BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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At this point, I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see that someone loves their reconstruction!! It's good to hear.
I'll know more about my TEs when I hear from the PS's office.
Thanks!
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Elizabethaw, I have Sientra textured shaped implants and feel like mine have a gentle slope with no upper pole. My TEs certainly did have upper pole though. I understand how you feel. I kept telling my PS that I didn't want to be large. I am sure he listened but sometimes I got the feeling he knew what he wanted to do. In the long run it all worked out. I had questions for him every week and now it's every 3 weeks. Stick to your guns.
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Deborah, saw my ps today, he says they are fine with the way they are. I'm really disappointed he says they don't need to be fixed. He did offer me a second opinion so I'll be getting a call. Do you know of any kaiser ps in Sacramento? He is willing to do fat grafting once my weight settles. I said if they get more painful then I want them remove and I'll just go flat. Very depressing.
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Smaarty - You may have heard this story. If so, I apologize. I have a head injury, and am dealing with short term memory loss.
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I had such disappointment after my Exchange. I wanted that immediate "ahhhhh" feeling after the TEs were removed, and I never got it.
I loved my Kaiser Team, including my PS, and I got exactly what whippetmom recommended for me, including extra pocket work in the way of lateral capsulorraphies. (Initially, he said he wouldn't do that, as they usually caused more pain, more restrictions, and a longer recuperation time. He was right. But I suspect he did it because I KNEW ENOUGH to insist on it, or otherwise would have ignored it.)
I had a horrendous time of huge excess swelling (Lefty kept trying to crawl over my shoulder) and searing pain for more than five months after Exchange.
When I went in to the PS, his exact words were "I think they look great. What is it that you want?"
I was mortified! I was criticizing his great work of art. I was furious! The New Girls DIDN'T look great - they were totally uneven. I was devastated! If Kaiser wouldn't help me, who could?
Fortunately, I was able to locate an awesome Myofascial Release Massage Therapist who was also a Certified Lymphedema Specialist. After suffering for five long months, she absolutely got rid of both the swelling AND the pain in only five visits. It was amazing. You can see the results on the Picture Forum, if you are a member.
Sorry, but I can't remember what kind of pain you are having, or if you have already decided on a revision. What happened to me was that I had such a build-up of both scar tissue and fibrosis in the fascia, every single muscle was pinched down inside a strangling net of tough fibers. The massage was painful, but oh, so effective.
Sadly, Kaiser in Northern CA is not known for their exceptional Breast services, but luckily, we have an awesome new surgeon here who is interested in creating one.
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Blessings, could you PM Smaarty the contact information for the Kaiser PS in No Cal? (Unless you have already done so!) Thank you!!!
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This is my first post, even though I've been following for a couple of weeks. I just met with my PS for the first time today. I had a unilateral mx in April w/o TE put in because my BS wasn't sure if I would need rads or not. Anyway don't need rads and am now done with chemo, so ready for reconstruction phase. I was pretty disappointed w/my PS as he kept wanting to discuss no recon at all, and when I advised that I definitely wanted reconstruction he advised that there was no way I would be able to be the same size I am now, which is a 38D. I asked what he realistically thought I could end up with and he said most likely a B, MAYBE a C. He didn't give any reason why so small. I have always had large breasts so I would like to continue with large breasts if possible. I understand if not possible, however he seemed adamant about a B cup, no matter what procedure I went with. Sorry for the rant, but feeling really frustrated. I will be calling Kaiser tomorrow and asking for a consult with a different PS. Thanks for listening.
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Wippetmom i haven't been on in a while. I had my bmx in february and the exchange in june (25). I had some complications and ended up having latissimus dorsi flap surgery done two weeks ago as an emergency procedure on my left breast. I am currently in recovery from that. My PS put a 400 cc implant in that side with plans to go back in at the end of the year to even out the breast size to my right side which has 590 cc. I was just wondering what if any info or advice you have regarding my situation?
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If an implant needs to be removed because of infection or healing issues what's the procedure like? Hospitalization? Would they be able to put another one in?!
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Deborah and blessings, I've already checked which docs are at kaiser. I'll probably go with the only female doc there and see what happens. It's funny, the guy that did my failed breast lift 12 years ago is now the chief of plastics there. The pain isn't bad and it comes and goes depending on position. They are uncomfortable and feel like they're sitting on my ribs plus the pulling sensation from the weight lost. I'm going to Nordstrom on Monday and see if I can find a bra that fits. Haven't had any luck with that and didn't want to wear one. And this too shall past. Just been in a bit of a funk.
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Hi Whippetmom,
I'm at a point in the expansion process where I could use your advice and guidance. I had a BMX four weeks ago and have had two fills. My PS said to fill until I'm happy with the size and then we'll wait two months to do the exchange. I'm aware from reading many posts on this thread that the implants will look smaller then my TEs. My bra size before surgery was 32D. In the last few years they started making 32D bras....before that I was a 34C. I would like my end result to be a full C if it will look right on my body. I'm 5'3", 130lbs and my ribcage measures 30". My TEs are Allergan 133MX-12 400cc. I'm currently at 250cc on each side. My symmetry is a little off but was told by my PS not to worry, that would get fixed at the time of exchange. I know I want silicon implants. I'm not sure what size and style of implant would look good on me or how much I'll need to fill my TEs to achieve a full C and accommodate the correct implant. Any input or suggestions you have I would appreciate. I will PM you some pictures so you can see how I look thus far.
Thanks for all you do for us ladies here on BCO. You're an Angel!
Joy
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Hi Deborah, you replied to my post here back on July 12 with great advice, but I have a quick follow up question. You recommended one of the following for me; the shaped Sientra, HP smooth round Sientra, HP smooth round Allergen or Mentor (300-400 cc), or midrange plus (300-350 cc).
Just a reminder, I'm 5' 1/2", 115 pounds, 30" ribcage. I'm currently a 32D, but would like to end up a small B. I'll be having rads, however my PS will implement AlloDerm and FGT if needed.
Along with being a smaller size, my main concern is achieving a natural look. I do not want much upper pole fullness or too much projection, but rather a natural slope/droop. I'm very much in line with the photos Elizabethaw recently posted in terms of shape. Knowing this, would you recommend I stay away from the HP's? Should I stick with either the shaped Sientra or Allergen style 15?
Thanks again!
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I suppose it's unimpressive that I've emailed my doctor's office, and the nurse who does my expansions emailed back that she could find that I have Mentor 350cc TEs, but she can't find the specific model or anything else about them. I'm thinking they should probably have that in my file, right? Sigh.
Mommyathome, I hope you don't have to have your implant removed!
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hi Elizabeth, sorry you are in this situation. I had a similar case with my previous ps. Her and her secretary were withholding information from me to the last few days before my exchange, as a result I am having more surgery now with a new Ps. So here is what you can do.
Just one option you may think of.
Got to the hospital and ask where is the office to request your surgical records. Then go and request it, it will cost you $ but in there it should said all about your surgery and the model or style # used of te.
Hope this will help, I get so piss when I see how many of us have to beg or waist so much time with some doctors who they just want us to let them decide for us. It's us who live with the results ;(
Take care
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Elizabethaw,
Me too. I've been through enough!!! I don't have time to do it all again. I'm recovering from TAH/BSO, which also is slow healing in one spot!
If anyone else can give advice or share an experience about bmx incision that just would not close. That'd be great! Mine is at the base of the vertical incision. It opened 3 different times about the size of your pinky. It would scan over, scab falls off and leaves a hole. You could actually see the implant!
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NancybelContact whippetmom and ask her for advice. She is amazing and has helped me out tremendously with my reconstruction questions.
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Elizabeth - yes, if your PS can't/won't give you the details on your TEs it should be in your hospital records. There are a couple of peel off stickers with each implant. The hospital should have stuck on on your records and the other SHOULD have been given to you stuck on an ID card or at least on paper for you.
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Hi mommyathome, I am so sad to hear about the difficulties you are having!! Man, I did hope you don't lose your implant!! You are right, it's lot to go through once, let alone again!! Hang in there and get the medical help you need for getting that hole taken care of!
I'm not sure if it's because I still have my ovaries, but not my uterus, that I have been put on Arimidex for 5 years. I'm am having some side effects from it that are not comfortable. Aching in joints and bones, hot flashes that come and go, and 14# weight gain!!:(( The oncologist didn't see a reason for having my ovaries out though) I rather not have to take the meds, but it is what's recommended.
I have been thinking about you a lot and wondering if you have had help at home after your surgery on July 1st. Prayers are with you, that your recovery will just get better and better! You are strong!
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Hi Whippetmom, yes my card says that I have the 133MV-12 TE's 300cc's. I am taking a week break from expanding but I am at 350cc now but was hoping to get at least about a c-cup do you think that is doable yet? I am 5'2" 120lbs with about 30" ribcage. I think we may talk more about implants at my next visit. Thank you!0 -
Simplelife,
Thanks! I've had some help. It sounds bad to say, but here goes- it would be more helpful if someone took my kids for the day! Ugh their energy and the fights etc...
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Mommy, wish I could take them for you! I remember those years well! It's a busy house, and not a lot of opportunity for rest! Remember , you do need some quiet time for yourself. Don't hesitate to ask your relatives, friends and neighbors for help. Sometimes they just do not know what you need unless you be honest and tell them. Hugs
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Mommy I wish you get help with the kids. I admire all of the moms here who are dealing with kids at the same time of dealing with bc.
Sending you hugs 0 -
nancybel: That is crazy. If you have the skin flaps, and you are not having rads, then you should be able to get pretty close to where you were previously. However, silicone implants only go up to 800 ccs, so that would be the max, but I think that would at least get you where you would be happy. So, I know the Kaiser system in So Cal very well. Are you in No Cal or So Cal?
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Mommyathome: You can say it here! This summer with the grandkids and their sibling rivalry and complaints of "I'm BORED" (long, drawn out BORREEDD)...have me wanting to commit myself to an asylum by the end of the day. I cannot fathom going through what you are going through, heath-wise, and yours don't go home at the end of the day!!! EEK!
You have an empathetic ear here girlfriend!0 -
Whippetmom - I was wondering how that was going!!!!
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Piano-Girl, Thank you for the information from a few days ago about the implants you have received. I am hoping to be about a C when all is said and done. And you are happy with the round medium profiles? That was the other thing that I was confused about. Thank you, what a journey!!0 -
luvivesay: Ask your PS about Allergan Style 20, 450 ccs. That should be a good size for your frame. Sientra also has implants in the same size range (370 ccs to 400 + ccs) which would be good options for you also.
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Allydp: Yes, the shaped Sientra or moderate plus (Style 15 in Allergan) would probably be better options. Although, the HP implants can look perfectly natural in the properly expanded pocket. So it is a matter of your skin elasticity, body habitus, and a number eof things that only your PS can determine at the time of the exchange. This is why I prefer that the PS take in a few different styles and let the OR nurses take a vote regarding what looks best.
Deborah
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Whippetmom,
Lol thanks for being empathetic! I love my kids but I think I'd heal a bit better without having to get up and down to yell at them, check on them, feed them every 15 minutes.... Etc. my abdominal incision is pretty sore and to be honest I'm dick of it! I see all my friends posting on Facebook what their doing with their kids and I'm laying flat on my back!!!! Sucks!!!!!
Anyway, shake my head and exit that pity party- what do you think about my incision not closing? She cut the skin and re stitched it, what seethe odds of me keeping the implant?!?!
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Whippetmom,
Thank you for responding. I am in So Cal in the Ontario/Fontana area. I put a call in today to my bc coordinator, to ask if I could consult with a different PS. Waiting to hear back. I don't want to be as large as I was, but would like to be close to that. I'm 5'1" 145 lbs and my ribcage is 37-38. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Nancy
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Hi Whippetmom- I know you are busy helping all of us ladies here. I was just checking in to make sure my post a couple of days ago didn't get lost in the mix. I also PM'd you 3 pics. Sorry I had to do three separate messages but I couldn't get all three pics to attach to one message.
Thanks in advance for your time and wisdom.
Joy
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