BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
Comments
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Deborah: I just had my fifth fill yesterday and I am now at 500 cc's and they plan to expand to 550. Should I send you my updated photos? I want to avoid too much step off because I haven't any curves 'cept the ones I'm a growni' and if I will need fat grafting I only have a bit on my belly to spare. Thanks,
Mary
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Yes, MBJ, send me photos....
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Mimi: Any updates? Tell me how you are doing.
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well i had my 6th fill today and i thought it was my last,but no,i have 1 more in 3 weeks time!
Deborah~i asked my PS for the card that came with the TE and she said,what card! I asked if the TE's came with a card like the implants do and she said no (odd seeing as everyone elses seem to...).
I managed to discuss implants a little with her(still don't know exactly what style TE i have) and she said the extra fills now are just for extra projection.I asked what size implant she was going to use,and she said either low or moderate height.,and try and get good projection. I asked if the low height would give me no upper pole fullness and she said yes,and if i wanted that,she would try and go with the moderate.
Now trying to get her to commit to telling me a size(in grams)was nothing short of impossible! She said i have a narrow torso and therefore cannot go for anything too wide. i asked if it would be possible to go fot the extra full projection ones and it will depend what she can fit in me on the day.
I did ask if she would be able to fit an implant in out of the 300's and she said she should get a 300 implant in (was smiling at this point!).
So i was trying to work out-if she went for the MF,the smallest in the 300 range is 335grams,giving me 12.5cm wide, 11.6cm H, and 5.1cm proj..
if its the MX then the smallest 300 is 325 giving me 12cm W, 11.1cm H and 5.7cm proj.
If she only goes for the MM, then it'll be a 320gram giving me 12.5 H, 11.6 W and 4.6 proj~which i dont think i'd be happy with.
so if she ended up putting in the MF in the 335grams, do you think this would look ok?? I am secretly hoping she can squash the MX in!!!!!
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Kay: If you can get MF-335 or MX-325, I think you will be happy with the dimensions either of these two styles provide. Just for comparison, I looked at the dimensions of the standard silicone rounds, to see how they might compare. Here we go:
Allergan 410 anatomical:
MF - 335grams: 12.5 cm wide, 11.6 cm H, and 5.1 cm proj..
MX - 325 grams: 12.0 cm wide, 11.1 cm H and 5.7 cm proj.
Allergan Style 20:
425 ccs: 12.0 cm wide, 5.2 cm projection
Allergan Style 45:
500 ccs: 11.9 cm wide, 5.7 cm projection
So, as you can see, you would require substantially larger implants in the standard silicone rounds, in order to match the dimensions of the anatomicals. Since they ARE anatomicals, we also have height to factor, which we do not have when we have circumference with a round implant, so we are not comparing apples to apples. But this should give you some confidence that the size of either410 implant will be just fine and you should be happy with the size.
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Deborah~thankyou for that!
ok i just gotta keep my fingers crossed that she doesn't sneak in an MM!!! I will stress this to them when i get my pre-op appointment to discuss the implant exchange in more detail.I will point out that i KNOW i wont be happy if they put a moderate projection in me.
wow,see what you mean with the round ones.I would have to be alot bigger and with how much they're stretching me,i dont think i'd get near those sizes.Hoping i dont get rotation as she will switch them out for rounds and for the size i'll get,the projection will be rubbish i bet.
I think the MX would be my preffered implant bu realistically,i think she will go for the MF.ok i lose 0.6 cm proj,but it is only 6mm after all~but what i lose in proj,i'll gain in height and width.
Any idea why she might have thought about using a low height implant on me??? Would it have been a bad result aesthetically??? i visualise short boobs! Do you know of anyone on the pic forum with low height implants? I have a long body and i think they would have looked ridiculous!
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Deborah~ ok im back again!
i just took another look at the catalogue,at the low height implants.Now comparing the height in cm's to the moderates,i would lose between 1.1cm and 6mm in height.This is providing they used the extra full projection. Anything less than that projection wise would not be worth sacrificing upper pole fullness for.
The LX 330grams have 12.5 W, 10.5 H and 6.0 proj.
The LX 365grams have 13.0 W, 10.9 H and 6.1 proj.
The MF335grams have 12.5 W, 11.6 H and 5.1 proj.
The MX325grams have 12.0 W, 11.1 H and 5.7 proj.
i only listed them all together for easier comparison. I was just thinking.....if she could only get an MF in and not the MX, do you think i might as well go for the LX in the 330gram and lose 1.1cm in height,but gain 9mm in projection????
Which of these 4 options (if they even ARE option for me once im in that OR!) do you think would be best. Would losing 1.1cm in height make THAT much difference to my upper pole fullness/cleavage?
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Kay -- Val had low height TEs.
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sorry,i meant low height implants at exchange.
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Ah sorry Kay -- definitely NOT Val lol -- and that's a good question! I am thinking the low height implant is only good for someone who has a small amount of body from nipple to sternum (a very small person?) I know that for me the medium height was HIGH because I'm only 5'3" and if I had gone for a full height I would have looked like I was wearing a permanent push up bra (which I would not like).
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Kay: I am hoping your PS realizes that your frame - your long torso - dictates that a MF or MX would work best. I doubt she would use a LX if she did opt for a low height implant. She would more than likely select the LF - because I do not think she is going to venture trying to get skin closure over an implant with as much projection as has the LX. I think that you just need to accept that your PS knows your desires. I think you have done an excellent job of communicating what you are hoping to achieve at the end of this reconstruction journey, and so much is going to depend on what your PS is able to safely get into the pockets and what looks best in those pockets - at the time of exchange.
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I have to state that I have not known or heard of anyone yet who has a low height anatomical implant. I would be interested to see what it looks like, but I do not think I would want to personally be the poster girl for that implant. It sounds like no upper pole fullness to me and it sounds like it would come with the term " matronly breast" attached to the implant packaging.
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LOL @ matronly breast!!!!!!
wouldn't want those! =D
well i'm not going to go with them then.I will push for the MX and see where i get. Aim high then if im lucky she may be able to fit it in. Still got 1 more fill and a pre-op appointement to nag her yet!!
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Kay....Just realize that your PS will only do as much as your skin safely allows. I think the MF has its own merits, in that width is important and it would be a good choice for you as well.
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yeah its just so hard to know whether to sacrifice some width for projection,or vice versa.
How would i measure what projection i have right now with the TE's? I tried holding a tape measure onto the centre of my chest between my foobs,then pulling it out straight,then laying a piece of card across the top of my foob to see how it measures. It was bang onh 5cm. But not sure if i measure from the centre or the OUTSIDE from where my armpit is-in which case,it would measure more.......
If the 5cm is correct,then she'll most likely have to go with the MF anyway.
Just got my next fill appointment thru the post. I have to wait til July 15th! That'll be 1 months since my previous! She wanted to do it in 2 weeks but its the day i fly back off hol.Then she said 3 weeks would be fine but when i went to the reception desk to make it,the BS is on vacation then and the PS is booked up solid.So i gotta wait 4 weeks =( This is gonna push my exchange further back now which i really didn't want. I cant go back to work til my fills are finished either and i have been off so long.
Feeling a bit jaded today...........
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MStar: I know how you feel. I was told I would be done by the beginning of July-Ha! I will be lucky if I get my exchange done by September. Enjoy your time off and consider it a long holiday. It's not every day we get to have long, extended vacations. I was supposed to fly at the end of July for a 1 week holiday but I don't want to go anywhere with one boob and set off airport security or chance losing the stuffing on my other side. I can't wait until I am done!0
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REGARDING TISSUE EXPANDER AND IMPLANT IDENTIFICATION FOR PATIENT PURPOSES: .
Your TE is a registered medical device and it MUST be recorded in your chart. The reference number and SN number should be recorded in your chart. Well, this is the protocol in the U.S. and Canada - I don't know why it does not apply to the UK. A "Device Identification Card" is provided with every tissue expander device. On the back of the card, the identification label, provided with each single tissue expander, should be affixed to the back of this card. It is like a plastic credit card. It is mandated that this card be given to patients.
6.3 DEVICE IDENTIFICATION CARDYou will also be given a device identification card with the style and serial number of your breast implant(s). This card is for your permanent record and should be kept in a safe place. In the event you have a concern or problem with your implant you can use this card to describe the implant to your health care provider or to Allergan.
FURTHERMORE, THE FDA INSTRUCTIONS STATE:
6.4 DEVICE TRACKING"Silicone gel-filled breast implants are subject to Device Tracking by Federal regulation. This means that your physician will be required to report to Allergan the serial number of the device(s) you receive, the date of surgery, information relating to the physician's practice and information on the patient receiving the implant(s). This information will be recorded on the Device Tracking Form supplied by Allergan with each silicone-filled breast implant. Your surgeon will return the top portion of the form to Allergan following surgery. The bottom portion of the form will be provided to you following surgery. You have the right to remove your personal information from Allergan's Device Tracking program. If you choose NOT to participate in Device Tracking, please check the appropriate box on the Device Tracking form and return to Allergan. You also have the right to have your personal information withheld from disclosure to third parties who may request information from Allergan, such as the FDA. If you choose to participate in the Device Tracking program but do NOT want your personal information to be released to third parties, please also check the appropriate box.
Allergan strongly recommends that all patients receiving silicone-filled breast implants participate in Allergan's Device Tracking program. This will help ensure that Allergan has a record of each patient's contact information so that all patients, including you, can be contacted in the case of a recall or other problems with your implants that you should be made aware of ."
Here is the link to the above....device card info at end of document on Page 37...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf2/P020056e.pdf
From McGhan/Allergan Canada's govenmental website:
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION"Product labels are supplied within the internal product packaging of each McGhan
implant. The product labels provide specific information which allows product identification.
I M P O RTA N T: These labels must be attached to the patient and hospital/doctorsrecords to ensure product identification and device traceability."
RE: MENTOR'S INSTRUCTIONS ON "DEVICE TRACKING"8. Device Tracking
"Silicone gel-filled breast implants are subject to Device Tracking byFederal regulation. This means that your physician will be required
to report to Mentor the serial number of the device(s) you receive,
the date of surgery, and information relating to the physician's
practice. This information will be recorded on the Device Tracking
Form supplied by Mentor with each silicone gel-filled breast
implant.
Mentor strongly recommends that all patients receiving silicone
gel-filled breast implants participate in Mentor's device tracking
program. This will help ensure that Mentor has a record of each
patient's contact information so that all patients, including you, can
be contacted in the case of a recall or other problems with your
implants that you should be made aware of. Please inform Mentor
whenever your contact information changes."
Mentor breast implant "device" instructions: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MANDATE
Recording ProcedureEach breast implant is supplied with two Patient Record Labels showing the catalog number and lot number for that unit. One of these pressure sensitive labels should be attached directly to the Patient ID Card, and one to the patient's chart. The implanted position (left or right side) should be indicated on the label. Patient ID CardEnclosed with each gel-filled breast implant is a Patient ID Card. To complete the Patient ID Card, stick one Patient Record Label for each implant on the back of the Patient ID Card. Patient Record Labels are located on the internal product packaging attached to the label. If a Patient Record Label is unavailable, the lot number, catalog number and description of the device may be copied by hand from the device label. The patient should be provided with the Patient ID Card for personal reference.Link to above:http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/05/briefing/2005-4101b1_tab-3_01_mentor-insert%20Labeling.pdf0 -
wow that alot if info!
I don't know why we don't get given them in the UK. I did read in the booklet that came with me info pack,that we must ask for the card that comes with the IMPLANTS,but it never mentioned TE's.
I wonder if its because all our hospital notes stay with our doctors/surgeons/consultants,as we are not private patients and the records stay withtin the hospital?? We have family doctors here (GP/GENERAL PRACTITIONER) who we see when we are sick.Our notes are on their computer systems. Same at the hospital,but the surgeon also has a file of paper notes. We do not get our notes and until a number of years ago,were not even entitled to ask to view them!
When i go in for my exchange,i shall take the booklet in with me that says we must ask for our implants cards. Then if they question why i want it,i can point out that we SHOULD be given it.
Would it make any difference if my PS uses the TE's that can be sterilised and re-used? Would they still come with a card,as you can re-use them up to 10 times? sounds yukky and i dont even wanna THINK that my TE's have been in someone elses chest!
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6.3 DEVICE IDENTIFICATION CARD
You will also be given a device identification card with the style and serial number of your breast implant(s). This card is for your permanent record and should be kept in a safe place. In the event you have a concern or problem with your implant you can use this card to describe the implant to your health care provider or to Allergan.
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This holds true for saline implants also. The number is also on the implants.
They had a "Jane Doe" murder case where they identified the woman by her implants.
Morningstar - I'm with you. I don't want recycled foobs in me. Never heard of that before
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There are no tissue expanders or implants which are "reusable". They are all "single use only", which means, to be used only in one patient.
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Double...yes, you are right! Here is that case:
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Hi Deborah and to all of you awaiting your exhange - I am now 2 weeks past my exchange surgery and wanted to share my experience so far. Just to recap - I am 5'9", 130 lbs with a 29" ribcage - and was expanded to about 450cc. My PS brought Mentor HP silcone rounds from 500 to 700cc to the surgery and ultimately used the 650cc implants. They look great and I'm quite pleased. It seems that many of the PS overexpand and use a smaller implant but my PS had no problem going the other way. I don't know how he fit the 650s but they definitely do not look too big. They are well-sized for my frame. I'm still in the surgical bra but, trying out a Warner's bra I used during expansion, it looks like I'm a 34C. He was able to move the breasts closer together and eliminate that line showing through from the Alloderm. He also did some fat grafting because I had a quite significant crater between breast and ribcage. I wanted to do the fat grafting now in the hopes that I could get everything done at this one surgery. We used fat from my thighs. It looks good now but we'll have to see if the fat stays or get reabsorbed. I have to say that the recovery of my thighs has been the most uncomfortable part of this surgery for me. Lots of bruising and I need to wear a compression garment. I'm just now feeling a bit better but it's slow going. But it looks like I'm almost at the finish line!
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ref: You obviously had sufficient skin flaps [for newbies: this is the skin which remains after the skin-sparing MX] and you might have had ample flaps prior to expansion. That is a good, healthy leap from TEs with a 500 cc fill, but it all depends on the laxity of the skin and often, this is something which can only be determined at the time of the exchange. I had 400 ccs in my TEs and my implants have a volume of 550 ccs. I actually could probably use 650 ccs, based on the laxity of my skin now - one year after the exchange.
So congratulations! I would love to see your results!!
Deborah
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I really didn't have any idea that he would be able to go that far but rather than tell him exactly what to use, as per your advice, I told him what my concerns and goals were. He was great at listening to what I wanted and I was able to trust his judgment to determine what he could do at the surgery. I was very lucky. I haven't taken any photos yet but I should soon.
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Deborah - if that wasn't clear... it was your great advice that I directly tell my PS what I wanted and you were so right. Thank you!
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I copy and pasted this off the Allergan Natrelle pdf..........
The Natrelle® Collection also includes silicone-fi lled
intraoperative breast implant sizers. They are supplied sterile,
designed for re-sterilization* up to ten additional times, and match the
footprint of the Natrelle® silicone-fi lled breast implants with moderate,
midrange, and high profi les, as well as BIOCELL® textured designs.
What are these then?? Are "sizers" not tissue expanders?It says these can be re-sterilized up to 10 times.it then goes on to print this.....
Implant
Volume (cc)
Catalog
Number
A
Diameter (cm)
B
Projection (cm)
180 cc MSZ10180 10.7 2.9
240 cc MSZ10240 11.7 3.2
300 cc MSZ10300 12.6 3.5
330 cc MSZ10330 13.0 3.6
360 cc MSZ10360 13.4 3.7
390 cc MSZ10390 13.6 3.8
420 cc MSZ10420 14.0 3.8
450 cc MSZ10450 14.4 3.9
510 cc MSZ10510 15.1 4.0
600 cc MSZ10600 15.8 4.3
700 cc MSZ10700 16.4 4.6
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i think i mistook the breast sizers to be the same as the TE's,but i am assuming the sizers are what they take into the OR with you when you go for exchange? To see which implant size is best for your breast pocket? Its THOSE that are re-sterilizable. Still sounds gross that they've prob been in someone elses chest before yours though!
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wowee!
i just scrolled further down the Allergan Natrelle pdf and saw the price of the TE's and the 410 gummys!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that per pair,or for each one?!
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ref: It was clear and it was exactly what I want everyone to do! Let your PS know your hopes and desires...what you would like to achieve out of this reconstruction journey. Thank you for sharing this!
Kay: That is the price for one TE...one implant. Amazing, isn't it?
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WHOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The TE was more expensive than the gummy implant!!! And the gummy is more expensive than the regular implants also!!!
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