Exchange City
Comments
-
My PS said I'd need to wear the surgical bra for about 2 months, day and night and then I was free to do what I wanted - bra, no bra they weren't going anywhere.
Yay!! I vote no bra..it's amazing how much faster it is to get dressed without that 1 litle piece of clothing. Although, I'm sure I'll wear one under a white or pastel top, but other than that? Yay!!! Well, maybe for the gym, too. Or tennis. But not for work or the rest of the itme. 0 -
2friedeggs- my PS said no underwire for at least a year after exchange. Reason being, the bottom of the implant is trying to comform to the pocket, and with the underwire it doesn't allow it to comform. Whether that is true i'm not sure, it makes sense though.
0 -
I was told no underwire simply because my natural breast will have an incision under it.
0 -
sarawise mine were uneven for a while and then got pretty close to even eventually when they settled. My nipples were placed at the highest point of the mound so they look even in the mirror but when I look down one looks a little lower. Your plastic surgeon wll compensate for any unevenness and place them so that optically they look even. I think if they were too perfectly even they would not look as natural anyway.
0 -
Grier -
sarasowise - When was your exchange? I am ALMOST three months out, but the asymmetry drove me absolutely nuts the whole time.
Now that I've had a chance to relax and step away from the mirror a bit, I do realize that the shape is still changing.
My PS said sports bras (or Genie bras) ONLY until he was certain that all the internal pocket work he did during exchange had healed.
During exchange, I had lateral capsulorraphies, where he stitched completely around each pocket to eliminate migration. (I have 700cc, smooth saline, high profile implants.)
Then he wanted me in an underwire bra every day. I got professionally fitted, and I can really tell the difference when I wear them all day long. (I don't have to sleep in them, which is good, because I can finally sleep on my sides again.)
I've read some posts where women say the shape of their implants is still changing after 9 months.
Ever since I made the decision to NOT have revision surgery, I can more easily see the changes that are still taking place daily.
That's also why I'm postponing my trip to Vinnie's....I want to make sure that I get the best possible outcome, so I want to make sure everything has settled permanently first.
0 -
thanks for input
My exchange was middle of sep, so really only 8-9 weeks. That sounds like not very long when i type it! I have 600cc hp allergan. I think the right side has dropped and maybe fluffed a bit, but left (also radiated side) has stayed high. I was told to wear loose fitting from the start, i wore camis with shelf bras a lot. Now I wear bras and sports bras as I want. My ps thinks 3 months they are pretty much set, who knows, they all have such different opinions. I am going tomorrow to discuss nipple recon, but am sure i will wait and see if they even out a bit more before i do that. I am really curious to see what he thinks. I know I am obsessed and like you said sometimes i need to step away from mirror and be thankful that they look alright, uneven but alright! I will let you know how things go!Have a nice day,
Sara ♥
0 -
I am very new to this site. I have been reading for a couple of days now and I am amazed at all the strong women that are here. Since I finally got the nerve up to post here goes.
Diagnosed 5/23/12
Bilateral Mastectomy with TE 7/6/12
Exchange to Silicone implants 10/15/12
Where do i begin? Okay, All went well until I had my tissue expander that shifted upward on the cancer side (left). At which time I also developed a severe allergic reaction to TOMOX. Then I had my exchange surgery on 10/15/12. The PS told me he would need to cut some of the extra skin off because I went from a 34DD and wanted a full B, and close up the pocket due to the expander shifting upward and towards my under arm (hurt so bad for months). So now I have my silicone implants and my left side (cancer & shifting side) sits much higher than the right. He did not require me to wear a compression band, didnt wrap me after surgery, and told me to where the surgical bra until next appt. So I did all that. Then I saw him a month after surgery and he confirmed that one was much higher and said we could schedule something for January. WHAT??? ANOTHER SURGERY??? I silently had an anxiety attack and nodded my head. He went on to say we could sew up the bottom in a rounded shape to lift the other breast, or we could put smalller implants in and do more fat grafting to create a more natural roundness. I was shocked for a couple of reasons. One reason, i thought i was done with surgery; the other reason, was that i assumed he would do all the "pocket work" sewing he needed to do in THIS surgery! I thought, "why wouldnt he have closed up the top KNOWING that the expander had shifted?". THEN as though that wasnt enough, after i get home and read the report of what he did in surgery I notice he put in silicone implants that are 500cc. Now someone PLEASE correct me if i am wrong but, if I am 5'3, weigh 140 and used to wear 34DD bra but wanted to be a full B after surgery, 500cc is too big! NO? And now 1 month later he told me i could wear whatever bra i wanted so i put on one i have which is an underwire 34D and it is only slightly big in the cup. Therefore, I must AT LEAST be a 34C which is STILL not a B! So now i have one breast that looks much fuller at the top, sits higher, Im not a full B, they look flat(ish) and not round, and they dont feel as soft as i thought they would
Someone PLEASE help! I dont even know where to post all of this or where to read to see others who have had this happen to them. I want to get informed before we "schedule something for January". WHich i should have done BEFORE any of this but i was so scared. :'(
Thank You Ladies
0 -
Michy my TEs were just placed 4 weeks ago and I have only had one fill, so I am no expert. But if I were in your shoes I think I would get another opinion...or two. Being in the NE you have access to many medical experts. I would go see another PS.
Best of luck.0 -
MichyLL...I'm not really good at the positive supportive stuff, but here goes...breathe!! LOL
Plastic surgery is an inexact science at best. It's always a possibility, whether you have implants or flaps or whatever, that you will need revisions. Your body heals like it wants to, and it's sometimes a surprise.
Implants are shaped differently than breasts are. If you look at the bra thread, (at least I think that's where I read this - it was definitely on this site, just wouldn't totally swear to which thread), it seems like implants are wider than breasts, so it seems like you're wearing a bigger bra than you wanted, but the projection is that of a smaller size. So, you're actually shaped differently than you were as a 34DD, but probably people walking down the street might see you as a 34C or even maybe a 34B, because the projection - the part that sticks out - is less. I've read that minimizer bras actually fit the best because of the shape those cups are - I'm still in the surgical bra, so I have no personal knowledge about that, yet.
My PS told me that at some point I was going to get annoyed with the right side, because of radiation, it would tend towards that capsular contraction (I think I got the words right - let's call it "CC"). He said I would either learn to live with it or want a revision, and that it usually happens several months after the exchange. So, maybe that's what's going on with you. He also said if it does happen, and I choose to live with it, it's not as noticeable in clothes, so that could be an option, too.
Doctors always want to do the least work possible - not becasue they're lazy, but becasue it's better for your body. You might have been one of the lucky ones who didn't need more work. Unfortunately you're not - but it is fairly common.
So, it's probably just the luck of the draw. Get whatever changes make you happy, it's your body. But, it happens, so please don't over-stress or over-think about it.
0 -
CindyLooWho, Thank you. Your right ! I will be calling ASAP to see who I could go to for a second opinion.
Itsjustme10, Thank you so much for all that information your insight was very helpfull! I guess I'll give it some time.
0 -
MichyLL: I agree with cindyloowho and itsjustme. It is true about the size #letter we are used to isn't exact of implants due to their profile. It's is also true that some women need revision.
That said... If you didn't know all that because your ps didn't explain the possible outcomes to you to set clear expectations; and now you're not so comfortable blindly following him; then get a second opinion ASAP. And I might suggest that you find a woman. We get how important every detail is to us... Not sure men do.
I have my exchange next week and my ps already told me all those things. She also wouldnit have left me with a painfully displaced TE for months. Mine is sutured into place. I know because I was having pain and being paranoid. I called to see if it could of shifted. She laughed and said no, it's sutured. It isn't going anywhere.
Whatever you decide to do... You have to be comfortable and knowledgable about what the next steps are.
(((HUGS)))0 -
Exactly what they all said Michy! Lol
My PS is a woman. I asked last week of the TE was sutured. She said no it has a rough surface which keeps it in place. Not sure who said it, but they do not want to do more than absolutely needed at the time of surgery.
If you go see someone else they may agree completely with your current PS. But the point is that YOU have to feel comfortable. Do not let anyone rush you or push you. It's your body and you have to be happy. Remember THEY work for YOU.0 -
Juneaubugg, Thank You so much thats great advice! I guess I will do some research on another PS that does breast reconstruction in my area. A woman for sure!!!! Do i just goole that?
CindyLooWho, Your right and I hate that I feel like I bothering him when I ask him a simple question!!! I'M the one that has to live with this NOT him!!
0 -
Your breast surgeon might be able to recommend someone else. Otherwise check the local cancer society. They may have survivors who could help you; or even a support group in your area?? Hope that helps.
0 -
Also check the top hospitals web sites. They have staff bios by specialty.
0 -
Michy do get another opinion it will help you with how you feel about the upcoming surgery whether you keep your current PS or switch to a new one. I got three opinions from the get go and ended up with #3 because he is who DH and I felt the most comfortable with and liked is attitude. Also found out that he is one of the best in the nation so I'm glad I took my time. With that being said I had exchange 8/21. At my one week check up (no drains) everything looked good and he said for me to wear under-wire bras during the day and sleep in the surgical bra. At my one month check up everything looked great, implants nice and soft so so he said I could go without sleeping in the surgical bra. A couple of weeks later I noticed both were kinda low but talked myself into the fact that I am 50 and he was trying to make me age appropriate. Then a couple of weeks later I noticed a large divot had developed in the upper pole of my right breast. I called and went in the next day and he said in 4 weeks my implants had dropped 1 cm and were bottoming out. So revision is in order. I too thought in Aug I was finished. Having revision sometime in Dec and he is squeezing me in since I am currently at 100% pay for insurance. He was planning vaca time but is giving up a day to come and do surgery for me. I am a little disappointed about having surgery again, but I have a great PS and I was really happy that he did not try to put me off and is addressing the issue. I had alloderm placed at BMX, so now he will be going in and doing lots of internal stitching from under my armpit around to the bottom. He said he is going to place them much higher this time trying to prevent them from dropping so much. I am 5'3", 115lbs I have a 400cc and a 425cc. My bra size ended up being a 32D, but I look more like a C which is what I asked for. I have bought the Victoria Secret, demi cup under-wire and they fit my implants really well. Very lightly padded and they are comfortable. I am now sleeping in my sports bra because it is getting uncomfortable to be without a bra. Doctors do try to be on the conservative side when they do surgery. I did have some pocket work done on my radiated side at exchange but he did what he thought was needed and not alot of extra. never dreamed they would not hold up. He was very surprised. But as someone else said each of our bodies heal differently and you just never know what is going to happen. On the positive side my new boobs look and feel great just low.
0 -
Yeah, the breast thing. We miss our nipples, we were used to them! But hey, I look great in clothes, and (as my PS said "even skimpy clothes") and you are right-
Implants are shaped differently than breasts are. If you look at the bra thread, (at least I think that's where I read this - it was definitely on this site, just wouldn't totally swear to which thread), it seems like implants are wider than breasts, so it seems like you're wearing a bigger bra than you wanted, but the projection is that of a smaller size. So, you're actually shaped differently than you were as a 34DD, but probably people walking down the street might see you as a 34C or even maybe a 34B, because the projection - the part that sticks out - is less.
Plus let's remember that a Warner's 38B might be different than a Bali 38B or large!!
0 -
MichyLL - just wanted you to know I answered your question over on the Breast Implant Sizing thread.
0 -
While I'm all for a woman PS, don't discount one just because he's male. Mine couldn't have been more kind, caring and understanding. He is as interested in making my new girls as perfect as he can as I am.
0 -
Jamie I am with you on that one. I got three PS opinions. the 2nd was a lady that made me wait a very long time in the exam room before ever getting in there and then just seemed kinda rushed when she did get in to see me. My 3rd opinion was a male who I went with and has always taken lot's of time with me, explains everything to me and he cares very much for how my new girls look. He takes pride in his work and wants his patients to be happy. The only down side is he is very very booked but worth waiting for when I have had to wait a little extra time in getting something scheduled.
0 -
Implants in! No drains! Some swelling........
Off to see Dr. Michaelangelo at 3:15 today.
I'm thrilled with the result so far, but that's looking at me in a post-op compression bra.
0 -
SimplyAudrey - Congratulations on crossing over to the Squishy Side!!!
0 -
OK for those on the pic forum I posted my new nipple pics.
Keep in mind they were only taken a week out so they still look a bit frankensteinish.
thread called New Nipples Oct. 30th
0 -
WooHOOO, Carrol2 - SO happy for you - they look awesome!!!!!
0 -
Thanks Blessings who knew they would mean so much to me. I am very happy so far will be happier once i can stop wearing these protective cones over them 24/7.
0 -
Thx Carroll,I am a little wary. I keep thinkg that they will cut too deep to make the surg nips and damage my implants. I love the way they look now since they were so flat before. However, the left still has not dropped and the right one which was the one with the cancer is still firming up and trying to capsular contracture. I am still taking the Accolate. Just finishing my first month on it but doesnt seem to have much affect yet. Also taking Vit E but a I heard it can deplenish the Coq10 in the body. Oh great!
0 -
Still waiting for exchange..made another appointment to get second opinion tired of waiting
0 -
Simply Audrey woohoo on your squishes!
Carol so glad you got the nips done.
So I got the call from my PS office and my surgery is schedule for Nov 30th. He will remove my implants, do lots of internal stitching on both breast and then put the implants back in. He said I will be alot more sore this time. Exchange was really pretty easy for me. I go for my pre-op tomorrow, get blood work done and register for the hospital. I really hope this will be it for me. I had NS so I won't have to have nips done, I got to keep mine.
0 -
Sleep habits screwed up......but that's OK. Saw myself and dang, they look good!
PS had to release part of my left pec so I am really laying low. DH needs to pick up the slack bigtime! All is well!
0 -
Layla I don't think there is any risk of the PS going too deep during nipple surgery but I could be wrong. The implant is under the muscle and they are only cutting into the skin. I had capsular contraction with one of my TES and a lot if it was released during a massage my physical therapist did. But I never worried about it cause it was fixed when my implants were placed. But I thnk it's very important to do massage if you can. You want to keep moving the implant inside the pocket to keep any scar tissue attaching to it. But you probabaly know this already if you don't hope that helps.
0
