BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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susannickski and Deborah, thanks so much!
I knew y'all would have some hope and help to offer!Be well,
Binney0 -
hydro: Here is an article you might find helpful....
http://www.thebeautyofknowledge.com/atlanta-cosmetic-surgery-articles/tall-height-expanders-for-breast-reconstruction/0 -
Onedown -- we all rely on our doctors first and foremost. But as you surely must have experienced, the diagnosis of BC comes with a bewildering mountain of information about both treatment and reconstruction. And there are lots of choices to be made and lots of information to be communicated. Not just from them to us but from us to them. It helps to gather information prior to a doctor visit... to know what questions to ask, to know what the variety of options are out there. Some doctors specialize in one particular aspect of reconstruction and may push that because it's what they do rather than because it's right for your particular body or needs; some doctors are more knowledgeable than others, some are DEFINITELY more communicative than others. And sometimes being able to take your time and share info here is helpful because you then can go to see the doctor with understanding instead of being a deer in the headlights. Surgeons vary in their bedside manner. And sometimes, frankly, you need to get a second opinion but even that is hard to know without sharing information.
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Lilah - you are awesome!!! Great information and unbiased. Thanks for making this site honorable.
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Orangemat,were those your boob photos I saw on Facebook?
Loulou,do you have a surgery date yet?
I had my surgery on Thursday and I am shocked at how good I feel compared to the bmx. No pain pump,no drains. I got antibiotics,pain pills and anti nausea pills. I got so sick from the anesthesia this time and I didnt the first bmx. Fiance thought I might be hungry after surg(really?)so he brings me this pizza smelling to high heaven of onions and then we start off in the vehicle for the trip over the bump roads,hand me the bag please cause those crackers and gingerale the nurse gave me are about to toss! I am fine now but these implants are flat as pancakes and itch like a million fleas. Anyone got a solution to put me outta my misery? Maybe I can get something at the pet store,I tried cortizone ointment and its not helping! Now I gotta wait 3-6 mths for these puppies to fluff? to drop? what? Should have just gone to Target and stole the sign and glued 2 of those to my chest. Think anybody would have noticed the difference?
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Deborah just an update the implants ended up being a perfect size. Thanks for helping minimize my anxiety of what the outcome would be. I went an got fitted at Victoria Secrets today and came out with a 32D that I fill up quiet nicely. Hard to think that I may fluff out any more. I think maybe on my left rads side as it is a little flatter but then again the muscle may be restricting it but no one can tell but me and DH anyway. Just FYI in case anyone wants the info. I am 5'3" 111 lbs., 28.5 ribcage. My TE's were filled to 400cc. I have Mentor high profile smoothe round silicone, 425cc on left and 400cc on right. At one and a half weeks post exchange I ended up in a 32D. Guess I will see how things change over the next few months. If I fluff a little the 32D's should still work fine.
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Layla2525--
You crack me up! So, tell me, what was your experience after bmx? Mine is scheduled for 9/18. What do you think is making you itch? I've heard that Benadryl can help, and I know it has helped me in the past as codeine makes me itch. Yes, those men in our lives, you gotta love them and their pizzas (yes ,really)! I love the Target signs, too funny! Good luck on the fluffies!
Sherry --
I am so thrilled for you and how things have turned out to your expectations. That's wonderful. I hope I am as pleased when my turn comes0 -
Yes Layla - hilarious. What style and volume did your PS use?
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Sherry: Congratulations and so glad you are happy with the size!!
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Layla -- call your PS about the itchiness. I don't remember being really itchy... though Benedryl is a great suggestion, Vik! I'd still call the doctor's office and check in on that.
Oh and Angellunch I forgot to say: thank you!
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Layla, no I don't have a surgery date...;(((((
I think Benadryl is a good suggestion for itchiness...
Hungry after surgery ?!?!? Pizza ?!?!? I got so sick at the time of BMX...no pizza for me !!!!!0 -
Hi, there are members over on the Exchange thread asking about access to the picture forum. Can anyone update me with current moderators there?
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Yes, that's right. Me (Lilah) and Nowheregirl...
Oh and, by the way, when you pass our names along... please tell people they should only write to one of us (either of us)... thanks!
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Thanks again!
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At some point I'd love to access the photo site, too. Guess I'd better get on the ball posting more.. ha.
Sherry- YEA!!! So thrilled to hear you're truly happy with your results!!! Simply Awesome!!!!!!
Blessings - Hope you're doing well and are starting to love what you're seeing. I understand it can take a bit for the swelling to go down... and to get a good idea of the long term. Here pulling for you being elated with your fantastic results!!!
"Drop and fluff." Now there's a term I'd never heard before this thread.....
Color me enlightened. You can't beat a pair of fluffy girls... (?) 
Vik- My best to you on 9/18 for a smooth uneventful surgery. I was surprised the BMX seemed relatively simple (for a major surgery) and basically pain-free, for me anyway. The worst of it... (and I'm sure many might agree)... were the grenade-shaped drains. ( Hey, talk about GI Jane- armed with on-body ammo 24/7
) I made it my mantra.. **VERY temporary** & **This too shall pass!** -- which it does. And truly.. it isn't all that bad- more of a nuisance than anything. A few days after your surgery I'll be meeting with my PS to go over exchange surgery sizing. Thanks to our wonderful Deborah I don't feel like I'm going in blindly.
Deborah - NO WAY to thank you enough for all you do! YOU SO ROCK!
Just mainly wanted to stop in and wish everyone a fab Labor Day holiday. I hope you've all been enjoying your weekend. We spent most of today watching 2 of my grand-girls play softball in 106 degree heat. Lot's of sweating goin' on.
Wishing ALL my sisters a safe and Happy, Happy!!!!
xxx
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Thank you adgirl......I have sent you a PM....
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Hi Whippetmom,
I had a bpmx with TE's on Aug 14 for LCIS and a strong family history. I am healing really well despite having that iron bra feeling.
I am scheduled for my first fill on sept 12. My PS has not discussed sizing with me yet. I would like to have a bit of knowledge before I start this process.
Before my two lumpectomies, I was a saggy 38D.
1. My TE's are allergan 133MV 400cc SN 17642426. I believe my PS filled 150cc during surgery. Can't really remember what he said as I was still so foggy after surgery.
2. I am 5'2" and weigh 130 lbs.
3. My approxiate ribcage measures 30 or 31". I measured right under the TE's.
I would appreciate any insight. Thank you so much, Shabby
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Whippetmom, My PS used Mentor gel 600cc,high profile,I have used Benadryl cream for the itching as it worked better than the hydrocortizone cream. Seeing the PS on Wed so will find out about this urban legend surrounding "drop&fluff".
Vik11,I could have had the area removed with lumpectomy and radiation. However after conferring with all the drs,(I have 2 aunts who passed of BC and one treated who lived til 100 or so& Mom passed of ovarian )so decided upon reading the article that 80% or so patients get BC in the other side to go with bmx. When I woke,I was in a lot a pain and so was taking Tywith Codeine#3,then got hysterical waiting for path report so had to be put on Valium. I stayed til the 3rd day,was very sore and connected to 2 drains and a pain pump and slept in the recliner for about a mth. Went back to work 10 hr days after 3 wks, I was fine. The TE fills were painful at first. Those are the highlights of the worst parts. If you can get past the first 3 wks and the TE fills,everything else is relatively easy in comparsion,of course I was very lucky with neg nodes so no chemo/rads,only AI pills. I am sure issues are more pressing for those girls who have positive nodes. We wish them the best of health and speedy recovery. Everyone have a safe and happy Labor Day! (and remember no pizza after surg,bad idea)
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shabby: What in the world were you doing in a 38 band bra? You should be a 34 band....
So I think that you will be happy with 500 ccs in Allergan Style 20 - perhaps 550 ccs, depending on your skin integrity and how you expand. If you had a lot of droop prior to BMX, you probably have sufficient skin flaps. But 500 ccs in a HP implant would be the minimum - because you need 13.0 cm in width to match the width of the TEs. I am 5'4" and 120 pounds and have a 29.5 inch ribcage and I have 550 ccs - Allergan Style 20. This is a good size for my frame. You are very close to my size and I also had the very same volume and style TEs - 133 MV-400s.
Deborah0 -
Layla: The "drop and fluff" phenomenon is indeed an "urban legend" to plastic surgeons. Most will deny ever having heard of that term. It was coined by women on the breast augmentation forums. So don't be surprised if your PS gives you a blank stare...
You have to be careful with the Benedryl. I see you are on Tamoxifen and Benedryl is a CYP2D6 inhibitor - it inhibits the potency of the Tamoxifen. The pharmacological aspects of treatment do not fall into my realm of experience, and I don't want to hijack my own thread. But there are threads here on bc.org which are helpful. Topical B is probably fine for this isolated issue, but just an FYI about it - to find another antihistamine if you find you need one on a regular basis.
http://ipad.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2009/2009-03/2009-03-10041
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Hi Deborah!
Thank you so much for the information. I guess I never did get my bra size right. Plus with all my surgeries my left breast a full cup size smaller than my right.
I know it's hard to use a cup size but roughly what would 500 cc look like? Is there photos I can see? I am a very visual person and I have no idea how that would translate.
By the way, the service you provide is a Godsend.
Thank you very much.
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shabby: A "C", possibly, but more than likely a "D" cup.....but you will NOT look like the "D" cup you were previously. They will not be drooping and you will look smaller in clothing and you will probably be able to wear clothes you have not worn in many, many years. Like a tube top for example. You can wear a tube top again, and it will stay upright.....
You certainly have been around long enough to join the pictures forum. Send a PM to Lilah or nowheregirl and ask for entrance. You can see my photos, as well as photos of many other members of bc.org....
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Had my exchange on Thursday. Feeling pretty good, one drain on each side with less than 20ml output each. Yay! hopefully those will be taken it tomorrow. Swelling seems to be going down well, left side a bit more droopy than right, but it's early yet.
I had some tegaderm dressings over the gauze on each side and it overlapped in the middle, where cleavage is, more above the breast area. I noticed it was red that night. The left side dressing was changed prior to discharge on Friday and the red area was not redressed. Well, the red spot below the tegaderm was weepy like a burst blister after that. I've kept it clean, open to air, peroxide once yesterday and today. Starting to scab over but just irritates me that it occurred in the first place. Tension blister, I think. Ugh. Anyone have that happen, what treatment and how long to heal?
I see the dr tomorrow and will get his opinion too.
Thanks all!0 -
Thank you, Whippetmom,
Now I have some sort of guidelines for when I speak to my PS. He is a great surgeon but not the best communicator! I am kind of excited about getting wear strapless clothing!
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Layla, if you are still itching, I want to suggest you call the PS. My first thought is that itching is common allergic reaction to antibiotics which every will have a dose during surgery. I spent 8 days in itchy hell thinking it was irritation from the bandages. When they cut the bandages I had a fine rash. They determined I was allergic to the Cipro I had during surgery and took orally for those whole 8 days.
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Thx so much for your input Whippetmom, guess we are a little confused,I am now on Femara which is pretty much the same and the Benadryl is in a cream but will ask the MO & PS if its ok to use once in awhile if I get itchy with the skin stretching over the implants and all. I gotta see the PS for surg followup Wed and Thurs my MO for followup on how the Femara is working and so happy I have not had any side effects! Whoohooo!! I was so sick on Arimi with mouth ulcers. Guess everyones body chemistry is slightly different. Oh well,all these dr appt give me something to do this week off work to recuperate. Bored already and want to go back to work. All my friends are over there. Told my church friends I was having surg on Thurs and nobody even called from there to see if I was ok. My cousins from Auburn called (Go Tigers!) and my co workers. Whine,whine....I can have cheese but must not have wine! new mantra...after 2-3 wks we can have a drink? I guess its all tough on the smokers and us wine sippers with the surg restrictions. Gary Null,PHD in nutrition doesnt even like the idea of people having caffiene..wow
All the Drop&Fluff grads dont forget to check in so the rest of us dont lose hope.
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No caffeine (exclaimed in a high squeaky voice) "oh the inhumanity of that!" My PS won't surgery for people who smoke until they have tested nicotine free for 6 months and he draws a blood test the day of surgery to confirm. He never mentioned anything else, other than to stop my asparin and Vit E intake.
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I believe my last fill will be next week and my PS likes to wait about a month for the exchange, I am wandering about the silicone implant or saline implant and the differences in the two.
As I read these posts I actually almost feel guilty that my cancer treatment after Bi-lateral did not require any chemo or radiation, so many of you are the true heros, and I'm stressing over size! I guess I lost my focus somewhat, I came up with the name thankfulbcs (thankful breast cancer survivor) because I am very thankful and grateful it was caught early. Praise God! I admire every one of you who have gone through extensive treatment and wish for you all the very best. Prayers for all of you!
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Whippetmom,
I have not posted in a long time, but I have following along with all the posts. I Had my exchange surgery almost 4 weeks ago, 300 cc high profile mentor silicone implants with alloderm, they are much smaller than the expander's and my left breast has a flat look to it, and both breast have ripples I asked him about this and he said the ripples could get worse as the swelling goes down, and he does not think he could do fat grafting as he does not feel I have any fat to offer. I beg to differ! He feels that I am just a tiny person and there is not much they can do!! and as far as the flatness it may or may not go away. Any thought or suggestion's does this sound right. Could this be that my implants are to small or to big ? Thank you for helping women through this very frustrating process..
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mebmarj: I am also perplexed about this little complication in the aftermath of your exchange. I had a reddened area also after the exchange, but it did not matriculate to a blister as did yours. I will be so interested to hear what your doctor has to say about this. Are you thinking it had something to do with the gauze and dressing - something like a friction rub?
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