BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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was glad to see about pictures loading- I tried a bunch of times yesterday to upload a shot to the picture forum and couldnt. So its not me!
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Not able to get onto the pic forum at all yet today.
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I've accessed it without any problems today... last time was a minute ago....
(Just access... haven't tried to upload any pics...)
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I have noticed that my Internet connection is as slow as molasses between noon and 1 p.m. here... everyone at work in Cali must be on their computers during the lunch hour!
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Interesting about the textured implants causing rippling. I didn't know that & I think my PS likes to use them. He says that the textured ones are suppose to adhere to the surrounding tissue and help the implant to stay in place and not flip. I guess I need to ask my PS more about this.
I just searched and found a link that talks about the differences between smooth and textured implants: http://www.implantinfo.com/faqs/1.49.aspx
(Sounds like the textured ones are used more for anatomical implants.)
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Anatomical implants are always textured. Are you talking silicone rounds or anatomicals?
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I am trying to get onto the pic forum from my iPad. I will have to try later on my PC.
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Whippetmom -- the forum can be weird with the Ipad... working sometimes, not working others. We tell people not to register using either a phone or an Ipad for this reason (though most seem to have no problem accessing the site via Ipad or phone, once registered, every now and then some people just find it impossible -- it's a mystery). I'll ask Fumi to check and see if there is anything going on, just in case. Sorry you're having trouble. You should be fine accessing via a laptop or desktop, as I've been doing so with no problem; maybe try accessing with your PC and then, assuming that works, go back and try again on Ipad to see if that fixes the issue for you.
Actually, I PM'd you to get more info... check your messages!
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I can access no problem, and post writing, but cant get a picture to attach.
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Lilah: It worked just fine - quick and easy - just now. I do not know what was going on yesterday or earlier today. Could have been a Verizon problem...a wifi problem.
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MCbeach: Okay, I was able to get onto the pic forum just now and commented and responded to your questions.....
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Hello girls!
I've been dreaming to join this thread ever since I underwent surgery in august 2012. I wanted to wait until treatment was over to talk about reconstruction. Treatment is finally over (can't believe I'm walking on my own feet without relying on medecine!), and I'm meeting tomorrow with the surgeon. I am hoping to learn a lot from your experiences as I start my journey into reconstruction. I am 26 and I am a bit lost as to what option is the best for me. I am too young, my doctors say, for them to actually decide to remove the contralateral breast (tested negative for all the identified gene alterations) although they would not say no to it and would accept my decision if I went for it. Having not had children yet, I have not breastfed, so this comes also into consideration, but the worst part was when the doctor said I would have to kiss goodbye to all sexual stimulation/sensation on the reconstructed breast, and that this was to be kept in mind if I decided on the prophylactic for the contralateral breast. She said that women were usually "very disappointed" regarding this and that a lot of doctors deem me too young to go through such an amputation. Given, as I said, that there is no genetic argument (as far as they know) and no history of BC in my family.
That's why I'm really looking forward to the appointment with the surgeon..although he wouldn't show me pictures because he thinks it's unnecessary and counterproductive regarding expectations, whatever way this goes. I have to specify I live in France so the system may differ a bit: reconstruction is entirely free of charge and relies on healthcare, and I'm being take care of by reasearch-center surgeons: this is why I am not worried that he would not show me pictures, I know he is a great surgeon. But let's say this confuses me even more as to what to expect.
So before I can have access to the pictures on the forum (which I hope I will :-)), I'd be delighted if I could have your opinion on what an implant next to a regular breast feels like, and what implants together feel like. If young women could also give me their special take on this, given that my young age is what my doctors have dwelled on, it would be really interesting.
Last thing: I'm thinking about getting larger. I was a small A. I know it doesn't translate in letters. What is size 101? Did you show pictures of a model to explain/ to discuss the size you wanted (yes, I know, I'm glamourizing the appointment with the surgeon when I know it will be nothing like fun) Was the final shape up to your expectations?
Thank you girls :-)
Much love,
littlecalico
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You are young yet sweetie. My thought is do what's going to be best health wise in the long run.
The tumors in my left breast were benign but I had them take it anyway. Why risk reoccurance in that breast? The right one definitely had to come out cuz those cancerous little effers were grade 3 and havin a rave in my boob. So, I say better safe than sorry.
As far as the sex thing, there are a lot more erogenous zones than just the boobs. Not that I won't miss it on some level , but it's only been a week since my BMX and I've already gotten back on the horse so to speak. : P(heh) and it was perfectly fine. ( Hallelujah for vicodin and valium!)
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littlecalico: If you wish to go larger, you will need to augment the native breast also. It is possible to get a good result with unilateral breast reconstruction. I wish though that you would go to the FORCE website and talk with women your age - your VERY young age - regarding statistics and risk factors.
Read Item #4 in the thread header if you want me to help you with some future sizing possibilities. At least your height, weight and ribcage information.
Breast Implant Sizing "101" is a "primer" for those going through implant-based reconstruction. In the U.S., and years ago more so than today, we referred to any beginning class as "English Composition 101", Algebra 101", Principles in Architecture 101", etc. So this is the "beginning" class for the breast reconstruction realm.
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littlecalico, you raise very thought provoking questions. Perhaps my experience can underscore our support in gathering as much info as you can and taking the time to reflect upon what is most important to you. My first MX was 15 years ago with a TE and later a saline implant. My recollection is that PBX wasn't even considered an option in those days. My reconstruction looked fine in a few well chosen bras but I was definitely asymmetric without a bra and became more so over the years due to both aging, weight fluctuations and capsular contracture. Over time, the more asymmetric I became the less I embraced my reconstruction as my breast. My husband, on the other hand, had no problem embracing both breasts and soon after reconstruction said to me one of the most loving things he could have said, "wow, now I have 2 kinds to play with!" Another very individualized reaction. On a side note, what he did not like was hearing me be disparaging about my reconstruction. Again, that was just part of his way of dealing with it. Of course, I could have had additional surgery to achieve a greater degree of symmetry and my very limited understanding of flap reconstruction is that type of reconstruction may preclude some of these issues of asymmetry with a native breast over time.
Breast sensation was very important to me and I'm glad that remained on the one side but that is a very individual matter too. An extremely knowledgeable contributor on these boards is Bessie who made the point everyone's point of views are so individual in that while sensation was important to her, she said another poster wrote that she was happy to no longer have nipple sensation because even clothing irritated her nipples. So there is quite a continuum. Likewise for breastfeeding, it was very important to me but I had already concluded breastfeeding my youngest child before the DX.
The surveillance after once DX is rigorous and this gave me peace of mind (except at the appointments!). Others find an additional degree of peace of mind with a PBX. Just almost 2 months ago I had an exchange for new implants on both sides after additional issues on the other side resulted in MX, TEs and new implants. I am enjoying being symmetrical enough to go bra less in clothing but am contemplating a revision for additional symmetry.
So despite not giving a definitive answer, I hope this post provides some things to consider. I encourage you to continue to gather all the information, opinions, photos and individual stories you can, even posting again on other threads (and websites per Whippetmom's excellent post and her always invaluable help!) for additional responses and take the time you need to be confident in your decisions. This hopefully will bring you the peace that comes with knowing you have made the best decisions you could with the information available at the time. In the end, it's that process that helps me move forward.
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Nwgirl, I'd like to know what your doctor says. This is from mine.
That is a good question. Textured implants have the advantage of less capsular contracture and grips the tissue so it doesn't sage as quickly. Also, textured implants have less risk of the implant flipping (even though the implant is round, there is still a risk that it can flip front to back). The one major disadvantage is that it has less visible rippling than a textured implant. Every implant has advantages and disadvantages. If the lack of rippling is the most important factor for you, then we should go with a smooth implant, knowing that it has a higher risk of the above. We can still order the same sizes just in a smooth form.
So now I have something else to think about.
Littlecalico-I'm sorry to hear that your have to go through this at your age. Your breast will change with each pregnancy, whether you nurse or not, weight and age. You need to weigh all the pro and cons and do what's best for you. Easier said than done. Ask your PS questions until you are satisfied. Do they have mentors there that can help you through this? I wish you the best.
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friendships: Beautifully said. Thank you for sharing this with our newcomer.
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Smaarty: The jury continues to be out regarding textured implants vs. smooth shell implants as they relate to the risk for capsular contracture. From one expert:
"Textured breast implants were invented in hope of reducing reducing the
incidence of capsular contracture. However, there have been several
studies that have shown that when textured breast implants are placed
under the muscle, there is really no difference in contracture rates
between smooth and textured implants in the longer term. Textured
implants do seem to have a slightly lower risk of contracture than
smooth implants when placed above the muscle particularly the relatively
firm fully shaped implants."So this really would not apply to breast reconstruction, as for us, implants are nearly exclusively submuscular in placement.
I would more readily believe that perhaps Sientra true cohesive gel textured implants might be a better choice for someone at risk for capsular contracture.
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Anyone had rippling on one side but not the other? I'm 5 1/2 weeks out from exchange to 410 gummies, FF, 740's. One side is fine. The other side has a lot of rippling just in the last few days.
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Sandra sorry to hear, me too o got lots of rippling more in one breast but not by much. Still waiting and hoping to find a cream that may help firm or shrink my skin but not luck yet. only been 3 weeks for me.
Hope it gets better for you.
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thanks Deborah, I read this. He's leaving it to me to decide. I know we are suppose to be proactive and be very involved in this process. That being said, I hate having to decide this stuff. I don't like the idea of the implants moving around in there and possibly flipping (then what?). Does the rippling show under clothes or it would only be me seeing it? He said I wasn't a candidate for gummies due to how the bmx was done. That would solve this issue. Remember I only get one shot at this due to prior breast lift. So how do I decide? He's been doing this for over 12 years, young and up to date and I trust him!
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I have not had my exchange surgery, yet...but, I know 'encapsulation' is a risk. If that happens, what is the treatment (or is there one)? Does it mean the implants have to go?
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mnmbeck, how is your expanding going? I was done with the fills last week and I can't wait to get them replaced. They haven't been the most comfortable thing I've ever done. Feels like hubcaps on my chest and for some reason I'm itchy. The pulling has eased up so not as bad as last week. As they say, this to oshall pass. Ok, done complaining.
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Personally, I have not heard of anyone having a flipped silicone round or saline round implant over the past five years here on bc.org. However, I know it can happen....uncommon....but it can happen. Typically though, it would be in the case of pockets which are too large for the implants and also, implants which are placed over the pectoral musculature, as is done in augmentation cases. But under the muscle, in the proper pocket, I think the risk of flipping would be quite low. The thinner the skin...the more likelihood of rippling, whether it be smooth or textured. It is just that, in such a case, the rippling will be greater with textured implants. But, that said, your PS is a plastic surgeon and I am not, and I do not play one on television either, to coin a phrase. So if he has had great success with textured implants and feels you will have a better result with same, then I think you need to go with his advice. Has he shown you any photos of patients who have had breast reconstruction using textured implants? I would ask to see photos......
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Smaarty: What do you mean by "Style 215" implants? I just looked back at your previous post and I am not sure what you mean....no such style in my catalogue.
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RE: Capsular Contracture.....
I have read Dr. Lisa Cassilith's comments regarding capsular contracture and I think it makes sense. I do not know of anyone who has experienced the complication of capsular contracture who has a dermal matrix graft with Alloderm or Strattice. There might be some out there, but I have not heard from them. It is very interesting to me. No clinical trials or studies to date....but for whatever it's worth, here is her article.
http://www.drcassileth.com/breast/revisions/breast-treatment-of-capsular-contracture/
I also have read of cases where early stage capsular contracture can be resolved with the use of fat graft transfer.
It DOES not mean you are done with implants. It means you need to find someone who knows how to address the problem and will do whatever is necessary to try to make sure it never happens again.
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Sandra, try to give things a little more time. Apparently it takes longer for women with anatomical implants to see the settling and relaxing and whatever else these things do in the pockets, than it does for those of us with silicone rounds. I seem to recall that Lilah said that she finally saw some welcome changes with her anatomicals about a year after her exchange....
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littlecalico - So good to hear from you! I'm happy that things are moving along and that you've completed your drug therapy. I've been sending positive thoughts your way!
I really have nothing new to add to our previous PMs other than I'm still happy I chose bilateral over unilateral surgery. It has allowed my mind rest a bit better (dense breasts and both ILC and DCIS that were not seen on mammogram). I also knew I wanted reconstruction and hoped that bilateral surgery would provide an easier shot at a "matched set". That said, loss of sensation has been one of the hardest parts of the journey for me.
I'm sorry I can't remember your stats so this might not apply...did your doctors discuss surgical options like DIEP where there is a greater possibility of nerve regeneration and sensation return? Also, nipple sparing on the prophylactic side after which there is a slight chance of regaining some sensaion?
I hope some younger women will chime in.
All the best!
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Thats good to know that anatomicals might take longer to settle in. Im a measly 5 days out and having to calm myself that theres weeks and months ahead before actual look will happen. I think one thing I wish Id known before was about te sizing, width wise...so could have had a bit of input before they were put in.
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aviva5675 - Congratulations on your exhange!! Did you get the Natrelle 410's anatomicals? If you posted earlier, sorry to have you repeat yourself. So far since having the TE's removed, how does it feel? Are the width of your implants smaller than the TE's? Just trying to understand. Thanks.
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