Exchange City

mysunshine48

Englishmum, Yea! Glad all went well, but take it easy and let your hubby take care of you!

BB....Hope the swelling goes away and the hematoma is absorbed! I will pray for that! Let's hope!

Rebecca54

Thanks Nocal, I'm heading to the Nordstrom site right now.

Msmath so glad you went to Dr, hoping weekend is smooth and healing.

Englishmummy, welcome to the squishy side! Ahhhh!

And yes I agree with you all, this discussion board is incredible! xoxoxo

kgirard411

I am allergic to adhesives too. My PS asked me to get Mepitak Tape and I have been using it without any problem. While it is an expensive scar tape, I even used it to tape the gauze when I was seeping a lot over my lipo spots.

Rebecca54

Question for the group. I used the post mastectomy bra they gave me post exchange. This morning when I took it off to shower it left a huge dent in my right breast. Do we think that's just swelling? EKE. Heading over to Nordstorm to get some new bras.

kgirard411

I had a couple of large dents which they filled with fat grafting. Looks much better.

kgirard411

I am really unhappy with the size and shape of my new breasts. I am 5'6" and 187 lbs (I gained about 20 lbs while on chemo). I am about 34.5" under my chest, 36 waist, 44 hips. Trying to lose that weight I gained, but have always been curvy hourglass and was happy at 165 lbs - the PS used Mentor smooth round moderate plus profile gel 450 cc. (I was Double F before BC) now can't fill a B - stuffing the ends of the bra so they don't dent - is this normal? (they are flat like pancake - no protrusion). She only showed me round ones - I knew nothing about teardrop or gummies. I trusted her. I have spoken with her a couple of times about how I feel. She initially said "I've given reductions to lots of women and they are happy with them"... well I never asked for a reduction - I felt my larger breasts at least kept me balanced - more hourglass.

Question: If I lose weight, will I be happier with the size of these, or should I be trying to get a second opinion on sizing. She said that was the largest she could put in, but everyone else's I have seen are much larger, and have a much nicer shape.

Does anyone know what sizing would be normally requested for my size?

I look in the mirror every day and tell myself I will get used to it, that they look "fine", try to push them up to get more cleavage, but I still don't like them. Does anyone else feel this way? So sad and frustrated. I should be happy - I am alive and NED.

Rebecca54

kgirard, check out the discussion board "breast implant sizing 101". Lots of info on sizing on a great woman who knows her implants!

I believe the Mentor smooths are gummy bears. Gummy bear just another name for silicone I think??? So sorry you're frustrated!

Lkscolo

Whoever asked about bras, I echo Nocalmom. Those soft stretchy step in bras are the ONLY ones I can wear and be comfortable. The stretchier the better. Some have too much spandex and they hurt after awhile. Hopefully with time a regular bra can be worn.

Do you feel like people stare at your chest knowing you just had exchange surgery? Maybe it's just me. I told my husband and he reminded me I stare at breasts a lot more now too! Made me chuckle! 😜😝😆

Rebecca54

Another question, as soon after exchange did you start putting something on the scars?

kgirard411

Re how long before putting something on, my Dr used glue (no steri strips as I am allergice) - I kept gauze on for a couple of weeks - once I was allowed to shower, I started putting the Mepitak tape on the scars

kingster

Kgirard, I have 700ml high profile mentor memory gels. Smooth round silicone. I am short at 5'3" and weigh 177 lbs. I was a B cup pre op, and now I am a C cup. My implants are wider than my natural breasts and flatter. Was not able to have a nipple sparing mastectomy. I am having fat grafting in 1 week.

It never really hurts to get a 2nd opinion if you are unhappy. It takes about 6 months for the implants to settle to see what you actually have. Minimizing type bras seem to fit my implants better because they are shaped flatter.

Did you go direct implant reconstruction or tissue expanders? I had 8 months worth of tissue expanders before my exchange.

I also had skin glue, and it took a long time for it to come off. I did not put anything on until then.

cheddiecat

Hi All! Had my exchange on Tuesday and things went amazingly well. Was able to remove the surgical bra (OMG that thing rubbed directly along the incisions - - was soooooo glad to take it off!!) and had the big reveal on Thursday and am quite pleased with the results! So glad this phase is over. I had worked myself up to a frenzy in the days prior to surgery and had a tension backache and could hardly move without pain, and I hadn't been like that in June. Ended up with Inspira SRF-745 implants which have nice profile and cleavage. Need to wear my own sports bras 24/7 for next week (which are MUCH more comfortable, but wonder if they're compressing too much??). It will be interesting to see how they turn out once they drop & fluff; right now they're still high like the TEs but softer which is nice.

Does anyone remember how long it takes for the glue to fall off? Incisions are starting to itch a little now, but will NOT scratch. Do any of your "old" bras fit the new girls? Or do you pretty much have to get measured and start fresh? And how long should you wait? Thanks!

I_Spy

Hi everyone: I had a somewhat emergency exchange surgery (only two weeks after last fill) because my ps noticed some redness (well I did too) and was concerned an infection was starting and she didn't want to mess with it. Fortunately I wanted to be kind of small, so I was done filling anyway. Surgery went well (even though I was the last surgery of the day because I was tacked onto the schedule -- no food/water for almost 24 hours!).

A note for you guys just out of surgery and switching the surgical bra for a more comfortable one: my bs and ps insist on the surgical bra because it is a compression bra and reduces swelling and inflammation. That is why it is so tight. All ps's are different, but just keep that in mind as we try to prevent seromas and fluid build up and infections: the bras are tight and uncomfortable for a reason. I find if I put soft gauze pads on the spots where it is digging in (like my ribs) it makes it more comfortable.

That being said, has anyone else heard a gurgling, slushing sound when they bend over? My surgery was only yesterday, so I imagine that is some fluid; just wondering if anyone else has heard that and had it go away without incident.... ?

Bobkat303

I had my exchange tues and yes I heard fluid.   Thought maybe my stomach but know it was breast area.  I have silicone implants so they shouldn't sound like fluid.   Happened 3 times.    Was going to ask dr Tuesday!

Msmath

So to update.... I was back at my PS'S office today. On Thursday she did a procedure in the office and drained off over 100cc of fluid from my rt implant. She put me on antibiotics and sent me on my way. This morning I woke up in even more pain and the swelling had started again. I call my PS and she said to meet her at her office. So my husband and I went. She attempted the procedure again with my husband assisting her. (We were the only 3 there). No luck this time. She gave me another antibiotic and made sure I had pain meds to take. I'm going back again Monday unless I start running a fever. I know there are many complaints about doctors but she was so amazing with my husband and I today.

mysunshine48

Hope this takes care of it!

trailrose

Kgirard411- I have Mentor 400 cc moderate plus profile rounds gels. It sounds like your implants are too small for your frame. For reference I'm 5"4, 127 lbs. with 29 inch under my chest. Beside the fact that I have one that has rippling and is more saggy than the other when I'm in clothes they look like my 34 C before my BMX.

Lkscolo- You made me laugh out loud with your mentioning people staring at you. I think the same thing! Have you worn a swimsuit at the beach yet? I went to see my new PS (he's in Wilmington, NC) My husband took some pictures of me in a bikini and the new girls looked good. I still felt like people were staring and thinking oh she has a "boob job" And now I notice breasts all the time too!

Miscraw

So how common is it to want larger implants after exchange? I was thrilled with the results immediately after my exchange. However, once the swelling went down, they dropped considerably, and some of my fat grafting was probably absorbed...now I want bigger implants. In a tight shirt, they look great. But in anything else, they look tiny. I am supposed to have nipple reconstruction in December, but now I'm considering asking my PS for larger implants. Anyone else have this experience?

Angie4

Miscraw,

I'm in the same boat. I'm not at all happy with my size. My PS said he could replace mine with larger implants, but it would be six months to a year. Boo!!!! I'm willing, as I'm really upset with the size. I hate that I have to wait so long.

Nocalmom

Miscraw: I was also disappointed with the size of my implants right after exchange. And i have heard from nurses that it's a common complaint. I will say that at 6 weeks post ex, I'm much happier with the result than I was initially. I've gotten used to them and they just look so much better now. Was also lopsided at first but that's resolved itself and when I look down they project exactly the same now. Although the mx is wider but I was warned about that. My chief complaint was rippling on mx, which has gotten better. more fat grafting will fix that. (Not excited abt another procedure but I want to get this just right)  I understand now why my ps doesn't do a follow up until 6 weeks. Things change--and for the better. 

Cheddiecat: Re bra sizing-you will need to start new but wait until your incisions are well-healed before you get sized. I just started wearing a regular bra and it's taking some getting used to. 

ThinkingPositive

For all who have had their exchange surgery and have silicone implants, how do they feel to you? Mine feels weird. Tight. Definitely not real feeling.

kingster

Regarding the question about hearing liquid and gurgles after exchange. I had that too. It went away on its own. I think it might be left over irrigation and possibly a little air. Don't think it's anything to worry about.

I have round silicone smooth rounds, and they are feeling better...but still feel foreign. My chest muscles do feel tight after using them, but I think improving. It must take a very long time to adjust.

hummingbirdlover

Thinking positive, first of all hello to a fellow October 2014 surgery sister, I remember you! I hope you are doing well. My implants honestly feel somewhat similar to what the TEs felt like. Not exactly, they are much softer, especially when I touch them and such but they are still tight and do not feel, well, like I thought they would. It's getting better, I'm getting used to them but they are tight.

About bras, my Ps suggested coobie brand. I haven't been wearing a bra at all. Sometimes I wear a tank/Cami with a shelf bra but once I was released from the post surgery corset, I just haven't worn anything and at 375 Ccs, I'm not big, so I don't really see the need for one. A friend bought me a gift card to soma but I'm not going to shop until everything settles into place.

Msmath, my heart goes out to you. I'm so glad your ps is being kind and attentive and kudos to your hubby for his help. Mine has been awesome but he'd need oxygen and a stretcher if asked to help in any medical procedure. He passed out cold in my ps office once, scared the crap out of all of us and I had to hop down off the table so he could lie down. I hope the antibiotics clear up whatever is going on in there

I_Spy

Anything to be done about the swelling? My nerve block wore off, and good grief there is a lot of pain. I know a lot of that is from the swelling, and as I mentioned above I hear gurgling noises haha. I don't want to put ice on it because I understand I could burn myself. Any successful actions from people to get the swelling down? Or is just resting?

Englishmummy

Ipsy - check with your PS first but Bromelain (enzyme found in pineapple) capsules work for swelling. 2 x 500mg twice daily for 7 days. It is better to start before surgery but if it works for you, any time is good. Or a cup of fresh pineapple twice a day is supposed to work. Lots of water, small walks and lots of rest (per the lovely ladies here:)

I had my exchange Friday and I have been taking the bromelain and arnica: my swelling is minimal and I have very little pain, so far I have taken 4 tylenol, total.Seems to be working.....so far

mysunshine48

Thinking Positive, My implants do not feel a part of me either. I am aware of them all the time. I am 2 weeks out and have - well not really pain, but uncomfortableness on the sides, especially when I breath deep. Hard to explain. It does hurt when I push - my ribs, I think. I hope, with time, they will feel better and more like me. Yes, right now, sort of like softer expanders. I guess we will never be like we were before.

Msmath, I hope you are feeling better today.

robinblessed54

I had swishing too. Went away

Robin

Scottiemom11

ThinkingPositive. . .I have Mentor High Profile silicone rounds and don't really feel them. I just feel the pect muscles and nerves around them too much. Going to PT and working out lightly at the gym to resolve that. They certainly don't feel foreign like the TEs.

All as to size, I'm still bigger than before, I was a 38C coming out of EX due to swelling. Had to buy at few larger loose sports bras to accommodate the girls. The swelling has now gone done and I'm a 36 B. Although I could have been much bigger if I had not stopped my fills early on, I am happy with my size. I've got perky cleavage and that's good enough for me. My pects are so tight, I doubt they will sag much.

Scottie

Bobkat303

ok I had exchange done 6 days ago. Feel tight. Sure that will get better. Much smaller than I thought I would be. Think from what everyone says is we have to give it time!!! Will see what PS says on Tuesday.

Everyone have good day. Wish I could stop thinking about this 24/7. It will happen. Starting to forget what body felt like before this all started!!

trailrose

Ladies, I'm 5 1/2 months post exchange and most of the time I don't notice my implants. I trail run and they don't bother me at all, I can lift my 53 lb. Lab out of the car with no discomfort or issue(she's old) The times I notice them is when I engage my pec muscles such as when I try to open a jar or when I went camping and had to get on my hands and knees to get into the tent. That felt crazy! But each time I did that it got better and not so uncomfortable. I will sometimes feel like the one on the right side feels tight and moves around under my pec muscle.