BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
Comments
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whippetmom: I have been following this site since I was diagnosed. Had surgery about two months ago. How do you get into the photo forum? I sent an email to the suggested contact so requesting admittance (forgot her name) but did not get a response. I had my last fill and waiting to see the PS in a month. Very confused. I am afraid that the silicone implants will be a disappointment. I have the mentor 350 1460 filled to 500cc's. I believe it is 13.0 cm/13.4 cm. PS is talking about exchanging them with HP mentor 600cc. I would like to be a small D full C. I noticed that the Natrelle style has more projection than the mentors. My bandwidth measures 31" . Has anyone exchanged with saline? I like the firmness and do not want to be squishy. Please advise. thanks
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bnita:
You will need to spend time around the forums, posting, responding to other members or asking questions before gaining entrance to the pictures forum. It is a very private and separate website and for the protection and privacy of its members, we require the ability to get to know a bit more about those seeking entrance and to see them getting involved in posting on the various threads and forums.
Many of us - I believe the greater majority of us - have silicone implants. There is a "SEARCH" feature on bc.org - you will find it at the top right hand corner of this web page. Click on the SEARCH link and then type in saline or saline vs silicone and you will come up with a bevy of posts with discussions regarding the topics of saline or silicone. Based on your ribcage circumference and TE data, 600 ccs sounds like a good size...but it depends on how you feel about your TEs once you are filled to 500 ccs capacity.
Let me know if I can help you further!
Deborah
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Jerusha, you've definitely hit the nail on the head. Hadn't thought about it in those terms. That's why finding a bra that fit is an impossible task. I guess the only bras that would really work are lycra stretchy types. Not exactly the style of bra I was used to wearing before BC. Depressing
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Mantra - I'm interested in knowing how you like the freya bra ... they are lacey and SEXY! I'm sorry your gummies aren't what you expected, but give it a little time. There are some stretchy bras out there that are pretty sexy. This whole BC and reconstruction thing has opened me up to a whole new world of lingerie that I didn't know existed.
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Dawne-Hope, stretchy bras that are pretty? Oooh, tell me! I've come across a lot of bra-lettes that are lacy and sexy,etc, but they are all made for small breasts, and they just look goofy stretched over a big hunk of gummy foob!
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Jerusha - I'm new to this world of fancy lingerie ... whippetmom and Val61 are the experts ... but the Freya Arabella and Eleanor are both stretchy, lacey cups. They provide firm support but they are sheer ... the Eleanor is on close-out but I've received very good deals on E-bay. I think the Arabella is still available at Nordstroms and BareNecessities and Herroom. Both are available on e-bay with greatly discounted prices. Try them out. They're gorgeous and they do the job and they may govern those stubborn gummies!
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Mantra, in early August, about 6 weeks after my xchnge, I was up to 86 (
) buy and returns!! Each shipload was a different size -- I kept adjusting band -cup-band-cup and just could not find ANYTHING that fit. After each box of failed attempts I would go wailing to my husband who thought I was just nuts to be so distraught over bras. My teenage girls were, like, there she goes again! The only things I could wear were my Marena surgical compression bras (looks like Bertha, but TIGHT), and marena sleep bras and just wore them for months. I've stopped counting but I've for sure crossed the #100 line. Hope springs eternal, I guess, but Bare Necessities is probably not too fond of me. My gummies have definately changed shape and I can actually fit into some bras now, but they all feel so uncomfortable on the gummy. I did finally find a VS non underwire that is made just like an underwire. I think I mentioned it before. If you can get your gummies into it -- you will probably like the look in clothes. I may be done in for now on the bra hunt as it is just sooo unsatisfying. Before bc I was a D and had many happy years in Freyas, Chantelles, and the like, and I really thought I'd had my day and would not miss bras one little bit. In fact, I would often choose comfy bras over sexy bras. When i got home from work, the first thing I did was to remove my bra!. The only perk I anticipated with the BMX was not wearing a bra ever again. How ironic that I now spend half my waking hours in the never ending pursuit of a bra, preferably a pretty, lacy, sexy one, that actually fits and is actually comfortable! 0 -
Jerusha - Here are links to some of those bras. Early on after my exchange I was fitted for a Wacoal 65149 ... it is lacey and stretchy ... doesn't give a lot of lateral support, though. But do you gummy ladies need that lateral support? Here are a couple of links:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2864688?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=222
http://www.barenecessities.com/Freya-Arabella-Plunge-Bra_product_FreyaAA5721_,search,.htm
Search 'freya eleanor' and then your size on ebay and you'll likely come up with some hits. I've done well buying from sellers in the UK. And some of them (I've learned after the fact) will take returns, just check first before you buy.
Good luck in the bra hunt, ladies!
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Thanks for the links. At this point my PS says I can't wear underwire. She said no underwire for at least 3 months and only if she approves me to wear it . . . not all patients get the seal of underwire approval because she bases it on where you have feeling. I am fairly sure I will be allowed to wear underwire but 3 months is still a long way off.
At this point I'm just going to admit defeat . . . for now. Now that I am aware of the reason why bras don't fit, and that I am really limited to stretchy, non underwire, I realize finding a bra will be quite impossible . . . while I'm in Canada. I can't order on line because putting an item through customs has often cost me more than the item itself. I'll wait until I get Stateside before I begin the online journey. Of course, the first step in all of this is going to Nordstroms to get properly fitted. Again, that will have to wait until I'm south of the border.
That said, I plan to have a talk with my PS about all of this because I really don't know if PS are aware of the additional challenges that having gummies brings. Patients should be made aware of all of these practical problems in order to help them make an informed decision regarding the type of implants they want.
I've gotten to the point where I am only wearing Big Bertha (and we all know how much I hate Big Bertha) and taking advantage of the cold weather to wear layers and other unflatteringly outfits to hide the implants and bra.
As the gummy population grows, perhaps more manufacturers will design sexy gummy friendly bras.
It definitely is a huge disappointment. But unless I'm prepared to switch to silicone, I'm just going to have to suck it up and stop driving myself crazy trying to find a solution. It is what it is. The only reason I'm hesitating on switching to silicone is fear of rippling. I've decided I am not going to make that decision until I've exhausted all avenues in trying to find feminine, lacey bras that work with gummies. As much as I dread going through surgery again, at least knowing that there is another option out there makes it an easier pill to swallow.
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The Anita Style 5490 has stretch cups....I love that bra. Incredibly comfortable. You can pull the material up and over and around the implants to get a snug fit....
The Chantelle C-Chic - the non-padded version, has stretch cups. My sister Deeds is wearing that bra - the last photo in a bra - on her thread on the pictures forum. KEW also has that bra - Val has it...and someone on Lilah's bra thread is wearing it. I think it is discontinued - but you can still find it on Ebay.
Deborah
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Whippeemon/Deborah - thank you so much for your response. Will do- become more active than an observer on this forum. This is all so new to me. I am thrilled that there is a discussion forum available for us gals. I felt so alone until I stumbled across this site. And believe me I was on the internet researching as soon as I got the news. Doc's - although supportive could not help in that arena. I am still confused and it all happened so fast when first diagnosed. I am not sure what you meant when you said how I feel about my TE's at 500cc (btw - I am already at 500cc's) - my PS said that this should be enough. Will the 600cc's give take me to a full C with enough projection or will I look smaller since the exchange seems to make you look smaller than the TE's. You gals are so supportive of one another and each has contributed so much information - by the way - Deborah - you bring so much knowledge to the table when it comes to size - which is pretty significant. My PS said that he does not use Allergan Natrelle's and I was just wondering if they give you a better result. Anyway - I am grateful of our choices today {advanced medical technology} but most of all thankful to be alive - I am raising kids and want to be around a long time to see them grow up.. again thanks for your response!
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Maybe I'll just have to consider stretchy bras a right of passage . . not unlike switching low rise jeans to ones that sit at your waist. 0
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Mantra and Jerusha- Just want to say to both you I have the rounds and have had a heck of a time finding bras that fit me right, so rounds aren't that much easier to fit. I find ironically the "stretchy" ones fit the best. I found a really nice,sexy one at Kohls, APT 9 lace bras that came in a few colors and had matching underwear. It does have a wire, but I hear if you can't wear a wire you snip a few stitches off and take the wire out.
Jerusha-I feel your pain about buying and returning bras. I selected over 20 styles online and 1 one of them worked. I was so embarrassed returning them I didn't want to say a thing. Fortunately the girl was nice and didn't seem to care that I was returning that many bras at once.
Mantra-you may be sitting on a goldmine idea-making bras for gummies, patent that one quick!
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bnita: What is your height and weight? That might give me a better idea so that I can tell you what to expect with 600 ccs. Typically it takes 100 ccs to 150 ccs additional volume with implants over TEs to approximate the volume of your TEs. You are going to want high profile implants. Mentor high profiles are just fine and most of us have the smooth, silicone rounds in either Mentor or Allergan.
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whippetmom - I am 5'3" and 124 lbs. BTW I was a C cup prior to TE's. Thanks again!
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bnita:
600 ccs in a high profile implant is plenty of volume for your frame. I think 550 ccs would be fine also. You and I are the same height and weight and our ribcage measures the same also. I have 550 cc high profile smooth round silicone implants and they are the perfect size for my frame. I think you would be very happy with either volume.
You will not be a full "C" cup though. I do not want to freak you out....but you will likely be a "DD" cup. You will not look like a DD cup in clothing though. I was a "C" cup previously, and I look the same in clothing now as I did pre-MX. With breast reconstruction, you need to end up with a larger cup size in order to achieve the appearance of fullness. Our reconstructed breasts are not maleable or "floppable", nor do we have to fold them into a bra cup any longer. So I can see that your PS knew this and he was on the right track from a sizing standpoint. You will understand this after your exchange.
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Getting excited in Kansas. Two weeks ago (14 weeks post BMX) I posted that I was at 450cc. Now tomorrow is another fill day! I am amazed how much my new foobs have changed and shaped up in 2 short weeks. The TE's were sooo square-ish and now at 16 weeks post op, they are finally rounding out on the bottom. I'm finally starting to look feminine! When I sit back and reflect on the entire process, it really is pretty incredible.
Has anyone seen the November 2010 issue of More magazine? Page 117 "After the Big C". 4 breast cancer survivors write about what it feels like years down the road. Good perspective.
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Hey Ladies-- just back from a long weekend and catching up.
I have one gummy and one natural breast... and have found a few great bras all wire free (I too am not allowed to wear wired bras yet). Chantelle, Anita and that Wacoal Lace bra that Dawn linked above (which I have in a wire free version). All fit very comfortably. My bras are on the picture forum... page one of my Post Your Bras thread... if you want style numbers. I do think it is more difficult to fit bras on implants of any kind but not impossible; definitely a challenge for those of us not allowed to wear wire! The selection of wire free bras is limited compared with wired bras.
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Lilah, does your PS think you'll be able to wear underwire in the future? I know mine said I had to wait a minimum of three months . . . but no guarantee she'll approve me. I really think she will. She bases it on how much feeling you have in certain areas and I have complete feeling everywhere the underwire would touch. I'm hoping she'll be able to at least give me the thumbs up at my 6 week appointment so I can buy some nice bras over the winter while I'm away.
Deborah, did you say somewhere that the European underwire bras have the underwire on the band? Or did I just completely make that up??!!
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I asked her: "will I have to not wear an underwire forever?" And her answer was: "no, not forever"
I have not asked when I can wear wire again but I am content with the bras I've found... and I guess I will just ask again at some point. My exchange was in May... so it's been 6 months. I just realized you are still so early, though; you need to chill a little! Be patient
Though gummies don't drop and fluff they DO relax and get a little softer, a little more pliable with time. Right now it's about letting your body heal. 0 -
Mantra...You must have dreamed it....
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kansasmom....Yes...it is an interesting and exciting transformation!
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Deborah, so I made up a completely false fact about bras and pulled it out of thin air?? Geez, you'd think I was talking to the government about my tax return. "Yes sir, that's correct that in 1945, just after the second world war, ice cream became tax deductible. SERIOUSLY?? NO?? Hmmm, I guess I just thought I had heard that. Okay, so now I owe you HOW MUCH!!??
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I will TELL you though Mantra, that there is a vast, huge difference between high end quality underwires and the less expensive underwire bras. It is a night and day difference between my VS underwires and my Chantelle, Freya and Anita underwire bras. The reason most docs are nervous about the wires, is that they envision these wires breaking free of the fabric and poking us in the lower pole where we are most likely to have no sensation. But a good underwire sits on the ribcage - does not even touch the implant....and it is strongly reinforced in the well-made bra.
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AHA!!! Now I remember .. . you said a good underwire sits on the ribcage. That's what I must have heard/read.
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I was googling to see where about breasts should sit on your chest . . . wondering if mine are perhaps too low. I came across this " The way to know if your breasts are in the right place is to bend your arm at the elbow and form a 90-degree angle. Then, lay your arm down across the middle. Your breasts should be sitting about half way between your shoulders and your elbow"
Does this sound right? If I'm doing it right, my implants are closer to my elbow . . .no where close to mid way between the elbow and shoulder.
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Mantra: Read this [I posted it on Exchange City a year ago] and provide me with your measurement...
Another measurement I have found which plastic surgeons calculate is the distance between the sternal notch [the concave region under your neck] to your nipple. This is called the SN to N ratio. It is felt that a SN - N distance of >21 cm is indication for high profile implants. This is because the higher the profile, the taller the implant will sit on your chest wall. Conversely, a SN - N distance of 16 - 19 indicates a low height implant might be a better choice, and a SN-N distance of 19 - 21 cm indicates a moderate height or moderate plus implant might be a better choice. That cusp number of "19" or "21", meaning you could go either direction - one height up or one height down.
You will have to use an imaginary placement of your nipple, if there was no nipple preservation.
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That theory of measurement is also used by a PS to determine if a patient requires a breast lift....
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Deborah, is there supposed to be a link to an article?
I wasn't exactly sure where some of the measurements were to go in the diagram but this is what I came up with (if I measured the correct areas)
Line A & A3 = 17 cm
B= 16 cm
C = 7 cm
D =17 cm
So if I'm reading this right, I was only supposed to have low profile implants (I have one MX and one MF. My concern is, is that the implant should sit higher on the rib cage. Does this measurement tell that?
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Your implants are not too low at all! Your implants are sitting where they should be sitting, because the placement was predestined by your inframammary fold. The IMF does not/should not change from where it was pre-MX. Mine sit lower than yours!!!
STEP AWAY FROM THE MIRROR!!!!
[Edited to add emotion!]
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