BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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LOL Deborah
Mantra -- hugs!
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Whipettmom - thanks so much for your response. This really makes me feel less anxious. I have been reading all of the stories out there and it can be so confusing and discouraging. Can I ask you if you also have Mentors? If so were you able to keep your upper pole with the exchange? It sounds like you are firm and not squishy ...which I prefer more firmness. My last fill was last week and I am to see my PS in one month and he will probably schedule my exchange then.
Anyway, here is to you and to all of the ladies out there..... it is so encouraging and comforting to know that you are all out there cheering everyone along!!! You are angels....and ESPECIALLY you Whippetmom - looking out for all of us gals with sizing issues!
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Step away from the mirror?? Not gonna happen.
So really . . . they're not sitting too low? Remember I'm short. Doesn't that factor into the foob location equation??
Edited to add: I know. I know!! I have officially reached obsession status. Admitting it is the first step to recovery.
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mantra - And then, step away from the mirror! 0
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Hi -- I've been "around" the BC.org boards (mostly Arimidex) off and on for a few months now and I am SO grateful for them and all of you! I had my bilateral mastectomy in January of this year and have yet to switch from the saline to the silicone. I'm definitely planning on doing so since I'm told it will be much more comfortable, but the time has not been right and probably won't be until next spring. But I do want to make sure that the sizing is correct, and so I will be taking all the measurements you suggest and will have some specific questions for you (and my PS) soon. But before I do that, I just wanted to ask about how the silicone will feel compared to the saline. I'm well aware of the "turtle shell" feeling of the saline, and have been told the silicone will be more naturally soft. However, I kind of like one aspect of the tight saline implants and that is that they are fairly light feeling and there is no movement or jiggle -- I really don't NEED to wear a bra to keep them in place! :-) Will the silicone implants be heavier and more "mobile"? Will I actually need a bra for them? Just curious and wanting to prepare myself! Thanks for any information you can give me...
Sharon
Edited to add: I'm around a 38C...at least I WAS... ;-)
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Sharon:
It all depends on the size of implants you will require. I have not heard of anyone going from saline to silicone who has not been very satisfied with the decision to switch. But if you require implants larger than 800 ccs, saline is the only choice currently. You could go over to Exchange City and ask this question. I know that Astorm switched not too long ago. It is my impression and the impression of many of us that bras are essential - even more so in volumes greater than 500 ccs - no matter what type of implants you have - because gravity is not our friend.
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bnita: I just PM'd you...
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Hi whippetmom,
I had my exchange surgery back in September and I am going to have a revision in December due to a problem with one side dropping. I have saline implants and am debating whether to switch to silicone. One question I have is regarding the relative dimensions of each. It seems like the dimensions of the silicone are generally wider and with less projection than the equivalent ccs of the saline. Am I reading this correctly? So, I'm not sure exactly how to pick the equivalent silicone implant. I've read your comments on this regarding the TEs, but I'm comparing implant to implant. Could I just get your expert opinion based on my measurements? I'm 5'5, ~114 lbs, and ribcage is 29''.
Thanks!
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JT124: Yes, I know what you mean....the dimensions of the saline implants in the high profile ranges do have more projection and are narrower in width than their silicone HP counterparts. It may be that the saline compresses more than the silicone implants and so the additional projection is needed - when they compress, they gain in width. Honestly, I would love to compare two women of the same build who have the same volume - one silicone and one saline and investigate the projection issue. But what I need to know is, what volume you have currently, or even more importantly, what width of implants do you have currently? We want to stay with the same width so that you can avoid lateral revisions.
Another question I have, is do you want to increase in volume or are you happy with your size?
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whippetmom: I currently have Natrelle HP68 350 implants filled to 375. I believe the width should be about 11.4 cm with that fill. I discussed possibly going up to a 400 filled to 425 with the PS, but haven't decided yet. And I also told him I would consider the silicone. Another consideration for me on the size is that I'm also having fat grafting with 50 cc. I'm assuming that will add some volume as well. I think I read you had that done too. Did it add extra volume for you?
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JT: I think you have a couple of silicone options. Let's take Allergan implants for example: You could switch out to Allergan Style 20, high profile smooth round silicone implants with a volume of 425 ccs and your dimensions would be as follows: 12.0 cm wide by 5.2 cm projection. Or, because of your current width, you could go with 460 ccs in the ultra full projection implant, which has a width of 11.4 cm and a projection of 5.9 cm. However, I believe you need to have a nice long torso to carry off the Style 45, because the dimensions make it a taller implant - tends to sit higher on the chest wall. I think though that Style 20 in 425 ccs would be my preference for you. It would be easier to fill out a bra and it would give you a nice look. Width really is pretty essential for purposes of filling out a bra sufficiently. If you are on the pictures forum, take a look at Val61's photos....I think you would be very happy with that size...
Deborah
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Thanks whippetmom. I see these in the catalogue. It seems like the 425 would be the best option. I don't have access to the pictures forum. Maybe I will request that.
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Whippetmom:thanks so much - just left the photo forum..you look beautiful!! I want what you have.... LOL! I cannot tell you how this has helped me. There are so many wonderful ladies out there looking GREAT!!! So just looking at the photos - would you say that the Allergans give you a better projection, and overall look than the mentors? It is hard to say. Just wondering why my PS is adamant about using HP mentors and not Allergan.
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Don't worry about the Mentors bnita....they will look the same. Take a look at sandysunshine's photos...she has Mentor 550 ccs. Most doctors go with one mfr or another simply because they like the rep. You will be just as happy with Mentor...
Thank you for the nice compliment....I got the When-Harry-Met-Sally reference.....LOL...
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In reference to the saline vs. silicone debate:
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Interesting article -- thanks for sharing Deborah!
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Whippetmom -- Yes, I second bnita -- I want what you have too! :-) I just had a chance the other day to view your photos..... you DO look great. I had PM'd you a while back.... I'm getting ready to have a revision on Dec. 3rd and I go for my preop visit on Wed with my "new" PS. The current plan is for 600 HP on reconstructed side up from 475 and 400-ish HP on the natural side up from 213 mod profile. If you could please take a look at my photos and see if you agree or if you have other recommendations. (btw, you had recommended 600.... I can send you that PM as a reminder if you wish). Thanks! Pam
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HI Kansasmom, I too am from Kansas! This is an awesome forum with great women!
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Pam: Okay, so I have some additional thoughts. I feel that you could also switch out to Style 45 extra full projection style implants, because you have plenty of chest wall to fill up and these implants sit higher on the chest wall - they are taller - and you certainly are a candidate for this style. My implants sit low also, but our implants sit low because our natural breasts prior to MX were low on the chest wall. Now the key issue with these Style 45s is getting enough height and width with the native breast to match. It is not always easy to use this style of implant with a unilateral. But either the Style 20 or the Style 45 in 600 ccs would be just about perfect for your frame.
Deborah
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Hi Anna_M,
I see you are from Wellington. I know exactly where that is cuz' my cousins grew up in Wellington! I am in Overland Park and new to the forum... read: I'm not very fast at posting and I make alot of mistakes! I typed a post today and then didn't submit. Not the first time either... slow learner.
Good to meet you sunflower sister!
Deb in KS
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Whippetmom,
I agree with all the other posts. I looked at your photos yesterday and you have a great result and look amazing!! Seeing your photos, made me realize how much difference the nipples and tatooing can make to the overall result. You look soooo natural. When I initially began this whole journey, there were so many other things to address that nipples and tatooing were the farthest things from my mind. I didn't even want to bother with the extras. But now I want them! I don't even have any idea what technique my PS uses!! I never bothered to ask.
Anyway my question is this... if you want nipples with the c-v flap construction technique (like you have : ) ), does the PS need to plan for that in the expansion process/ implant size selection so that there is adequate tissue available to create a nipple?
Thank you,
Deb in KS
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Deborah - I will check the pic forum for the mentors 550 photo thanks for your response. I loved that movie When Harry met Sally!!!LOL ..BTW - reading along you mentioned PS making lateral cuts or cuts along the mammory fold - is this the norm to adjust exchanges? Do they have to do some adjustments? thanks
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I'm curious as to the amount of skin needed for nipples too. My PS doesn't do grafting ... he does one of those 'origami' techiniques. I'm worried that I don't have enough skin to pull to make a nipple because things are so tight.
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Dawne-Hope: I have the same fear as you!
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I recall reading a post from Deborah awhile back and if I'm remembering it corrrectly, she said she had never heard of PS leaving extra skin for nipples. I think we're all in the same boat . . . skin is tight but I know one of the co-ordinators told me the nipple is made from the scar.
Also, one of the PS who works with her and did the first part of my 2 week follow up appointment was describing to me the two different methods and told me I had time to decide which route I wanted to go and to let my PS know at my next appointment.
I looked at someone's photos yesterday, can't recall whose, and they had NSM and when I looked at the fabulous results complete with real nipples, I just can't help but be a little envious! I still wish they offered something like a nipple transplant! I keep asking DH if I can have his and he said if I wanted furry ones, he'll gladly donate them to me.
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Mantra - LOL! Now that's a site ... furry nips! 0
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Mantra: LOL! I cannot imagine a nipple transplant that is furry, too!
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LOL Mantra
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EEWWWW....!!!!
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EWWWW is right!! LOL!! Too funny. Maybe DH would be willing to undergo electrolysis prior to giving me the gift.
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