Exchange City

kingster

.That is so cool. I show everyone who wants to see it cuz it's just so weird. Flexing those pecs is like family entertainment, lol. At least we can keep our sense of humor!.

kingster

That is so cool. I show everyone who wants to see it cuz it's just so weird. Flexing those specs is like family entertainment, lol. At least we can keep our sense of humor!.

kingster

That is so cool. I show everyone who wants to see it cuz it's just so weird. Flexing those pecs is like family entertainment, lol. At least we can keep our sense of humor!.

mjh1

if you still have muscel spasms, get valium from PS.  They help immensely with the spasms.  Good luck!!

VioletKali

SugarToes~ They are anatomical "gummy bear" implant.

mjh1

Congrats on your two-year anniversary.  Mine was also one year 2/26/15.  I hope by year two I wil finally find a resolution to this rippling.  I want to get off this emotional rollercoaster.  Good luck!!!!

LoriWNY

mjh1--congratulations to you on your one-year anniversary!

MinusTwo

Violet - are they Allergan or Mentor anatomicals? And what is the style number & volume? For example the Allergan 410 comes in about 6 different styles and lots of volume sizes. It does make quite a difference. Thanks.

robinblessed54

Ladies that have already gone through exchange: have you ever heard of the Linder Bra? Sold on internet for $50 by a Beverly Hills PS. It is for augmentation or reconstruction. Zips up in front. Thank you.

mjh1

robinblessed54 -  Never heard of the Linder bra.  Had three surgeries so far and every time the hospital/surgery center has given me the Jobst surgical vest that zips up the front.  I've seen them on ebay and are quite expensive.  Hope that helps.

amieclemens5

Hi Kingster,

I had a bilateral mast with TE and then delayed recon with LD flap reconstruction and had the anatomical implants put in. The right breast looks great, but the left br (the bad one), doesn't have the best shape. PS said to give it 3 months and we will recheck. So, I'm trying to be patient. Great that you are happy with your implants!

amieclemens5

LoriWNY - yes, you are right. I saw PS again today and she said same thing. She wants to see me back in 3 months. So, I will try to be patient! I will also post my pics when I get access.

robinblessed54

hello all! I am home from exchange!! He put in 475 gummies. Had to cut pocket on right side to even me out. Some pain there, but only about a 4 or 5. I will keep you informed. Thankyou for your prayers.

VioletKali

MinusTwo- They are Mentor Memory shape Breast implants, which are anatomical in nature. They are medium height, high profile. They do not have a model number, it is just "Mentor Memory Shape". These are highly cohesive anatomical implants. They do come in varied heights and profiles. I am 5'6 and 132 pounds.

Mine are 13.6cm in height, 14.5 width, 7.1 projection. 685cc in both breasts, the largest size they make. Memory Shape, not the memory gel.

http://www.mentorwwllc.com/global-us/Breast.aspx?P...

mjh1

robinblessed54 - Great to hear your surgery went well.  Recover quickly!!!!

LoriWNY

Robin--so glad to hear your surgery is over and it went well.  Don't overdo it and listen to your body!

robinblessed54

I know the mantra, "Just because you can doesn't mean you should ". I will try to follow it. My DH has the whole week off with me next week! DD is close by too! Thank you R

nancybel

Robin, glad to hear your surgery went well and you are not in much pain. I finally got my date for exchange, April 9! One year and 2 days after my initial surgery that started this whole process. I'm looking forward to having these hard TE out and trying to get on with my life. April can't get here fast enough.

kingster

I know the feeling. I just had my exchange surgery this am. Everything went very well and I am just so happy to have my expanders out. Will be in my surgery bra till Monday. Then I can shower and take a look. They feel better in the front, but have scapular pain. Gonna take my pain pills and head for bed. I have not needed any additional meds all day, so that was nice. This was better than my expander replacement surgery, as I had some pocket work done at that time. Goodnight everyone!

robinblessed54

It is day 4 since my EX. I am doing great! Only taking OTC Tylenol for discomfort, not really any pain. Sunce I had a bit of a reaction to Keflx, I am off of that and taking Benedryl for the itching under surgical bra/wrap. I get to see the results on Thursday but already can tell the difference in softness. Hope everyone else is recovering well too.

Leslienva

Has anyone had to have an expander replaced? I had a stitch pop out that isn't healing so now the PS wants me to go back into surgery so she can restitch it. But she said that she might have to replace the expander while she's in there. It's a tiny stitch so I don't know why it would affect the expander, but if it does, does that mean I have to get the fills again or could I start from where I'm at since I'm already stretched? I'm wondering if I should just have the implant surgery at the same time, even tho I haven't expanded as much as I wanted to.

Moonflwr912

les, the reason for needing to replace an implant can be varied. One is infection. If they open you up they will have to clean it up before they put it back. Some P'S will not reuse one because bacteria can cling to it. And if a stitch is open bacteria get in. If there is no active infection they may go for it. They will sometimes fill a bit less than you were if they are worried about skin integrity. Otherwise they use fill it as much. Others who had implant issues will check in for you. Much love

Leslienva

Moonflwr, is it a quick recovery or would I end up with drains again?

Moonflwr912

Hate to say it depends! It's different for everyone. But generally if not a lot of fluid in there, they may not. Good luck.

kingster

Les, I did have to have my left tissue expander replaced on post op week 6. It had folded over inside my chest, and the bottom of the expander covered the fill port. It did not hold fluid. This surgery was quick, and was an outpatient procedure. My ps lowered my inframammary fold which was a bit painful. I had no drains placed. My ps filled as much as he was able to without putting too much tension on the skin. He was able to put 350 ml of saline in. I was then filled to 700 ml in the office. I believe an implant is considered contaminated if it is exposed, so I believe that is why it may need replaced. I hope this helps you.

sherry67

does anyone have the new Mentor Memory shape implants? I will be getting them in a few months

Thanks for any replies

butterflybailey

I have been a long time reader and want to thank all of you for your posts. I learned a lot of information here and received a lot of comfort. I have my exchange surgery scheduled soon. My plastic surgeon wants to do the exchange, nipple recon, and fat grafting all at the same time. Has anyone else had this done all at the same time? I am getting really worried. It seems to me that most women are having the exchange surgery and then months later are having the nipple recon and fat grafting. Thank you.

Leslienva

Thanks, Kingster. I just hate having to deal with this so late in the game. Original surgery was back in September. I was hoping to be done by now!

kingster

Les, one thing that I am learning about breast reconstruction, is that it isn't quick. It's a very long tedious process. My original surgery was in July. But, the final results are hopefully worth it. I'm just so glad that my implants feel more comfortable than my tissue expanders.

Butterfly, i had asked about having my procedures done together, but my ps wanted to do one step at a time. I just had my exchange Friday. He said fat grafting in 4 months, then maybe nipple reconstruction or tattoos. I think every surgeon has strong opinions about what works in their experiences. Not sure if end results would be the same. I just would like to be completely finished, but I must "just go with the flow" for now.

robinblessed54

Les My PS said one step at a time as well. Got my Allergan 410 FF 475 last Thursday and they already feel better. I am wrapped until this Thursday and anxious for the reveal! Maybe tattoos in 6 months.

Be your own advocate and let the PS know how you feel. I think that is too much at one time.