TE/Implant OVER pectoral Can exercise, comfortable &NO RIPPLES!
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You should be good to dress shop within about 6 weeks. Unless you are going for form fitting with a plunging neckline, the majority of the swelling will be gone and you can likely wear the bra you will use at the wedding during your shopping trip.
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Thanks for the quick response, VegGal! It's helpful to know and I think that will give me time.
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don't count on.being any perked than you already are. My implant filled the space made by the expander. It looks exactly as my expander looked
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I agree, in the next 6 wks you will be a your new normal. With Prepectoral there is no waiting for "Drop and Fluff" which women talk about with the old method of Subpectoral Implant Reconstruction. The only unknown variable is how much of your grafted Fat will survive.
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Mimi, that wicked bra!! I am glad your complication is resolved, I do hope you are feeling better!!
Kae, I was 7 months out from my 1st exchange surgery and felt the heaviness and the edges. It was the worst when I first get out of bed. Through out the day they didn't bother me unless I bent foreward at the waist. I did downsize my implants. But I went with a wider diameter and lower profile. Your ps will tell you what implants will fit your chest wall, but to answer your q, yes, you can downsize. The fat grafting did help a little as far as feeling the edges, but honestly, its been 3 months now since I downsized. While they are much more comfortable, I still get that awful heaviness upon rising from bed and feel the edges when laying down. I am going for further downsizing/more fat. I did not have nipple sparing but I should think if your nipples needed to be moved or adjusted they could take care of that.
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BLESS THIS THREAD for leading me to Dr. Michelle Roughton in Chapel Hill, NC!
An over the pec implant wasn’t for me. Instead, she recommended a Lat Dorsi Flap. Here is the update I posted on the LDF thread. But first, a little more about Dr. Michelle Roughton... she listens and she gets it! Maybe it’s partly because she’s a woman like us. Love her!!!
I had my follow-up appt today. Tomorrow makes two weeks since the surgery. I'll be honest, my time has been so easy and pain free, I wondered if she actually did it right. Today the drains were removed as well as the steri-strips. The PS... she looked me over front and back, turned to her nurse / assistant, threw up her hand for a high five and said "I knocked it out the park!"
Well, that was reassuring, but I know from past experiences of a PS' self assessment of my early surgery results... it remains to be seen!
So, just a while ago, I thought to go look myself. Even with the ugly stitch lines still healing... OMG! That radiated boob looks SO MUCH BETTER! I'm excited.
She explained what she did and it may be why I'm having an easier time. First off, my MX was skin and nipple sparing. She said I had the skin, it's just that the radiation had tightened it so much causing the ugly, tight, frankenboob. Though she marked me up before surgery, she said she just cut open the skin at the previous incision and let the skin do it's thing and open up to where it opened up. She then only took the size Lat dat needed and that was less than she'd marked up and smaller than most other lat dat surgeries she has done.
She assured me she will get the bulge out of my upper pec, the upper pole. I'm wanting a more natural slope to a boob with some projection. It already looks better, but if she can fix that, man I am going to worship this woman and speak her name every opportunity I get.
She has been so refreshing
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thanks shoregirl..wow, i didnt know you could move the nipples.....
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Sugarcakes, great report!! It is so nice to hear you are recovering so easily and have such a caring, competent, i.e. WOMAN ps!! I am in no way sexist, but I feel like you do...we are women, women know women's bodies and concerns and have so much more compassion (in most cases) and tend to listen more. I know there can be exceptions, but when I switched to a woman (male did my 1st and 2nd surgeries) I felt so much better.... emotionally before surgery, and physically after surgery.
Kae, my nipples were moved prior to bc surgery when I had a breast lift. They just cut around them, cut a new hole for them and stitched them into their new spot!
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Nipple moving is very risky post mastectomy. We no longer have the blood supply from the underlying breast tissue and the tiny amount of blood coming through the vessels in the skin is often not enough to support a move.
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thanks shoregirl and veggal
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good info VegGal, thanks!
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Hi Veg Gal,
How are you coming along post op? Sounds like the round inspiras were a great choice.
How did your fat grafting go?
Have the implants moved or changed at all?
Do they feel 'supported' when they are over muscle? (i'm wondering if the pec muscle kind of supports them when they are underneath?) do they 'drop' more?
Really want to have this revision reconstruction behind me, but feeling frozen by indecision....
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Hi!
No, I can't say that things have changed, except for the loss of swelling. The fat grafting did pretty well and I had round 2 of that in December and have no ripples at all any more. Two months later it is still good.
I do feel supported, but will add that I do have a hefty amount of Alloderm on board from the BMX. I also had some Stratice put in with the 410's. Still, I wear some kind of bra all the time. I look at it as protecting my investment, as gravity ALWAYS wins.
Good luck with your decision.
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i really like sassybax bras. they are not sexy, but VERY comfortable and hold in all my back fat that was never there before all of these surgeries. i can wear a slim fitting t shirt and not have bra bulge!
they are the only bras I wear now.
Comfortable is the new Sexy.
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Question about the TEs... I've only had mine a few weeks. It isn't exactly painful, but it's not super comfortable either and it's making me sooo paranoid that the cancer is back. Every little twinge of pain has me questioning... My skin is very sensitive and that has me paranoid too. Really, I probably need to just relax a little bit, but you know, it's difficult.
Anyway, I know it is full of lumps and bumps because of the way the water settles in, but did anybody have a concave spot? I have a dimple in my breast that just appeared. It is not hard or anything... I'm sure it's fine, but just thought I'd ask.
Thank You!
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rdeesides, that all sounds pretty normal, if one can use a word like that for what has been done to us all. I understand the being nervous, but you are healing, and there are a lot if weird sensations that accompany that in this situation, so try not to worry too much.
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Thank You macb04. It's all such a weird experience.....
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rdeesides, I also have several dimples that have appeared during this past 4 weeks of healing. I also have a huge underarm roll, or sausage, as I refer to it. The PS says it is all just part of the original mastectomy and then the way the expanders are settling in. He's not concerned. I knew expanders would feel weird, but I am surprised as to how uncomfortable they are.
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Maggie2,
I'm so glad that you have dimples too. Lol. This whole experience reminds me a little bit of having a baby. With the first baby you question everything because you don't know what is normal. That's how I feel about my new foob. I can live with the uncomfortableness, as long as it's normal. I just can't deal with any more issues.
My understanding is that all the weirdness will be resolved with the revision surgery. :-)
Rebekah
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Rebekah, I just noticed that you already have your implant. I have TE's, but the PS says the same thing... he can resolve most of the "weirdness", even dimples, when it's time for implants and fat grafting. It's just a matter of how much surgery I'll want.
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Maggie2, I need to update my info! I was supposed to be direct to implant but the PS had to put a TE in. Good thing to because I had to unexpectedly do rads.
Thanks for reminding me that I’m not alone. This too shall pass, right?
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Raven4mi - do you still have redness? Did you try a steroid on your journey? My radiated Brest was always pink but now I have a defined red area (no infection). BTW, I’m from Detroit too☺️
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Hi all. It's been a few months since I checked in and I'm glad to hear so many of you are doing so well.
I had my pre-pec revision 10/25 and continue to have pretty significant pain and iron bra. Like I want to rub my foobs in public to make them stop hurting kind of pain, though my physical activity isn't really hampered.
Additionally, the non-radiated side hasn't dropped at all while the other side has, so I'm uneven, too. Bras are painful so they come off as soon as I get home, which of course allows the right side to sag further.
No more surgeries until it's time to remove these, and I won't be replacing them either. In the meantime, I'll listen to any and all pain management recommendations. Note: I've done nerve blocks, spinal blocks, Botox, acupuncture, numbing ointments and lyrica which made me more forgetful than usual. Surgeon and I are assuming this is nerve damage from my mastectomy 3 years ago, and removal may only exacerbate it further.
Going back to physical rehab doc in a few weeks.
Any suggestions?
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klgnyc. I am really sorry to hear it is still a f*cked up painful mess. These are some things I have read and used sucessfully myself for Iron Bra tightness and pain you haven't mentioned trying. I have used the Low Level Laser Therapy for a Rotator Cuff Partial Tear injury following use of the antibiotic Cipro. I have also used Serrapeptase and other Proteolytic Enzymes at the advice of my Naturopath, and I also had Fat Grafting as psrt of Reconstruction. It definitely helped considerably with reversing the damage from the Radiation Fibrosis. If I think of anything else you haven't tried I will let you know.
I hope you get some relief soon. I will be thinking of you.
Low-Level Laser Therapy: An Alternative Treatment for Capsular Contraction
Jason D. Johnson, DO, Paul M. Glat, MD, FACS, William L. Scarlett, DO, FACSFirst Published March 1, 2015 Research Article
Download PDF 
AbstractIntroduction:
Fibrous capsular contracture is the most frequent complication leading to patient dissatisfaction after breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. This multi-factorial phenomenon has been treated both surgically and nonsurgically with mixed results. At the present time, the more severe grades of capsular contracture are treated most successfully by surgical means.
Materials and Methods:
The LTU-904 laser was used on 33 patients with grades III and IV capsular contractures. Patients underwent laser treatments once a week for a period of 6 weeks. They received a 10-minute treatment using the 904-nm laser with a 2-cm square grid pattern with 1 minute of treatment in each area (300 mJ/1 min treatment = 1.5 J/cm2). Patients were administered a posttreatment survey to determine their level of improvement and satisfaction.
Results:
Surgical intervention was avoided in 93.9% of patients with grade III and IV capsular contraction. Of the patients who avoided surgery, the laser improved the stiffness of the breast by 10–95% (average, 43.6%) and an overall improvement in comfort ranging from 10–95% (average, 48.2%).
Conclusions:
Low-level laser therapy is a promising alternative treatment for grades III and IV capsular contracture. In most cases, both the patient and surgeon observed significant tissue softening and improved breast contour after treatment while avoiding surgical intervention.
Fat Grafting for Neuropathic Pain After Severe Burns.
Fredman R1, Edkins RE, Hultman CS.
Author information
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Chronic neuropathic pain after burn injury is a significant problem that affects up to 29% of burn patients. Neuropathic burn scar pain is a challenge for plastic and burn surgeons, who have limited solutions. Fat grafting, with its mechanical and regenerative qualities, can improve neuropathic pain from various traumatic and postsurgical etiologies, but its effectiveness in neuropathic burn scar pain has yet to be demonstrated. In this study, the possible role of lipotransfer in treating neuropathic burn scar pain is explored, focusing on safety, graft take, and short-term efficacy.
METHODS:
We performed an institutional review board-approved, retrospective case review of 7 patients with chronic, refractory neuropathic pain, who underwent fat grafting to burn scars. These patients had failed conventional therapy, which included pharmacologic, medical, and laser treatment of the burn scars. Each patient had 2 sessions of fat grafting, spaced 2 months apart. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was used to assess pain perception, with patients answering the questionnaire before and after fat grafting, to assess subjective outcomes.
RESULTS:
Six of 7 patients had improvement in neuropathic pain after fat grafting, permitting reduction in their neuropharmacologic regimen. Tinel sign, present in all patients preoperatively, was absent on examination in all patients at follow-up. Three of the 5 patients who completed PROMIS questionnaires had PROMIS scores indicating improvement in pain by 1-year follow-up. One patient had similar preoperative and postoperative PROMIS scores, and 1 patient had an increase in pain at follow-up; however, he had suffered an additional burn to the same extremity. Analysis of pooled mean PROMIS scores reflects a statistically significant improvement in subjective outcomes by 1-year follow-up. Donor-site seroma in 1 patient was the only complication, with no cases of infection, wound breakdown, or graft loss.
CONCLUSIONS:
Adipose tissue can be safely grafted into burn scars and may improve symptoms in patients with refractory neuropathic pain after burn injury. Further translational and clinical research is necessary to elucidate mechanisms of action, indications, optimal type of transfer, and long-term effectiveness.
Comment in
- Fat Grafting for Neuropathic Pain After Severe Burns: Reply. [Ann Plast Surg. 2016]
- Fat Grafting for Neuropathic Pain After Severe Burns. [Ann Plast Surg. 2016]
Stem Cells International
Volume 2016 (2016), Article ID 2527349, 5 pages
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/2527349Clinical Study
Autologous Fat Grafting Reduces Pain in Irradiated Breast: A Review of Our Experience
Fabio Caviggioli,1 Luca Maione,2 Francesco Klinger,1 Andrea Lisa,2 and Marco Klinger2
1Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery School, University of Milan, MultiMedica Holding S.p.A., Plastic Surgery Unit, Via Milanese 300, Sesto San Giovanni, 20099 Milan, Italy
2Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery School, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, Plastic Surgery Unit, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089 Milan, ItalyReceived 29 June 2015; Revised 7 September 2015; Accepted 29 September 2015
Academic Editor: Coralie Sengenès
Copyright © 2016 Fabio Caviggioli et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Introduction. Pain syndromes affect women after conservative and radical breast oncological procedures. Radiation therapy influences their development. We report autologous fat grafting therapeutical role in treating chronic pain in irradiated patients. Materials and Methods. From February 2006 to November 2014, we collect a total of 209 patients who meet the definition of "Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome" (PMPS) and had undergone mastectomy with axillary dissection (113 patients) or quadrantectomy (96 patients). Both procedures were followed by radiotherapy. We performed fat grafting following Coleman's procedure. Mean amount of adipose tissue injected was 52 cc (±8.9 cc) per breast. Seventy-eight in 209 patients were not treated surgically and were considered as control group. Data were gathered through preoperative and postoperative VAS questionnaires; analgesic drug intake was recorded. Results. The follow-up was at 12 months (range 11.7–13.5 months). In 120 treated patients we detected pain decrease (mean ± SD point reduction, 3.19 ± 2.86). Forty-eight in 59 patients stopped their analgesic drug therapy. Controls reported a mean ± SD decrease of pain of 1.14 ± 2.72. Results showed that pain decreased significantly in patients treated (, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). Conclusion. Our 8-year experience confirms fat grafting effectiveness in decreasing neuropathic pain.
PAIN MANAGEMENT USING SYSTEMIC ENZYME THERAPY
PAIN MANAGEMENT USING SYSTEMIC ENZYME THERAPY
By Editor Posted July 15, 2008
Tina Marcantel, RN, NMD
Pain is one of the most common and challenging complaints doctors are called upon to treat. Most patients present with some type of chronic pain from a long-term illness such as fibromyalgia, diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis; back injuries; or many may also complain of acute pain from sports injuries or trauma. In my practice I have found that the use of systemic enzyme therapy (usually used in conjunction with other therapies such as acupuncture) can at times be an effective natural alternative to pharmaceuticals for controlling pain, promoting healing and boosting the immune system.
Research has shown that inflammation is usually a component of pain. By reducing inflammation in the affected area, pain is often alleviated. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen used for this purpose are known to have ill effects on the liver, kidneys, stomach and intestines. The use of proteolytic enzymes offers a healthier alternative.
Systemic Enzymes
When referring to enzymatic supplements, it is important to distinguish between their use as digestive aids vs. systemic aids. Digestive enzymes are taken orally with meals to help break down food for improved digestion. When taken orally between meals, systemic enzymes can break down proteins in the body that cause inflammation and scar tissue.
The timing of the medication is a crucial component of its success: The medication must be taken one hour or more before or after eating to obtain its full systemic effectiveness to reduce inflammation and pain. This allows the enzymes to be absorbed in substantial enough quantities into the bloodstream to promote the desired effects.
Inflammation is the primary cause of pain in arthritis, sciatica, chronic back pain and sports injuries like muscle sprains.
Proteolytic enzymes also speed healing and increase the body's defense mechanisms by modulating the immune system. Another benefit is that they help maintain blood circulation throughout the body.
Two important ingredients that may be included in systemic enzyme blends are bromelain and papain. Bromelain is a protease derived from the pineapple plant, and its actions help to prevent swelling and edema, promote smooth muscle relaxation, inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance antibiotic absorption. Papain, derived from the Carica papaya, is effective for the reduction of edema, inflammation and cytotoxin binding. It is also noted for acceleration of wound healing.
As with any type of medication or supplement, systemic enzyme therapy should be monitored by a physician and assessed regularly for changes in appropriate dosages. The physician and patient should also be aware of any potential interactions among various medications being taken.
How silkworms can end back pain
by ANASTASIA STEPHENS, Daily Mail
Since Amba Carrington came off her motorbike six years ago, the 28-year-old secretary has battled with severe stabbing pains in her lower back.
Now, thanks to an enzyme that allows silkworms to break out of their cocoons and fly away as butterflies, she is finally pain-free.
'For years, I took strong prescription painkillers and had injections to relax my back muscles, but nothing cut out the pain effectively,' says Amba.
'I was unable to drive, walk long distances or exercise. The pain was crippling and wiped me of energy. It was horrible - I felt like an old woman.'
Then, six weeks ago, Amba's doctor suggested she try a new supplement called SP-Zyme, which contains high levels of an enzyme called serrapeptase.
Costing £17.95 for 60 caps, trials have found it to kill pain as effectively as anti-inflammatory painkillers, without causing side-effects such as damage to the gut wall.
For Amba, the enzyme has triggered an almost complete recovery. 'To begin with, I was quite cynical,' says Amba. 'But after a few days, I felt my back pain easing off, and after ten days, it had gone completely. I can barely believe it, but today I am free from chronic pain.'
In nature, serrapeptase is made by bacteria which live in the intestines of silkworms. Secreted in their saliva, the enzyme is attracted to the dead or 'avital tissue' of the cocoon, which it dissolves.
The bacteria, however, have only recently been isolated, and their enzyme, serrapeptase - which is now commercially processed - put under scrutiny.
'The enzyme appears to block chemicals that cause inflammation,' explains Jeannette Manning of Biomax in America, who market serrapeptase. 'It also dissolves dead tissues, such as scar tissue, without affecting live tissue. In trials in Germany, the enzyme was tested on 66 patients with damaged ligaments. Half the group was given the enzyme, the others a placebo.
The group receiving the enzyme healed almost twice as quickly. Swelling decreased by 50 per cent by the third day and there was a significant reduction in pain.
'The accelerated healing is ascribed to the enzyme's action in removing damaged tissue and cutting inflammation, which causes pain. The enzyme also acts in a way to facilitate drainage of mucous from areas of damage or inflammation.'
The enzyme may also revolutionise treatment for heart attack and stroke patients by dissolving arterial plaque and life-threatening blood clots.
While evidence is in its early stages, Japanese researchers have found it can completely dissolve plaque-like deposits in the arteries of animals - finding which could have radical implications for heart patients. By taking supplements of the enzyme, they could literally 'dissolve' their disease away.
Importantly, unlike blood thinning agents which cause bruising and heighten the risk of internal bleeding, research shows serrapeptase to be free of side-effects.
The enzyme may also improve treatment for a range of other medical conditions. By targeting and dissolving dead tissue, serrapeptase can eliminate varicose veins.
It could also help with arthritis and sports injuries where scar tissue around the joints irritates the nerves, causing chronic discomfort.
'Serrapeptase will help with any problem associated with dead tissue, clotted material or mucous,' says Jeanette Manning.
'In arthritis, it reduces inflammation around the joints. In asthmatics or people with chronic sinusitis, it will help drain mucous. It can even help with migraines if they are caused by inflammation.' Dr Gary Margrove, from Birk-dale, Lancashire, is one of the first doctors in Britain to assess the supplement.
'In the past few months, it has helped patients with mucosal conditions, such as asthma and migraines,' he says. 'Somehow, it helps to clear mucous. 'It's also helped three patients with arthritis, who now report that they are pain-free.'
For Amba Carrington, the enzyme has been a godsend. 'The motorbike accident left me in agony,' she says. 'It felt as though I was constantly being stabbed. I couldn't lift anything, sit for too long, or move too fast. I had to give up exercise and martial arts, which I used to love.'
Aside from pain, Amba also had to struggle with the damaging effect of anti-inflammatory painkillers on her gut. 'I developed ulceration and acid indigestion, which are common side-effects,' she says.
Amba began a course of serrazyme supplements in early October. 'I really didn't think they'd help much, but they've been incredible,' she says.
'I took three tablets, three times a day, which, because of my condition, is higher than the recommended dose. Within a week, I'd come off all prescription painkillers.
'Now I can say for certain that the pain has virtually gone. My gut has begun to heal, too, and I can eat spicy foods that would previously irritate my stomach. I feel like a new woman. I've taken up Tai-Chi and hope to be driving again soon. Best of all, I have so much more energy.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-84202/How-silkworms-end-pain.html#ixzz59ghRjk4q
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on FacebookEffect of low level laser therapy on neurovascular function of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Author links open overlay panelAbeer A.YamanyaHayam M.SayedbShow more
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2011.02.009Get rights and content
Open Access funded by Ministry of Science & Technology, Egypt
Under a Creative Commons license
Abstract
Diabetic neuropathy is the most common complication and greatest source of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Thirty male and female patients with painful diabetic neuropathy and abnormal results from nerve conduction studies participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 45 to 60 years with a mean of 52.1 ± SD 4.7 years. Patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups of 15, an active laser group (laser group) and a placebo laser group (control group). The laser group received scanning helium neon (He–Ne) infrared laser with wavelength 850 nm and density of 5.7 J/cm2, applied to the lumbosacral area and the plantar surface of the foot for 15 min each site/session three times per week for four weeks (i.e. 12 sessions). Pain intensity via visual analogue scale, bilateral peroneal motor nerves, sural sensory nerves conduction velocity and amplitude and foot skin microcirculation, were measured pre- and post-treatment for both groups. Pain was significantly decreased (p ⩽ 0.05) and electrophysiological parameters and foot skin microcirculation were significantly improved (p ⩽ 0.05) in the laser group, while no significant change was obtained in the control group. Low level laser therapy within the applied parameters and technique could be an effective therapeutic modality in reducing pain and improving neurovascular function in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy.
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klgnyc,
medical marijuana
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b001528, yes, still a very clearly defined red area on my radiated right side, though it's not the angry, bright red it once was since I've been taking Pentoxyfillene.
Greetings from the 'burbs!
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Well Raven, glad to hear the Pentoxifylline (cream?) Is helping. b001528 this seems to be something that happens, especially after rads. Have to remember radiation causes some progressive changes due to the damage to the microvascular circulation. Some women seem to avoid the worst of it, but many others like Raven and I not so lucky. That is why I advocate for use of Pentoxifylline 400mg 3 times per day and Vitamin E 400IU per capsule 3 times per day. And/OR Pentoxifylline and Vitamin E 5%/1% Compounded Prescription Cream to increase Circulation to the damaged areas and reverse the pervasive Radiation Fibrosis. There is good research about this. I have posted it numerous times, but don't have the time at the minute to find it and repost. Just look at my posts and you will find the Research.
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bump
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Hello,
I realize you posted this several years ago. I am planning on reconstruction with a pre pectoral implant and would love to know how yours has held up now that a few years have gone by. Any drooping, rippling, need for additional surgery? many thanks
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hi all,
i am 5 months out from exchange but i still feel heavy and the feeling of implants being plastered on my chest. will this ever go away?no pain, just the aforementioned feelings which make me very tired and tensed at the end of the day.thanks..
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