BREAST IMPLANT SIZING 101

stepmic

Oh thank you so much for all the tips for bras and fills and chicken cutlets, lala, whippetmom and 2nd time around. This is so helpful!!

Anyone else out there with anything else to add would also be welcomed!

I am so glad there is this board where I can ask questions like I have and get some solutions!! Who else could you ask, really?

Thanks.

Karen

dessert1st

Stepmic, I am a uni mx with TE too and what I found to help hide was the flowy or fly away cardigans sweaters and scarfs. Now with the warm weather it could be a challenge. Although there are light weight/shortsleeve fly away sweaters. There are cotton shirts in Target that have muti tierd fabricate in the front that helps hide the unevness. You don't want straight across and these work great. The breast forms are helpful in the beginning and as you expand, they can be used sideways too as you get larger. The genie bra is great as it gives it shape. I just wish you could adjust the strap to lift the dropping boob.
I have the challenge of figuring out the way too look symmetrical in a bathing suit with one droopy 40d and one high TE! for my vaca the end of April!

jenamae

Had my surgery on Tuesday and my right nipple is way bruised is this normal? And under is bruised too wanna.make sure its just that

lala1

Thanks, Whippetmom. You're right. I did use the term "gummy" back then when I thought all silicone was gummie!! Sorry! I think I actually have the Allergan TE in. They gave me a model number of 133MX-13-T which corresponds to the Allergan catalog. I think this is where I'm having the confusion. I've looked thru the Allergan catalog and all the implants which measurements like my TE (especially projection) were bigger cc. And he handed me an implant that he likes to use which said Naturelle on it. I'm going to ask for another consultation with my PS (which means I'll mean 30 min. watching him roll his eyes at all my questions) because I'm one of those types that has to know EVERYTHING in advance. I love research!! He, on the other hand, thinks that since he's the one with the degree and experience, I should just leave it up to him. So which model should I look at? I don't see any Allergan implants that have moderate plus profile and none seem to match my TE dimensions.

lala1

Stepmic--For the droopy boob, early on I used on of those "sticky boobs" as I call them. They look like an insert but have glue on the side next to the skin. I would stick it to the underside and then lift and stick to my chest. Actually worked quite well for me although I did spend alot of time relifting and resticking throughout the day if I got overly active!

pattiw661

Hi Whippetmom), just found this forum and hope its not too late. I start the mapping process for radiation on March 12, but am not sure my TEs are filled appropriately. Like some of the gals, my PS isn't very forthcoming with info! Had BMX 11/5/12 and my TEs (natrelle 133Mx-12, 400 ml) are filled to 430 on right, and 450 on left (side to be radiated). Recon on left side will be using lat flap. I was a small 34c before mx and would like a full C after recon. I am 5'6", 31" around, 135 lbs. and long wasted. What would you suggest for implant size, and am I filled appropriately? Your input will be truly appreciated, as I hope to get this right with one surgery!

Lady7mom

Wow Lala,

I'm the same way and my PS makes it a power struggle, she knows it all and if I don't talk nice and stroke her ego then she just won't tell me anything. My good friend is a family practice doctor and she said its that PS is the top of the food chain and they don't look down on the little people very well. LOL good lucck and keep doing research it gives us the knowledge we need. donna

lala1

Lady7mom---Lol! My BS asked me the other day how I was liking my PS (since my BS picked him out!) and when I told him that PS had the personality of a stick, he looked around and quietly said "I'm convinced they teach them that in med school!" I love my BS! Wish he was the one I had to see all the time. However, I will say, my PS is really really good so far. I haven't had any complications and all my various doctors and nurses just drop their jaw and say "Wow! What a great job!" when they see my poor left MX boob. Very thin, nice looking scar with just the right amount of fill in the TE. As my dad says "What do you want? A great looking new boob or a fun PS?" With all that we have to go through why can't we have both!!

TinaT

lala1 - If I'm not mistaken, Allergan Style 15 is now called "midrange profile", but it used to be called "moderate plus profile".  I hope Whippetmom will jump in and correct me if I'm wrong. 

http://breastimplantadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Allergan-catalogue-file.pdf

JamieB86

lala - I lucked out. My PS is fun and talented. Most of his patients have a little crush on him. My BS seems stiff at first, but is really a sweetie. I am so grateful to have such a great team of doctors.

whippetmom

lala1: Oops....you are right....you said Allergan. I was confusing you with someone else. So you would need Allergan Style 15, which is the midrange profile implant. You would need this implant in 397 ccs. Again, this is all dependant upon gaining symmetry with your native breast.

Anonymous

They ARE out there! I got a hilarious PS! And I'm only 3 weeks post-exchange, but I think he did a great job. (But, Lala, if I had to pick just one I'd vote with your dad and go for the fabulous boob! Lol.)

lala1

Thanks again, Whippetmom. That was the size I had just about decided would work for me. I am wondering about one other thing....I see projection from TE is 6.7 and projection from implant would be 4.2. Seems like the implant would be alot flatter than the TE. I'm guessing I should just prepare myself for not being quite as "busty" as the TE makes me (albeit on one side!) or will that implant drop a bit a give more projection in time? I've kinda started to like actually having a bust for once!!

Lilah

Lala -- "personality of a stick" LOL

Allergan and Natrelle are the same company.  I don't think I saw anyone else saying this so I thought I'd clarify that (since you said you were a little confused by that).  I think at some point in the past they were two different companies and Allergan bought Natrelle (or something) but both names are used.  Allergan INCLUDES but is not limited to the gummy (Allergan 410).

Sounds like you, Whippetmom and your PS are all on the same page for size and style of implant!

lala1

Ok...so here's a general question, mostly just because I'm way to curious for my own good! If you have one brand of expander, does that mean you can only put in that brand of implant? If this is true, it seems us breast cancer girls get the raw end of the stick! When you get your diagnosis time moves in warp speed. It's not till you are gearing up for exchange surgery that you really get to start thinking about types/sizes of implants. However if you're just planning a "boob job", then you have lots of time for research. So maybe one brand of implant would have had a better choice but you don't get the choice because you have the other brand of expander! Of course, I may be totally off base and then this would be a moot excercise of my brain.

Blessings2011

lala1 - I agree with your dad! 

After you heal, you will never have to see your personality-of-a-stick PS again.

On the other hand, you will see your fabulous new boob every day for the rest of your life. 

MNSusan

Lala1 - I have Sientra dual chamber TEs and my PS is planning to use Allergan implants. I don't think it's hard and fast that surgeons stay with one company's products, but your mileage may vary.

Anonymous

Lala1,

I think it depends on your PS. Mine uses Allergan TE's and Mentor implants.  Haven't seen her again since that appointment to find out why, but that's what she does.  That's one of the questions I plan to ask her next time (my pre-op for exchange surgery).

Lmimp64

Hi Whippetmom,

I hope you can help me. I had skin saving only BMX on jan 9. I'm 5'7 and 130lbs. I was a middle to larger A cup before and my rib cage below my breasts is 32.5inches. The ps went direct to implant with alloderm. He put in natrelle silicone style 45 320cc (allergen ). Since the third week I've been with a terrific pt, but I'm still in considerable discomfort/pain. It continuously feels like an incredibly tight strap around my chest with tight pinching underwires. There is also pressure/pain/tightness over my recon. My new foobs are tight and the right barely moves if i push on it. Left is a little softer/movable. My ps said its in my head. He put an implant on his chest, leaned back and said he barely felt anything. I've since been for two other opinions and aim for more, but would appreciate your input. One says redo with expanders then wider/larger implants to decrease cleavage and match shape (one is pointy and one is flat), and the other says view implants as expanders, redo alloderm and put in a smaller implant or do a lat flap and use a smaller implant. I'm so confused. I'm in chemo right now, and the combination of chest pain and side effects is beating me right now. I am 48 with a ten year old son I dearly want to run around with all summer.

Thank you for your time.

Lmimp64

Forgot to say second ps and my pt both mentioned capsular contraction for right.

Lmimp64

Thanks, kayb. I would be interested in any recommendations for a ps in Atlanta. I appreciate the support and guidance on this forum. It's amazing.

Fippym

Lmimp64,

We have almost the same dates for diagnosis. My diagnosis was 10-31-2102 and surgery was 1-9-13. I have tissue expanders in currently and also have a lot of tightness and odd pains. I hope you find a PS that can help you and make you more comfortable. Also, is your therapist doing soft tissue procedures like massage? Good luck and I wish the best for you!

Lmimp64

Thanks, Fippym. I'm glad you went expanders. I definitely think the implants directly were a mistake. Everyone thinks they are TEs. I found out later (from my PS) that most people who go this route had implants before. Wish he had told me that before surgery! My pt is doing massage and as well as working on cording on my ribs. I think she is great. Good luck to you too. I look forward to hearing of your progress.

TinaT

Lmimp64 - I also am saddened by your PS's attitude and comments.  I hope you are able to switch to one of the others that you saw.  Also, I don't know that your PS's comment about the direct-to-implant method being mainly used on augmented women is true.  I guess I can see where that might help, but I've read many posts on BCO (mainly on the nipple-sparing thread) and I don't recall any of them mentioning that they already had implants.  Could be it just didn't make an impression.  Do you think your PS is just covering tracks?

Hang in there!!!

Fippym

I am so glad your therapist is doing massage! I am an Occupational Therapist so have friends that specialize in lymphedema and breast cancer patients. I am so amazed not either of my doctors have ever mentioned therapy for me.....but I am so glad you are doing well. I think every person going through this should have atleast a few visits. Thank Goodness I knew basically what to do. Can't wait to get my exchange and these rocks out of my chest. Will definitely keep you updated and will keep checking on you!

Fippym

Lmimp64:

I am so glad your therapist is doing massage! I am an Occupational Therapist so have friends that specialize in lymphedema and breast cancer patients. I am so amazed not either of my doctors have ever mentioned therapy for me.....but I am so glad you are doing well. I think every person going through this should have atleast a few visits. Thank Goodness I knew basically what to do. Can't wait to get my exchange and these rocks out of my chest. Will definitely keep you updated and will keep checking on you!

whippetmom

Well, I personally think that a high profile, smooth round silicone implant - Style 20 - would be much better, and the volume you would need would be at least 500 ccs, but I think you could even handle 550 ccs.  But this would mean you would need a lift plus implant on the native side. 

You have your PS telling you he is going to use an implant in the 300 cc up to 400 cc range, and so I gave you the correct implant to use in that volume range.  But then you say you like the size and volume you have currently.  So you and your PS need to be on the same page here and I think that you are on one page and he is on the other.  If you do not get this straightened out prior to the exchange, you could be very disappointed with the end result.

You are correct about the lower profile of the Style 15 implant.  It will be quite a bit smaller than your TE also.  It is not the direction I would choose to go, as I would prefer the Style 20 implant and a lift/augmentation on the native side.  So you need to clear all of this up with your PS. 

whippetmom

lmimp64:

Crazy, simply crazy.  Who IS that guy?  kayb is right....totally insane.  He used a bizarre size and style implant for your frame anyway.  It is far too narrow! So I feel that you need to PM me and give me all of the names of the plastic surgeons you have seen to date.  There is no reason you should continue to go through this agony.  I would suggest that we find a PS you will be happy with and then I think we sort out what is best for you at this time in your life. 

pattiw661

Hi Whippetmom), just found this forum and hope its not too late. I start the mapping process for radiation on March 12, but am not sure my TEs are filled appropriately. Like some of the gals, my PS isn't very forthcoming with info! Had BMX 11/5/12 and my TEs (natrelle 133Mx-12, 400 ml) are filled to 430 on right, and 450 on left (side to be radiated). Recon on left side will be using lat flap. I was a small 34c before mx and would like a full C after recon. I am 5'6", 31" around, 135 lbs. and long wasted. What would you suggest for implant size, and am I filled appropriately? Your input will be truly appreciated, as I hope to get this right with one surgery!

sweetandspecial

Pattiw661: it's nice to find someone with the same surgery date as me .  My BMX was 11-5-12 also and I'm currently trying to decide whether or not to overfill.  My TE's were filled to capacity at 600cc on 1-24-12 and while they're definitely uncomfortable I haven't had any real pain since early December.  I have come to the conclusion that my PS is relatively conservative and I'm afraid I'm going to be disappointed if I go with his recommendation of a 575cc implant.

My hubby and I are off on a tropical trip next week and then I see PS again on the 28th to get another fill and then possibly another after that.  PS seems to be a little skeptical about Whippetmom's recommendation for me (I trust her implicitly, period, end of story!) and thinks we need to overfill to accommodate a 750cc high profile implant.

I don't have radiation issues to deal with and my heart goes out to you and everyone else that has to deal with that complication to this process.  Hang in there....Whippetmom will help you find the right implant.