Exchange City
Comments
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What is his reason?
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Cindy,
He thinks more of a natural look..he's a perfectionist but still not happy ..0 -
ok Ladies...PS just e-mailed me back, after I e-mailed him, asking what implants he uses. He pretty much is leaving it up to me to choose any of the 3 brands!! I still a few more fills left to go, so, a little time to get opinions, pros/cons. I really need help with this one!! (my TES are Allergan133FX) Thanks !! xo
Annemarie
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I think those are the same ones I have.
I do not think making you choose is very professional. You are not a surgeon, he is the expert. In addition should you choose wrong and are not happy, then what? Does he say...oh well you picked them?
I would tell him that he needs to make a recommendation to you.0 -
Annemarie -
If you haven't already done so, please go check out the "Breast Implant Sizing 101" thread started by whippetmom. She is our resident Implant Whisperer.
Be sure to read all the instructions at the top of each page, so she can make some recommendations as to what brand, style, and size of permanent implant will best suit your body type.
It is VERY helpful to have this information before your exchange, so there are no misunderstandings when you're in the OR.
I got the exact same implants that whippetmom suggested for me... and I love the size!!! Had I just waited and let the PS use what HE deemed appropriate for me, I might not be this happy.
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Blessings, yes, I checked with her a while ago. I'm narrowing it down to Allergan 410, either MX or LX. I like the projection on both. This is pretty much the first time we actually discussed the implants. I'm very picky, so I will see what he suggests', and then I will go from there. Just doing alot of research. Seintra is def out!
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Annemarieh,
What was your decision into,not choosing then Seintra brand implants because that's all my Ps wants to use so just curious..0 -
Sherry67 I don't have them and know nothing about them personally but I wondered it you have followed the Seintra thread at all- sounds like some happy campers there http://community.breastcancer.org/topic_post?forum_id=44&id=784831&page=1
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Thanks 2friedeggs..was just curious because where I live there are some PS who refuse to use them...
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sherry67-I just was reading the Sientra posts'....ugh so confused..I just made a post over there. Maybe you could help me out a little!
Annemarie
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Has anyone had success with implants following radiation? I had a BMX in September 2012, the pathology showed the margins weren't clear, so I had 25 rads. My skin has healed quite well after 4 weeks. I've heard of complications following rads, but I've seen 2 plastic surgeons and both say I'm not a candidate for flap surgery. I'm small, 5'4", 118 pounds, my TEs were filled to 340 on my cancer side and 310 on my prophylactic side. I was a 34C/36B before this journey began. I'm nervous about the issues I hear arise after radiation, but am not going to pursue the flap recon anymore. My PS feels doing exchange later this summer would be okay. I'd love to hear from others who have had rads and gone on to successful implant exchange. Thanks!
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Andrea... I had one implant after rads.. I had fully expanded tissue expander during rads, then six weeks past rads I had exchange surgery..
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Ossa, have you experienced any problems with the implant?
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Andrea.. No problem with implant. I did have fatgrafting that did not take, so having another go at it in or around May. PS told me to massage using lotion to keep skin soft.. Had nipple made and am very happy with it
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Andrea - I had UMX then radiation on my left side. I had an expander in the whole time I was radiated and I took very good care of my skin. I have had no problems with the radiated side since the exchange except it has not dropped at all. I had the right side lifted and an implant placed. The right has "dropped and fluffed" and now I am not symmetrical. I have an appoint Monday with the PS to discuss lifting the non-radiated side more so they will match. I could not have a nipple as my skin was very thin and my PS was afraid it would compromise my impant. I chose to have a 3D Tattoo instead. Just remember to massage the radiated side and you will be fine. I also read an article that Claritiin helps in the prevention of CC so I take Claritin everyday!
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Andrea-I had rads on left side summer of 2010. Had BMX this October. I had about 1.5 inches of necrotic skin on the rad side that would NOT heal. Then had to do same day surg to remove it. All is fine now. Other than that, no problems.
Annemarie
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Hello!
I'm really hoping that you lovely ladies might be able to help me. I had a bilateral mastectomy with expanders a year ago. I have my exchange in 2 weeks and my surgeon is ordering the implants in a couple of days. I have until Friday to decide whether I am going to have round or teardrop implants. I have round expanders and they look SO fake but my surgeon says the teardrops wont have as much projection or fullness. I used to have large breasts (but still nice and pert!) but am very tall 6' so they didn't look too big on me. My expanders are at 800ml each and are much smaller than my real boobs were and I really don't want to look flatter than my expanders (that downsize took a bit of getting used to! Suddenly my bum and tum looked MUCH bigger as my boobs were smaller!).
I would really, really appreciate your experiences with regards what shape you have and the positives and negatives. In fact I am on my knees as really want to make the right decision to start building up my body confidence again...
Thank you so much.
x
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Ossa, SweetCaroline and Annemarie, thank you for responding to my question. It's such a relief to hear this can be done without horrible complications. If you don't mind me asking, which type of implants did you choose? The PS I saw yesterday for a second opinion is just starting to use Sientra (not sure if I spelled that right) and my current PS uses Mentor or Allergan in his practice. I'm going for the cohesive silicone instead of saline. SweetCaroline, hope you get some good news after you see your PS! Did you have Vinnie do your tats?
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Andrea-I still have my TES, and FINALLY decided on Sientra. Texured, anatomical, shaped round base, high profile 425s'. I still have a few fills left. Will be discussing my decision on tues when I go in for a fill. Good luck!
Annemarie
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Annemarie, I saw them when I had a second opinion yesterday. (Had the second opinion because I was asking about diep, but both surgeons said I don't have enough fat, oh well.) The second surgeon is going to start using them in his practice. Apparently they won't "travel" like others can sometimes do? I can't quite remember what he said about them. The doctor thought I'd do well with the textured round base moderate in a 325. What made you decide to go with the Sientra as opposed to the other types? I never knew implants came in so many brands and variations!
I can't wait to hear what you think of them after your exchange!
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Hey Andrea! I'm going with Sientra, because I like the cohesive gel, and that the CC is much less than the other brands. I thought just a few days ago, that I was going to go with Allergan, but swiched back to Sientra. This was my gut decision from the very start! (regardless what the FDA says)! A friend of mine has Natrelle for a few months now, not sure what style, and she had to go back in to the OR because it was migrating. Guess she needed alot of pocket work done. I also like the projection, and the style. I cant wait for my exchange...whenever that will be!! LOL
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Annemarie, I thought the FDA had approved the Sientra? I wonder if my PS can order them? I'm looking forward to hearing what your PS says on Tuesday!
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Andrea I went with allergan. like the teardrop style.. looks more natrual for my age (54)
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Hi, Skibunny - If you haven't already done so, I suggest you check out the Breast Implant Sizing 101 thread. Whippetmom is our resident Implant Whisperer.
Be sure to read the instructions at the top of the page, so she can give you some ideas as to which brand, style, and size of implant would look best on your body.
It's a great idea to have this information ahead of time, rather than expecting your PS to understand the size you are trying to describe in words. This way, there are no misunderstandings.
One thing I will tell you is that most implants are usually larger in volume than TEs, simply because of the way the TEs are constructed. They have a hard backing, which causes all the saline that is inserted to push outward, stretching the skin and muscle.
The implants, however, are squooshy all over. Immediately after the exchange surgery, they may sit high on your chest, and feel like pancakces or hamburger buns.
They simply do not have the ability to have the projection that TEs do, unless you plan ahead and get a high-profile implant.
The other issue is size...there may be limits (800ccs ?) as to how high a silicone implant can go, whereas a saline implant can be over-filled to 900+ ccs. But don't quote me on this!!!
Back to exchange..immediately after surgery, there can be swelling, and your implants will not look like they will after you give them some time. There is a process called "Drop and Fluff" where the implant will gradually make its way down into the pocket the PS created for it ("drop), and completely settle in.
Then, the implant will conform itself more fully to your chest, spreading out a bit, and looking more natural ("fluff"). This can take weeks or months, so please don't be immediately discouraged.
In the meantime, please do contact whippetmom for her suggestions on appropriate brand, style, and size of permanent implants for you.
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I am new to the exchange forum as i finished my last fill and have exchange scheduled for March 22. I am reading about drain tubes and my PS said I will have none at exchange. I had MX on left in August 2011, 33 radiation after that so I was about a year after rads before we did the LD flap on the left and the mastectomy on the right. My TE's are 330 on the LD, left side and 390 on the right side. I am going with the Mentor Silicon Gel implants at the recommendation of the PS because they are softer and more natural. He says he uses them on most all of his reconstruction patients. Anyway, I am weird shaped right now...the LD side is narrow and cone shaped projection while the right side is wide and mound type projection. I cannot fill anymore because the skin on the radiated side will not handle any more. We cannot fill the right side more because it will just keep getting wider. Oh..I am 5'3 and 140lbs with a 31" rib cage.
Anyway, at exchange he is going to install 2 different types of implants to try to get symmetry. On the Left LD side he will put in a lower profile that will broaden the breast and not cause more projection, on the right side he will use a higher profile that will project more and be narrower. I am looking forward to the exchange. I have not had any problems past my 3rd fill, the soreness went away and I am getting fairly flexible. It's amazing how the surgery just pulls you forward in a ball and you get so sore and stiff.
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THANK YOU Blessings2011. I have posted on that thread, but will go back and enter my measurements etc. Thank you for taking the time to get back to me. Really, really helpful. x
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Andrea-yes they were approved in March. They are being used so much, they are on back order. A few ladies on here have been waiting for them to come in!
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To clarify mentor is also cohesive gel. I believe the the Sierra difference is the tear drop which is not available in the other brands.
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Annemarie, are all the sizes backordered? How do you know which would be better for your body shape; round or teardrop? I'm 56, on the small side, and don't want stripper boobs!
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Andrea~I am also on the small side. My rib cage is a 28, and I wear a 0~2 jeans, small top. I'm not sure what is on back order. But I myself want a very big bust! I always did. Did you consult whippetmom? She is very good. I Want the Sientra b/c of the tear drop shape. They are more natural looking. I don't want the rounds she suggested, due to the stripper look! I told my PS that on day 1, and he turned 3 shades of red!!! lol! I will be 43 the end of March, and have been going through this "process" for the past almost 3 of the 5 yrs I have married...I want to look the best I can for my husband. Poor guy...
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