BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
Comments
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Layla -- most women find that over time the "headlights" as you call them lose projection (so it's not necessarily a concern except in the short term). It really is up to you.
Here's a link to the website of Vinnie Myers -- he is one of the best 3D tattoo artists in the country (at least that's what I hear
-- located in MD but travels around the country and does his work at hospitals too. You can see photos (both before and after) of what 3D tattoos look like. Here:
http://vinniemyers.com/section/105672_Nipple_Areola_Tattooing.htmlThere is also another gifted 3d nipple tattoo artist in North Carolina. Her name is Earleen Bennett. Here's a link to her website (I believe her company is called Beauty Through Cancer):
http://www.beautythroughcancer.org/AREOLA-PIGMENTATION.htmlCheers,
Lilah
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Lilah, Thx,so much. Vinnie's work is amazing. Is he in New Orleans? Guess he charges a lot. on the other hand,is there a nurse there to numb you up? Is it weird to have some guy drawing on your boobs? I always worry that the tatoo person or the PS will cut into my implants. Gosh, I really am paranoid. Should I go to a psychi to see if I need meds for the that?
Does he do just the areola if I get "headlights"? Guess I would need to contact him and set up a time to go to NOLA unless he ever holds a tatoo clinic in FL.
Has anyone gotten theirs done by him? Were you pleased with it?
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Layla: There is Judy Newdom in Sarasota, who performed a tattoo revision for me....and she is excellent as well....
http://facecrafter.com/0 -
Nice to see you checking in Christine....
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Great job, Carrol2! From what I see in your photo, you certainly don't look like you have another 19 extra!
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Ack! Face/palm... yes of COURSE Whippetmom... and Layla you are in FL, too, which I did not notice earlier. You absolutely should contact Judy. She is here on BCO and I'm sure you could PM her and ask her questions. Vinnie is based in Maryland.
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Thx Whippetmom, I might contact her,I saw my PS photo book and the afters look so good like "never had cancer" boobs but then you see the target sign and think wow who made that mess?
Hopefully can break it to the PS should I decide to go on with "headlights". And everyone says after awhile they invert? They droop? What happens to them?
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KellieDenise:
I just wanted to let you know in case it could help, that I had immediate reconstruction with Mentor silicon gel implants, totally sub-muscular (no Alloderm). My plastic surgeon here in Switzerland, who trained in NY with the late Dr. John Bostwick III, is old-fashioned and does not like using the acellular dermal matrices (ACMs like Alloderm). He says muscles provide much better and more natural blood flow to keep infection away than foreign or fake structures like alloderm. This was particularly important in my case since I had large breasts 34DD and significant sagging. He was worried about infections and necrosis around the many incision points and blood vessels in the muscles deliver antiobiotics more quickly than the matrix sling of the ACMs. They did a keyhole and anchor shaped cut to reposition the nipple and take off excess skin. I had Mentor silicon cohesives anatomical implants of 270cc each. So he placed my implants (small ones) under the pectoral, serrata anterior, and the fascia of the abdominal rectus. No scars anywhere from the abdominal muscle displacements. I recovered in twice the normal time -- not sure why. Have one saved original nipple. Lost one reconstructed nipple. My bra size is now 34C. I am 5'7'' and about 130lbs, with a 30 inch ribcage. Not sure why my implants are so small but yet I fill a 34C, but I am very happy with the size.
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KellieDenise- if you are a candidate for NSM, GO FOR IT! The first surgeon I was "assigned" said he didn't perform the procedure and scheduled me for a simple mastectomy the following week. He said that none of the surgeons at the hospital perform NSM. Long story short, I cancelled my surgery date, and set up another with another surgeon at the same hospital who agreed to do the procedure (I think cancer has to be at least 4 cm from nipple to be a candidate).
He did a fantastic job! My girlfriends who have had mastectomies weren't told about NSM and didn't know to ask, and both are now wrestling with whether they even want to have NACS. They complain about how fake ones look, although I imagine some doctors and tattoo artists are more skilled than others. They also had very difficult recoveries from their surgeries and don't want to have healing issues again.
My PS is confident that he can get me back to being pretty symetrical (I'm a Uni) with a small lift on the right side when the implant goes in on the left. With the exception of a couple of scars, I should look pretty "normal." More so because I was able to keep my NAC. My exchange surgery is currently scheduled for 11/19, but I am hoping for an earlier date.
May you have serenity with any decision you make! The Serenity Prayer was very useful to me throughout this process...
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Layla I am getting my nipples on Oct. 30th plus some lipo and maybe fat grafting. Then I will get the tatoos for the aeriolas (sp?) .
summer2recover thanks for the compliment I hide my weight well. But I am 159 right now at 5'6" that is way too high for me. I will be happy with 140 although 135 or 130 would be best.
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I'm not sure if this is the right sight to be posting my question on but, i would like to know if there is anything I can do to help my new implants take shape? They don't look so bad right now and I'm almost 2 weeks post op. And I want to do what works the best from your expierience.
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misstoli - I'm only 3 weeks out, so I'm no expert, but I know that a good, professionally fitted underwire bra is in my future. I also know I will be massaging my implants, mostly to offset what gravity does to them. Also, there is a process called "Drop and Fluff", where the implants eventually settle firmly into the pockets the PS has created, and fill out as the swelling from surgery goes down. This process can take 3 - 6 months to complete. What you see today is probably not exactly what you will see in six months.
You can also ask this question over on the "Exchange City" thread, where more ladies have already gotten their permanent squishies.
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Thanks for the info Blessings and congrats! Are you wearing anything right now before you start wearing underwire? I am currently wearing a front closure cotton sport bra. My PS said wear whatever is comfortable. Mentally, I feel like the more support the better. I just want to make sure i'm not flattening them. I'm excited for the fluff and drop, I just want to optomize my results the best I can.
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Thanks Fearlessfoot, and Staynsane,
I'm a mess! Went to my follow up apt with my ps today. She is holding on to her concerns about the high risk for complications if I go forward with the NSM w/lift suggested by the other ps. She said she is willing do the NSM herself but a breast lift would have to come at a later time. Then reminded me that if I have 5 more ps consults I'll probably have 5 more different options. Also went over the risk in general with any type of mastectomy. I walked out of her office feeling so lost. I see my BS tomorrow, so I'll be picking his brain. I'm in the 11th hour here. Scheduled her a BMX 9-24 or a possible NSM 10-9. I'm realizing there is no ONE right answer and that's a rough one to swallow. Thanks for listening girls. I so appreciate you.
~kellie0 -
kellie - I had bilateral surgery and was a good candidate for NSM so I can't really give any advice. I do identify with the confusion. The first PS I saw really discouraged NSM, not claiming that I wasn't a good candidate but claiming that the surgery was still "experimental". When I got to my current BS/PS team I felt totally at ease. It's really difficult, especially when you have the pressure of time. Any chance you can just tell your docs that you need just a little more time so you have a chance to be comfortable with your final decision?
Best wishes!
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Kelli I had three PS consults. Because of previous rads two said no way can keep the nipple. The 3rd said how do we know if it will make it unless we try. If we loose it we can deal with it. I ended up going with the 3rd consult because i liked his attitude and it made it and I got to keep the nipple with no problems. the difference is I was not in a hurry and took my time getting three opinions. If you can put off your surgery you might want another opinion. The first two I left feeling like they were OK but when I went to thre 3rd I knew right away he was the guy for the job. No question and DH felt the same way about him.
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KellieDenise66 I know what you are going through. There are so many decisions that have to be made before you know all of the facts of what you face! Kind of a cart before the horse situation. But I can share that I felt so RELIEVED after I cancelled my original surgery appointment and sought another opinion. And that relief let me know I made the right decision.
I think it is critical to feel confidence in the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon you decide to go with. It sounds like you are not there with your PS. I wore a 38 D bra (not a Victoria's Secret "D". My 18 year old was told she is a D cup by them, when she might be a AA in actuality!), but even after two kids do not have significant drooping in my "good" breast. So maybe your situation is different when considering NSM. If you are a candidate for NSM but the doctors tell you there is a risk of cancer spreading or coming back behind/around the NAC, there is a lot of research that shows that it is rare for it to show up there. Many studies over many years have shown zero cases of it appearing in that area! Of course, they are small studies, but in my situation with idc well away from my NAC and being BRCA negative, I was willing to take the risk.
Write down your questions and ask your care team to address them to your satisfaction. One answer will probably lead to another question, but you will eventually get what you need to make the best decision for YOU.
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Carroll2, how are we gonna get back to our 140? I am about your size but only 5'5" and I am not liking my 3mo pregnant tummy. My implants would look much larger and they do when I suck in my tum tum and square back my shoulders. I tried to go with the bra measuring on one website but I thought.. are they kidding me? With a 34 I wouldnt be able to breath and what on earth would I do with a D cup? Its ridiculous,I am just gonna try on things and if the bra fits,I wear it! I got the 36C sport bra and it is very snug. Leaves a little imprint on me so I can tell how to put it back on..lol I am leaning towards getting the surg nips but I just hate to get another surg. I really hate it!
Blessings,keep me posted for drop&fluff,I am measuring with a tape measure every day in case mine try and fluff I dont wanna miss it. I am gonna paste on my fake Amoena nips for my vacay so my swimsuit looks normal if it gets wet.
One more inquiry,anyone getting tight chest and achy and occassional soreness under arm from these new implants? Is it normal? I gotta see my PS,I am so worried but been doing the massages. Should I start Vitamin E orally to ensure further against the cap contract? I am so nervous dont want anythg to happen to the new gel puppies.
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Thanks for all the feedback ladies. I agree with the notion that going into this confused and unsure is not in my best interest. I had a very informative visit with my BS today, and feel much more at ease with my decision to cancel my upcoming BMX, and move forward with the NSM on 10-9 with the new PS. I meet with him tomorrow and we'll be going over the surgery plans in great detail. What impressed me the very most about this surgical team is that they work together for the duration of the surgery. All the other PS' that I consulted with typically work in tandem with the BS entering the operating room once the mastectomy portion of the surgery is completed. This surgery style spoke volumes to me. I was assured that this would be the case whether it was a BMX or NSM. So that's the plan for now. I am so touched by all you girls taking the time to continue sharing yours thoughts, experiences and advice. I probably sound like a broken record but a simple "thank you" doesn't quite express how very grateful I am for your support.
~kellie0 -
Kelly so glad you have a plan that you feel really good about. That will make all the difference in the world
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Thanks Sherry! Hope you're doing well.
Much to my surprise my original surgery date is going to work with this new surgical team. Had my pre op today, going in for my NSM on Monday 9-24. I'll be back checking in on all you gals.
Take good care of yourself!
Kellie0 -
Kellie - You sound pretty upbeat about this turn of events so that means your gut is telling you "this is the right path for me", correct? I have done so well on the BC journey by heeding that little voice inside; I hope that works for you as well. There is a great NSM thread on BCO. Don't let the "immediate reconstruction" part in the thread name throw you. Most posters there are in the "immediate placement of tissue expanders at time of MX" club, but there also many direct-to-implant women there as well. All are welcome:
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/745796?page=117#idx_3494
All the best!
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TinaT, I'm smiling as I read your post. Yes, you are very correct, I finally got that deep in my gut feeling! I honestly thought it would never come. Feels like an answer to my many prayers. I was so discouraged, lost, and frustrated. I realize this is going to be a lengthy journey so I better get in touch with my inner voice!
Thank you for all the great info, encouragement, and insight!
You're wonderful!
~Kellie0 -
Layla losing weight is very very hard to do. I had lost 23 pounds right before I was diagnosed by joining weight watchers so I am using that method again now. I have lost 7.2 pounds and I have 19 more to go. It is painfully slow but it works. I think I may have gained a little this week because I was eating out a lot. But if I did Ill just get back on the wagon again. Right now I also feel like I have this big pregnant looking belly, def detracts from the implants. I will probabaly not get to my goal weight before my last surgery like I had wanted but I hope to be down at another 10 by then.0
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I just went back through tissue expander surgery for the 2 nd time this week, ugh! I forgot how much those drains sucked! This time when they took them out, it was super easy though - last time I about came off the table.
They sent me home with a zipfront post surgical Marena bra. It's a bit snug, I ended up waking up last night and ripping it off thinking an elephant was sitting on my chest! I climbed back in this morning.
It is so funny how the size of these expanders look...they are only filled to 350, but he did a lot of revisionary pocket work, making things higher and tighter together, and I look so so much bigger than I did when I had my Mentor 550's in.
I am glad to hear the peace of mind factor on here. I think that is HUGE in getting through all of this schlock : )0 -
So, had my bmx surgery this past Tuesday. Today took out the On-Q pump. I didn't realize how far up on my chest the TEs would be. Prior to today, the pump was hiding them. Kind of freaky that I can see and feel them right under my skin. Today's project was all about getting the old bowels moving. It had been 4 days without action, but sent hubby to store to buy the arsenal of products which are kicking in. Whew! geewhiz, yes the drains are a pain! I hope I get them out next week.
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So, had my bmx surgery this past Tuesday. Today took out the On-Q pump. I didn't realize how far up on my chest the TEs would be. Prior to today, the pump was hiding them. Kind of freaky that I can see and feel them right under my skin. Today's project was all about getting the old bowels moving. It had been 4 days without action, but sent hubby to store to buy the arsenal of products which are kicking in. Whew! geewhiz, yes the drains are a pain! I hope I get them out next week.
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Someone on another thread was listing everything to pack for bmx surg when I was diagnosed so I sort of knew what to expect. I bought a recliner before surg and I slept in it for 6 wks after the bmx and my fiance still is afraid to sit in it. LOL The best tip they ever had on there was Phillips Milk of Magnesia and all the flavors it comes in plus it works and I took some Colace stool soft. Hope ur recovery goes smoothly,gotta measure the drains,I used a box of rubber gloves like surg gloves on mine,I was super careful not wanting an infection cause I read on here about that. Plus I was drinking the Atkins shakes altho they probably are not good for you with regular milk in them and all that but they have fiber so I was good to go after 3-4 days but yes I did not realize how the pain pills really slow the plumbing,never had problems like that before and it was driving me nuts. Are you going to get implants then since you have the TE? Yu gotta get with the others who have TE cause you gotta complain a lot with them,I know we did when we had ours.
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So, had my bmx surgery this past Tuesday. Today took out the On-Q pump. I didn't realize how far up on my chest the TEs would be. Prior to today, the pump was hiding them. Kind of freaky that I can see and feel them right under my skin. Today's project was all about getting the old bowels moving. It had been 4 days without action, but sent hubby to store to buy the arsenal of products which are kicking in. Whew! geewhiz, yes the drains are a pain! I hope I get them out next week.
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Layla--
Thanks for the TE advice. It's just not like I thought it would be. It feels like I have a mini surf board right under my skin and high up on the chest area, yet so much numbness (which I did expect). The pain meds help a lot, but the itching started last night and a lot of it is on the numb areas which is also weird because you go to lightly scratch, but can't feel anything. The Bendryl helps quite a bit for that. And, Yes I'm doing implants, so I'm assuming things can only get better from this point, sans any complications, I hope.0
