BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
Comments
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MBJ- I have Medi-Cal now, and I had a different experience. My BS as well as my PS advised me because of the lawsuits, they are very accommodating. They will not put up a fight as far as symmetry, or preventative care. I had cancer in one breast, but opted to have both removed. I have found this to be the case so far. Keeping my fingers crossed, I'm not symmetrical with these expanders, but PS said it's an easy fix with the implants.....uh huh we'll see....because now that I put it in writing, I might have jinxed myself. I hope everything has worked out thus far for you.
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Whippetmom- I was hoping my TE's drop. But noooooo they are perfectly happy sitting right next to my shoulders.....the nosey buggers, Always getting in the way trying to see what's going on in the world.
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One more question, to any who can answer. I have inverted nipples. Actually they are just flat. They rarely ever come out to play. Does anyone know if this will change when I have my implants put in? I've heard about using alloderm for projection, and I've also heard about the nipple reconstruction. But there's nothing wrong with them, they just are very shy, and I remember a friend of mine who had implants put in for cosmetic reasons, and her nipples were always poking through her blouses. I called them 'the nosey neighbor nipples...and yes, I have a name for everything lol.
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MSNOMORE....
I don't think you will see any changes with your nipples after the exchange, other than if the PS does fat graft transfer to plump up the nipple/areola complex. If you have had a nipple sparing procedure, I cannot see the PS wanting to do too much to disrupt the nipples - wanting to keep them viable you see. It just makes it easier to wear sheer bras after the exchange....I am grateful that mine are "low-profile" nips.
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MSNOMORELUMPS: I think we are all so used to taking care of everyone but ourselves here! For me BC was a wake up call to finally take care of me first. You have a great attitude and wonderful sense of humor and you have found yourself a great place for support. I too have had a relatively easy time of it compared to some. Still, we are all coming from the same place being that it's BC. I was told not to wear a bra during the expansion process but because I was a UNIMX, I had to do something to augment my other side until I was done. I agree with Dawnhope--nothing felt comfortable when I was fully expanded.
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WHIPPETMOM- I guess since my son is now 19 and I will no longer be breast feeding anyone anymore, it shouldn't be an issue that my nipples don't protrude. I know it was off-topic, but I like to ask when they are fresh in my mind.
But yes, I did have a NSM. And other than some scabbing, they held up well. Actually I feel them now more than I did before.
I'm glad you're grateful for your low-profile, it's nice to be happy with an outcome that you really have no control over.
The funny thing is, is that I always had a decent amount of breasts for my size, so I never had to think too much about them, but since I'm black, and never had much booty, I was okay with it. So when they were gone, I felt like a 7 year old boy. So yes now everything is a big deal when it comes to them. Not much junk in the trunk, but I had a lot under the hood, so it's important to me that I don't get a lemon. I was never this shallow before all this, I was happy with whatever God gave me....but now....I'm a boobie freak. I see boobies everywhere! I don't know if thats normal. I feel I should just be happy the cancer is gone.
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MBJ- Well that's good news to me. It's always great to see someone who has gone through what you have gone through. Whether it be good or bad, I just didn't want to come on here and negate everyone's experience who did have a rough time of it. That does make me feel better.
But I totally can relate! I believe everything that happens has a lesson, and I think because I was finally still long enough I got the message this BC was trying to tell me. I was doing too much for other people, and wasn't taking the time for me. So I was forced to take the time, and it worked out relatively well. Funny thing is, is that I let a lot of people go that was in my life, so I could focus on me, so I tell people that I cut the cancer literally and figuratively out of my life. My life got a biopsy.
But as far as the expansion process went, only one or 2 weeks, it was on a nerve, but other than that, it was only towards the end (now) that I'm able to get better sleep.
And thanks for recognizing my crazy....the only way I was able to make it through this ordeal was to get mad at the cancer. How dare it be in my body without it asking first. Get out!! Now I treat it like an ex-boyfriend and cracks jokes about it being foreclosed and evicted and forcibly removed from the premises! I have a restraining order too.
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MSNOMORELUMPS:
Since you say you had large breasts prior to MX, I just want to know if you have fairly large skin envelopes - if you have a lot of excess skin. Because I want to take that into consideration as you expand. It is my impression that a lot of women undergo tissue expansion and might need very little in order to get to the implant volume appropriate for their frame. It is up to us to let the PS know that we do NOT want to replicate the drooping breasts we had prior to MX.
Oh, and if you are looking for the booty you never got, it is right behind me...
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MSNOMORELUMPS - Re 'boobie freak' I so get it! Your comments above made me laugh. I did not appreciate my body, my breasts before all of this cr@*. I was modest, I tried to minimize my breasts under my clothes ... didn't even want reconstruction at first. Since all the surgeries I too have become a 'boobie freak.' I look at women's boobs all the time ... in restaurants, at the gym ... and I think, "Appreciate them!" I love men, but yes, I've looked at more boobs in the last six months than in the first 40 years of my life. You're not alone, sister!
And I think for what we've gone through, it's quite normal!0 -
MSNOMORELUMPS: For a minute there I thought that I read that you stopped breast feeding when your son turned 19 LOL!!!! I have always been built more like a boy then a girl so now I finally got something under the hood, but Deborah, I doubt that you have any junk in your trunk!! Crazy is the only way to get through all we have to do
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WHIPPETMOM-Bwaa haa haa! Well would you mind if I borrowed your behind for an evening after my exchange? I would like to go out on the town and shake more than just my tail bone.
But yes, I did have a good amount of skin post MX. It took me a couple of visits to understand that's what they were meaning in regards to envelope/flap that sort of thing. Last fill today went well. The only information I was able to get from her as far as make/model of TE was that they are MENTORS 600. She told me in an earlier visit that she took extra care in choosing the model because I have a short torso, and needed to make sure they would fit. She also said at that time that they were 600 cc. But today she just sort of cocked her head, like "why do you ask." When I asked her about the TE's. I guess since because it is my last fill, and now I'm showing interest in them. So as far as numbers goes, I think I may have to call the receptionist and see if she can look in my file. There was a long line of patients behind me, so I didn't want to hold her up any longer. She doesn't rush me, it was just I know what's it like to wait.
And they are waiting for final approval from my insurance to get me an exchange date. She said it takes about 3 weeks.
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DAWN-HOPE- Ok cool, there are other boobie freaks out there. I too used to minimize the attention when it came to my breasts, because I hated all the oogling and stares....who knew I was going to turn into an ooogler? LOL but I have been able to contain myself and not reach out and grab any. haha!! I love men, I love men, I love men, I love boobies...oops I mean I love men.
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MBJ- Ha my son is a mama's boy, but not that much. Plus I'm 4'11" and he's a 6 foot fireman, Just the sight of that alone has me cracking up. I can just see me going down to the station and telling him it's dinner time!
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MSNOMORELUMPS - You crack me up! LOL!
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MSNOMORELUMPS: You are going to have to come up with a shorter screen name....
So your TE has a 600 cc capacity? And what are you filled to currently? Is it 600 ccs?
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DAWN-HOPE this is tip of the iceberg sweetie.....I've been bored to tears with this BC. Quit my job right before finding the lump. Whoo hoo lucky me. You mean I get to focus and concentrate on this for 24/7? YUCK!
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WHIPPETMOM- yes to both. 600cc's and that's where I am at as of today. Tight & shiny (the names of my TE boobs)
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MSNOMORELUMPS - There is a period of grief we all experience and we need to go through it but I think to laugh is part of the healing process. A few weeks ago I ordered a work-out bra with underwires & it criss-crossed in the back. I live by myself and couldn't figure how to put it on. Talked to a couple of lady friends and they suggested different things I could try, so went home and I got STUCK! I had the bra over my head, with the criss-crosses somewhere between my head/shoulders/back but somehow/someway I got stuck with my arms up in the air with the bra almost covering my foobs, but not quite and I couldn't budge ... bra didn't move ... I couldn't get out ... I started crying and praying to the good Lord to help me and I finally wiggled my way out ... in a few minutes I started laughing. I've thought ever since that someone who's been through all this needs to do a stand-up routine with all the bull s*%@ that we've had to put up with and go through. And girl ... I think it may start with you. Use that time to come up with a good comedy routine! You're hilarious!
Sorry though for all you've had to go through.0 -
LOLOLOLOL!! ok I know you can't see me, but I am cracking up!! Who knew the actual work out part of the bra, is getting it on??
Ok I will do the comedy portion of the Breast Cancer talent show, and you can do the Harry Whodini magician portion. The Amazing Dawn-Hope, watch how she squirms and sqiggles her way out of the un-thinkable. No bra can hold her down. Lol Whippet mom can get on stage and shake her booty.
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LOVE IT! Although I'm pretty sure I couldn't do that again if I tried! If we go to Vegas next year for the ta ta reunion ... we'll go on front and center! 0
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OMG: I would be in the front row cheering you both on LOL!!!! dawnhope: I remember your tango with the bra and it just gets funnier everytime I hear it!
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DAWN HOPE-Front and center? If i am able to go, and I still have these expanders, I'll be front....but no center....sort of off to the either side.
lol @ Bra-tango. Yeah it was a story I so needed to hear.
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Lilah: sorry, I never replied to your question: Yes, MediCal is medical coverage by the state of California. Luckily it covers all of my medical expenses for up to five years. Don't know what I will do when I need to change out my implants..
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Wippetmom - Wow - you were right on. Went to the plastic surgeon, forgot the index card I'd written all the info. on to remember what you'd recommended. Talked to the surgeon, he measured me, looked at a picture I had from my 20s when I'd flashed my husband, and wrote down 133SX with alloderm. Came out, called my husband, and had him read me what you'd recommended. You're a genius!!
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I'm confused on how the fills and implants are sized.
I had a DMX and my ribcage measurements is 33
I'm 5' and weigh 124
I currently have T/E's with Alloderm but that's all I know for now.
My PS uses Natrelle implants and I am getting silicone but I have no idea how many CC's he is filling to. I was a "B" cup prior to surgery but am thinking on going to a small "C".
Any info from anyone would be appreciated!
Thanks
Jan
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I had my first fill last week - 100 cc added to the 150 cc that was there at the installation. I have 2 questions. He is having me wait 3 weeks till the next fill. (it has been less then a week and I feel fine with the first fill). Do you think I should ask to get the next fill after 2 weeks instead? He only expects 2 fills total to equal the natural side and 3 if I go larger.
2nd question: the fill vol. of the TE is 300cc. That seems like very little........what does that really mean in terms of how much the PS will fill it?
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Deborah - bought my first bra after exchange and I am a perfect 34 C - just what I wanted, thanks so much for your help in this decision making process!! a big hug to you, Valerie
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kjbrown: That sounds great to me! You are off to a good start! 0
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jan508: I will need your TE info - you can get it from your PS' office - it is recorded in your chart. In the meantime, what I think would look nice on your frame - with your vital statistics, are implants with a volume ranging from 475 ccs to 550 ccs - high profile most likely - which would be Style 20 in Allergan Natrelle.
Deborah
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heebie_jeebie: I think every two weeks is reasonable for fills, if you are tolerating it nicely. Not weekly though...there is no rush to the finish line here...
In answer to question #2: The volume is based on your native breast. If your PS is aiming for symmetry, as he should, he will select the TE which will get you to the implant which will match the width and volume of your native breast. In only very few instances have I seen a unilateral recon which did not require doing something to the native breast - e.g. - a lift or a small implant or both.
Deborah
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