Exchange City

Elkay7

good evening all,

I am 2 days post op from exchange surgery and I am feeling pretty good as far as the pain level goes. But when I look at my body I feel very sad. I was afraid I might be choosing small implants and I was right. I look flat. I'm also worried about the swelling going down and looking even smaller. I don't mean to sound ungrateful; I know I need to be patient and see how they settle. I chose 800 CCs silicone implants.

If I were to choose keeping the small implants would it help me look bigger if I were to lose weight?

If I were to choose larger implants how long will I need to wait for another surgery?

Elkay

robinblessed54

Elkay7, are you quite tall? 800cc are quite large. You said you chose, did he use that size? I have 475cc gummies. I am 5' 5"" and weigh 145.

It takes a while to achieve the final results

Robin

Elkay7

Robin, I am 5'8" 220 lbs. I discussed the implant size extensively with my PS and with whippetmom and chose the 800 CCs silicone instead of 1000 CCs saline. I have gained weight and plan on getting back into a healthy workout program and back to eating healthy.

Elkay

ShannonR

Elkay - please do not worry or judge your outcome for several weeks. I promise you they will change in ways you cannot possibly foresee. I found mine after surgery to be flat and small. I am proud to say they are now round protruding and way larger than could have been imagined. Trust, relax and know if for some bizarre reason they dont do the drop and fluff magic you may always revise them.

MinusTwo

Elkay - it takes 3 months or more for the swelling to go down so you can see what's really happening. There are LOT of interior stitches. It's hard, but step away from the mirror.

robinblessed54

Yep, take it from a lot of ladies, you will be amazed! It is such a process.

Take care, Robin

EastcoastTS

For the sports bra we'll need (I'm pretty sure my PS will recommend because I'm having lots of pocket work) did you wait until after to purchase? I can't fit much over my TEs.

TEs so odd (fitting).

TrmTab

I'll be exchanging to smooth round under the muscle...so a zip up sports bra seems like the right kind. My PS said "go to the mastectomy bra shop, they will know" I'll push him again to get his preference.

Elkay7

Thank you all for your kindness and reassurance. I will do my best to stay patient and let my implants settle.

Elkay

bc101

Hello,

I am new to this thread, so I hope my post is relevant to the topic.

I'm 3 years out from my surgery with Natrelle 410 "gummy bears," which were placed over the muscle. I also had fat grafting. Both the BMX and the exchange surgery was very painful for me and it seemed like I had a lot more problems than the average bear. The up side was that I had nothing but compliments from various providers and fitters - right from the start. But it seemed like forever for the swelling to go down. So yes ladies, be very very patient.

After things settled down, I tried to get used to my new foobs. But to me they have always felt too heavy unless I wear a bra. Also, they are bigger than what I had hoped to be. I thought I would get used to them over time, but haven't. Compared to my natural boobs, these feel very wide and somewhat droopy, although I have to admit they have a very natural look and feel.

Problem is, I've had a lot of pain in my cancer side. It comes and goes, depending on what position I'm in or if I'm under stress. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like the one foob is "stitched on too tight." I feel ripples in the other and they both feel different from one another in various spots. I've had MRIs and PET scans show there is nothing wrong medically.

Just recently I tried sleeping without a bra and doing self exams. Yes, I know - I should have been doing that all along. Anyhoo, one night I felt a large lump in my armpit on the cancer side. I went in to my local clinic and had an ultrasound. The radiologist there said it was probably scar tissue. I decided to go to my cancer clinic for a second opinion. He said the same thing. Nothing bad showed up. It does bother me, though, as sometimes that area hurts, so my MO suggested I see my PS (who I've not seen in years).

THEN I just happened to see on this site the concerns about ALCL with the implants I have. Needless to say, I am worried. I'm seriously considering a revision although the thought of another surgery makes me sick. At the very least I plan on discussing my concerns with my original PS. He's since left my clinic to go into private practice.

Long story, I know. I just wanted to get some feedback and see if anyone has had a similar experience?

Thank you,

~M

LettyF

Woohoo! Its almost here, 8/30/2017. It's not an ideal situation but I will take it. We discovered last Tuesday that I had a small leak in my left expander and had 180 ccs in the left and nothing in the right. Measurements/pictures were taken and Friday when I went back after measuring they decided to finish the right breast fill and put in another 120ccs in the left. I go back today for an additional 150-180 ccs and then will go back on 8/21 and 8/28 for additional large fills to keep the muscle stretched and will have exchange surgery Wednesday the 30th. Perfect as I'll be off Monday for the Labor Day Holiday giving me an extra day at home. My right breast is expanded to 685 ccs and the plan is to try either the Inspira 700cc or the 685cc anatomical. I'm just ready for this part to be finished. Best wishes to everyone doing this. It hasn't been easy but I think it will be worth it.

LettyF

Dear Elkay7,

I was told that an 800cc implant was the largest available but an implant along with some type of flap surgery could be done in conjunction. I'm hoping to loose some weight (I've gained about 17lbs since my diagnoses) and hopefully my new 685cc anatomicals/700cc Inspiras (he's taking both in for surgery so I'm not sure what I'll end up with as I'm leaving up to his judgement) will get me around a 34C which I was previously. I just want to feel normal with clothes on. I hope you become more satisfied as time goes on. My PS says it will take months till I see the final result. He anticipates some fat grafting later but I'm hoping I don't have too and have opted for the 3D nipples as I hope not to have to wear a bra again. I threw them all away the morning I left to have the mastectomy. Best of luck to you!!!!

Shoregirl

Hi BC101, sorry to hear of your difficulties. I too am not comfortable with my implants, although only 3 1/2 months post exchange. They are bigger than I wanted, heavy (pre-pec as well) and both have flipped over backwards at different times, one still backwards. I don't know if you saw my previous posts, but my PS suggested going in and removing mine and replacing with the anatomicals (gummy bears), even though there is the slight ALCL risk. I am in no way interested in doing that. He was originally going to put anatomicals in, then found out about the risk, and put smooth rounds in. So why on earth would he suggest them now, after he had backed away from them a few months ago? I am looking into replacing them with my own tissue, have my consult with a new PS on 8/21 as my current PS only does DIEP or Lat flaps and I can't have those. I am sick at the thought of more surgery too, but am slowly making peace with it.

So, I can relate to you about the discomfort, but the lump is obviously even more concerning. You mentioned an MRI, was that before finding the lump or after? I know the ultrasound was after. I would absolutely go see the PS and address all of your concerns. Do keep us posted!

2FUN

Shoregirl, what kind of proceedure are you looking into that will use your own tissue?

BC101. Sorry things are not going well. Hang in there!

robinblessed54

BC101, I am curious about 410's being pre pec?? They need a nice snug pocket to adhere and stay put. Did your PS use a lot of alloderm? They don't usually ripple either. I have them 2 1/2 years out but under pecs. They haven't caused me any trouble and not a sign of a ripple. I had never heard of the ALCL connection, but did look it up. The occurrence of it seems very small and it sounds like they aren't completely sure if it is connected.

Hope you can find a solution that works for you.

Robin

robinblessed54

Lettyf, congratulations on your EX date!! I am a bit concerned you are planning to return to work after a long weekend. Be careful! Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

If you are planning to have anatomical implants, you have to wear a snug front open sports bra a while. I had to 24/7 for a minimum of 6 weeks. I wore one for a year because I felt more comfortable. They must have a chance to adhere to the muscle to avoid rotating. Now I can go braless whenever I want! I have the 3D nipples and they are amazing!

Robin

bc101

Shoregirl - I found the lump after the MRI, but since I had 2 radiologists and 2 ultrasounds, I was reassured. That is, until now....mainly because I'm going through a lot of stress in my life and my anxiety is through the roof right now. Hmmmm....that is very strange that your PS would give you a different story on the ALCL concern. Besides, I think the gummy bears are heavier due to the cohesive gel, so it wouldn't be an improvement. The nice thing about a flap is that you won't have cold foobs. Still can't get used to that!

Robin - yes, my PS used LOTS of alloderm. I didn't think these were supposed to ripple either. It'll be interesting to see what my PS says. I know that the risk for ALCL is low, but it's just another thing on my worry list. Good on you - you have 3D nips AND you can go bra-less. NICE!

~M

LettyF

Good Morning Robinblessed54,

Thank you for the information. I was afraid of that but I want to make sure I do everything correctly. I went yesterday and my PS said we were in a losing battle with the left expander. Since last Tuesday 480ccs have been put in and its less than 1/3 my right. He said there was no need to keep putting myself thru the pain so he's doing surgery this Thursday morning at 9:30 to replace the expander. He said he will fill it to 500ccs at time of surgery and then I will wait a month an have only two fills to complete the process. It's bad that it sets the process back but I am still very fortunate in my treatment since diagnoses so I'm not complaining. Do you like the anatomical implants? Do they look/feel natural? He plans to go with the 685ccs. He said its the largest ones and will get me closest to where I was before surgery. I hope so. Have a great day!

Sitti

LettyF, can you tell how you discovered/figured out you had a small leak? Was it very obvious or did you suspect a leak and it slowly became evident? I think I may have one but not sure since there's not a drastic difference and my foobs look different from each other w/TE's. Thanks.

LettyF

During my 3rd fill the PS made the comment that he was going to stop at 70 ccs in the right (he had just put 100ccs in the left) because the breast appeared larger and said that I may just have to have two different implant sizes. He made it sound as if it could be something to do with my chest wall. Well, I thought nothing of it and went on vacation. I had no injuries nor pain but my daughter who hadn't seen me since my mastectomy commented on the size difference. So I measured (w/measuring tape - as scientific as it got :0) from center of my chest over the breast mound on both sides and noticed the left just slowly got smaller as the week progressed. When I returned for my next fill (last Tuesday), the PS put in 180ccs in the left and nothing in the right and I went back last Friday and he said well it looks like its a very slow leak and put in 120 in my left and 80 in my right and they looked about even. I went back yesterday and he just finished my right and said the fluid loss was too significant that there's no way we could stay on top of the leak to stretch the muscle enough to wait till exchange. I would have had to go every day and have 100-200ccs and he said he wasn't going to put me through that pain so he scheduled to replace it. Thank God he had a surgery cancellation that he could squeeze me into the only drawback is it's not my hospital that he had the cancellation at. He is a very good/popular PS and does surgeries at 3 different hospitals. I'll take what I can get so I can get back on track. Although its gonna set me back a month, I'm just thankful I'm healthy and have the opportunity to have reconstruction. Hopefully, minus 3-D nipple tattoos, we may still be able to finish before the end of the year as he's putting in 500ccs at the time of surgery and I'll only have two remaining fills on the left breast to get to 685ccs. I hope you don't have a leak. Good thoughts your way.

MrsB88

LettyF - I'm sure Robin will respond to your post but I'm chiming in because I have the 685cc Mentor anatomicals. My native breasts were a DD on the right & a D on the left. When my first set of 420 cc round, smooth Allergan moderate height profile implants were placed in 2010, I looked like I had flat pancakes on my chest. Didn't go back for revision. Six years later, I developed capsular contracture on the right & the left implant had developed a crease in the center (most unattractive). Went to a new PS who removed the old implants, fixed the cap. contracture & put expanders in again. She said the only way to go larger & back toward my native size was to start from scratch. She was pro anatomical so I went with her advice. She expanded me to 550cc on both sides & 3 mos. later put in the 685's. Sept. 15th it will be a year. I am very pleased with the implant size & shape. I wear a 36 C or D bra depending on the manufacturer & cut of the bra. I fill out my clothes again & have nice projection. Wishing you all the best & I hope this info. helps!

LettyF

Good Morning MrsB88,

Thank you for the post. If you don't mind my asking, what is your build? I'm 5'5" and weigh 147 with a fairly broad chest and hope this will get me back around where I was. I used to wear a 34C bra. I'm sorry you had the problems and had to start over (its a bummer when you have the set backs) but I'm glad your happy and hopefully finished now for good. Best wishes and thanks again.

robinblessed54

LettyF, I sent you a PM but didn't tell you my size. You and I are like identical twins!! Ha ha! I am 5' 5" and 147 pounds too! So my previous size was 36B and I am about a small C. Very close so that all of my clothes still fit me. I am also broad shouldered and I guess broad chest too.

Are you going with under the muscle? I think that is important with gummie bear implants. They need a nice tight pocket. So sorry to hear that you have to have an expander redo, but better to know now and get it right before the implants go in. Where do you live?

Robin

Candyapple17

Hi ladies, I just got my first post mastectomy fill. PS put in 150 CC at time of TE placement and I got 50 CC on Monday. A couple of questions for my online Friends-

1) Is it normal to feel nothing when they fill them and then a couple hours later to be in intense pain? Does this happen every time?

2) PS said he would continue to fill me until I was happy with the size and look but how do I figure out how many CC's would be a full C Cup? I was a 38 DD prior to mastectomy and don't want to go larger than a C with the reconstruction. I am 5'5 and weigh 150.

3) What is the recovery time for the exchange surgery? Will the dreaded drains be involved again?

Thanks friends

LettyF

Hey there Robinblessed54,

We are twins and if 54 is your age, I'm 52! I live right outside Mobile, Alabama in Semmes. It's good to hear from someone who's about the same size to get some idea of where I'll end up at. And yes, my implants are going under the muscle. I think that is the only way my PC will do them. Thank you for getting back with me. Have a great HUMP DAY :0)

Elkay7

Hi ladies,

I need your help. This whole process is causing me to get very depressed. I still feel overwhelming FLAT

Is it really possible that these implants will perk up and make me feel whole again when I am in clothes?

My PS has reassured me that I can have another exchange in a few months if I am still unhappy.

As always, thank you for "being there" when I have questions and concerns.

Elkay

LettyF

I am 5'5" and weigh 147 lbs and my PS seems to think 685ccs will get me close to the 34C that I was before and that's what Robinblessed54 said was the case with her, so I feel good about it. My PS says no drains with the exchange or my expander change out tomorrow (my left one is leaking and has to be replaced). From all I've read and gathered here and there is every 150-180ccs is equivalent to a cup size but that depends upon the chest. My PS doesn't talk in cup size and I think that is the consensus with other PSs as well. A wider chested woman would have to have more ccs than a narrower chested woman. I hope you find something useful in my rambling.

I had 200ccs when expanders were put in and then 100cc fills every two weeks a month out. I never had pain per se with the expansions just a really tight feeling as he neared the 100cc mark. But the next day I was sore. With me it got better with the fills, not necessarily less soreness but I guess less apprehension about the process. I hope you feel better & best wishes.

robinblessed54

LettyF, that is the year I was born so I am 63! MrsB88 had the 685cc. Mine are only 475cc. But got similar results as you are looking for. 685 seems like a lot for the size you want.

Did you get the PM I sent you

TrmTab

I would feel nothing at time of fill, but then it took 2-3 days for me to get used to the new fill amount. This was standard for me. I only had one cramp/spasm it was like a charlie-horse in the chest. Not something I wanted again and gratefully it never repeated.

2FUN

I had no pain or discomfort with my fills, but I was really uncomfortable after my exchange. Just goes to show how different we all are.