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BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101

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Comments

  • EastCoastGrl
    EastCoastGrl Member Posts: 206

    Deborah, we've talked through email and I wanted to tell you that I just had my consult, history and physical this past Friday for my upcoming exchange surgery(March 4th). I found out that I do indeed have medium height TE, Style 7200, Mentor. My PS has ordered 600 and 650 HP Silicone implants.

    The measurements of TE is:

    550 cc's
    13.5cm width
    11.7cm heigth
    7.4cm projection

    600 HP are:

    14 cm wide
    5.6 cm projection

    650 HP are:

    14.4 cm wide
    5.7cm projection

    Will the PS have to widen my pockets to accomodate this size because of width? (13.5 for TE going to 14 or 14.4 cm implants)
    Not much difference between the two in projection....will I notice much of a size difference between these two, do you think, if it's really only width?

    My TE's are overfilled to 600. Wow, I'm going to lose alot of projection aren't I? 7.4 to 5.6 or 5.7? 

    I'm thinking of just going for the 600's since the two sizes seem so similiar unless I'm not looking at that correct...and I really can't imagine being much wider than these TE I already have at 13.5 cm.

    Thanks!!

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    EastCoastGrl: No, your PS will not need to modify the current pockets in order to use either the 600 cc HP or the 650 cc HP. 

    Did you ask him about using the 650 cc Allergan Natrelle Style 45?  The dimensions would be:

    13.2 cm width and 6.2 cm projection. 

    It is an option for you to consider....

    Deborah

  • EastCoastGrl
    EastCoastGrl Member Posts: 206

    No I didn't...I haven't really had an appt with him again since our talks thru email. My appt on Friday was with one of his nurses who does the physicals and coordinates the surgery for him. She is who told me what he had ordered for me. Maybe I could call and speak with her to see if he would order in those as well? Do most PS use only one or the other?  I think the Allergan looks to be closer to what I am with the TE right now.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Well, just remember that the exaggerated projection of the TEs serves a specific purpose, which is to stretch out the area of skin which typically has been the area of the mastectomy defect.  With the advent of nipple sparing and IMF incisions, this might not be so applicable, but essentially, the reason is to ensure that there is sufficient skin envelope coverage over the implant.  It is nearly impossible to replicate the projection of the "X" extra full projection of the TEs.

    If your PS uses Mentor, he is not going to be too receptive about ordering Allergan.  So just stick with what he has planned.  You will be happy with the high profile Mentors.  The width of either size will be just fine for your frame.  Just enlist the opinion of the nurses who will be in the OR and have them weigh in on what looks best!

    Deborah

  • EastCoastGrl
    EastCoastGrl Member Posts: 206

    Ok thanks Deborah! I think he prefers the Mentor in the Silcone Gels (my husband reminded me that we had a discussion about it at one of the first appointments) but he does use Allergan Gummies (which I had originally planned to get but changed my mind after reading some about them) After talking with him early on, my PS agreed that I'd probably be happiest with the silicone gels over the gummies as well.

    Thanks!

  • slinky
    slinky Member Posts: 166

    Thanks, Whippetmom.  I will meet with the PS next week and see what he says.  I think he was worried that if he did straight implants that there might be complications (which there is with my skin) and the size I choose is the size I would be stuck with.  I am glad he made this decision for me, because it has allowed me to research the sizes, brands, etc.  I will take your advice and get a few fills, since I am only 3 weeks post BMX.  Thanks for your help!

  • Jainey
    Jainey Member Posts: 36

    Deborah, Yes I am getting the Mentors ... I saw my PS last week ... he said he could go 150cc with the TEs ... hmmm, I asked if he thought maybe the 175s would be better and he said yes, but it was up to me. Now ... that was nice that he was listening:-) So ... we had a discussion (and I know he is good and knows his stuff and told him so) and we both decided that if I preferred smaller (as I always have been) then he could have the 175cc look just fine. But listen to this - Quote Unquote from PS: "In my entire career this is by far the smallest implant that I have every used" ... It made me think a bit ... but, I just want to be like I was ... then all my clothes will fit etc. Exchange Date: it will be forever as I was given permission to start doing fitness classes on Feb 11th (after one week, I am right back to my normal abilities! Wow!) and now I am training for Centergy Teaching and it will happen on March 11, 12 & 13 and then I have to submit a video of my teaching a class (that will take a month or two of practicing) and he wants to wait until after I finish that as I will not be able to do anything for 6 weeks again. So, I will be in my TEs for the video ... a bit lopsided but I dont think they will notice. Really nice to be back at the gym ... cant believe how supportive everyone is and they are so excited that I am taking the training.

    It was funny at Step class a few days ago .. we had the cardio portion and I looked around the class ... everyone's boobs were bouncing, except for mine ... hmmm, guess, I was the ony one with TEs. I thought that was so funny! 

  • kjbrown92
    kjbrown92 Member Posts: 51

    When he just measured me on Friday, he said it was 11.9cm which they made an Allergan for. Right now I have 385ccs in each one. But since he has 4 different sizes he's bringing in the OR with him and he's the one deciding, I guess I'm wondering how he'll figure it out. Is it just with my body type/size and what looks best? I told him I just wanted to look like I did before (though of course my husband thinks I should go bigger like what I have now for the overfill) which he said was a B+.  

  • shredbetty007
    shredbetty007 Member Posts: 22

    Hello all! I have a question about sizing.

    I'm 5'4", 110 lbs, 28 inch rib cage (measured under my breasts), 350 expander to 370 cc allergan textured implant and nipple sparing mastectomy to 370 cc implant on other side. Anyone have an idea about what size I will be?

    Thanks!

  • Featherstone
    Featherstone Member Posts: 3

    Deborah!

    All I can say is....I am so grateful that I have found you and this forum.  Bless the Lord!

    I was diagnosed with bc in 10/2010...had a bmx with tissue expanders placed. 

    My expanders are Allergan 133MV-14, 500cc.

     I am 5' 7.5"....weight 198lbs...rib 38.5".

    My PS has filled the expanders with 660cc on L...720cc on R. 

    I really like my PS....he said that he felt I was ready for exchange...all the nurses in the office have said that they think I am ready as well.  It's just that I don't feel like it is ready...I don't want to be greedy!  I tried on bras this weekend and I was a full B cup.  I called the PS office this am and they told me that I was fine...that all bras are different.  In the end I would like t have a nice C cup...I'm a big girl.  I want to get this right the first time...I want to be happy with the outcome. My hubby...godly man...who has treated me with such love and kindness through all of this...also seems to think that they are not big enough...he's not pushing me for anything...he's just trying to help me work through this. This is such an odd place to be in...my perspective seems off and I am not for sure what to do.

    When the exchange does take place I will have the silicone "gummy" implants.

    I am a puddle about this...I have had nightmares about it this past weekend. I am so grateful to the Lord for leading me to you! Your counsel would be GREATLY appreciated! If you have the same response as the PS office then I think that I can proceed with a sense of peace.  I have tried to ask girlfriends but they don't know what to think.  Again...my perspective just seems off.

    Thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!

    Be very, very BLESSED!

    Cathy

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Jainey:  I don't doubt that you would be his first patient with implants that small!  That IS small!  I would go with 175's! 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    kjbrown:  400 ccs or 425 ccs - high profile smooth round silicone.  The former is 11.9 cm wide and the latter is 12.0 cm wide. 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    shredbetty:  If I was a betting woman, I would say a 30 D or 32 C.  But you should be professionally fitted.....

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    ....and that is a fun little "guesstimate", because I have not seen you!!  You could post your pics on the pictures forum and a number of us could probably nail it down for you!!  Also, go to the Bras 101 thread for further discussion.

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Cathy:  Lord love you!!  But WHAATTTT??? Your perspective is NOT off!  We all have either been there and done that or, along with other newbies to breast recon, will be asking these same questions and caring very much what the outcome will be - as it has so much to do with our recovery process!  This is important and you indeed want to get it right the first time if at all possible.

    Now when you say your PS will use "gummy" implants, is he one of the clinical trial plastic surgeons who has access to the Allergan Style 410 or Mentor CPGs?  Let's clarify, because sizing is entirely different with gummies vs. the standard silicone round implants. 

    Deborah

  • shredbetty007
    shredbetty007 Member Posts: 22

    Thanks whippetmom! Do you know anything about rippling/dimpling after a nipple sparing mastecomy? I can't tell if what I'm seeing is from the drain tube, or if the lumpiness is from some sort of rippling from the implant. I asked my PS the day after my surgery and he said it will go away and that it's just swelling...I hope so!

  • shredbetty007
    shredbetty007 Member Posts: 22

    Oh yeah...how do I access/post on the pictures forum?

  • SusansGarden
    SusansGarden Member Posts: 754

    shredbetty ~ my two cents :) ....

    I had an NSM and you could definitely SEE the raised outlines of my draintubes through my skin! Looked SO much better after those came out!  ... not sure if this is the same situation for you.. but I would wait until those are out and after you get some more fill in you. :)

  • Jainey
    Jainey Member Posts: 36

    Deborah, Yes, I am leaning towards the 175cc implants .. guess, I am just getting used to them ... plus there is some fatty clumps of skin on the edges near my arm pits .. will he adjust that or do I have to ask him?? I hate to assume anything at this point. I did mention to him that my left TE dimples when I contract my pecs and it takes away my beautiful cleavage .. so, he made a note of that and said he could 'relax' the muscle when he does the exchange. NOW, that is nice to know ... I really like my cleavage:-) I can see you laughing .. as I am laughing too! But, this is truly what I want ... just seems funny that no one else seems to be in 100% agreement. It is all good. Thanks for your input.

  • Featherstone
    Featherstone Member Posts: 3

    Deborah,

    Thank you!  I will find out for sure from PS office in the morning the type of implants that will be used. I so appreciate your encouragement and help!

    Blessings,

    Cathy

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Jainey:  With those itty bitty boobies, I can only HOPE you have cleavage. LOL!  I cannot imagine. How many ccs do you have now in your TEs? 

  • Jainey
    Jainey Member Posts: 36

    Deborah, I am at a whopping 175cc and they feel huge! They dont even fit into my bra ... The cleavage is very nice ... no bouncing going on here!

     Thanks girl .. I will keep you posted.

  • Featherstone
    Featherstone Member Posts: 3

    Deborah,

    I hope that this finds you having a great day!

    I found out from my PS that he will be using a standard silicone round implant by Allergan. I had overheard one of the nurses say they were gummy...sorry for the confusion!

    Now, I am ready for you to work your magic and tell me what you think!  :)

    Again, your counsel is so greatly appreciated!  

    Blessings,

    Cathy

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Cathy:

    Okay, honestly, I feel you need at least 700 ccs in a smooth round silicone implant - high profile. It is quite doable, as long as your skin is responding well to expansion. So tell me about your bust size pre BMX.  Because I am gathering you might have been larger busted and if so, you likely have sufficient skin flaps to go larger.  I just want to get a handle on why your PS used that size and volume TE [which seems on the small side] and whether you have the skin to go larger than he might have planned.  You can send me photos privately - just send me a private message if you want me to do so and I will send you my email address.

    If you have a long torso, you could be a candidate for an ultra full projection implant - Allergan Style 45.  It is a taller implant - sits a little higher on the chest wall typically - so you need to be a candidate for this style.  But this style could be helpful if we are limited in volume due to any skin expansion issues. 

    Deborah

  • orchidgal
    orchidgal Member Posts: 43

    Hi Ladies, 

    Just wanted to let you know I (finally!) posted my current pics on Timtam's site. Am scheduled to have a revision surgery March 16. The PS will switch my Mentor silicone, soft/round 375 cc implants for a size or two larger to try to improve the ripple effect, do another capsulectomy, although they are still soft, and also try to find those nerve branches that did not get severed on my left side during the BMX/recon surgery in July. Had a second opinion who told me my PS had the right idea and to go back to him to have him do it/fix it. Have had several positive comments at Timtam from our members who think I look pretty good as is, and am wondering, especially from Deborah's point of view, (Hi, Deborah!) after viewing the pics, if I should go ahead with the revision or not. The PS especially wants to do it so that the scars are on the same level so when he does the nipples they will look good. Didn't want to go larger, but am very active and live in So-Cal, so wear clothing that is more revealing due to our great weather, and work out a lot. If I lived in the northern regions of Scandinavia or Ireland, maybe I'd leave things be... Let me know what you think after viewing them! Am I overreacting? Being too vain, perhaps? Hope not...Thanks so much - wishing you all the best! Melissa/Orchidgal

  • Gopher4
    Gopher4 Member Posts: 4

    Debroah,

    I have a quick question.  Is it common to have two different sizes of implants?  I have 500 ccs on the left and 550 ccs on the right. I am about one month out from surgery and I am starting to notice a difference.

    Thanks, Lori

  • Dani0613
    Dani0613 Member Posts: 8

    Deborah,

    You suggested 400-425 cc implant for me if the doc was willing. I seen my PS on Tuesday for another fill (up to 370 now) he said 400 was completly possible and that in his opinion bigger usually looks better and more real. When I asked about what he thinks of that size on my body frame he said it may look playboyish. Just wondering what size you think 400 cc's would put me at as I know implants look smaller. With the 370 cc TE I have now I measure to be a "C' cup. My PS also said he does prefer to use HP implants.

    Also do you know do you need to use the same "brand" implants as expanders I have Allergan TE and see a lot of women getting Mentor implants.

    Thank you,

    Danielle 

    5'8" hight, 105 weight 27" rib cage

    133mv-12 300cc allergan TE

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Lori:  It is not "uncommon" to have two different sizes of implants.  It all has to do with our chest wall and ribcage characteristics.  When you say you are starting "to notice a difference", is this a positive difference, or is there some size assymetry going on? 

  • whippetmom
    whippetmom Member Posts: 6,028

    Dani:  Well, let's put it this way:  With 400 ccs you will not look any larger than you do now with the TEs.  Certainly you will have less projection. I do believe that you would look great with 350 ccs or 375 ccs also.  So let's just say 350 ccs to 400 ccs...but I would say no more fills, if so.  Did you look at Val61's photos?

    The TEs and implants are all interchangeable.  Quite a number of us have Allergan implants.  I happen to prefer Allergan.  I just like the dimensions better, they offer a 475 cc HP which is a useful size, and they have an ultra full projection style which Mentor does not have available here in the U.S. 

    Deborah

  • Gopher4
    Gopher4 Member Posts: 4

     Deborah, I believe it could be an asymmetry issue. The left side does not have the same projection and size as the right side. Maybe I am still in the healing process and things will equal out -hopefully. If that is not the case, I'm not sure what my options are. Thanks, Lori

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