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BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101

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Comments

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335

    Goldie,

    It's Bio-Oil (bottom of box says PurCellin Oil)



    Orange & white box...have at Wal-Mart & drugstores...look in Google. ..will come right up...:) I did see the 2 pack at Costco also.



    Is fab stuff!

    Violet

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335

    P.s. by Bio-Oil USA...;)

  • sweetandspecial
    sweetandspecial Member Posts: 1,669

    Smaarty - the brand name is actually BioOil and you find it in the first aid section of the pharmacy.  I had a hard time finding it the first time I looked for it because I thought it would be in the body lotion/skin care aisle.  I didn't start using it until 2-3 months after BMX/TE placement.  The first couple of months I wasn't at all interested in massaging the TEs - they were still too new and painful at first, then uncomfortable after that.  By 2-3 months I had no more pain and very little discomfort - they got more comfortable with each fill.

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335

    That was for Smaarty...not Goldie...;)



    Violet

  • Smaarty
    Smaarty Member Posts: 2,618

    Thanks Violet and Sweet. I'll look for it.



    Sue

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335

    Smaarty,

    Who are your surgeons/ medical center? I'm by Sacramento. ..;)

    Violet

  • Smaarty
    Smaarty Member Posts: 2,618

    I saw that. I'm in south Sac and go to Kaiser South. Dr. Lin is my PS. I really like him.

    Says he's putting in 500 cc allergan TE, then jelly implants, probably in jan or feb, depending on how my skin will stretch. He says they'll have a large projection, I think meaning out from my chest?

  • tinat
    tinat Member Posts: 2,235

    My heart is saddened over some of these recent posts.  If you decide that moving on to another PS is the right choice I hope you are able to find someone wonderful who can help you.  Know that there are great surgeons out there who also care about their patients.  I hope Whippetmom can provide some names for you.

    It makes me all the more grateful for my PS.  He truly enjoys breast reconstruction and has told me along the way that he finds doing revisions for women who come to him with "failed" reconstructions especially gratifying.  He likes the challenge of being faced with a problem and coming up with a solution.  Amazing!

    Best wishes...

  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 1,750

    I looked on Amazon and elsewhere and found lots of products named Bio Oil. They are all in that orange & white color scheme so I know I have the right manufacturer, but some have slightly different names and the prices are all over the place. Are there different kinds of Bio Oil? I can't always find an ingredient list so it's difficult to compare online.

  • Dulcigirl
    Dulcigirl Member Posts: 864

    I just saw Bio Oil at Target. $11.99. Just an FYI, though, when I first heard about it I tried to find it at the Whole Food Store. I was told they do not carry it because it does not meet their ingredient requirements. I've researched it a bit more and believe that is due to the mineral oil. So if you're avoiding mineral oil products you may want to look for something else. If you aren't Target has plenty of it.



    Speedy healing!

  • Smaarty
    Smaarty Member Posts: 2,618

    Would it be a good idea to start using it now, 1 month before my TEs go in?

    Thanks all for all the info.

    Sue

  • violet_1
    violet_1 Member Posts: 335

    Tina,

    Sometimes the problem is finding a good PS that takes your insurance...and travel expenses to go to one farther away...so glad you like yours...;)



    Violet

  • tinat
    tinat Member Posts: 2,235

    Violet - Understood....I certainly meant no offense to anyone if it seemed I was suggesting that any of this is easy.  I just wanted to say that I hope everyone who is struggling, unhappy, and feeling ignored is able to find the strength and resources which lead them to someone who can help them get the results they deserve.  It's just heartbreaking when someone does their homework, asks all the right questions, puts their faith in someone's hands, and ends up in pain (like you) or very disappointed with their results. 

    I know I'm fortunate that the BS and PS recommended to me by my local surgeon were in my insurance group.  And I do understand the difficulties of long-distance surgery.  My docs are a 5-10 hour (depending on traffic) round-trip for me and I have done that drive at least 30 times for surgeries and appointments.  It has been a major and sometimes overwhelming commitment.  However, I was determined to have nipple-sparing surgery so I made the leap of faith and decided to go for it no matter what it took.  I realize not everyone can do that due to work or finances or time constraints.  It's not easy, but for some it is an option to be considered.

    Best wishes! 

  • sweetandspecial
    sweetandspecial Member Posts: 1,669

    Smaarty - I'd go ahead and start.  Anything you can do to keep the skin soft and supple is good.  Hydrated skin stretches better than dry skin.

  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 1,750

    Re: Bio Oil

    I found it at Walmart for $27.99 but didn't buy it. It was "showcased" in a clear plastic container and looked bigger than the one I ended up getting at Target. The one I got is 4.2 oz and was $19.99 BUT you get a $5 Target card with purchase so it was $14.99. The fragrance was a surprise at first -  I expected a "mineral oil" smell, but it is quite nice. It's like something you would get at a massage therapist.

    I'll see my PS on Thursday and find out how soon I can use it on my incisions. Meanwhile I am using it on my upper chest which is still so damn sore 5 weeks after the BMX. The texture of the skin has changed too. Maybe this will help.


  • tinat
    tinat Member Posts: 2,235

    Violet - Understood...I certainly didn't mean to suggest that any of this is easy, especially making changes in the middle of treatment, so I apologize if that's the way my post came across.  Whippetmom does such a great service by helping women to empower themselves with information and the right questions to ask.  She also has been culling a referral list of surgeons from women who have had good reconstruction experiences. 

    I am fortunate that my BS/PS team was in network for me so insurance wasn't an issue.  What wasn't fortunate was that they are a 250-mile, 5-10 hour (depending on traffic) roundtrip drive for me.  I have made that trip over 30 times for surgeries and appointments so I truly do understand the difficulties of travel.  It has been a real commitment that I understand is not possible for everyone to make.  It can take a toll on finances, job, and family.  But, I was determined to have nipple-sparing MX.  It seemed overwhelming to even consider right after diagnosis, but I took the leap and it was worth it for me.

  • Stix
    Stix Member Posts: 610

    whippemom

    My surgical facility (outpatient surgery center) is trying to bill me over 300.00 for an implant. I had recont. d/t cancer on the other side in 2010 (in a hospital) and they didn't charge me anything. I thought they had to cover implants Or, at least send you a letter at the beginning of the year if this changed. My PS office  said everything was covered. Now the anesth. department is also trying to send me a bill (under explaination of benefits-EOB) for the CRNA- that was covered under my surgery in the hosptial last time also.

    I have called just about everyone (insurance comp. billing dept. PS office, billing dept at PS office.- it is on the EOB's as provider may bill you. Whenever I see that they always bill me- so I am trying to nip it in the butt early.  Any suggestions?

    thanks,

    Vicki

  • Deder
    Deder Member Posts: 1

    I have a sizing question for whippetmom , I had a double MX 8/12 and due to complications i had to wait for reconstruction . Allergan TE place 8/13 my pre MX size was 44 D/DD I asked to be smaller about a C size. My TE are 650cc , I had 500cc place at insertion and 2 fills of 60 cc , next visit is my last fill at 30cc. Here is the problem, I am at a small B cup now and very flat where it should be round. Will the PS be able to place larger implants at the surgery time? About what size cc implant should I be looking at? I know the implants come in a lot of different shapes, the ones he is suggesting are the fuller on the bottom ones. I remeasured my band size and it is about 39- 39 1/2. Any information would be helpful as I just want to get this over with and be done .thanks.

  • Layla2525
    Layla2525 Member Posts: 465

    Hey Blessings, nice to hear you around. Hope all is going well with the new foobies.

    I know I do not share with my friends much other than I had the BC and am better now. One friend is going thru BC and apparently is getting the cookie cutter surgery rather than removing the boob. They keep finding more spots and she keeps going to more surgery. I told her I just got mine scooped out and replaced with the implants. Now I am going for more surgeries to try and get them even. Go figure! Yes, those who havent had the BC try to minimize what we are going thru in an effort to help but it ends up feeling hurtful when I dont think our other "friends" mean it that way. Cyber hugs to all. Its been a tough last 2 yrs and Blessings was always having surgery right before me so she kept me filled in on what was ahead of me. I will never be able to properly thank all those BC cyber sisters on here who "held my hand" every step of the way!

  • alcb70
    alcb70 Member Posts: 8

    I posted in exchange city & no response. I know you say not to be depressed after exchange, but I can't help it. I had 500cc expanders & got a 400cc silicone on my cancer side & a 600cc on my other side. I was a full C prior to cancer & now I'm more of a medium (if I'm lucky) B. I didn't want huge boobs under my chin... but (especially with my sports bra) I look flat chested. I'm a bigger framed person, so this looks awful. I know my pocket shrunk with radiation, but why do you go from 500 DOWN to 400!?! So frustrated! I feel like my nipples will be right smack in the middle of a wide, flat bump on my chest. They did an inverted T saying my breast would have a fold & the scar would be hidden. As of now, I have 2 very visible scars bc of no over-hang. I'd rather have 1 traditional scar. Seriously considering not finishing reconstruction out. I hope I'm over reacting, but it's a huge let down! :( My PS has no personality, and gave me the implant card with only the cc amounts on it!

  • sandra4611
    sandra4611 Member Posts: 1,750

    Go get a second opinion. You have a right to be happy.

  • Katlebbie
    Katlebbie Member Posts: 722

    Whippetmom

    I just wanted to update you on your advice. I, thanks to you had many questions for my PS which my she had no trouble answering. What really surprised me was that she was on the same track as you. The only difference was when she was in surgery she decided to use 700cc instead of 650cc. I ended up with the Mentor smooth round moderate plus profile and love them. There is so much difference in the feel compared to my last ones which turned out to be still in perfect shape but the CC was making them look deformed. I was actually given the old ones! There is no brand name on them but they are 19 years old round and flat. I love the new ones in every way! Thank you so much for you time and advice! I was so much more informed and in control of what happened than I was last time!

    Kat

  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 80

    Layla  I think you are right about friends and family minimizing the physical/mental difficulties of BC.  I am hating how i look after exchange last week, could not stop crying for days, and having family say 'well at least your alive' does not help at all!  uggg not what i want to hear.  Should i feel guilty or vain for wanting to have a nice outcome?  My husband tries to console me by saying 'they're not that bad'  Ummm compared to what? no boobs?  Feeling very unattractive to my DH right now. I love to come her and feel validated for feeeling however i need to as i go through this BC hell.  Thank you sisters on the BC forum, i feel heard, understood and cared for-Priceless for my healing right now!

    Nancy

  • GreenCowgirl
    GreenCowgirl Member Posts: 80

    alcb - Im sorry for your dissapointment over your exchange. Gosh did we have the same PS devoid of caring? What implant style did they use on you, sounds like mine-flat chest, too small, nipples too low,no cleavage. my ps alos made new huge inscisions, so i have 2 sets of scars and 3 holes on each side from drains(did not even use same drain holes) No overhang to cover yet either.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Vicki:  That is pretty rotten indeed.  Do you have a nurse advocator?  And yes indeed, they should cover reconstruction for the opposing breast for symmetry.  Your state has no verbiage for "symmetry" correction for the opposing breast.  But I have other gals from Michigan and I have not heard of them being billed like this.....

    http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(zbcpi4455pb4wc45uqfb0155))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-500-3616&queryid=13272257&highlight=reconstructive%20AND%20surgery

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Deder:  Need height, weight and ribcage CIRCUMFERENCE - not bra band size.  Measure around your ribcage under your TEs.  Also need actual STYLE of your TEs.  Allergan has six styles...

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    alcb70:  I am going to ask you to email me photos and let's see if we can figure out where to go from here.  You need to go to another PS and I can help you with that also.  Do not give up the ship.....land is in sight.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Kat:  Great news!  Sometimes the PS opens things up and realizes that you can accomodate a larger implant and that a bit larger [or smaller sometimes] fits the pocket better.  So this is all good and hope these implants are good to go for another 19 years.  Start massaging them in a month though, as we want to avoid CC again.

  • Stix
    Stix Member Posts: 610

    whippemom,

    I had precancerous in this breast. It is prophylactic (9/5/13)... they charged me over 300 dollars

    for this implant this time. In 2010  (cancer other side - mx 2010) they charged me nothing.  I found out they billed it under under prosthetic/durable medical supplies-or something this time. 

     Plus this time they charged me  nurse anesthesia fees of over 500 dollars - Lastly, I just got another bill in the mail saying they didnt cover my second opinion at u of m  prior to my px. mastectomy- that bill is 180.00. It was covered the in 2010. 

    Are these insurance companies getting harder to deal with or am I having some bad luck?

    Vicki

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Vicki. Fight this one. Call your PS and see if this was a coding error.

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