BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
Comments
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Tangles: I haven't had my exchange yet (hoping to get closer to getting a date at my next appt May 2) but I agree with TinaT. I totally believe that most women don't wear the correct size. My TE's right now see close to what I was before BC (higher and perkier, yes) but only one of my old VS bras (36C, not a push up) will work for me. My 36C pushups are way uncomfortable; if the TEs could move I think the pushup bras would have them up by my chin! I won't be surprised if after exchange I end up a full D even though I might feel like I look a little smaller.
The uncertainty about all this stuff is so annoying! I'm not losing sleep over it (yet) but there are so many freaking variables that affect the final outcome it's a wonder we don't all go permanently crazy.
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mackmann: I need to know more about your TE. Is it Allergan or Mentor? If Allergan, it could be one of six styles and if Mentor, one of three. What is the BASE volume - not your fill volume?
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hez42: Here are your stats:
Your TEs: 133-MV-13 - 400 ccs:
13.0 cm wide and 12.0 cm height and 5.6 cm projection
Allergan 410- MF-375 gms. This is the closest anatomical with dimensions approximating those of your TEs....
13.0 cm width and 12.1 cm height and 5.2 cm projection
Sometimes plastic surgeons tweak it up to a higher implant [you have a variable projection style TE], which would be a MV-420 gms
13.5 cm width and 12.5 cm height and 5.3 cm projection.
I just think that rotation or implant displacement could be riskier when the anatomical is either too small or too large for the pocket created by the TEs. But your Canadian docs have been using the anatomicals for a long time and so talk to your PS about HIS thoughts on style and volume.
You could also go with an Allergan or Mentor high profile smooth round silicone implant and the volume would be 500 ccs, or a moderate plus profile/midrange profile and the volume would be 371 to 397 ccs if Allergan and 400 ccs if Mentor.
Deborah0 -
I'm so glad I'm not the ONLY one driving myself crazy with implant choice and sizing!! The closer I get to exchange on Wednesday, the nuttier I get. Leaving it all in my PS's hands to do what is best for me. Just looking forward to waking up and seeing my new "girls"!
Love your new profile pic Whippetmom! So pretty!
Jen0 -
Hi Whippetmom (and everyone else!) - This site is a life savior. I have been reading everyones post and now it's time for me to post. As I read throughI find that most have had BMX and I rarely come across those with a UMX.
My exchange surgery is scheduled for May 16 and looking forward to getting this rock of the TE out of me.
Now that I finally have my card in front me, I can give you my stats: Heights 5'5, Rib cage - 38,
TE -Allergan 133SV . says 550cc and I am filled to 790cc! PS wants to put in 800cc implant and I will have a lift/reduction on the good breast.Can you give me your thoughts and what you have heard about women with the UMX and reconstructions.
Can you tell me how I find the picture board? I am sure I can get and idea how good the implant/recon lift has been for others.
Thanks! and thanks for all your do here!
Judy0 -
Wearing a black turtleneck in photos when you already have a short neck can be disturbing. It is like some strange, floating head syndrome.
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dessert1st:
Your PS must feel that you need that large of an implant for symmetry, even after a reduction/lift. It is not as precise a calculation I can render for unilaterals, because the size depends nearly exclusively on gaining symmetry with the native - healthy - breast. So honestly, it seems that the choice of implant on the MX side will hinge on how much tissue he is able to remove and how much lift he is able to achieve on that native side. If you get onto the pictures forum [and it appears you have met the criteria with posts and amount of time on bc.org], take a look at DianeNV's results - as she is a unilateral, has approximately your ribcage and has an 800 cc implant on the MX side. She also had a lift/reduction on the native side. Contact Lilah or nowheregirl for admittance to the pictures forum.
Deborah0 -
Hi Wippetmom, I currently have McGhan styled 133Mv. the suggested fill is 300cc.( width is 12). However, it is hard to visualize the future shape as my TEs are like two round and very hard water balloons!,
Do you think I could fit 12.5 width? If so, do you think a MF at 335 may be good option as it is a bit higher is height than the mf 295...0 -
Hi Wippetmom, I currently have McGhan styled 133Mv. the suggested fill is 300cc.( width is 12). However, it is hard to visualize the future shape as my TEs are like two round and very hard water balloons!,
Do you think I could fit 12.5 width? If so, do you think a MF at 335 may be good option as it is a bit higher is height than the mf 295...0 -
Mamatwinz-- just wanted to tell you that I have the 45's. I love the projection. I do not think you will feel like it is too much. In clothes from the side I look much like my old self in a good bra. Lol. Happy E-Day to you!
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Just wanted to wish all this week's ladies good luck! You're gonna love being boulder free.
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Deborah, thanks for your quick reply! I will check the pic board.
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Hi Deborah, saw my PS today as follow-up. She told me she had to do a lot of work on my current side to match the DMX side (that's why that side hurts so much). Also spoke about other sizes she was considering, she said based upon my preferences, she chose the one she did - which happens to be what you suggested. She said all healing nicely, but there's a lot of swelling still. So far they are fairly symmetrical, but will reserve judgement till swelling is down.
For all those with surgery this week, wishing you all the best! Feels so wonderful without the metal bra!0 -
Can anyone tell me hw to get to the pic board?
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mackmann - The picture forum is not a part of the BCO site. It is a separate site created by by nowheregirl. You need to contact her or Lilah via PM here to inquire about access on that site. To protect the privacy of those who post photos, access is typically reserved for people who have been active here on BCO for a while. BCO is a public site, the picture forum is a screened, private site.
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Ok thanks Tina. I'm rather new this site...in terms of joining the forums. During my cancer treatment, I spent most of my time just reading them
This site has been a great crutch!0 -
mackmann: I do not know about that 12.5 cm wide implant.....it is up to your PS. Typically, you want to stay as close as possible to the dimensions of your TE. So, when the PS plans to use an anatomical, such as the Allergan 410, he should know which implant he has in mind, and select the tissue expander accordingly.
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Thanks for replying Whippetmom. I think my PS would prefer to place the 295cc MF implants as they are very similar to what my breasts previously were. I was personally hoping for a bit more fullness. (I have wide hips, and narrow shoulders too...so hoping to balance it out a bit more)
At the moment, I am filled to 330cc, and they do look rather large on my frame and they seem to start at the right height. But I am assuming that the TEs don't have a teardrop shape and that the Natrelle 410 implants tend to look a lot smaller in comparison to the TEs.(Especially on teh upper pole) Is that correct? This is why I was wondering if i shouldn't go to full height instead in order to give a bit more fullness up top.
I have been scouring the internet in search of photos of ladies with moderate height in comparison to full height implants to see if there is a huge difference in the final look of the breast...but it seems that most have full height implants...
My goodness, I've become obsessed with my foobs!!;)
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Mackman I just had my exchange on 4-18-13 and I am anxiously awaiting my "drop and fluff". I told my husband I think I check out every women's breasts now. So I think I am obsessed too!!!! Good luck with everything!!!
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whippetmom-I posted post-exchange pictures on the pic forum...please take a look and let me know what you think!
Thanks!
PS-I like the new profile pic. Didn't think floating head at all-lol.
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Ok, so I got a bit more info at my appt w/ PS yesterday. I am currently filled to 305 cc's. He said he never goes smaller than 475/500 cc's with reconstruction, and would use a style 20.Based on my comfort level of 40cc's for fill I will need to push my exchange surgery into June. I know there is no race to the finish line
but it's a bit disappointing . Will confirm this at next appt in 2 weeks.
I did ask about his preference to use a textured implant for reconstruction he restated that it looks better. When I suggested there may be a difference in feeling between the textured and smooth he said "they are exactly the same. You are reading too much!" Ultimately, I know the final decision is mine. I just get so darn intimidated! But if I've learned one thing here it's to keep on communicating what you do and do not want. Thank you all for that!0 -
dulci so glad to see yer post..i almost pm'd u last night! i did not get 45s..ps said my skin was too thin and tight and it did not look good..i told him this morning before surgery that i did not want to br any bigger than my TEs..and if any implant does nit look good, right, then use his expertise and go for natural looking for my body...so i have the sientra anatomicals, round base high profile 425cc. i was kinda bummed looking down on them in hosp and ofcoyrse the 425cc part..but they have excellent projection and in my loose button down i think i look like a small c or reg c from the front..i will check out the real deal with showering tomorrow. they are out of my armpits and moved closer..i think he did right and unless they look freakish without clothes, i am happy... they r soft, i dont have much swelli.g.. he orders tylenol bolus/bag to infuse in pre op to minimize this.. i am sore, mostly on right lateral sideas that was were my TE was far into my pit. i saw on his pre op markings where he was going to move it to so i knew it would be sore from stitching it up..we'll see how it goes
so far (well day 1) so good!0 -
Mamatwinz.......I'm a North Carolina gal living on the outer banks. Not sure where you are? . I have 400CC Naturelle 20 HP. Once your implants settle in. (Drop and fluff), you will have even more projection, I think. It took 2 months for me to really see the end result. I'm a C cup now but I know a C on me might look different on another person. Just wanted to share my experience a couple months out. Happy healing! Glad you've joined the softies !
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mackmann: I was looking at the 410 FF's just now, and there is no FF style with a width of 12.0 cm. It is either 11.5 or 12.5 cm. Which style other than the MF were you and your PS considering?
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leahv: In the end analysis, you have a right to determine whether you want a textured or smooth surface implant. This has nothing to do with volume or size.
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mamatwinz....So glad you are out of surgery and doing well. Look forward to hearing about your results....
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Hi Whippetmom. How strange. I definitely have a 335 cc, 12 cm wide FF in hand, and from the list that my PS gave me. (they come in all projections FL 250cc, FM, 310, FF 335 and FX 360cc)
I currently live and work in hong Kong. Do you think that I have what is available in Europe (or even Asia), as I know it's only just been FDA approved in the states?
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MMTOMH: Just looked at your photos! What an amazing transformation. Now you go out and buy some beautiful bras to support the new girls.
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There you go mackmann! Yes, Canada and Europe have different versions of the Allergan 410. Thanks for clarifying!
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whippetmom-I just placed a HUGE order for some beautiful and supportive bras: freya, wacoal, chantelle, lunaire, felina and even a warner's! I have no idea what will work for me and there isn't anything within 900 (airmiles!) except Fred's and Walmart, so I figure I'll have a little fashion show and send back what doesn't work!
I actually was just exchanged out from my TE's...is that what you are referring to when you say textured implants? They were the siltex but I have no idea if they were textured or not, just that the radiated side did not hold up as well as I had hoped. It healed well, though and I'm happy with the way it looks.
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