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Follow my Brava and Fat Grafting Day by Day

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Comments

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 2,461
    edited March 2014

    Not sure what to tell you Lily - I would check your receipt or call Brava for details on the size you ordered and talk with your doc about it.  If it is too big you definitely want to exchange it for the right size.   And yes it is expensive. :(  All the more reason to make sure you have the right size! 

  • hopeful24
    hopeful24 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2014

    Geewhiz... I should have found someone to put in an implant too. Now, i'm so close that it's too late. Hopefully, this really will be it (except for the nipples, which I may wait with). I really can't take anymore of the surgeries, recoveries, scars, infections, and pain of the Brava. 

    I did my 12 hours yesterday and was so red, in pain, and itching last night. Today I start the hand pumping (no way am I using the torture machine ever again!). I'm sitting here trying to work and block out the pain. My chest, shoulder and neck are killing me from all the pressure on one side. I have to work so I can't take anything other than tylenol.

    All I can say at this point is PLEASE think carefully before you get on the BRAVA road. Yes, you'll get good results, but there are many ways to get beautiful breasts that don't put you through this :(

    Marcia

  • hopeful24
    hopeful24 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2014

    EileenKaye1 - So happy you are at the end! I'm sure you will get through this knowing you don't have to do it again :)

  • PinkHeart
    PinkHeart Member Posts: 271
    edited March 2014

    Lily,

    I used J&J baby shampoo, too per the Brava coach. Mine came with cleanser but the smell bothered me as I have allergy to fragrance. 

    I am an A to B cup, thin, 5'6", 115 lbs. 

    My Brava domes are a size large and Waaay to big. Dont know how that happened. I should have sent them back because they are ridiculous looking as it is  and they are even more uncomfortable because too big and awkward. 

    The Brava coach said it would be no big deal that they were so large even with me as an A-B cup. Sorry. Dont agree. This is too huge of a commitment with pain and discomfort to endure so the size should be important. They are too freakish looking even with a big shirt on to be seen in public. I wont even walk to my mailbox with it on (under a shirt 😊). 

    I would suggest calling the Brava coach and your surgeons office to get an explanation why so large. I was surgeons first Brava patient, too. 

  • Lily55
    Lily55 Member Posts: 1,748
    edited March 2014

    thank you Pink Heart - whats a BRAVA coach? I am in touch with my surgeon and will be sending him photos with sizes......

  • hopeful24
    hopeful24 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2014

    I also ran out of the cleanser and have been using the Johnson's Baby Shampoo. My dome now have black spots that won't come off and aren't sticking as well. Luckily I have another since I was only doing one side. As much as I hate giving BRAVA any more money, i'm going to order some more spray today.

  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 166
    edited March 2014

    symmetry much improved. Would have been 100% with SPM, definitely with NSM.  E

  • hopeful24
    hopeful24 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2014

    Glad to hear, Eileen. 

    I have to believe that at least I'll look good after all this torture!

  • goodrhue
    goodrhue Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2014

    I really appreciate the input from everyone.  I'm going to go back to Dr. Khouri on Apr 3 for him to close the wound (which is doing well).  I thought about it alot and finally decided I had invested too much in this procedure to give up without going through with this next step.   He'll release the stuck tissue and lift fat up from below my bra line (I believe this is the RAFT procedure) as well as doing some small amount of fat grafting.  Still not using my belly so if this one isn't extremely encouraging, I still have the option of a free flap procedure.  I have not been hugely impacted by the BRAVA wear or the procedures - my body handles it well.  My family and friends are VERY supportive and my husband has been with me for 4 of the 5 procedures (a friend went with me for one.)  I have much to be thankful for, but had finally had it with once concave chest side and one 34D!

    I'm sure if I had known what this would be like I might have just kept wearing a prosthesis...but then the whole journey has been a rollercoaster so why should reconstruction be any different...? :):)

  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 166
    edited March 2014

    To my fellow brava-aft members--went shopping yesterday. Purchased a tight theory dress, two tight, slinky three dots dresses, tried on revealing tops. Looking awesome. I have not said this about myself in years. I can finally go braless-waist and hips look great in tight outfits.  Hoping this helps to --trust this long process. 

    Will be posting on the fatgraft website shortly.  Next step --tattoos.  Try to stay positive. Eileen

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 2,461
    edited March 2014

    Eileen - so excited for you!!!!!!!!!  You have been a wonderful inspiration and support for me.  So very happy for you!

  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 166
    edited March 2014

    Dancetrancer-certainly wishing the best for you. Sounds like a well thought out plan. Eileen

  • GointoCarolina
    GointoCarolina Member Posts: 95
    edited March 2014

    Eileen,thanks for posting about the clothes,thrilled for you!!!!!!

  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 166
    edited March 2014

    Thanks. Just returned from brunch.  Many compliments on my tiny waist--easily seen in the tight Theory dress.  None of my friends are aware of the reconstruction, let alone the selective liposuction.  So natural.

    This is one of the extra benefits of brava-aft.  Hoping this will help those of you who are in the middle of the process.  If you stay with it, the results should be great. The best to all of my fellow forum members. Eileen

  • kmac21146
    kmac21146 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2014

    Hi I am new to this blog, but am hoping to go see Dr. Khouri for a consult in the very near future. Has anyone had any trouble getting responses from the staff there? I have called 3 times now to follow up on the insurance form I filled out on the website and have still had no return phone call. I order the book well over a week ago and haven't received that either. I am hoping they are just busy and not a sign of poor service. Should I be concerned?

    Thanks everyone for sharing your Brava experiences. Can't wait to get started....I think! :)   

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 2,461
    edited March 2014

    kmac - I have to admit the office staff/communication there is quite lacking and par for the course.  If you wish to work with them, you will have to accept the disorganization.  

  • kmac21146
    kmac21146 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2014

    Thanks dancetrance. They actually emailed me back shortly after my post, so I now have the information I need. Curious if anyone on this site has found a doctor trained by Dr. K that actually participates with any insurance carriers? My first thought is to have Dr. K do the procedures since he invented it, but maybe I should be more open-minded and research other doctors that might be closer to Maryland than Miami, especially is some might be in-network. Or, are all of you paying out-of-network fees?  

  • hopeful24
    hopeful24 Member Posts: 117
    edited March 2014

    Kmac... Yes, the office (and the doctor) are not very responsive. Still have not gotten my hospital report from July and the one I got from September isn't close to describing me or the procedure I had. Are you going to Dr. Khouri because you live in FL?

    I have complete coverage for the surgeries and consults with Dr. Saint-Cyr in Mayo, but no insurance is paying for the actual BRAVA machine or accessories since it hasn't been approved by the FDA for reconstruction. 

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 2,461
    edited March 2014

    kmac - I am seeing Dr. Ahn in NYC.  She is out-of-network for everyone, BUT, I am not paying any out of network fees.  This is because her office filed for an out-of-network exception with my insurance for me - and got it approved!   So, don't rule her out because she is out of network.  You may be able to be treated as in-network with her - and you are much closer to NYC than FL.  I just love her and highly recommend her.  

  • kmac21146
    kmac21146 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2014

    Dancetrancer, I will certainly look Dr. Anh up. On another note, how do you get your diagnosis/treatment info to show at the bottom of your posts? Is it in the Settings, under Signature?

  • kmac21146
    kmac21146 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2014

    @hopeful24, I chose Dr. Khouri because he is the pioneer of the procedure so I figured he must be the expert. I live in Maryland so I would be making many trips to Miami for each fat transfer. I had radiation so am told I would need 5-6 procedures. I have not scheduled a consultation in person yet, as I am just trying to figure out what makes the most sense. I wonder if Dr. K's office can provide a list of doctors across the country who he trained, and whether or not they would make a recommendation? I am not opposed to traveling if it means I will get great care and great results. I joined www.fatgraftpatients.com yesterday but I don't seem to have rights to read anything on the site, but it looks like there is a list of providers on there that I would love to see.     

  • kareenie
    kareenie Member Posts: 97
    edited March 2014

    kmac if you are having trouble reading after registering go to bottom of page and use email administrator.... alexandra can help you get set up.

  • kmac21146
    kmac21146 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2014

    @Dancetrancer, sorry for all the posts, but I have now gone back and read this whole blog, and from what I can tell from reading your posts, you started out with Dr. K with two rounds of fat transfers and then had cancer treatments and had to stop. Was it after your treatment that you ended up seeing Dr. Ahn in NY? Curious since you have had both doctors how you would compare them. Does she use the super-skinny cannula for the lipo that Dr. K invented? I would much prefer making the trips to NYC than having to fly down to Miami.   

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 2,461
    edited March 2014

    kmac, you are correct.  I had two procedures with Dr. K prior to radiation and chemo, then had to wait a year post rads before resuming recon.  I had my 3rd fat grafting post rads last July with Dr. Ahn.

    I switched docs for numerous reasons.  Comparison - both are absolutely brilliant plastic surgeons, IMO.  Both are cutting edge.  Dr. K, being the fat grafting "guru" has obviously done more fat grafting procedures than anyone else.  But Dr. A has trained with him and IMO is the 2nd top doc for fat grafting in the country.  That is based upon my personal reading of patient stories and seeing photos/outcomes of both docs.  Just my opinion, FWIW.

    Dr. Ahn's office is much more organized and detail-oriented.  That style fits my personality much butter.  I also prefer to have my surgery done in a hospital setting vs. an outpatient surgery center - she operates at NYU.  I can stay overnight (up to 23 hours) to assist with my initial recovery if I so choose.  In addition, she will arrange for her out of town patients to stay free at Hope Lodge at the American Cancer Society while in town for post-op care, etc.  I had to pay for my own lodging when I went to Miami each time. 

    Hope that helps!  Both are amazingly gifted docs - you just have to decide what style works best with your personality, insurance details (need to get in-network exception with Dr. A), and what logistics/financial aspects work better for you. 

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 2,461
    edited March 2014

    Oh and yes the way I have mine set up is via my signature. 

  • kmac21146
    kmac21146 Member Posts: 7
    edited March 2014

    Dancetrancer, thanks so much for the information. I am happy to say I have a consultation with Dr. Ahn set for May 2!! Can't wait!!

  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 166
    edited March 2014

    kmac-hoping the consult goes well. Dr. Ahn's consults always tend to be quite complete-giving as many choices as possible. Keep in touch. Eileen

  • dancetrancer
    dancetrancer Member Posts: 2,461
    edited March 2014

    kmac - how exciting!!!  Keep us posted!  And yes, her initial consults are extremely thorough.  I have a complicated history and she did not rush me - spent well over an HOUR 1:1 with me the whole time.   

  • Roxy3
    Roxy3 Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2014

    The Brava system seems interesting as I been reading more about it as a viable option of reconstruction, but have also read it is not necessary for successful fat transfer to the
    breasts if the amounts injected are to make smaller breast. However,  for larger results, Bravo increases the viability of grafted fat reducing
    the total number of procedures necessary.     Regardless,  of concern, I have read fat transfer is
    controversial in regards to breast augmentation due to the questions
    involved with breast cancer surveillance. Anyone else read this or hear of this?

  • EileenKaye1
    EileenKaye1 Member Posts: 166
    edited March 2014

    I am now 2.5 weeks post-opt and things are improving rapidly. Feeling good. Rid myself of my mastectomy clothes. Before my reconstruction-I thought of BC 24/7.  I finally feel normal again.  Enjoying my new wardrobe--off to shopping again today.  Prior to BC I was a droopy D cup. I am now beautiful B's. I am also enjoying the look of the lipo-the tiny waist.  For the first time in my life-I can wear a camisole-no need for tight fiting bra's  to lift droopy breasts. Thanking brava-aft for giving me a life after breast cancer. This reconstruction has done so much for my self-image, for my spirits. Eileen

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