Exchange City

knmtwins

NIPPLES - who has done what and how do they feel about it and how do their significant others feel??? Question - with fake breasts, aereola and nipples, do they only use their hands or do they use their mouths also. Do I need to add that to the equation? I see the PS tomorrow, second exchange the 27th, (long story one TE deflated and muscle clamped back, so couldn't put implant in on that side) so I'm curious about what my conversation should be. Sorry if the question was TMI. BTW if I can find a thread on nipples, I will post there too.

AudreyB

Knmtwins, my honey has not seen my breasts with scars, no nipples, and TEs. He loves the way I look in clothes though. And he has felt them to feel the hardness. We are waiting until my exchange for him to have a look, and a feel (tee hee). I've had a pretty easy time, SX 5/6 and exchange 8/19 so it hasn't been too long a wait.

I have ordered Pink Perfect nipples from the Cure Diva website, and plan on nipple tattoos in May with Vinnie Myers. So Robs first look will be with my high profile implants and fake nipples, which I've been told distract from the scars. I'll leave it up to him what he wants to do with them. I do know he's afraid of hurting me so we will learn together I guess.

Scottiemom11

knmtwins. . .Dh actually saw my BMx scars before I did, since I was allowed to shower after 2 days and he had to help me. I was not ready to look for several days. This go round we looked together when he helped me take off surgical bra and bandages and we both thought they look pretty good. Bigger and fuller than expected given my limited fills. He's curious about 3D tattoos but I'm undecided. They have to be for me because I want them and not just for him. He did say the implants are gently squishier. He said the TEs felt like hard elbows. He pegged that right.

Scottie

Fe_Princess

Hello Trailrose, I have been enjoying some epic Alpine hikes here in Switzerland. I have seen a doctor for an initial appt. As soon as I get my policy number, I am getting an ultra sound follow up. I also have an appt. with the plastic surgeon who will evaluate my revisions. The fat graph has been completely absorbed and I am having constant pain because the implant moves from side to side where it should be stable. They will wait longer to revise the reconstruction than they would in the states. It is unfortunate that we have to continue to have surgeries. I am taking advantage of this time to get into some serious workouts though. How are you doing?

NisaVilla

This is the only thread I actively avoid because I have an aversion to anything surgery related. I just want no more of them for myself or my family members. My surgeon never tells me what the plan is - good surgeon but not great communicator. I am readying for what I hope will be my last breast surgery in September and have questions: (1) can one have fat grafting (for my bony top pole) and nip work in one "sitting"? (2) how does nip work compare to BMX? (3) Where can I post a pic of my breasts for feedback on what you would do? I am satisfied with my current breasts although one is slightly higher than the other by half an inch. It's been 8+ months since last surgery and things seem to still be setting in place. Not sure if it is me getting used to it or if indeed my breasts continue to fall into the right place. I also don't know if I should ask for more correction for perfect symmetry or just let go and be content. Your feedback is always appreciated. And Good Luck to those undergoing surgeries
this week. Hugs, Nisa

Scottiemom11

Nisa. . . I can't speak for the nipple surgery because I will have the 3D tattoos or nothing. I do have a wonderful PS who answers all of my questions though. The best answer she gave me before BMx was that she could not guarantee twin girls, just sisters. In other words no guaranteed match but closely related. I'm only a week out from exchange but so far they are pretty close.

On another note. I started getting some bruising on one side and PS asked about it. Does that mean I'm trying to do too much. She asked about my range of motion and I said it's pretty limited. It hurts to reach past my elbows. Guess I'm stuck with Trex for a while longer and not yet weaned off the pain meds/muscle relaxer. I have a referral for PT but she said I would have to wait for a few more weeks. After I return to work apparently.

Scottie

B123

hi folks! I am 3 + years post op silicone implants. Lately my left side (the good side) has been feeling achy and when I move it or lay down it almost feels like something is moving (crawling)from across it to side. I don't have pain just a nagging achy pull feeling mid breast to side and under arm. Should I be worried???

trailrose

Hi Fe Princess! I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying gorgeous Switzerland. Sounds like they are taking good care of you. So sorry that you will be having a revision surgery and are feeling pain from the implant! Do you know how long before your revision surgery? I'm curious as to what kind of implants they have there that we don't have here in the U.S. Keep me posted on what they plan on doing. My rippling is worse now on my right side so I'm looking at my revision surgery in the Fall. In September I will meet with the new PS again to look at the newly approved Inspira implants. He didn't want to do the surgery this summer because it was too soon. Like you I'm enjoying the outdoors! I just ran 14 miles on some trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so it's nice to be back to normal. My implants feel so cold all the time so maybe they help keep me cool while running!

B123

Can anyone tell me if they have or had same experience? Is it a leak is it LE or maybe chest compression might help? Why would it be sore and feel like crawling/tugging feel?? Please and thank yo

jojo9999

B123, I have not had the same experience but I only just had exchange in March and revision 2 weeks ago. I was told that I would get a MRI every few years to check to integrity of the silicone implants. Sounds like you should have them checked out.

robinblessed54

Scottie,

Yes, you must not reach past the elbows for at least 3 weeks post EX. Do it slowly and let those muscles hang onto your implants. I am 5 months post EX and have full ROM, but I made sure I did it slowly and carefully. I know you want to return to normal as quickly as possible, but let your body tell you when it's ready. Now, I am not saying don't do anything, because then you might get stiff. Just listen to your body. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!

I got my bandages off of the nipple tattoos. There is healing left to do here too. But all and all, I am happy with the outcome. Perfection is not an option. After all, I am very happy with my implants and the only people these nipples have to please are DH and myself. Hang in there and you will do fine.

Robin

Scottiemom11

Thanks Robin. I'm behaving myself yesterday and today. Yesterday exhausted me just going out to PS checkup and lunch after. I came home and went straight to bed. At least I'm sleeping a lot and not going anywhere today.

Kindle here I come.

One frustrated Scottie.

B123

thanks Jojo.. I just don't know what to make of it? I get a twitchy feeling as I'm walking.. I hope nothing is wrong!!

marketingmama

Hi Ladies,

So excited that I can finally join this thread. I got my exchange date!! August 24!! Had my last fill on the 31st and it was a doozy. Normally he puts in 60cc and I'm sore but not terrible. Well this time I was so eager to be "filled up" that I asked him to add another 30cc. He did so a bit reluctantly but I pushed him. This allowed him to get me on the schedule for end of August, which is what I've been hoping for (this is best for my job and upcoming Fall travel). However, I have to admit the pain that resulted from this last fill has been awful. Not sure if it's just the extra 30cc or it being my final fill, but I've been on pain meds almost around the clock since I got home last Friday. Pain has been stabbing (first on one side and then the next day on the other side) and also just aching. It's worse when I move or twist or even take a deep breath. It literally stops me in my tracks. I'd say this pain has been more intense than it was right after my BMX. Honestly never expected this. Of course I feel like a fool since i asked for this and pushed for the extra 30cc. However, I think I'm gradually improving and so far today only needed one pain pill. But honestly I"m just so happy to have the exchange surgery in sight and excited to get rid of my rocks. I'm filled to about 520 or so and he's going to bring in implants that range in size from 500 to 550. He'll use sizers while I'm on the table and then see what looks best. I feel confident that I'll be in good hands and that he'll make a good choice. I'd like to be a C cup or maybe a small D and I think that's where I'll end up.

Still need to do all that preadmission testing stuff but I've got the disability handled already (two weeks out) and have also informed my boss and my team. Even have my work calendar blocked. I can't believe the journey is almost over. I feel blessed if I'm honest. It's been hard but the peace of mind I now have over my health is worth everything.

Good luck to everyone moving to the squishy side this month!!!

MinusTwo

B-123: It doesn't seem like anyone else has had the same issue. I do think it's important to get into see your doc as soon as possible.

PhillyEmma

Hi everyone,

So, I'm 5 weeks out from exchange.  Been wearing the surgical bra consistently 24/7 for 2 weeks, then soft camisole a couple days past that as I had to have skin cancer surgery on my back and the surgical bra covered the 4 inch incision.  Then, I went back to the surgical bra 24/7 until I bought new underwire bras but I still sleep in the surgical bra.  So, I suppose my point is I'm supporting the new girls.  All though now that I think of it, the surgical bra is pretty tight ... maybe it's causing more harm than good?

Now, I might be in the minority but I kind of miss my TE's.  Yes, they were hard like rocks, but they didn't budge and I didn't have to wear a bra.  With my exchange, I ended up with 375 silicone on each side (Sientra).  He did do some pocket work and for the most part they look pretty good.  He said in terms of results, I was in the top 10%.  I had been hoping for a small C cup but I went for a bra fitting last week and was fitted into D34's.  He took a look last week for me because I was feeling a bit worried that the left looked a little droopy and he said that we wouldn't have an accurate result until October so I go back Oct 15th.  My nipple tattooing is scheduled for Nov 5th so I suppose Oct 15th f/up with PS will let me know if I can go ahead with that or if revision surgery will be needed.

The last few days I've had some pain on the left side near my bottom incision like I tore it.  I did stretch my arm overhead last week so not sure if I micro tore some scar tissue.  PS explained that there was a lot of healing going on inside my body and it was very possible to micro tear scar tissue which could case discomfort.  Since then, I've limited my spin classes (used to do 5 week and have only been doing 2-3 and not nearly hard core rides like before exchange surgery) so don't think it's exercise plus I wear a sports bra so not bouncing even remotely. 

Today, despite wearing a new bra (all our underwire which PS said was OK so not sure as I hear conflicting reports....), I am having a constant dull ache in my left breast where the nipple would be.  It's constant and achy.  But, surely, I can't run to my PS every single time I have an ache or pain.  Plus when I press it, it doesn't hurt or ache so not sure what it could be.

Did anyone else have ache and pain this far out of exchange?  Also, I laid flat w/o a bra for the first time and my right implant slipped a bit to the side towards my armpit and that was disappointing.  So much for sitting up nice and perky.  Sigh ... But, seriously, just curious if anyone else had aches and dull pain this far out from exchange and if its normal.  Thanks in advance!

ciaogina

Hi everyone! I haven't posted in a while. Had my exchange in April. Not happy with the size I chose. I went for two fills with my expanders and was fine there, however, my DH wanted them bit bigger. So I said, what the heck….I'm getting implants, why not just a tad bit bigger? UGH!!! I was a B before the mastectomy, and now I'm a full C!!!! I hate it! It's so uncomfortable. I look fat and the right side (cancer side) still feels tight and just not like the left. I want to have them swapped for a smaller size but am afraid of what DH will say. I should have just listened to my gut and to my PS. He basically said whatever I want them to be. I went through all of this, so I should get what I want.

Anyway, sorry for ranting. Anyone else not happy with their implants? Don't get me wrong, he did a fabulous job and they look great, but it's just not me. Im not used to being this big.

Fe_Princess

Hi Ciaogina, I hate my implant. I wasn`t given a choice of reconstruction nor implant. I went through a lot of pain to get fat graphting done and it has been reabsorbed. I went smaller and I really like it because I am a runner. I have constant pain with the implant and need revision. I moved to Switzerland six weeks ago so I will have a new PS soon. I am just waiting for my insurance policy number to come. You should have what you want no matter what you chose. If you`re uncomfortable, tell your PS!. My implant feels super tight but moves into my armpit too. I am sorry that we all have to go through this.

Fe_Princess

Hi Trailrose, how long between exchange and revision did it take? I am sorry to hear about the rippling. My implant has taken to sliding around my chest, awesome!! My new doctor told me that they would be more conservative then in the states. I haven`t seen my PS yet. I will report back when I do. I had a first five mile run since all the surgeries and it felt great!!!!!

Scottiemom11

Ciaogina my dh nearly drove me crazy with his jokes about DDs throughout this process. What is it about men! I was an A cup when we married. . .B-C cup at best after having two kids although they weren't as perky. My PS was rather disappointed that i stopped my fills at 250 cc because of extreme nerve pain. She said I had great skin and could be much bigger. I was happy with the size I looked like in the TEs, although she warned me that the implants would look smaller at that fill size. When we went for pre-op, I told her to put in the largest size that she cut fit given my limited expansion and to try for ultra high profile if possible. That was a compromise with DH.

DH fell asleep during my surgery (7 am on) and when PS woke him up she laughed and said she got larger ones in, surprisingly (explains the muscle pain when I woke up). I ended up with 300cc high profile mentor rounds and I have to say on my chest/rib size, they look good. She did pocket work and some lipo on the sides and the girls don't move, To someone who doesn't know, they will probably look fake. Well they are so let them think I got a boob job while I was "on vacation."

Seriously though, there can be swelling after exchange and I know many on these boards say to give them awhile to settle in. My PS told me that at 3 weeks I will have to start massaging them to reduce the risk of scar tissue forming and that massaging will be a permanent chore. That idea bugs me since they still feel weird to touch.

Fe Princess when you see your new PS ask him about the pocket work. They definitely shouldn't slide around. I know they can rotate, which is one reason I insisted on round, rather than anatomical.

Scottie

loriekg

Hi PhillyEmma—I am right there in the minority with you! I love my TE's! I love the fact that I'm not adjusting them in my bra (what bra?) and I don't even care that they don't move! (OK they could be a little softer just so I won't cringe if someone wants to hug me.) I'm scared that I've gotten used to this look and will be disappointed when I get my exchange.

Scottie—I don't care if mine end up looking fake either. I liked them best when I was filled at 300cc, now I'm just overfilling a bit. I see the PS this afternoon so today may be my last fill.

robinblessed54

Loriekg,

Hi EX friend! If you want a less bouncy result, get the Allergan 410 FF gummy bear silicone implants. They do not jiggle and stay pretty much on your chest wall. They have a natural look as well. I love mine! Enough upper pole to have a tiny bit of cleavage and a nice natural drop at the bottom. I was a B cup before and I am about the same to a small C. All my clothes from before fit me. No bra necessary now that I am 5 months out today from EX. I was filled to 420 and he put in 475. Perfect fit. Just got my nipple tattoos a week ago. So, I am done!!! No revision work needed. I will send you a picture on a PM. Robin

Badgergirl

Lorie -

Like you and PhillyEmma, I actually grew to really like my TE's...however, I can say that two weeks post EX, my implants look almost identical to my TE's, with the exception of the fact that I have anatomicals, so I have less of a shelf/drop off. Don't fear the EX - if you have a good PS, they can get a really similar look if you like the look of your TE's! Saw the PS today and he said I have virtually no edema swelling and I'm no smaller than I was with the TE's ;-)

PhillyEmma, I'm so excited to hear that at 5 weeks you're taking spin classes...the doctor hasn't cleared me for exercise yet and it's make me one grumpy girl! I am, however, so sorry that you're having pain. Hopefully someone who has been through it can weigh in with some insight.

Miscraw

It's been a LONG year with TE, but finally have exchange surgery on September. We are going with Inspira implants. I know they are kind of new. Anyone use them yet? I haven't been on here much lately, so I haven't heard much about them.

trailrose

Fe Princess, Once I have my revision surgery it will be 6-7 months since my exchange surgery. My new PS is looking at the newly approved in the U.S. Inspira implants. I don't want to go much bigger but he said in order to help with the rippling I would have to go a little bigger and maybe some alloderm to help too. My right side that has the rippling all around doesn't sit as high as the left and I think it looks sad. I'll have to remind him that I like to run. That's awesome that you were able to increase your mileage! Does wearing a snug sports bra help keep your implant from moving as much? Did they give you an answer as to why it's doing this?

AudreyB

Reposting, I hope I don't get in trouble.

Ladies, my Pink Perfect nipples arrived today. I have to say they look lovely. I stuck them on with no adhesive just to see how they look. I almost started crying. Even with my misshapen expanders they gave me a visual of what the future holds once I have my exchange surgery. Not having nipples has been the hardest part of this journey for me. These things are perfect, very thin around the edges so they look real as they just blend into my skin. I got the bold style so there is nice projection. I am not going to use them or the adhesive until I'm healed from exchange SX. I don't want to risk an allergic reaction (God forbid). I don't want anything to prevent SX. Anyway, I ordered them on CureDiva site and using their 20% discount for first time purchase they were $209.

Scottiemom11

Badgergirl. . .I'm right there with you in the grumpy-girl mode. From two months post BMx until the day before EX I exercised almost every day. I worked up from ground zero (10-15 minutes slow walking on treadmill) to almost running and I was hiking up to 5 miles, including some hills, as well as lots of leg weight machines. I worked up to about 10 pound weights over my head and some arm machines. It became a great obsession and now I'm desperate to get started again. That said, I was exhausted just walking around BJs for less than an hour with hubby yesterday, and I'm not cleared to do anything but walk until 6 weeks post. UGGHHH

For those who remember, did you have pain wearing a tight bra at first after EX? As happy as DH is that I ended up with bigger implants, my sports bras are tight and pull on the muscles causing nerve pain. I mostly wear my surgical bra or nothing. Any recommendations for ones that are not too tight and all one piece (no clasps)?

Scottie

hummingbirdlover

Hello, may I join you ladies? Although I've posted on many threads over the past (very LONG) year, I'm SO grateful to finally be posting on this one!! I could read through the posts, but I thought it would just be quicker to post a few questions and hope some of you can share your experience with me. I'm scheduled for my exchange surgery on 8/27 and I can't wait!! Sad that I'm actually excited for surgery, right? I've used almost all of my paid sick time between the BMX surgery and the TE placement surgery, so I'm hoping to only take two weeks off for this surgery. Does that sound realistic? I typically have a desk job but timing is bad and I'm headed into a conference a few weeks after surgery, and it's one where I typically do everything. Take the materials to the hotel, staff the registration desk, gopher stuff around etc. I know this is an out-patient surgery and I won't have drains, so that would lead me to believe that it shouldn't be that horrible of a recovery? I just wanted to see what you all think and what your experiences were. I have already let work know that I plan to be present at the conference but that I probably won't be doing any lifting so I'll have help but I don't want to do too much too fast and undo the last years worth of treatment. Also, although I loathe these TEs (I call it the coconut bra) I have gotten REALLY used to not wearing a bra. Do you think I'll be able to go bra-less after exchange too? I'm going with silicone implants (my TEs are filled to 320 ccs - which probably means a 400 cc implant?) and tattoos. I think I'm opting out of nipple reconstruction. I know I'll be wrapped up and wearing that lovely surgical for a bit but later I mean?

Thanks ladies. I'm so happy to see light at the end of the tunnel.

robinblessed54

I love the Pink brand light sports bra. One piece over the head or pull up from feet. I still wear this at night and sometimes during the day. I am 5 months post EX. Love it and very inexpensive. Robin

MinusTwo

hummingbird - you'll probably be fine w/two weeks unless the PS has to do some repair work or pocket work. I did have drains for my exchange - and had them for a little over a week. Some docs say no bra, some say underwire only, some say never underwire, etc. Every one is different so ask your PS. I know that you're getting REALLY ready.