Topic: Exchange City

Jan 4, 2018 12:13PM Shoregirl wrote:

Hi Flynn, I have 440cc pre-pec implants w/Alloderm. I don't think the pre-pec are done without Aderm, as the skin on its own would probably not be able to support a larger implant. My exchange recovery was different each time. The 1st, from TEs to smooth round 470cc Inspiras, took a good 6-7 weeks before I was feeling pretty good, but I still had a lot of tightness and discomfort even 7 months later. I ended up getting a new ps (long story). She exchanged the 470s for 440cc Sientras and did some fg. My recovery was so quick!! I was out shopping 4 days later. Turns out she discovered hardly any Alloderm was there on the right side. So my guess is the discomfort was due to the implant not being supported, moving around. When I would lean over, it hung off my chest. Eventually started flipping over backwards.The new ones are anchored to my chest and so much more comfortable with an Alloderm "cuff" under lower edge for support.

Personally, I don't see the reason to do lat+implant. So invasive! Maybe look into smaller implant+fat graft as an option. The fat really helped me like my implants so much more. Cushioned, warm, softer, more comfortable.

Wishing you all the best!!

Jan 4, 2018 01:56PM - edited Jan 4, 2018 01:56PM by Flynn

TWillis- Small world! I saw a surgeon at Moffitt, where I'm being treated. Dr Dayicioglu. I know a few people who work there and those that know her, say good things about her. I think maybe we're on different wave lengths!

Shoregirl, thanks for your note! I'm glad things worked out for you! I'm not really looking for big implants, I'll put fat grafting on the list to research.

MinusTwo, thanks to you, too! I think I really need to get more opinions now that I have a better idea of how things go.

Jan 4, 2018 03:23PM robinblessed54 wrote:

Minustwo and I both have the Allergan 410 gummies. I have mine under pecs and my PS used my own muscle instead of alloderm. My pockets were perfect and hold my implants perfectly. He doesn’t like to use alloderm because there is some risk of rejection.

I have 3D nipple tattoos which finish the look! My friend had a lat dorsi with saline implants. They look great but that is such a serious procedure that took a lot of recovery. My EX surgery was so simple and much easier than bmx. Just remember, just because you can doesn’t mean you should!

Robin

Jan 4, 2018 04:08PM - edited Jan 4, 2018 04:17PM by EastcoastTS

Flynn:

I have pre-pec implants and alloderm was used with TEs but I don't think she added more with Exchange surgery. (I know I should know this.) I'm doing well with implants though mine are small compared to many here. (275cc) But I'm about 100 lbs soaking wet! And they look big to me! ;)

I didn't have fat grafting but many do. I may do that with a later revision due to very minor rippling. Not enough to do now (bugging me, that is).

Good luck!

Jan 10, 2018 02:01PM amtreb wrote:

Hi ladies!

Just wanted to post that I had my exchange surgery yesterday and it went great!!!

I was on the fence between round and anatomical implants, and went with round. Since I am pre-pec even with fat grafting I figured you may see the implant and i'd rather have it look round that how some have described the anatomicals to look squarish.

He used the Natarelle Inspiras high profile 420cc's that look great day 1 :)

Any tips on keeping the transferred fat to survive???

Thank you to all who have been of help to me!!!

A

Jan 11, 2018 02:09AM BringOn2017 wrote:

Hi amtreb glad all is well. Take it easy. No experience with fat grafting myself.

Jan 11, 2018 08:08AM Sweet_Pea wrote:

Hi!

My exchange and symmetry surgery is set for April 24th.

What should I expect for recovery time if I'm getting silicone implants (no fat grafting) in both the reconstructed and the healthy breast (my PS will remove fat to place implant)?

Jan 11, 2018 06:54PM EastcoastTS wrote:

Sweet Pea:

I'm not sure exactly how to answer because I had implant exchange to both sides. Prior to Exchange, I went back months on this forum and read a lot -- just to read other's experiences.

Exchange is SO much easier than mastectomy surgery. So much that you'll be tempted to do more than you should early on. I had a lot of pocket work, so that delayed my recovery a little -- but honestly, I felt very good right away. But some soreness, again, due to pocket work I think. I really tried to take it easy for a couple of months on lifting and all that to preserve the pocket and protect it.

Good luck. I'm sure someone with more relevant info will chime in!

Jan 11, 2018 06:58PM EastcoastTS wrote:

Welcome, Ghionik!!!

Jan 12, 2018 04:40AM - edited Jan 12, 2018 07:11AM by BringOn2017

Hi Ghionik Welcome!

I just had my exchange (no fat grafting) 3 weeks ago. My doctors told me to ease back in slowly and yes this surgery is nothing like my first. My PS nurse still gave me same instructions of not raising my arms above my head for 6 weeks and keeping the post op bra for 6 weeks. Also to avoid carrying anything heavy for the first few week.

I started walking for about 20 minutes to half an hour from about 3 days post op. I can do somethings around the house but I am careful not to overdo it, as if I try to get  I get pain over my sternum, - I think that is where the insertion of the muscles is. And I get by with some help from my little one and the DH. I have a cleaner in once a week to do the regular cleaning, but I can cook and wash the plates, though I cannot do the bed as the quilts are heavy. My work involves a lot of physical activity so I haven't gone back yet - no chance of easing in at work. Once I'm back, I'm back! I've been told to avoid jogging for a few months and even weights. I found the following post op instructions helpful and reasonably sensible. 

http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/Surgery/PlasticSurgery/BreastReconstruction/BreastTEexchangepostop.pdf

I haven't got back to driving yet. How long did the rest of you take before you got back to driving?

Good luck but believe me this one is a dream near the mastectomy and tissue expander insertion. 

Jan 12, 2018 06:08AM Scrafgal wrote:

Congrats on the successful surgery!  I didn't drive for 4 weeks (originally my PS said 6 weeks but then changed, based on my healing..)

Jan 12, 2018 07:15AM Scrafgal wrote:

yes...my PS said that it was not that I couldn't drive but that he did not want me getting into a situation that caused me to suddenly steered hard to turn or twist around to see behind me...both moves could unsettle things too early. So much about driving depends on other factors I think. Maybe nothing would have happened but I just played it safe according to his advice.

Jan 12, 2018 09:22AM Flynn wrote:

Welcome, Ghionlik! I’m a newbie so no advice but reading along to try to learn more about everyone else’s experiences.

Question for you ladies. How did you handle having some symmetry during expansions? I had a bilateral mastectomy but we are expanding my right side prior to radiation. So after my 2nd fill today, I can see my right side is definitely bigger and will continue to change whereas my left side remains flat. Today a baggy shirt is working but I started a LiveStrong program at the Y and I’m wearing workout clothes twice a week. Also have a couple social events coming up.

Thoughts?

Jan 12, 2018 01:29PM Mimi68 wrote:

Ghionik,

I am POD #2 of my exchange to downsize and I do have drains. I also have some discomfort that wasn’t there after the first exchange. So far they look very promising in terms o being smaller. I had extensive pocketwork due to downsizing.

Mimi68

Jan 12, 2018 05:16PM Sitti wrote:

Ghionik,

I also had drains after exchange. My PS said 95% chance I would not need drains, 5% chance I would, and I did end up with them. I actually had them almost 2 wks. I do know of ladies that didn't need drains after exchange but you may want to hold onto your camisoles until after your exchange just in case.