision all of this. I'm a very visual person, but this is all too new for me.
A HUGE congrats Blessings!!! So wonderful to go from concrete slabs to squishy. Bet they'll be beautiful!
You're truly smart to do your homework early Vik. Re: implants I've been going on blind faith. I do have faith in my surgeon's judgement, though this is an area I can be more proactive. Many, many blessings throughout your journey. I think of it as life's grand ongoing adventure.
xxx
0 -
pnkldy - I'm sure there's a good equivalent in Mentor. When Whippetmom sees this I'm sure she'll know right off the bat.
What a smartypants!--- meant in a VERY GOOD way.
xxx
Mindy
0 -
Mindy --
Yes, I've done my homework, but I, too, am a visual gal. I have NO idea what to expext in terms of what my boobs will look like after bmx or fill process. I do understand from what you've said they are rock hard. YIKES! And then, how are you set up in terms of TEs to what kind of implant is right for you, size wise and profile wise. I'm guessing this is where our dear Deborah comes into play. I'm starting with boobs that have had nothing done to them and my bc is non-invasive. While I'm looking forward to the new and improved (I hope) versions, there is that anxiety about whether or not they will actually turn out to be my "dream boobs". It's hard to take everything in right now. It's only been two weeks since I decided on this course of action. I think I'll be ok with the pain as long as I have the meds. I, too, have a great husband, kids, and friends to look after me -- so not worried about that part. It's the associated risks and final result that have me nervous -- not to mention the thought of my husband putting hot rollers in my hair and trying to style it per my instructions when I can no longer deal with flat, unstyled hair. That may be worth videoing for Youtube!0 -
pnkldy- Mentor high profile smooth round silicone- 600 ccs. This is the equivalent for Style 20, but Mentor does not have an extra full proj style to compare to Style 45. Do you have Mentor moderate height 550 ccs? If so, Mentor HP 550 ccs would be the minimum for you.
0 -
Mindy: The overfilling really just adds to the height and projection of the TE. The width remains the same. It depends on your chest wall characteristics. I think your PS will endeavor to do what she can in terms of width. If she needs to stay within close range of 12 centimeters, the Style 45 would be the choice, because you would not be happy with just 450 ccs. But I have seen an exchange to 1.5 cm additional width many times. But again, it is up to your PS, who knows your anatomy....
Just wondering: How wide were your previous breast implants?0 -
Deborah thanks so much for all your help with my sizing. I ended up not being able to use the 450cc implants because of the radiation (425 on left and 400 on right) but after I finally put my regular bra on I really like the way I look. I had not realized that I had lost some weight and was down to 111 when I checked into the hospital. My scales at home were off so DH went and bought a new one. I tried on several blouses and they look better now than before exchange and I look really good in my bikini. DH said he thought my TE's had me looking a bit large for my frame and thinks I look much better now than before exchange. I just think looking down that surgical bra does mind tricks to you. Love the fact that I am soft and the PS did a great job with all the pocket work. I look perfect except my nipples do not match up but he was doubtful he would be able to get them to because of the radiation but he did help them and I am happy with what he did. I am most happy that he was able to save them in the first place. The girls look beautiful. Everyone talks about the settling and how they will look better and I cannot even imagine that because they look great now. My implants are Mentor HP smooth round silicone. Just for others info I am 5'3", 111lbs with a 28 inch ribcage.
0 -
TinaT: I'm not sure if you have found the info you were looking for yet, but here a link to a PDF for the Natrelle catalogue for silicone implants.
It's really long so you may have to cut and paste into your browser in two steps. I'm not sure which country it is for, but it listed the ones that are available here in Canada.
0 -
Sherry: I am so glad you are happy with your results!
0 -
susannickski: It depends on which style of TE you have in 650 ccs. But if it is a moderate height TE, you have about 14.5 cm width. This is a pretty large implant for your frame, so I would not worry about being too small. Your PS needs to fulfill the width requirements, which would mean 650 ccs in a high profile smooth round silicone implant - or around 550 ccs in a moderate plus profile smooth, round silicone implant. Some questions to pose:
1. What size implants have you ordered for the surgery? [The implants she feels might work should be recorded on your chart!]
2. What STYLE and type of implants have been ordered? You want to make sure they are either high profile or moderate PLUS profile - and don't forget the PLUS - and you want to know if they are silicone or saline.
The above are questions you have every right to ask....
Deborah
0 -
PLEASE NOTE: THE TISSUE EXPANDER AND BREAST IMPLANT CATALOGUE LINKS ARE NOW POSTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HEADER TO THIS THREAD FOR EASY REFERENCE!
0
