BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101
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I was unwrapped today!! I had a shower and a long time to stare at my "girls" in the mirror. The gummy MX side is a much more natural shape then it was with the TE. I am surprised at how soft it feels when I poke it with a finger. (I don't want to squish it too much as I am still pretty sore) The nipple points out a little bit, but not too much (I had nipple sparing).
The natural side with the round implant is more swollen and has more upper pole fullness right now that it won't be keeping as the swelling goes down (My PS says). He thinks when they settle in and all swelling is down that they will be pretty even and if not, he can fix it.
I was planning to post my pictures - I have them all through the process - but when I mentioned it to my husband, he was very against it. I am in a bit of a dilemma cause I want to share with all of you, but If he finds out I posted them on the site, I don't want to deal with it.
So, maybe I can mail some photos to someone if it would help instead of posting. If someone has done this, let me know how you did it.
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Heebie-jeebie: Congratulations!!! Isn't it great to feel them finally sof?
Wouldn't want to start a fight with the DH, though the picture forum is very private and there aren't faces, just pictures of the recons. I take a picture, download it to my computer, open it in Paint and reduce the size by 90 % and then save it in a file. This way I can easily post it in a manageable size or email it if I need to. Erica would love to see your results. Is there much difference in feel between the Mx side and the augmented side or is it too soon to tell?
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MBJ - It is really too soon to tell. If I poke either with my finger, they feel the same, but I can tell that the natural side can be lifted and squashed, while the gummy side is more stiff. It is only day 4, so things are bound to change. Also, even if I send photos of my current result , they are going to be changing as the swelling goes down.
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heebie-jeebie: Yes, they are bound to change some in the next 3-4 months, although I hear the gummy doesn't drop and fluff like the regular round silicones. I see you asked Erica to PM you. Thank you for helping her!
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Heebie-Jeebie -- the gummy side will soften over time... a little. And the native side will soften a lot!
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Hi ladies,
I'm getting my PBM on 2/3 and had a meeting with my PS today. He agreed to do a direct to implant with me, but said he can't get much bigger than what I already am-- 32 A. I didn't want to be huge-- just a medium B. He suggested Allergan low profile either 210 or 240 cc's. Does this sound teeny to anyone? I'm 5'5", 120 lbs and have a rib cage measurement of 28". So confused about the sizing. Any advice would be so helpful. I'd love to hear from anyone else in the "itty bitty titty commitee":).
Best,
Jenn
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HeroicSong - Whippetmom can give the advice you need. I can only give my experience. I'm 5'5" 28.5 inch ribcage, 109#. 210, or 240 will be pretty small. I have 325 silicone rounds and that almost puts me where I was before my surgery, but not quite (32C). The sizes you've mentioned seem a little small. Let's see what whippetmom has to say.
Is it possible to wait, put in the tissue expanders, stretch your skin and muscle a little and then go back and do the exchange? Or does your PS always do the one-step?
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Jenn: That would be pretty small and, in addition, the numbers you mentioned tell me your PS is talking about a moderate profile implant which would be very flat in profile. I do not see that style used at all for breast reconstruction. I do not know anyone with implants that small [in saline or silicone rounds.] If I were doing the one-step with Alloderm, I would want my PS to follow the approach taken by plastic surgeons at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Az. They are using Alloderm to form a mesh "bra" support, which enables them to use larger implants. Read about it here....enter Page 45 after you get to the PDF file....
http://www.breastsurgeons.org/upload/ASBS_Official_Proceedings_2010.pdf
Look at Speech529's photos on the pic forum. She had this procedure - was very small pre-MX - quite a bit larger after the one-step with Allo-bra. You cannot accomplish this without the Allo-bra approach - unless you already have large breasts, e.g., sufficiently sized skin envelopes prior to BMX.
You are having this done prophylactically - so I would take the time to research and fly to Scottsdale, if necessary. This is the only one-step I would consider if I were having prophylactic bilateral mastectomies. I think because of the degree of Alloderm used, there is some sensitivity testing involved...not sure though. Your PS locally might be willing to follow the protocol and do this for you - so email him the PDF document.
Deborah
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Hi Dawn and Deborah,
Thank you so much for your responses. It's been a tough day:). My PS usually doesn't do a one step. I really wanted to go that route. He doesn't think he'll need to use any alloderm because he thinks he can get the implant in all the way under the muscle without trouble. I'm really confused and frustrated at this point. I really love my BS and don't want to leave her. In my initial PS meeting I was told I could be a bit bigger than I am now. Anywhere in the B range is fine for me. Now, with 210's or 240's, I'm not sure. It feels too late to do anything else. So, I'm at a loss. I really appreciate you both taking the time to write me.
Best,
Jenn
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Jenn: Then don't do the one-step. Go through the TE process! I would NOT do the one-step with a doc who does not like doing it or rarely does it. No way Jose. Where do you live? I maintain a PS referral list....maybe we can find another PS in your area who will work with your BS...
Deborah
ADDENDUM: Actually, I only know a handful who do the one-step in the US, so let me revise this by stating that your PS may be and is likely a very good plastic surgeon who finds he has greater success with a two-stage breast reconstruction. So I would go with what he feels will give the best results.
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Jenn: It is not "too late" for getting exactly what you want out of this and feeling comfortable about your decision. This is an "elective" procedure! Don't feel pressured to go through with this without having a peace about the decision and the plan.
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Jenn - I second everything whippetmom is saying. I had the same reaction when I read your post ... Don't do it! You have to live with the results. It's not too late! Let your PS do what he does best, or go with one of Deborah's recommended PS's ... but don't settle. !!!
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Hi Deborah and Dawne,
As my people would say: "Oy".:) I have alot to think about. I think my PS is really excellent. He prefers the expander route and thinks I'm the best possible candidate. He told me if i feel I end up too small, I can have a larger implant put in when my skin heals. I'm in NYC and love my BS. She does 90% of her surgeries with my PS, but I'll be grateful for any other reccomendations. I know it's an "elective" surgery, but with my family history it doesn't feel like it. I just want to be on the recovery side. Thank you for caring, writing and advising. It means a great deal.
Best,
Jenn
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Jenn - If you don't mind me asking, why do you want the one step? If you feel comfortable with both docs, and your BS likes working with your PS ... why not let him do what he normally does? Just wondering. We want what's best for you!
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We are tenacious, aren't we Jenn?
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and wouldn't that be "oy vey"???
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I hope it's tenacious and not obnoxious!
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You are so not obnoxious, ladies! Yes, technically, Oy vey is correct, but I'm a lazy speaker:). I just tried to PM you both and something went all computer-y crappola, and it wouldn't send. First, so sorry about your Mom, Dawne. I lost my Mom in 2006 and think I associate the expander process with her and her being sick-- she had a rough expansion. I also would like to avoid a second surgery if possible. Does that sound crazy? Wait, don't answer that:). I'm not really sure what I'm going to do, but am so grateful to you both for reaching out to me and caring. I'm glad I have an almost whole box of Ginger snaps waiting for me:).
xx,
Jenn
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Jenn, I pm'd you!
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LOL Deborah (and Jenn) re: Oy and Oy vey... what about Oy vey ismeer (sp?)
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I am new, as you can see. I have been reading for awhile and planned on asking for help at a later date but due to a leaking tissue expander I will be having my exchange on Feb. 1st. Please help. I am 5'1, 170#, 40" rib cage 133MV-15 600cc filled to 600cc. I have decided on silicone, smooth, high profile implants. What would you suggest?
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FYI....... and I add.... this might have been brought up on Jan 7th...2011....
I wanted to thank Deborah for adding this option to BCO a year ago Jan. 10'. I want to thank her for knowing... she is not a doctor nor a licensed educator......... but gave herself to us as a fellow breast cancer survivor, who researched her own reconstruction... and then... continued to research for others close to her back in 2008/09....... and now............ to continue... on a thread called Exchange City.... for about two years............. and then to start this thread... a year ago... January, 10'.
It has been a total of 2 1/2 years Deborah has gave of herself to help breast cancer survivors.. and over a year now that she started this 101 thread to continue to help.... new breast cancer survivors who want to become whole again... in their heart and souls... with their implant reconstruction. Along this path Deborah has lead... other ladies have jumped onboard to help... and give of their own time too..... Lilah...MBJ.... Firni.... and so many more....
Thank you Deborah for starting this 101 thread... a year ago!
I for one.... am very proud to call you my friend. Thank you " whippitmom"
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Wow, Estepp! A year ago is when I first started researching implants! Deborah told me I was a little bit early, lol! I am so very grateful for Deborah's dedication, help and accuracy in predicting size!
Heroicsong: When I was first diagnosed, I wanted one step with Alloderm, I wanted the gummy bears, I didn't want chemo and, let's just say that what I wanted and what was best for me were two completely different things! Take a deep breath, realize that it does take time to get what you want and to get it right. Get help from Deborah, take her advice seriously and it is never too late--even after surgery is not too late, but it's better to get it right the first time. No one wants expanders, it's just the best way to get the best results! Hugs!
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Hugs Laura you are such a sweetie!
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You've all been so wonderful, ladies.
Lilah: I forgot, Oy vey ismeer! MBJ: I hear you. I really trust Deborah's opinion, not to mention all of you guys who've been thru much rougher than I have. Part of me feels guilty caring so much about my boobs because this is a PBM, but I'm seriously considering doing expanders. I'm going back on the picture site and look at photos of the sizes Deborah reccomended.
Back to the boobs, so they say:).
xx,
Jenn
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Jenn -- you are removing your breasts and replacing them. It really doesn't matter if it's prophy or not... it's the same thing and we are here for you! (But what does "ismeer" mean??? I can't remember).
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Laura....Oh my word, I am so grateful for your kind words and endorsement! Wow....and I treasure our friendship also! I am ever so grateful for all of you who have stayed here on BCO with me - helping newcomers and offering encouragement to others - well beyond the conclusion of your respective surgeries and cancer treatment. I am honored and blessed to be able to have this ministry on BCO and to share it with all of you!
Thank you, thank you!!!!!!
Deborah
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JUNEBUG: One question first: Do you have one TE or two?
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Lilah, Thank you for saying that. I also found out yesterday that my insurance company is fighting my claim. A crappy day all around. All of you wonderful ladies have really helped lighten my mood so much. As for the "ist meer"-- I think it means "woe is me"
xx,
Jenn
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Jenn: You fight your insurance company right back. I hate that after all we go through they try and not pay for our procedures! That really sucks!
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