BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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islandmom, DH, Tina, Lilah...thank you!
Roadwarrior....Whoa...I had not checked my update emails. What a surprise about the Allergan 410 finally gaining FDA approval. As I have mentioned previously though, there will be a learning curve with the anatomicals and I am not sure I want to be on the bottom rung of that curve - the first patient out of the box with a PS who has never used them previously. So I want you gals who are are looking forward to an exchange in the near future, to be assured that your PS has had sufficient experience in the use of the anatomical implant.0 -
movingforward11: I would prefer that your PS continue to fill that one side to achieve symmetry with the opposite side. I am afraid that you are going to end up with assymetry if he uses a smaller implant. There are very few cases where a different volume implant is needed after a BMX and I have seen too many cases in the past four years where the patient needed to go back six months to a year later for a larger implant to match the larger breast. I had one side which was a bit larger than the other and my PS overfilled the deficient side an additional 25 ccs, and symmetry was achieved. Ask your PS to consider a 25 cc fill to the other side, wait at least two months and then exchange to 325 ccs bilaterally. You can always email me photos. PM me if you want to do so and I will give you my email address.
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Also....Crescent, Chrisrenee, cheryl.....all of the veterans....thank you for answering these important questions for the newbies....
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cheryl_e thank you! its so nice to know that there are woman here to reach out to and share concerns. i have been feeling so insecure.
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whippetmom thank you! sending you a pm now.
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Hello!!! I just found this site and I'm so excited! I was diagnosed with IDC and after surgery was told the stage was 2A. I had a double mastectomy on 11/7/12, with start of reconstruction. I currently have TEs and getting fills. The replacement surgery was supposed to be in January, but...surprise, cancer was found in a lymph node so I am doing chemo. My last treatment will be on 3/7 and my PS wants to wait a month for recovery. Surgery is set for 4/3!!! YAY, I can't wait!
I am very perplexed about the size. Before mastectomy I was a 36D or DD (and very droopy) depending on the bra. Dr. said he removed 550 from left and 600 from right. I don't want to be as big as I was. I always had to buy blouses/shirts a size larger so buttons would close or not pull across the breast. Then I'd have to take them in so they weren't baggy through my waist. So I'd like to be a full C. I'm currently filled to 550cc and thought I'd get 550cc implants, but I'm not sure. I've heard women here say they feel too small. I hope you can help me decide.
Here are my stats....I'm 5'5'', weight 150, ribcage is 33". My TEs are Allergan # 133FX-14-T. 650cc capacity. Width - 14cm, Height - 14.5 cm, Projection - 7.1cm.
I feel the fill is good now, but who can really tell as they seem flat and wide. Don't know what the projection of the implants (Cohesive Gels) will be like. My Dr. is excited and is expecting great results. He was expecting me to get 550 to 600cc implants, but will this be too big? He does overfill to make room for proper placement.
I do have the Alloderm pocket and no plans for radiation.
Thank you for your help. I'm already feeling more positive expecting your response
Christine
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Hi Christine - Whippetmom is our expert, but just a few comments from my own experience and from reading lots of posts. Most PSs sort of glaze over when you try to talk in cup sizes. Reconstructed breasts are just so different than pre-BC breasts. Bra sizing will be different and you likely will be shocked when you are fitted and hear a larger cup size than you are expecting (I wear a DD cup and you wouldn't guess that by looking at me - it's the width of the implants). Each PS is different, of course, but it usually seems to work best if you express your wishes compared to how you look right now in terms of projection, cleavage, etc.
That's my two-cents worth. If you don't see a post from Whippetmom you can send her a PM.
Best wishes!!!
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Cailindearg,
I'm a little taller and heavier than you are, 5'9", 138lbs. I'm very active with an athletic build. I was 34a before my surgery. I'm currently filled (TE) to 270cc and will probably go to 335cc to accommodate for Allergan 410 implants of the same size.
I see you went with the Sirntra 400cc implants. What size are you now?0 -
Whippetmom and others who want to reply,
Back in mid-January, I gave you my stats, 5'3.5", 133 lbs and 29 ribcage. My TE's were filled to 400cc and but I didn't know the width. I now know they were Allergan's and 350cc overfilled to 400. I met with my PS and he said I can go from 400 -500cc and suggested 500 based on what I asked for - and he uses Allergan's as well - silicone of some sort and he said he'd use high profile. I was 400 cc or so before bmx and I want to appear as a very full c or small d. He asked me how I felt about the size of the TE's at 400 and I told him the TE size seems about the same size as my old breasts but they just sit so far apart and into my pits. I may like the size more if they sat up and at attenion. So he suggested I go with 500 cc. I just don't want to risk any more tightness and pain going the 500cc route, but my TE's look small in clothing. This is what they list on their website - Allergan’s INAMED® Silicone-Filled. Any advice?
Thanks.
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Hello, whippet mom.
Just wanted to say thank you for your help recently in helping me with implant sizing. Just to refresh your memory. I am 5' 6" currently 130 pounds (5 more to go to get to pre surgery weight of 125) 30" rib cage. Mentor 6200 350cc tissue expanders. I am currently over expanded to 450cc's. My history of previous breast reduction and revision and 120 pound weight loss has given my PS a real challenge. Today was my final fill. It felt really good to be informed and have a really good idea of what I wanted. Originally he said a 400cc implant should be fine, but I stuck to my guns and told him to do whatever it took to get me a 450 to 475cc implant. Without blinking an eye he said ok, let's do this one more fill and order you high profile in both sizes! Exchange surgery was scheduled for April 15th! Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are definitely a God send!0 -
Hello Tina,
Thanks for your two cents
I realize that pre-BC breasts are totally different than what I will be getting. That's what makes all this decision making so difficult!! I hope whippetmom can help me. I've read so many posts from women, looking for something similar to myself, but I now realize there is no one similar to myself and we are all so different. My PS is amazing and very helpful. I ask a million questions and he answers them. I'm just not confidant that I'll get results I'm happy with because I keep comparing myself to others. I have a friend, 2 in. shorter and 20lbs. less than me. She has gone through exactly the same surgeries as me and even has the same doctors. I thought 550cc was on the larger side, but she has 550ccs and looks quite small. The confusion continues 
Christine
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I read a lot if information about sizing for round implants. Is there any major difference in trying to size the shaped implants (Allergan 410)?
Thanks
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Summer,
I am interested in that as well, as my PS has said he would like to use them.
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Also, is there any specific questions I should be asking my PS that are different than the recommended questions for round implnats?
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So I have a question...
I'm going in for my exchange in a few weeks and have decided on round gel implants. My TE are currently 340cc on the right and 360cc left (I have one more expansion tomorrow). My PS is planning on selecting an implant size once in the operating room-he told me he was going to select the size that looks best. Let's just say I end up with 350cc, does anyone know what bra size that translates into? I'm 5'6-120ish...
I also wonder how many days after the exchange do you start wearing a real bra? I want get professionally fitted and wondered what the recommended time-line was after surgery.-thanks
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minicoopergirl- unfortunately, with implants you won't be guaranteed a bra/cup size. I was a 38D/DD before bmx. I wanted to be a 38C after exchange. When I went to get measured the woman said I was a 40D. I am going to go to Nordstroms next friday to get fitted. I wear a cami/sports bra every day and love it. Good luck with your exchange surgery. It's very exciting once you get closer.
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Greetings,
So glad I found this site. Ok first I can't get my PS to tell me what kind of expanders I have she tells me she doesn't give card or info because they are temporary. I have not liked any part of this. They are painful, feels like there is hard plastic edge pusing against my ribs and side. She suggested a pain clinic, no ultrasound to check stuff or anything. I asked about over fill and she said she always does, I asked why and she said first because she can! then said to make it more pronounced in the mound not the sides. Help give me suggestions of what in blazes I can do. I have thought of a second opinion but not sure insurance will pay, and where I live it is hard because they all know each other. I feel like she is treating me like some drug seeker also. My one bright spot is my family physician is my good friend and she is going to see what she can do to help, I plan to see her this week. It seems from this site I am not alone and that helps especially when I can't sleep at night because of the pain. Thanks for listening if anyone has any suggestions I would love ideas. side note I have been in the medical field for 35 years and thought I did my homework but I missed so many things. Kicking myself alot!
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Lady7mom - Ladies that know more than I ... will respond ... but it is my understanding that it is your right to have a card ... it's a device in your body ... this is no reason why you shouldn't have access to that card. Fight for it. Ask again. And keep asking.
Many or most of us had at least some pain with our fills and tissue expanders ... flexeril (a muscle relaxer) or Valium ... same thing ... can help ease the pain. Ask your PS or BS for a prescription for some.
Hang in there.
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Lady7mom......i agree with Dawn Hope. That card is yours. you or your insurance paid for it and it also gives you detailed specifics of your TE's. WHIPPETMOM is our implant expert and she can guide you on type and size, but she has to have the info from your cards as it will tell her height, width, type and fill amount allowed for them. Good luck!
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Lady7mom-If all else fails, go the the HIM (Health Information Management or Medical Records) and sign a release of information to get copies of your records. The type and size of the expanders should be in the operative report. You do not need the PS to sign off to get your records. It may take 7-10 business days to process your request. Alternatively, calling the office and speaking to the nurse may net you the same results...per persistant! You have a right to your medical information. Good luck!
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Lady7mom,
Sorry you have to be here, but glad you found us. I know what you mean about having trouble getting enough information. I was able to get a copy of my surgery report by calling the PS office medical records department and telling them that I needed a copy because I was going to my GP and I like to keep all my records at his office. The next day I received a copy in the mail. I have learned to get a copy of all pathology, surgical and diagnostics reports. Giving one to my GP and keeping a copy for myself. Please do not blame yourself for anything that is happening to you. We make the best decision possible with the knowledge that we have. In regards to your pain with the tissue expanders, unfortunately that is a complaint a PS hears consistently. They are not the most comfortable things, but they do get their job done. I note that your surgery was two days after mine. Have you gotten any fills? Sometimes as they expand they become more comfortable. That is what happened with me until the last fill which is testing my pecs and back to their limits! Hope you get the answers you are looking for!0 -
brownlee: Allergan Style 20, 500 ccs, will be perfect. Not a problem getting you there at all. I think you will be quite happy with that volume and style of implant!
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peanutsgal: You go girl! That's what I like to hear!
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Christine: I responded via PM, but will reiterate here that you need at least 600 ccs in a HP style implant. I think 650 ccs would be good also. But nothing smaller than the 600s and they need to be high profile, smooth round silicone...
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summerm/kestregurl: The difference with anatomicals, is that the anatomical implant must closely fit the dimensions of the TEs, whereas this is not an issue with round implants [apart from the rounds needing to match or be a bit wider than the TEs]. The purpose for this is so that the anatomical will remain within the "footprint" of the expanded pocket, to prevent implant rotation. I have seen quite a few rotated anatomicals which had to be removed.
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Lady7mom: How often are you getting fills and how much at a time?
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Lady,
Welcome! Knowing we are not alone and that others have survived the reconstruction process IS helpful. It sure helped me.
First of all, there is NO reason that you should not be told what kind of expanders you have. Ask for a copy of your surgery notes. I bet it's in there.
Secondly, I'm so sorry you are having pain. I did too. After the first couple of fills it truly got better. Each fill seemed to take pressure off of one point. But then as I got past the capacity (overfilling) it started hurting again. I know that isn't true for everyone, but it was for me. They would not hurt at all during the daytime, but I could not lay flat without feeling horrible pressure in my sternum area. So I slept basically sitting up in a recliner for about 3 months.
There is no excuse for her dismissing your pain and you have a right to a copy of your medical records. Try to politely and respectfully be assertive about this. Or take a polite, assertive friend with you to your next appointment.
Hope? Yep! I had my exchange surgery two weeks ago today and last night I slept in bed. All night. :-)
I was propped up on pillows still, but it is progress!!
I don't know if you've discovered the thread called "TE Trouble" but it is quite lengthy. I didn't spend much time there because I didn't feel like my pain came anywhere close to what some dear ladies were going through, but it may be helpful to read for you just as a reminder that those things can be a huge pain.0 -
My fills are weekly and are 50cc, I have had 4 so far, the PS said my TE are tear drop shaped and 550cc is what the fill states she said but they can be filled to 1100cc and she states she always overfills. Is it bad to say I have come to really not and I mean not(hate ) semms too harsh, but I don't like any thing that has come out of her mouth since the surgery. Before the surgery she seemed like this would be ok, after not so much. I thank everyone for all the great answers and I will be persuring the answers today!
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Lady7mom - My TE cards were attached to my discharge papers, but were waylaid while we were signing out, etc. Probably ended up in the linen hamper. They were long gone by the time we called the nursing station after getting home. I called Medical Records and told them specifically what I was looking for....medical device info. After verifying my ID over the phone all it took was to fax a release form and within 15 minutes they faxed me the page that had the stickers with all the info from the TE packages. So, if you need them pronto it can be done if you can get the right person on the phone and if you tell them you only need that one page
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i keep hearing about this picture forum but have no idea where to find it can someone post a link. It will help me see real people going through this
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