BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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Caro4--
Yes, you are a winner! Yes, we all want to have good cosmetic outcome -- we're women and that's how we're built. But, you are so right when you say the main thing is to be cancer free! Nothing beats that! Here's hoping you are happy when all is said and done!0 -
Not sure where to ask this question so I will try here. My PS wants to do my exchange prior to rads. Has anyone done this? I am nervous that the rads might damage the implants, but the ps said that it wouldn't . Any imput would be appreciated. Thanks
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Dianarose: It has been done in the past - a couple of women in the past four years have had rads after the exchange, but I think only one fared well. It really is not the standard of practice to do so.
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlusTreatment/story?id=3643873
Would you mind contacting me to tell me who you are seeing in Maine for reconstruction?
Thank you!
Deborah
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Blessings....
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Thank you for the wonderful advice, whippetmom!
Had my first fill today and PS gave me the same answer you gave me... 500 cc round silicone implants! I am at 260 cc now. Half way there!
High-five!!
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dianarose my ps said to me that i cannot have radiation to tes or implants he was adamant about that. I hope you collect as much information as possible to make your decision for you.
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owlwatcher- the ps is supposed to consult with the RO and get back to me. I don't trust him though. He has already said he can't guarantee that he won't get my lung as they did 8 yrs ago on the other side. Her thought was that she didn't want me to get the already radiated side deflated as it was hard enough stretching it with the expanders. I will wait for the phone call to see what they have all agreed on and ask questions then. I know I am tired of rocks for boobs though.
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Whippetmom and all of you Special ladies, I just got a fill of 60 CC's bring me up to 570 and my PS only wants to go to 630 so I will accept that because I do not want to have another surgery to put in larger expanders. I wiill wait a month and do my exchange and he will take several sizes and try to fit me with the largest of the high profile Silicone by Mentor. I will probably be smaller but perkier and I will be ok with that. I was boobless for 2 months in between my sugeries and felt free but wanted some normalcy plus I hated those hot, heavy, prosthetics, however they did come in handy if I needed to throw one across the room at my HUBBY to get his attention...lol God Bless you ladies and praying you get exactly what you want!
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Wow! I feel so foolish and uninformed. Thank you for this thread!
My first question relating to reconstruction is in regards to alloderm. The last PS i met with doesn't like using it. Is that a pro or con? I was under the impression that it was necessary in order to achieve a more natural looking breast. Is this true?
I'm also a large breasted woman 36DD, 5' 7 and 165lbs. I'm leaning towards a NSM which typically is not the best choice for someone with my size and drooping. Ive been told by my BS that this particular PS is having great success with larger breasted women and nsm. I'd like to be much smaller. Is there any specific questions I should ask my PS regarding the different types or implants as well as TE's? I'm so confused and just when I think I've done all the research, and asked all the right questions I run into a thread like this and realize that there's SO much more to learn!!!
Thanks Ladies, I'm so grateful to have you.
~ kellie0 -
KellieDenise: Could you send me a private message and tell me where you live and who the plastic surgeon is who is having NAC-sparing success with large breasted women? I just want to be reassured that you are in the right place with this decision. Alloderm is not always indicated, but I do think that some doctors are just ruling it out for every patient in every circumstance, which is not in the best interest of the patient. PM me though and let me know what is going on....
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kelliedenise I am no expert, and I was not able to do NSM but I did have TEs. I was the same specs as you almost 5'6", at the time of my bmx I was 140 working to get back there but I am 159 now. I was a 36DD and I am now a 36D but I look more like a C. I am very happy with the work my PS did. He tried to get me as big as he thought I could go and I was happy with the idea of being a little smaller. I did not have alloderm, my PS does use it but found he did not need it in my case. I did talk to one PS who said he always uses it as a sling for support of the implants. I have very nice droop and fantastic cleavage. It's been a year since my excahnge to implants, because I did some traveling and I am trying to lose weight. They look better as time goes on. At first they seemed really small and flat and I was upset and we discussed getting larger implants but my husband and I both decided this was more in proportion for me. Oct. 30th he will give me nipples and do some lipo on my sides possibly a little fat grafting to plump up my upper pole.0
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Thank you whippetmom! I've just sent ya a pm.
Carrol2, thank you for sharing your experience. All this information is so valuable. I was also curious how future weight loss plays into implants? I'm not happy with my weight. Not proud to mention I've been a yo yo dieter for years. I'm really trying to get down to a healthy stable weight. Dieting is no longer about appearances as it was back in my 20's. Its now all about being healthy, energetic, and HERE to raise my beautiful babies.
I'm so glad you ladies are doing well. Wishing you only the very best. You are so deserving!
~kellie0 -
KellieDenise66 - I, too, was very large-breasted pre-BMX. I was 5'5", 200+ pounds, and a 38DD/DDD. The original girls were huge, droopy, and hung nearly to my waist. I had my BMX last December.
I never really considered a NSM, because the cancer was very close to the nipple. But then Whippetmom mentioned that a NSM wouldn't have been appropriate in my case because the nipples would have pointed due south from the get-go!!!
I guess I thought they just cut them off and stitched them back on up higher. DUH!Anyway, I did have giant TEs inserted, took some time off to lose weight, and three weeks ago had my exchange to 700cc, high profile, smooth saline implants. Amazingly, I'm 50 pounds lighter, with much less boobage, and yet my old bras nearly fit. (Except for that blank space in some of the cups...)
I have to say I'm very pleased. My implants are now appropriate for my size and frame, and I think I look like a nice sized D cup. Haven't been measured yet; I still need to heal and let some swelling go down.
Wishing you the best!
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KellieDenise66 - Obviously, the implants themselves can't change in size with weight gain or loss. There is always a trace of breast cells left behind under the skin, but not enough to make any visual difference. However, the fat layer beneath the skin can change along with a change in weight. Weight loss can cause the breast skin layer to become thinner and can increase the appearance of rippling in some women who already have thin skin.
Blessings has many posts on several threads on BCO as well as a thread on the picture forum. She went on a strict hospital-guided weight loss program while she had her TEs and held off on exchange until she reached her goal weight so she would end up with a size that suited her "new" body. Yay, Blessings!
I had healing issues after BMX and was on restrictions for many months. As soon as I got the green light I made a promise to myself to do some sort of exercise every day (either walking for 30 minutes or 1-hour of Zumba or yoga). I don't allow myself any days off, even on weekends, because I'm afraid I'll slide back into my old ways
I can't say I always enjoy it, but I really enjoy the results in pounds lost and less skin to pinch around the middle. I've always eaten well so that didn't change. I try to eat a little protein as soon as I get up, then get right to the exercise and get it over with. This is a great triumph for me as I always hated to exercise and could find a million reasons to "start tomorrow". There are plenty of free apps and online sites to track calories in (food) and calories out (exercise). I found this one really easy to use: http://loseit.com/
Long story short - as others have written, weight changes can affect the ultimate appearance of the implants so something to consider. Best wishes!
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Blessings2011 - Actually, I just read somewhere a few days ago that it might be possible for women to save their nipples in a tissue bank for later grafting! I don't know how far along this is, but I think it's a very exciting idea for women who aren't great candidates for nipple-sparing surgery. Maybe you heard or read that as well and that was in the back of your mind prior to your surgery???0
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As strange as this may sound, I am looking forward, to new smaller nipples. My real ones projected majorly. I am athletic, so am always in some sort of tank, athletic top etc., and I always had to buy the tops with a bra top to hide the wattage, lol. I have enjoyed the perk of wearing any tank top I want : )
I just had tissue expanders put in yesterday. Again. Dr Namnoum did lots of pocketwork, and lined everything with alloderm. Dr Khouri had removed it all, and I do think my bony chest looks a bit fuller with it. He put in the allergan 133 sx 13. On my frame, I am thrilled with how they look. I had larger ones before, but looked smaller because of the way things were positioned on my chest. There is obviously some artistry involved with that pocketwork. I am not sure why he went with the short height, especially since he mentioned going with an ultra high profile implant. I really hope the implants look this good0 -
Aw, Tina, you are so sweet!!!!
Actually I hadn't heard of "banking" your nipples......that WOULD be a great option for those who aren't good candidates for NSM!
I wonder if there would be any sensation, or if they would just feel like other reconstructed nipples?
Here is the BCO link:
http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/new_research/20120904.jsp
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well I am down 7.2 pounds now and so far it has only made the implants look better. I still have a bit of a gut so 19 more pounds should do nicely. I don't have thin skin so there is no sign of any rippling. I wanted to be down to 140 before my final surgery to get nipples and lipo and fine tuning but looks like I'll probably be more like 150 at the rate I am going. I think that will be ok.
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Glad this whole weight discussion had come up! I am currently 165 lbs (at 5'3") and want to get back to 145. Technically I should be closer to to 135 (given the amount of muscle I carry), but maintaining at 135 seems like a full time job for me and I'm just not into that at this point. I found out last week that my nipple recon won't happen until May 2013, which gives me plenty of time to reach my goal weight and, frankly, I am a little worried that these implants might be too big. I am 7 weeks post exchange and still no dropping (aarrrgh) but definitely "fluffing". Immediately post-exchange I fit into a 40C and am now fitting into the 38DD I was wearing prior to BMX. Does anyone think that dropping the 20 lbs will increase my cup size significantly? At 145 lbs I wear a 36 band size and can live with wearing a 36DD cup. I would rather be smaller though and I definitely don't want to be bigger!!!
Thoughts anyone?
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Dragonfly -- I've lost around 20 pounds and only my band size went down (as my circumference has gotten smaller). I don't think your cup size will change. Though as the rest of you gets smaller, the implants may look bigger in comparison!0
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Thanks for the input Lilah! I think I will just assume that's what will happen (i.e. decrease in band size with no increase in cup size). I think I'm better off if I don't have any excuses for not losing weight! Yes, I suppose the implants might look bigger if I become smaller, but that would probably be okay. I have a pretty big frame, even without the buddah belly and love handles so hopefully they won't be too out of proportion
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Carrol2 - congratulations on the weight loss!! I wanted to get down to 135, but the weight management docs say that would be too low of a BMI for me. I'm shooting for 140 to start. My body will eventually find the right weight and stay there, as long as I'm eating healthy and exercising.
Dragonfly2012 - losing weight will not change the size of your implants at all. It may make them LOOK bigger, as there will be less of you to hide them. Especially if you lose weight in your abdominal area - this can make the implants look WAY bigger.
What will change is your band size.
Really, you just can't go by cup size after recon. You need to have a cup that will encircle the implant fully, without mashing on it. If you have underwires, they should be touching your underarm area, the area under your IMF, and your chest area between the implants. They shouldn't be pressing into the implants, nor should there be big air gaps between you and the bra.
Like I said, I can wear some of my old 38DD bras now, but I look SO much smaller-busted now than I did pre-BMX and pre-weight loss. In fact, once I get clearance from the PS to get measured, I'll bet I'm in a DDD cup, not DD.
But that's o.k. I love my new size, regardless of what the numbers say.
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Blessings2011 - The article I saw didn't specify how the nipple was "banked". I guess I assumed it was saved in a tissue bank. Perhaps there are different techniques being tried. The link you provided states the the nipple is temporarily grafted onto the groin until breast reconstruction is complete! Oh, this isn't easy, is it????0
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Tina - I know!!! I was imagining jars of nipples lined up on some shelf...not protruding from my nether regions!!!!!!
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Oh wow! Nipples grafted onto the groin?! As if the poor vagina doesn't have enough going on around there, now she's got to look after some misplaced nipples!? That's a lot of pressure.
This new PS has explained that he uses this "button hole" procedure. It sounds kind of like a breast lift and mastectomy all in one. The excess skin will be pulled down, and the nipple will come up through that skin like a button hole. I was completely overwhelmed at the time of my consultation so don't quote me on any of this. Monday I have a follow up with my original PS who said I wasn't an ideal candidate for NSM, and another one Tuesday with my BS. I've got to make a solid decision very soon. As of now it's either a BMX 9-24 or NSM 10-9. I'm researching like crazy this weekend.
Thank you ladies for your feedback regarding sizing, weight changes, and fitness in general. Congrats to you who are having success w regular exercise. It's so easy to make other things, and people a priority. I need to make that time for myself. My new mantra Me, me, me.0 -
KellieDenise - you go, Girl!!! YOU!! YOU!!! YOU!!!
We are cheering you on
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Kellie Denise...I see a little one in your lap in your avatar. I think while we go through the "mom" phase...it is SO easy to lose sight of caring for ourselves. It is so much easier said than done. As a mom to 3, I wish I had realized the importance of putting my self first occasionally. But, I am learning. I make sure I eat right and exercise...whether I feel like it or not. I have also discovered that my bedroom door has a LOCK : D I go upstairs occasionally and just listen to soft music and do a bit of yoga breathing and a few calming poses. I think we are all the better for it!!
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Thanks blessings and geewhiz! Yes I have an 11 year old daughter and an 8 yr old son. The loves of my life, but they are little energy suckers for sure! I'm lucky in that I've been able to stay home and raise them. It's been a dream come true for me. My DH and I struggled with infertility for years and thrilled when our daughter came into our lives through the gift of adoption. The little guy came along naturally three yrs later because apparently "we could" then we decided to close down shop. DH had a vasectomy and ironically later that same year he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. We were lucky, got it out in time and then had 6 months of rads. He calls himself "UNO" I can only imagine what kind of nickname he'll be giving me. Lol! We laugh a lot in our crazy house, our way of coping. Poor kiddos they may end up needing serious psycho therapy down the road.
BUT YES! IM CARVING OUT MOMMY TIME! Thanks for the bedroom lock reminder. I need to have mine fixed. Take care ladies!0 -
Hi girls, it has been forever since I have been on the site. Went to my PS on friday, and my visit sparked my interest on how everyone was doing. Great to see some seasoned gals still posting and newbies learning the breast implant ropes. I am now over a year post exchange. I am soo pleased with my implants (whippetmom and my PS) both recommended my size and I am pleased. I have lost weight (about 20lbs) since my exchange last year and the reward has been a great new look. My young and handsome plastic surgeon even commented that my transformation has been amazing. I love being able to wear skinny and strapless tops, etc. Prior to BC I always wore the heavy duty minimizers and never could go bra free. I am going to have a little fat grafting in my axillary area and over one breast in Nov., also going to treat myself with a tummy tuck! Wishing you all well.
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Carroll, are you getting tatoos or the headlight nips? I am only 2 1/2 wks from getting my gels so my PS has not discussed the nips details but she generally does the surgery to get the headlights put on unless the patient objects. BC friends are telling me to get the tatoos and then I dont need to wear a bra,well thats what their PS told them cause they were D and after BC wanted smaller and some went to A/B but I have always been A/B except when nursing I went to a lovely large C but of course didnt last long. I told the PS I want a C but of course its difficult to predict how the implants will turn out on any individual.
Blessings,are you still lopsided like me? I have been measuring around the bra cup area every day to verify the fluff and the one side that dropped has been fluffing very slowly. I added maybe 1/8 of an inch and there was a dent and it is filling in a little bit. The other side has shown no desire to drop or fluff:( Its only 3 wks,if only I could put my boobs in the microwave...so impatient here!
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