BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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I could meet you kayb. Let me know....
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You girls seems to know a lot, so I have a question for you. I got my implant put in in June. In the last week or so, my breast has gotten swollen right up by the armpit and into my armpit. I can see other slightily raised spots on the breast. I went to onc today and they don't think it has anything to do with cancer. Then I went to lympadema lady and she didn't think it was fluid. She said it almost looked the the implant had moved up. Does any of this sound familiar to anyone? Any ideas? I'm sick of going to docs.
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mammalou: why in the world did your onc not refer you to your breast surgeon or to your PS? That is the proper protocol. You may be tired of seeing doctors but ii just do not mess around with lumps and bumps and swelling. Any new symptoms which involve the breasts should be evaluated. You can always send me a photo in the meantime, and you can PM me if you need my email address.
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Don't know if it's standard, but my PS has instructed me to contact him first if any new lumps, bumps, swelling, or other concerns come up.
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Absolutely, Tina!
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Saw my PS yesterday, showed off my "nipple" - she had no idea what it was but warned me not to "play with it" her best guess was it was a bump caused my one of my compression vests. I see her in 4 weeks and then we set up a date for nipples. She said you only get one shot at nipples and that makes me nervous. I've been looking for a nipple 101 site but can't seem to find one. Does anyone have any nipple advice?
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I'm SO glad I found this thread! I'm scheduled for bilateral mast with immediate reconstruction on Nov 7. I see the plastic surgeon for the first time on Friday. The plan is for tissue expanders and silicone implants.
I'm 56 yo, 5'4", 150 lbs with 34" ribcage. Today I wear a 36C bra.
I guess I won't know what type of TEs the surgeon uses, whether she overfills, etc. until I meet her. If I have a choice, is there something specific I should ask for?
My head is spinning. Complicating matters a bit, we're snowbirds and were just packing to head to FL for the winter. I would still like to spend as much time as possible out of the snow/cold of MN this winter, but don't know if there's any leeway for getting the TEs filled less often, etc. Can I find a PS in FL to do the fills? A nurse friend of mine said PS are rather protective of their work and I should be prepared for her saying I need to have it done up north. I know that doesn't really have anything to do with sizing, but this thread seems to be moving fast enough to get answers before Friday.
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Whippetmom,
Thank you so much for being here and offering all the assistance that you do! It is SO meaningful for all of us!
I currently have in TE's that are 400cc, 12 cm wide & 13 cm high. They are overfilled to 600cc.
I had my pre-op appt with my PS today and he has recommended Mentor high profile round 600cc, 14.0cm diameter.
I am 5'8", 155 lbs (post-chemo, usually around 140-145), 31" ribcage. What do you think?
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Thank you all for the push. I e-mailed PS.
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MNSusan: I think that you will want to ultimately be around 650 ccs - smooth round silicone implants - high profile. This means TEs with a width of 14.0 or 14.5 cm.
You probably will want to continue with fills in MN, unless there is some problem which causes you to switch alliances and go with a Florida PS instead. I doubt there is some reciprocity agreement to just perform fills - but nothing is impossible. Perhaps you could discuss this with your PS. Don't try to rush the fills though.0 -
JRyan: I think that high profile smooth round silicone implants - Mentor 600 ccs - will be nice on your frame. It sounds good to me...
Edited to add that it is the implant size which I think suits your frame, especially since you intend to work your way back to your pre-chemo weight range! This is one of those incentive programs....the implants tend to look better, in most cases, as we lose weight.
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....the implants tend to look better, in most cases, as we lose weight!
Amen to THAT!!!!!
(speaking from experience....)
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MNSusan, lots her have had surgery and TEs placed and then did not have fills for many months while going through chemo. I think you will be able to wait for the fill process until after you return from being away for the winter.
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Thank you, Whippetmom. I'll take that info to the PS and see what she says.
MondaysChild, Oh that would be the BEST solution of all! I've been looking at PS in our area of Florida and my husband finally asked me to stop. Because this is the second time around, he's most comfortable sticking with docs and hospitals we know and who know us. I need to take his care and concerns under consideration as well.
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Thank you Whippetmom! I really appreciate the response!
Now if only those pesky pounds would disappear
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Has anyone had an experience of one side becoming a little firmer than the other? I am terrified that its trying to do capsular contracture.
Just got back from vacay and so darn tired of hearing,"do you want pink headphones or black?"Save me from the Pinksters. This month's Prevention had a good article regarding the progress in breast cancer research and why it has not been moving forward as fast as we want.
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Whippetmom,
I had posted a question to you ad haven't received a reply having exchange on the 23rd the PS is using 550 Sientra high projection ,,my waist when easured for bras is 32 under rib cage was woundering if you think the size I suitable I'm five feet tall and would like to be a full see and he mentioned fat grafting as well ..appreciate your opinion getting nervous ..thank you for any reply0 -
I have the Allergan Natrelle HP68.
My Plastic Surgeon also very strongly recommends removing caffeine from the diet for 6 months while going through the fill/exchange process. He really feels it assists in the recovery process. Since I had just given up Diet Coke, I found this easy to follow (well, other than the chocolate cravings).
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Sherry: I am so sorry.....it looks like your post was right above mine and I somehow missed it.
TOMORROW: Call your surgeon's office and ask WHICH style of Sientra implant your PS ordered for you. Is it the high profile shaped implant with an oval base in 550 ccs? If so, that should be very nice for your frame. The smooth round [non-shaped] implant does not come in a 550 cc version. So make sure it is the SHAPED implant. Obtain from the office the catalogue number which he ordered. You can PM me tomorrow to make sure I see your post!
Deborah0 -
Inspired: Thank you for referring Dr. Andres. I am always happy to add another plastic surgeon to my referral list. I did some investigation [which I always do before adding a doctor to my list] and he has excellent credentials. It is of great benefit to others when we can share the names of practitioners who helped us become whole in this reconstruction journey! So glad you are happy with your results!
My only comment is that saline is typically always considered to have a greater risk of rippling than silicone, and so I am encouraged to hear that this is not an issue in your case.
Deborah0 -
Whippetmom,
Yes it is high profile oval shaped with projection ...thanks so very much for your reply just getting a little nervous ...0 -
Deborah, you have a referral list? Awesome! I'm really interested in finding a plastic surgeon near our Florida home. We live in Vero Beach, but would go as far north as Melbourne and as far south as West Palm Beach.
My husband wants like to stay with our team here in the Twin Cities, but I'd like to at least pursue doing the whole shebang there. Recovering in the warm sun is a very attractive thought.
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Whippetmom
I would like to ask you if you have any referrals to PS in central Wisconsin. I had silicone implant exchange on 7/5/12 and am not happy with results, my current PS says he can do revision but does not tell me what he plans to use. I asked if he was going to go bigger, and he says well they have different shapes. And that was the extent of the discussion. He pretty much just expects me to be satisfied with his choice.
You had originally suggested 600-700 cc high profile smooth round for the Natrelle expander 133LV-14.
My PS used a 450cc smooth round moderate plus profile gel.
It doesn't appear to me that it has changed at all since surgery, and it doesn't match the native side by filling out the bra cup.
I may want to get a second opinion and wonder if you have any one you could suggest.
I need to get on this quickly as I want this done by Jan 1st as my deductible will start again.
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InspiredbyDolce - I have the same implants (Allergan Natrelle, smooth saline 68-HP) in 700 ccs. I love them!
They are so much softer than the TEs, yet firm enough to look really perky on my frame. AND - they stay warm all the time.
Best of all - no rippling!!!
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Gals requesting PS referrals - I have private messaged you.....
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When considering the rippling effect of implants, we looked at the saline vs silicone. Various factors will also emphasize the rippling, such as how thin the skin is in the chest region, how much tissue was removed during surgery, the body structure type of the individual, etc.
My doctor also gave me a visual experiment to help me understand what each one could and could not do for me. When the doctor held up the silicone one (with his finger at the edge) you can see it goes from being a round implant when sitting face up on a surface, to a tear drop shape when lifted. This simulates how it will move in your body. At the top of the tear drop, you will have a ripple effect, as the liquid inside redistributes and goes to the bottom, resulting in a tear drop shape, thus creating a more natural appearance. Depending on the mastectomy, and how much breast tissue is removed underneath and how thin the skin is, the rippling may or may not be apparent.
With the saline implants, he held them up with his finger. They stayed in their true form - round. Nothing redistributed and the contour was the same. These gave the non-rippling effect, as the surface maintained symmetry and form. The drawback is that without clothes, the breasts are always formed as a mound, thus creating a headlight effect, instead of a more natural contour.
Another thing important to note, is that with saline implants, MRI's are not needed, as saline is safely absorbed into the body.
With silicone implants, MRI's are required every 2 years.
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Blessings2011:
I know! I can finally sleep on my side again. LOL What size are you with the 700cc?
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Blessings -- A great big shout out to you for mentioning the Genie bra. I went last weekend and bought a box of two. They are wonderfully comfortable and the pads are great if you're fresh out of BMX surgery with not a lot left. I don't need the pads at this point and I can wear more form fitting tops without being self-conscience. I see them as the perfect golfing bra when I can get back out on the course next Spring! A big Thanks and a big hug too!
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InspiredbyDolce - funny you should ask. I am fitting into an old bra of mine, front-closure, underwire, racer-back, 36DD which fits perfectly! I also got fitted in a mastectomy shop for a high-end underwire bra (gorgeous!) that is a 38C and ALSO fits perfectly! I'm going to Nordies in Newport Beach next month, and will probably come back with even different sizes.....I guess it all depends on the brand of bra. And you?
vik11 - YAY!!! Funny thing is that I bought my first Genie bra pre-BMX when I was a saggy 38DDD. It looked awful. But after my BMX, I realized I still had it, and was soooo glad! I bought a bunch more, and they saw me through BMX, TEs, fills, exchange, and sleep. Not bad for the price, too!
So glad you found something that worked....and how awesome that you are looking forward to the golf course already!!!! Hugs!!!0 -
Hi All - I need some help. I'm in the middle of a complete meltdown. I was fine with being diagnosed. I didn't even cry; just gave out tissues to friends and family that did. I thought I was lucky to have caught it early enough that by having a BMX I wouldn't even have to have radiation. I don't regret my BMX decision for one minute, but I'm having a very hard time with my TEs and the implants they might lead to.
Here's the issue - I've always HATED my breasts. Growing up, I was one of those tall skinny girls so my breasts always looked fake. By 9th grade they were a full C. By my first year of college they were a full D/DD. And just so you get the full picture; I'm 6'0" tall and at the time I weighed 135 lbs. First my boobs walked in the the door and 5 minutes later the rest of me arrived. Yes, I realize this would be a dream come true for 99% of the female population. And from what I can find on all the cancer support sites is that everyone wants big new implants (and to be 3 inches taller). Well f*** that. I can never find pants long enough and I buy size 12 shirts and tailor the shoulders and waist down so that I don't swim in them. Don't even get me started on trying to run a marathon with those breasts...I was hoping to get a nice B/C cup out of this ordeal and run in a tank top for the first time in 30 years.
I explained all of this to my PS. I really thought he was listening. I woke up with 500cc expanders and was told that they removed over 800cc of tissue so I was all "YES!" finally small breasts! Here's the deal. His goal for the expanders is 600ccs. And that is where we are now. I feel like these horrible things are 2xs bigger than my original breasts. I explained this to the PS and he told me that 1) really they are 650ccs because the implants themselves are about 50ccs 2) his plan is to replace them with 650cc silicone implants and he couldn't go any smaller because of my original breast size and he is worried about wrinkling. Which says to me that these horrible things in my chest are going to get softer after the exchange but are going to stay just as huge. I figure the missing 150ccs must be from my armpits.Can anyone help? Am I completely over reacting because the TE are so high and hard? I'm 6'0" tall, now weigh 160 lbs and was wearing a 36D/DD. Now 31" around my ribs. I've lost 15 lbs since the surgery. My TEs are Allergan 133MV-14 500cc (filled to 600cc). I just can't handle being large breasted again.
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