Visible ripples in implants

orchidgal

Sweetie, Just wanted you to know that as far as exercise, I used to do about 100 push ups a week. Since my pecs have been sliced and dices and stitched to high heaven, that has changed, but I still can get back to doing push ups and although ahvign had the neurctomy, your muscles just compensate, so the ones on the outside are doing the work. That was a huge concern initially, but no longer. It is like negotiating with each to get a little of both ;~)

sweetie2040

Deekay-keep us posted on your fat grafting. I hope that it really works out well for you. If I have surgery I think it would be after Feb because he said I have to wait at least four months from exchange. Thanks for the compliments. I actually look better in person than the pics. The pics make them look a lot bigger than they are, they really are not that big at all.

Orchidgal-thanks for sharing what your learned. If it is true what he said than I makes me worried about getting a larger implant. The size and shape I have now are just fine. Sometimes when I lay down or bend over though I can see where there is "space" there and it looks like I could use a few more cc's. Not too many though or it would be tight. Keep us posted on how your next appt goes and what he says.

Thank for the tips on the exercise. I really want to start doing more weights. I have lost a lot of definition in my arms, but I am afraid to do anything that engages my pec muscles too much. I am hoping in the spring to start some running.

We have just been bombarded with snow here. Another six inches today, this month's total is the most we've had since 1905! It's the 5th snow day for the kids. I have cabin fever really bad! You girls in CA,AZ and Fl are soooo lucky!

Anonymous

Orchidgal- Like sweetie said, I hope you keep us posted!  I am definitely curious what the new PS will say.  And I'm intrigued by the neurectomy.  You are the first person I have ever heard talk about that procedure!  I didn't even know it existed.

sweetie- I don't envy you with all that weather.  It's 28 degrees here in Phoenix last I checked and I'm freezing!!!  I finally had to break down and turn the heater on when my dogs started shivering, too!  LOL!  

vmudrow

Ok, so I am 5' 6" and weigh 120 pounds, barely an A cup before, expanded to 400ccs and implants are 450ccs - no rippling!!  Just lucky I guess.  My PS said NEVER to do push ups, bench press or flies - building the pec muscles can make the implants move outward, all other exercises are ok.  Interesting how all PS have different ideas.  It's 12 degrees here in Utah!!

hopefulhealing

wmudrow what kind of implants do you have?  Did they use alloderm?

 glad you don't have ripples

vmudrow

Determined - Natrelle implants - silicone.  No alloderm, my PS only uses it in unique cases - he thinks that if he gets it right and takes the time that it is not needed - my pictures are on the forum under Valerie if interested - they actually better now though - 4 months after exchange. 

Anonymous

vmudrow- No rippling?  Aren't you lucky!!!  Maybe your PS knows something ours doesn't!

So was really intrigued by orchidgals neurectomy on her pec muscles so I started a new thread asking if others have had this done and if any had it done during revision.  The flexing of the pecs really bugs me, probably more than the rippling, so if I do pursue a revision I might try to have this done as well.  Hopefully I'll get some feedback from others who have had it done, too.  The name of the thread is "Neurectomy on Pectoral Muscles during/after MX". 

sweetie2040

vmudrow-your the perfect ht and weight! You have the same size implants as me, but I have the rippling. I did see you pics and you PS did a great job. Did you put any updated ones up?

Kate33-that pec flexing thing drives me nuts too! I was working out yesterday in the basement and I had a tank top on and it was so noticeable. It seems every motion I do makes them distort in weird ways. I'll check out your new thread.

I'm ready for spring you guys!

Anonymous

sweetie- I'm having great empathy for you guys back east!  Don't know how you live there!  It's 25F here in Phoenix and I'm whining like a baby!  Our fountain actually had icicles in it this morning!  Wild!  I grew up in Michigan but it was many years ago.  (So long, I actually forgot how to spell icicles!  LOL!)  Stay warm and safe!

hopefulhealing

how do you sort on the picture forum......... sorry so dumb so I don't have to scroll through so many?

I lived in MI for 12 years......... where did you grow up Kate?

deekaay

You guys don't even want to hear that it was 78 degrees today in Tampa! 

orchidgal

Just read alll the posts on this last page and guess I'll add my story. We're all in the same boat! Never thought I'd be considering a revision, and it doesn't look like much can be expected re those darned ripples. My PS said he could reduce the skin or go up a size. I went for a 2nd, and the 2nd PS took 2.5 hrs. to go over everything with me, to educate me on how reconstruction with implants work, and don't work. Not wanting to go larger either, he encouraged me to go back to my original PS and let him put in larger ones, like 25cc or 50cc larger. He said that 25cc is  only 2 TBS, so hardly noticable in size, yet enough to hide some ripples. I guess I'll do this, and when the nipple surgery happens my PS does fat grafting as well. My PS does neurectomies on the pecs, and one side didn't take, so he will also try to cut that nerve so both sides will be more similar. The neurectomy side is drooping, so he will lift that. I might have gone with the 2nd, but his fee is huge, as I would be starting over, and I haven't been working for almost a year, and still have the cost of decuctible and out of pocket, plus the nipple/fat grafting surgery ahead. Whew. Sometimes I think of just letting it be, but when I see those ripples it's pretty upsetting. I originally had some nice, zero droop small nymph type breasts, and thought because I was offering nice skin flaps I'd get a good enough result. A bit worried about if the slightly larger implant will stretch the skin more, creating more ripples. Anyone have info on that? I feel for you all, and hope that things turn out well for you. 

neversaydie

Hey I am due to exchange in 3 days would love to see the pictures on the forum but dont know how to access...can somebody tell me how? I currently have 500cc and PS says he wants to put in 600cc for a wider implant due to my "wide sternum" hope I don't wind up looking like Dolly Parton as I am 5'4" and 130lbs!!

soccermomofthree

Oh my, I thought I may be joining this group...but now I know I am.  Yep, I too have visible, horrible ripples...I do have saline implants. I knew this could be a problem with them.  I also have thin skin.  PS used alloderm for the sling.

deekaay

Never, PM whippetmom to request access to picture forum.

bindola3

Hi, I'm new...from italy...had mastectomy and recostruction with Mentor 485cc and my rippling is horrible, next month I'll had my second lipofilling and situation is improving. I hope ! kiss everybody - I use wireless bra bought on line from victoria's secret...it's great!

cleo100

leeinfl, I am intrigued by your procedure. Have you posted pictures to the picture forum and if not, would you be willing? I'm sure there are a lot of us on this site that would love the option you suggested. Does the doctor use your own "fat" and if so, from where? Thanks!

                                                                           Cleo

leeinfl

Cleo100 - I haven't posted the photos here but they are on the fatgraftpatients.com forum that Alexandra hosts.  I've been meaning to post them here as well, but haven't found the time (or technical motivation.....)

I'm still amazed at this whole process and very happy with the outcome.  I get my tattoos on Thursday - see the light at the end of this L-O-N-G tunnel!

 Yes, the doctor uses your own fat, which is a wonderful bonus!  Liposculpting!  In my case, he took my much hated saddlebags (outer and inner thighs) and in the second round he took from my lower back ("muffin top").  Love it!

Basically he will take wherever you have "extra".  Even on very thin women he has managed to find enough fat to do the fat grafting.  

cleo100

leeinfl, the thought of lipo even in us smaller women is exciting and tempting. Best of luck with your tats! I am going to do some research on the fat grafting.     cleo

sweetie2040

Kate and Deekay-I had enough winter!  I took my son to school at 7 and hit a patch of black ice and almost slide into two way uncoming traffic. My brakes locked up and I quickly turned the wheel and hit a huge snowbank and got stuck. A guy in a truck with a chain had to pull me out! Ahhh, I need spring bad!

Orchidgal-I don't think the size your Dr is suggesting is going to be too big or stretch you skin. It sounds like a worthy plan although there is no guarantee. My Dr's office called me to see when I wanted to schedule exchange and I told her I wasn't ready. She said his notes said he thought the larger implant might help, but again no guarantee. I know how you feel about paying the deductible again. It would be the same for me, plus out still out of work. I do think though if it keeps bothering us and we are not happy we might as well go for it and try to get the best results possible. I did ask the surgical scheduler about how many people came back for a revision and she said almost half, especially the younger women.

Never-good luck with your exchange, keep us posted on how you do. I may be going next.

Bindola-glad that FG is helping you. My Dr doesn't offer it. Not sure if I should try to pursue it with another Dr. Keep us posted on your final results.

Soccermom-sorry you've had to join our ripple club. We are all trying to figure this out and help eachother through this. Saline is noted for rippling more, have you considered changing out to silicone? That may be a big help right there. I have alloderm too and very thin skin, also a problem for ripples.

soccermomofthree

sweetie,  I don't really want silicone...I just had the surgery and I dread the thought of another just because its work.  The pain was so minimal but the restrictions after surgery slow me down so much.  I have three kids oldest 16, 11, and 5.  I have work to do .  I do feel better knowing this is a common problem. I would not wish this on anyone though.  Do you have a nice bra that makes the ripples go away?  I wondered about Bindola's bra suggestion.  Sweetie I am so sorry to hear about your weather problems!  Spring is coming...flowers are getting ready to bloom and cheer you!

sweetie2040

soccermom- I understand how you feel...the thought to another surgery,sigh. You do have your hands full  with kids and working so that makes it even harder to find time to rest. I don't think a revision is too major though and should require only a couple of days unless pocket work is needed. Still it is surgery. You say you just had your surgery right?, so things may change over the next few months and look a lot better. I'd definately give yourself more time to adjust and see how things change.  Do you mind if I ask why you didn't want silicone? My friend was going to get saline and really was against silicone but then the Dr told her that the Saline implants had a silicone shell. I honestly don't know which is better, but I have heard saline does tend to ripple more. I do think it is very common and I have done some research and found even many women who have breast augmentations rippling too. For the bra I wear an underwire demi style and it really lifts and pushes them up. In a bra they look very good and full and you don't really see the ripples. It is weird because I am happy with how they look in clothes, but not so much without.

I am really looking forward to spring now! I just took a walk and it was a little warmer but I had to wear a big coat,scarf,earmuffs,gloves and two shirts. I felt like a big ballon.

Anonymous

Determined- I grew up in Wyoming, MI, just outside Grand Rapids.  How about you?

soccermomofthree- Sorry you had to join our club.  As far as bras I second what sweetie said- a good underwire demi style does seem to work best.  Make sure you get a good bra fitting.  (I think Nordstrom's is the best, if you have one in your area, but make an appointment because not all the fitters are trained to work with MX patients.)  There's a good thread on here for bra suggestions called "Bras 101: The Great Post-Exchange Debate".

leeinfl- I know that you had Dr. Khouri replace your implant with a smaller one and then do the fat grafting.  Just curious why you went that route as opposed to pure fat grafting? Was it so you wouldn't have to do the Brava system?  Also, have you had any sensation return since doing this?  I've heard some women get some back afterwards.

bindola- Wanted to welcome you, too, all the way from Italy.  (My favorite place in the world, by the way!)  Where are you in Italy?  My DH and I got to visit Rome, San Gimignano and Positano recently and fell in love.  We can't wait to go back!

sweetie- Glad you were o.k. after your encounter with the snow bank!   

Anonymous

soccermom - Talk to your PS about your ripples.  The saline implants can have more saline added for up toeither 3 or 6 months.  He may be able to add just a small amount of saline to correct or at least improve the look.

bindola3

thank you, you're great! I live in Padua, near Venice in the north of Italy. I see we share the same problems, Europe or USA,  technique and cures are commons. I'm tall and skinny but my surgeon could take my fat from legs and next time from knees... the results is good and more natural and I suggest all of you. sorry for my bad english

soccermomofthree

Sweetie yes I had my exchange surgery last Monday. I don't actually work. I stay home with my children. I just don't want to concentrate on me anymore. Surgery makes me think all about me all the time.  I was told that if I had silicone implants that I would need to have MRI's still of my breasts.  I didn't want to have to do that monitoring anymore that is why I picked the saline.  I didn't want MRI's or mammos.  It just sounded so freeing to not have them.  Thank you so much for the bra info.  This may sound lame, but what is demi style?  I was an A before surgery and never paid much attention to bras.  Thank you for the support you are a sweet sweetie

Kate thank you for the info!  We don't have a Nordstrom. The closest one is an hour and a half away.  Maybe sometime I can go.  I would love a Nordstrom!

SeaFoobs I will see my PS on Friday and see what he says.  He told me before surgery that this may happen.  I think being thin skinned comes into play so much.  Its strange to think that my implant is just right there...only skin deep.   Well and some muscle.

DMD

Welcome Bindola3 all the way from Italy. Glad you found us! Too bad that we all have the same problems but good to have each other for support!

Keep us posted on your progress.  My ripples are just starting to appear I am wondering if they get worse with time or if they remain the same?

Anonymous

soccermomofthree- Demi cup just refers to the bra covering half of the breast showing cleavage on the top.  When you wear an underwire it pushes the implant up a little which makes the rippling disappear.  (Well, while the bra is on anyway.)  And, yes, it is strange to think that the implant is just under the skin.  My PS told me that implants were never designed for recon.  They were designed for augmentation and to be placed under breast tissue.  That is why we have issues with rippling and why our breasts can feel colder than the rest of our skin.  Sorry you don't have a Nordstrom's but a lot of big department stores also have bra fitters.  If you're like me I never wore underwire bras before because I was so small and always thought they were uncomfortable.  If you're properly fitted, though, they are very comfortable.  (I've even slept in some of mine.)  The good thing about underwires is they hold the implants in the right place as they are healing.  Even women who have had augmentation are told to wear them as sometimes the implants want to gravitate towards the arm pits.

DMD- From everything I've read it varies if the rippling gets better or worse.  Some say after the implants have settled (they call it dropping and fluffing on here) it gets better.  Others, like me, seem to find it just gets worse.  Don't know why it's different from one to the other.  My PS did tell me that putting on weight can add fat to the breasts which can cover the rippling but it seems like a women would have to put on a LOT of weight for that to happen.  Mine just seems to settle "north"!  LOL! 

soccermomofthree

Kate-thank you for the info. Yep I'm like you never wore underwire because I was so small and they poked. I am happy to here a PS say that about the intention of implants not for reconstruction.  Now how about a company getting on board to correct this . There are so many of us that would buy them.  So I am one week out from implant surgery. My TE was larger than my implant...do you think I have settled?  Also I can't even bare the thought but one is bigger than the other with the same cc's in each side...HELP

Anonymous

soccermom- I don't think you've settled, yet, so I would wait on doing a bra fitting for now or if you do go just buy a couple less expensive ones.  I saw changes for up to 6 months or so after exchange so the unevenness may still work itself out.  Did you know, though, that most women naturally have one breast larger than the other?  It's true!  I agree with you that they need to develop a better implant for recon.  Maybe by the time we need to have ours exchanged we'll have better options.