Exchange City
Comments
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Does anyone use Bio Oil? Is Kelo-cote and Mederma better?
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PACKER... I saw your name here... and just about lost it... I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO sorry I missed your call dear friend! No matter what, I am PRAYING for you!
You have ALL my secret numbers... call me ANYTIME tomorrow K. They WILL get me... !!!!!
XXXOOO to all!
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Not sure which is better. Kat said her PS recommended Kelo-cote and he said it's almost pure silicone and of course paraben free: https://www.kelo-cote.com.0
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hope4future~yes i use BIO OIL. twice a day to frirmly massage the incision,and just above and below it to try and prevent scar tissue building up under the incision. Also cus its meant to reduce the appearance of scars and it keept my skin pliable while its being stretched. Happy with it so far!
Jerusha~STEP AWAY FROM THE ELASTIC WAIST PANTS!!! LOL They are a guaranteed way to add inches to your waist! Worn for any length of time,a woman will 'get used' to the feel of them .its all too easy to not notice the pounds going on when you wear them. Stick with a regular waist band then you can feel if they start getting too tight! I am never without my Levis and if i gain even a couple of pounds,i notice cus they dig in! ha ha!
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I'm a BIO oil girl. Don't know if it helps but it does help ME to massage longer. It smells nice,
and is good at rolling off post surgical tape gum, lol. ** M-Star: I use the same measure, lol.... I keep away from loose waistbands.... they make us feel like we have room to grow, lol Nothing like the oh-so-suble reminder of a bulging button 8 times a day! HERE'S TO GOOD OL LEVI'S!
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Hi geneskirt:
I've decided to try the laser hair removal for my underarms, beginning next week. I'll let you know how it goes, if you're interested.
Diane
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oh my!!!
I was just reading about the Penn's Triangle back on page 476. That is priceless WHIPPETMOM AND FACECRAFTER!
I just looked in the mirror and stuck them on somewhere (likely different everytime, lol) until they looked 'right'. Then my DH and teenage girls would throw "
Nice Nipple'" comments my way.... and say things like "Is it cold in here????" , lol It took a while to get used to them!I did get better with practice to the point where I wore them to Nipple Surgery and my PS LOVED the product( cheap Reforma's-for 6 months). The prostetic nipplle allowed the two of us to communicate on desired end results. We split the difference in 'height' and he picked width (I wore mine too narrow). We also were able to have an example of diamter right down to the mm. We looked at profile (L and R), t--shirt view, and naked front, together, 15 minutes b4 surgery.... THEN, WITH THEM ON ..... THE SHARPIE PERMANENT MARKER TRACED THE CIRCLE!
I'm happy(cuz there permanent now!) ** He did still draw all those triangles on me, and said something about 23cm from mid collar bone to nip, being `standard``.... Lots of double checking!! Photos posted on TimTam`s if your in the process of choosing what`s right for you.
Hugsxo
Never be too timid to COMMUNICATE what your wishes are. How many times have we been to the hair salon and the stylist said "It would REALLY help if you could show me a picture"
P.S. The PS is ordering some. Thanks Deborah and EC girls! See how far your advice travels!
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NVDiane;
OHHH! LUCKY GIRL! !
Thank you for sharing it with us! I think thats a healthier choice than shaving all the time, then applying deodorant. Myunderarms are SO caverous now after MX changes.
I``m SO Jealous! Good Luck!
xo
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The suggestions about elastic pants is a good one and not one I ever thought of before. Good point!
I don't have stretch marks but you can see my pores on my expanded side. I'm hoping after exchange it won't look so badly. Anyone have that going on?
NVDiane: Please report what you think about the laser thing and how much it hurts. I have such a hard time right now on my surgical side getting my arm up there to shave I've been thinking about it myself.
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OK,ladies, I need help making the decision on having the exchange surgery. I have the option of leaving my TEs in (ports would be removed) and not having exchange surgery. If I can avoid another surgery, that would be great. But, I don't want to keep what I have if I can get better. I'm 7 weeks out from by BMX and have healed wonderfully. The PS did a great job, my scars are very smooth and are well on their way to healing. My TEs are symmetrical, perky, and look good in clothes. I'm probably one fill (next week) from being done. But -- they're very firm, I still can't sleep on my side comfortably, and when I lean over I can fill them rub against my ribs. My questions are: Will they soften up any as the muscle adapts? Will they get any more comfortable on the inside with time? They're about 2 inches apart -- will they shift? I don't want them any farther apart. I don't want to settle for so so, but how do I know if what I have is as good as it gets? When does the body adjust to the TEs and stop changing?
On the nipples -- anyone opt for not getting nipples? I LOVE not wearing a bra!!! I'm curious to hear how it feels down the road to not have nipples? I'm single, so no one's seeing my boobs at this point, but I'd sure like to think that I have a sexual future. Would it be too weird to introduce a man to my boobs that have no nipples?
Any insights into your experiences would be much appreciated! It's not like I can go to the mall or park and do a survey. I figure this is the place to get input from women who know!
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OK,ladies, I need help making the decision on having the exchange surgery. I have the option of leaving my TEs in (ports would be removed) and not having exchange surgery. If I can avoid another surgery, that would be great. But, I don't want to keep what I have if I can get better. I'm 7 weeks out from by BMX and have healed wonderfully. The PS did a great job, my scars are very smooth and are well on their way to healing. My TEs are symmetrical, perky, and look good in clothes. I'm probably one fill (next week) from being done. But -- they're very firm, I still can't sleep on my side comfortably, and when I lean over I can fill them rub against my ribs. My questions are: Will they soften up any as the muscle adapts? Will they get any more comfortable on the inside with time? They're about 2 inches apart -- will they shift? I don't want them any farther apart. I don't want to settle for so so, but how do I know if what I have is as good as it gets? When does the body adjust to the TEs and stop changing?
On the nipples -- anyone opt for not getting nipples? I LOVE not wearing a bra!!! I'm curious to hear how it feels down the road to not have nipples? I'm single, so no one's seeing my boobs at this point, but I'd sure like to think that I have a sexual future. Would it be too weird to introduce a man to my boobs that have no nipples?
Any insights into your experiences would be much appreciated! It's not like I can go to the mall or park and do a survey. I figure this is the place to get input from women who know!
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Candy: I love the idea of going to the park or the mall to do a survey though! It seems like everyone feels like they can ask/touch when they find out you have bc and reconstruction. Too funny! I know there are people out here who do not do nips. That isn't my case since I was able to keep mine at the time of mx. But as far as exchange goes, I am doing it becuase my TE is not comfortable at all and my ribs hurt and I'm so lop-sided (I'm a uni) and want to sleep on my side again. If you aren't ready to do surgery at this point again because you are tired of surgery and want to get on with life for awhile, maybe you can see if it would be an option later if you wanted it by asking your insurance and your ps. You don't want to limit your options just in case. You have to make the best decisions for you.
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Candy, in my opinion and from my experience (I am over a month out from exchange) I would so not keep the TE's!!! I was one that really didn't mind my TE's, thought I liked how they looked in my clothes and stuff and after getting massages, they weren't horribly painful, just uncomfortable. I could sleep on my sides some and do most things, but they were still hard to the touch. Having said all that, after my exchange, wow!!! What a difference! Yippee Squishy! That is the best, being soft to touch again. Not bashing my daughter in the head when I give her a hug, how they just squish in like they're supposed to! And the looks are better, now that I look back and compare, my TE's looked quite ridiculous, but I thought I liked them. Also, I can lift my arm up to shave (just a note to those talking about laser hair removal, it was immediate after my exchange, I could shave again!). For the most part, I am comfortable all the time now... barely notice them (other than they are bigger and perkier than my pre-BC boobs, so much cooler!). Last night I actually layed on my stomach for a few minutes and I sleep on my side all the time, much more comfortably. Having said all of that, it is your decision, but I would not recommend keeping TE's, go for the squishy!!! But that's just my 2 cents!
Have a great day ladies!
Paula
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CandyB
I agree with Paula! do not keep the TE's! I loved mine because they were amazing, but my implants are soo much better than I ever imagined! I woke up in YIPPEE SQUISHY comfort! I have not had any pain with them. My exchange was so fast and simple. I even woke up after 2 days on my stomach and freaked ot because I thought I may have ruined my PS's work. I called the office and was reassured it would be fine!
I had my TEs in for 4 months and while it was worth the pain, I am so happy with my implants!
With the nipples, you do not have to decide right away, you can make that choice anytime!
Kimberly
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Thats a good sign you are even thinking about keeping expanders!!!! If your surgeon did that lovely a job at placement and pocket work, imagine how great the implants will look!
My PS there was no rush for the exchange-there had been incidences where peolpe kept them a year until ready and available for surgery (for my type), however, they are considered medical devices`` in a two step procedure(not for long term use).
I can tell you, for me, the exchange surgery was a `breeze`compared to the placement of the expanders and expansion process. All the work has been done already! Congratulations on perservering this far! Your almost home :)xo
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Candy - I, too, was way to uncomfortable with my TEs. So, I never considered keeping them. Right now, I am planning to forgo the nipples though. I think I will get a regular tattoo (not sure what yet) on the bc side, but I never liked the "headlight" look when I didn't wear a bra before. Permanent ones don't really appeal ... LOL! I also figure DH and I both know these are not my originals, so who am I trying to fool here? They do look pretty good though from what I've seen on the pic forum. Like everything with this journey, it's a very personal choice.
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Candy B: I am confused here. Do you have the single-stage Mentor expander/implant? This one?
http://www.mentorcorp.com/breastsurgery/reconstruction/adjustable-breast-implants.htm
If you have a two-stage tissue expander, I cannot believe your PS is even encouraging you to keep it. These are meant for TEMPORARY use only.
http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/19824_Mcghan.pdf
[NOTE: Allergan's disclaimer is posted above, but for Mentor two-stage TEs, the same risks would apply.]
Any warranty would be invalidated by using the product for unintended purposes. I worry that the thin skin tissues could become eroded over time with the TEs permanently in place. I have never heard of anyone leaving in the Mentor or Allergan two-stage tissue expanders. I also loved my TEs - loved the shape and I feared the exchange - feared that my implants could not look as good as my TEs. I cannot believe now that I ever had that consideration. The difference is amazing and my implants look better in clothing than did my TEs. Unless you have the Spectrum single stage, please go forward with the exchange. I can help you out with sizing of implants so that they have the same appearance as your TEs. You will need implants larger than your TEs to get the same appearance.
Deborah
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CandyB: I have had my TE's since September of 09. They are getting a little softer. They have not given me that much of a problem to begin with.
Jaclyn: Wow, you look really good! No wonder you feel so great! Yippee Squishee!!!
I have something to announce: I have my exchange date!!! Friday, July 30th!!! Pre-op on July 13th. What PS scheduled are: bilateral exchange, fat grafting under the radiated breast and possible nipples!!!
Brenda
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Wahoooo Brenda!!!! It's about time! Do you know which specific implants you are getting?
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Candy B,
My PS told me about a woman who actually had her TE's in for quite a while (only because she got divorced, lost her ins coverage, and a whole lot of other circumstances); so you can keep them in for a while, but my question is (like Paula) why would you want to.....even if you are having a good experience with the TE's and mine was pretty good (only uncomfortable after fills), the implants are soooooooooo much better. Much softer, more natural and designed to be there for years...the TE's are not.
As for nipples, I struggled with that decision as well. And it is a personal one. I had one nipple sparing Mx so the question was to add the other one or remove the one I had....per the PS it was a no-brainer to reconstruct the other one. For me, it ultimately became a question of why not recreate my body to look like it was before?
Just my 2 cents!
Marianne
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BRENDA I am soooooooooooooooo Happy for you. I cant wait for your yippeeeee squisheee day
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Lilah: I told PS I prefer that he not go over 700 cc's. It will be Mentor High Profile. Like I said before, this may sound too big for my height and weight, but I don't want to wear a bra for projection, just for support (no pads).
How are you feeling nowadays?
Brenda
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Thanks, Rebecca! How are your yippee squishees?0
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Hooray on finally getting a date! It really changes things to get a date doesn't it? It gives you a real milepost on the journey..JUDY
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Brenda: How exciting! You are gonna look great!! July 30th will be here before you know it.
TCK
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Hi all, For those interested in the nipple placement triangulation Judy & Deborah brought up a couple days ago, I found this pdf with pictures to go along with the description: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690630/pdf/cjps16045.pdf
Kristen, So your PS does tattooing himself too? Did you do areola sparing, so you have your own areolas? I was surprised yesterday when my PS said he personally does tattooing. Deborah, did your PS do yours or someone else?
LOL Jerusha about the elastic waist pants! I haven't resorted to them but I definitely agree with the sentiment! I guess I turned middle age in my 30's because that's when I started eliminating clothes that hurt - tight waist pants or skirts, bras (switched to camis or nothing), high heels, pointy-toed shoes, socks with tight elastic. When I still wore pantyhose, I'd cut the waistbands in a couple of places so they didn't cut me in half. Hee-hee. I'm not a big person but somehow a lot of clothes just have features that cut or squeeze too tight. I figure life's too short to go through it distracted by uncomfortable clothes.
Best wishes once again to today's and tomorrow's surgery gals!!
CS
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CS: Great link! Yes, my PS did the tattooing. The nurse is the one who worked with me on choosing the ink colors. I told the nurse afterwards that I felt she had such an artistic "eye", she should be learning to do the actual tattoing. She said she wants to do this, but all of the plastic surgeons "love" to use the tattoo machine and they do not want to relinquish this fun task to the nurses.
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Thx Deborah. I'm starting to feel better about mine doing it then. I had just assumed this was done by someone else, don't know why. When I expressed surprise to my PS that he did the tattooing, he laughed and said that he feels so attached to his patients by this point that he really wants to take care of them all the way through. I'll have to ask if it's really because it's fun.
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Brenda mine are good very soft keeping my bra as directed by the girls on 24/7 to make sure they stay where they are supposed to be.
Rebecca
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Hi girls, I posted a couple of days ago, had my implant exchange on Tuesday and I am just needing some support, really tearful right now. All the pain of going through the expansion process and seeing these girls that I thought would be bigger, they are smaller than the expanders not what I wanted. Have not cried at all through the whole ordeal but today I am crying because I am so disappointed. HELP! Anna
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