Visible ripples in implants

tembo

kate33- thanks so much for your message. I've been trying to catch up on all the posts on this thread. I'm thrilled your PS was able to do fat grafting and it actually worked to resolve the rippling. Hooray. That is encouraging. I'm in the Seattle area and my PS recently went to Dr. K's workshop in Florida and is very excited about using fat grafting. I'll have to ask him if he's open to using it for ripples. I'm concerned about how they can inject it for ripples without tearing/disrupting the implants. Is this not a big issue?   How long after your exchange did you have the fat grafting done?  If the fat is going to be reabsorbed at what point do you know?

Thanks again.  

Anonymous

I don't want to rock the boat or give controversy to the conversation, but I am one of the people that as the capsule formed my ripples diminished. I had a lot of rippling in the first weeks and now 10/11 weeks out of exchange I think I have very few ripples compared to before. If I lean over in crazy positions I can still see 'some' but they are not bad. I was seeing them as I stood naked at about a month out and now those are gone, drop & fluff to thank!?

I am also interested in FG but for a shelf I have above my implant, My PS has worked with Dr K too and im excited to meet with my PS next week to see what's up. My chest wall is definitely boney and I would like to remedy the divots after the summer...

... I was told to give it three months before I judged and I did. Some things, actually a lot of things improved and I am glad I relaxed for a bit and let my body do it's thing with the implants.
I hope that with time things even out, or if not you are able to remedy the situation...

Anonymous

fire-dancer- Definitely not rocking the boat!  It's good to see someone whose rippling resolved on it's own!  I think you'll love the FG.  I also had that step off and my cleavage area was very boney.  The FG improved that and took away the rippling- even when I'm leaning over.  (I even posted a photo on the picture forum showing this.)  

tembo- With the technique that my PS, Dr. Khouri, uses he first needs to create a space for the fat to go.  The way he did it for me was by taking out my implants and putting in smaller ones because I did not want to go any bigger.  (In fact, I wanted to go smaller.)  If someone doesn't do that then he has them wear the BRAVA system for several weeks.  It's an external device that's worn for several hours a day for weeks.  The bad thing is I don't believe insurance pays for the BRAVA so that would be out of pocket.  My exchange was last June and I did the fat grafting in May.  You should probably wait at least 6 months before considering a revision.  Maybe you'll be lucky and it'll resolve on it's own like fire-dancer but if not at least you know you have options.  There is another member on here named take_two who is also in the Seattle area.  She had her surgery the same day I did with Dr. Khouri but she said her PS up there is also getting trained.  I wonder if it's the same guy? 

tembo

fire-dancer and Kate33 - the discussion is helpful and since you're both happy with your results I'm encouraged. I'm only 4 weeks out from my exchange so I have a ways to go before I know what the results will be.  I'm trying to avoid any more surprises and be proactive about potential choices. I'm interested in everyone's experience and glad to hear it. If take_two is still on the forums I'll try to connect with her and see who her PS is.      

TinaT

tembo:  You can contact anyone here off-list.  In the upper right corner of this page select "Search", then type in the member's name.  You should be able to pull up a page on which she has posted.  Click on the name and look for an option to send a private message (PM). 

tembo

Thanks TinaT I'm still finding my way around!

vanderlady

Hi everyone - it has been a long time since i posted. I had revision surgery in dec. He put in 600cc up from 475. Had a major affect on the rippling. Now six months out, i see some but it doesn't bother me one bit. They look great AND i refrained from all sports due to fear of hurting myself BUT i played beach volleyball the past two weeks. No pain. Yeah. This is huge. I would get. Lot of pain before becUse i think the implAnt was too small for thr pocket and was sloshing around. I'm very, very happy.

Anonymous

vanderlady- It is great to hear from you!  I am so happy for you that your PS was able to not only fix the rippling but make you feel better as well.  It is a great feeling, isn't it?  You joined BCO just a little after I did so feel like we've been on this road together.  Again, so happy for you!!!!

TinaT

vanderlady and Kate33:  Boy, long roads for both of you!  So glad you persisted and are now feeling happier with your outcomes.  It's like a second job, isn't it???

Anonymous

TinaT- Exactly!  Now that I'm all "done" I have to go out and get a real one!! 

deekaay

Kate, so nice to pop in on this thread and see how happy you are with your revision!!!!  Also, have checked out the new you on the forum and you look great.  You size just looks so natural for you.  deekaay

Anonymous

deekaay- Thank you!  I feel like my new PS gave me a happy ending to all this.  I ask my DH in his humble opinion if the fat grafting felt like real breasts.  He said they're a little firmer and then said it's like real breasts......only when you were 20!  LOL!  Oh well, I'll take that!  

EileenKaye1

Hi Kate33-

I reviewed your updated photo's==you look great.  You are an inspiration.

As always--thanks so much for giving me hope.  I know that the problem with my implants will be resolved.

Fellow BC Survivor.

Eileen

Anonymous

Eileen- Thank you so much!  It made such a difference for me.  I'm wishing the same for you!

Anonymous

Just an update- It's been 4 months since my micro fat grafting and am still not seeing any rippling even bending over.  If rippling is something that is bothering any of you I would definitely look into this.  I think it really is the answer for those of us with really thin skin.

mtks

Hi Kate! You are an inspiration to all!!

I wish I could locate a PS in Kansas, that has been trained under Dr. Khouri.

Any ideas on how to go about it? I had traditional FG done 3 months ago and not all

of the fat "took". Esp. in the shelf area. It would be so nice to actually have no rippling, indentations, upper shelf area concerns. I want this for everyone!

Anonymous

mtks- Have you checked out the thread-

"Microfat grafting or BRAVA doctor recommendations"?

Women have been posting the names and locations of their doctors.  You may find a name on there.

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/769795?page=3#idx_74 

Anonymous

Hi!

I just had FG on Monday. My PS took from 3 areas, hips & lower belly. I was so black & blue after...I didn't really preapare for the amount of bruising I had. I must say I was surprised the bruising extended from my hips up to my ribs.

My PS has done conferences with Dr K. and I am pretty sure he uses the same method. I have small incisions almost under my arm pits where the fat was injected. I must say I am thrilled with the results! My shelf is gone, the slight rippling is almost non existent, and the bonus is that my muscles don't flex in that wierd way over the implant anymore!

My question is this - how long after FG do you know if the fat will "take"? Everything looks so good I am crossing my fingers that it stays this way.

I know my imlants will need to be replaced 8 or so years from now (give or take) but how often is FG needed to maintain the look I have now? I know everyones different, but thought I'd ask anyway. :-)

Kate - I wasn't sure if Dr K gave you any info on what to anticipate for the future as far as FG goes, thought maybe you might have some input on my questions.

Well, for now I am a bruised, but extremely happy camper! I have wanted a 'natural' looking slope since bmx and now I have it! I put on a v-neck shirt today and for the first time since all this started, I actually felt confident in it! I'm starting to be more at peace with my recon now. I was never fully unhappy, but never fully comfortable either. Now I think I can accept my new look more than ever before. For having to go thru all of this BC crap, it feels nice to actually feel good about something.

slinky

Firedancer, my PS does micro-fat grafting which I had done 17 days ago.  I had four areas lipo'd and also bruised from hip to ribs.  On the 15th day, I noticed the rippling along the cleavage area and the top of the implants where the cleavage is.  The shelf area still looks nice and smooth (this is where he injected the most fat).  I am told by numerous women and my PS that 2-3 sessions might be needed to achieve what I am trying to achieve.  I plan to have another session by the end of the year - I am very happy with the way my PS tightened the pockets and evened out the symmetry.

Anonymous

Slinky- interesting to hear. My PS gave me the warnings that FG doesn't always take, etc, but we didn't discuss me having more than this session prior to surgery. My rippling was really slight, it actually improved as my implants settled after exchange. The shelf/divots made me crazy, my bony chest made me feel so fake looking. I can feel the fat in the shelf-area, I'm thinking he might have put more in there in anticipation of some not taking? Either way if I stay looking like this I'll be happy, but I'm only 4 days out so I know swelling might be a factor, too.

I also had my pockets tighted at exchange, so my symmetry is pretty spot-on. Was your FG done at exchange? My exchange was in March so I've waited for the summer to pass and things to fall into "place" prior to FG, but I've known since May I'd go for it. I hope you achieve the look you are going for with your next session!

slinky

Firedancer, I had my exchange in June and this is a revision - I swapped out textured implants for smooth implants.  My first exchange bottomed out and had other issues, so I waited 8 weeks before getting the revision which included FG and alloderm.

sweetie2040

Firedancer-we had our exchanges about the same time and the same issues. I am seeing two Dr's this week about FG. I already had a revision to a larger implant which did nothing.

Slinky-I got an opinion that more alloderm and a larger implant may help my rippling. Did it help you? What size implants and style did you get? Did you go up in size on the exchange? Mine seem like they are kind of lower and I would like them higher too.

slinky

Sweetie, I went from 650 cc textured to 650 smooth high profile implants.  I had an alloderm sling both times, but the second time alloderm was put over the top, too.  Pockets were really tightened and hiked up.  Overall, very happy with the work the PS did.  FG over the shelf of the implants look good, but I will need more on the top near the cleavage, cleavage and underarm where lymh nodes were removed.  I am also going to ask about putting some behind the areola.  Rippling is not too bad, but still to early to say for sure. 

sweetie2040

Slinky-What you had done sounds exactly what I might need. I have a lot of loose skin and with the revision the Dr did a lift from the bottom which did nothing. I think they need to be higher. Can I ask your weight and height? I am 5'7" 135 and considering 650's in style 45,ultra high profile. It sounds like you had a great PS. I gave my first PS two chances and that's it! I am going to discuss all of this with the PS I see tomorrow. I think a combination of the three things would help a lot. I hope you have great results and no more rippling. Are you happy so far? Did you post any pics on the forum?

Anonymous

fire-dancer- Congratulations on your procedure!  Really hope it fixes everything for you!  Dr. K didn't really make any promises as far as fat being absorbed.  I know the average for his technique is around 85% retention vs. 50% with the other method.  I do feel I've had some loss but some of that may have been to me losing weight in general.  (That's why he always wants women to be as close to their ideal weight as possible before doing the procedure.)  The biggest disappointment has been my pec muscles have tightened up once more and can now see that strange flexing again.  No rippling anywhere, though.  As far as your bruising does your PS have you in a compression garment (like Spanx)?  Dr. K has you wear them for several weeks.  It helps the lipo areas heal more smoothly.  My bruising seemed to go away pretty quickly though I had a few sore spots for quite awhile and still have a few small patches of numb skin that should resolve with time.  

slinky

Sweetie, I have my pics on the photo forum.  I don't have ultra high profiles, but I have high profiles.  I am 5"5" and 112 lbs.

sweetie2040

Slinky-I just checked out your pics- you look awesome!!! The 650's are great on you and your very petite and thin. I'm sure if they fit you that well that would be fine on me. You have incrediable abs too by the way. Did you have a choice between the 20's and 45's and why did you ultimately choose the 20's. You seem to have a narrow ribcage. Mine is 30 and my TE were only 12 cm so I'm not sure I can use the 20's if I go to 650 because they might be too wide. I'm glad you posted your pics because it's encouraging to see another person who had a revision get such great results. You had a few ripples before but mine are so much more extreme. By the way you look great in those pretty bras too.

slinky

Sweetie, thanks! I am really happy with the results so far.  I was never given 20's, only 45's were considered.  I need all the projection I can get.  Did you talk to Whippetmom yet? She can advise on the size.  Even though my bra size seems big to accomodate the implants, I actually look like a full C in clothing.  I like the size on me (for now).  If/when I swap these out 10-15 years down the road, I probably will go a bit smaller.  I like how the smaller size looks more athletic - but I am loving my curves now!

sweetie2040

Slinky-oh so you do have the 45's? They are considered ultra high profiles right? That is what Debra has recommended for me to fill in the upper pole. I'm glad to hear your happy with the size. Do you see any rippling at all in any position? I hope it takes care of that once and for all! I see one Dr tomorrow for a consult. I'll you know what she says. She does FG as well so we'll see if she suggests that for me too.

Anonymous

Sweetie- good luck at the appt tomorrow! I hope you get answers/options from the PS. It's really difficult to be hanging on, knowing that something needs to be done to move on through the reconstruction. I'm really hoping to be done "for now"...but the truth is that revisions/implant exchange is going to always be somewhere in the picture...I just would hope we all get a nice long break from revisions/recon for a while ;-)

Kate- yes, I am sporting some Spanx. I was in a binder for a few days, THAT was annoying! My bruising and swelling look a ton better now. I'm not nearly as bruised and swollen as earlier this week. Thanks for your input, I sure hope my PS has a success rate close to Dr K's ;-) 85% is nice! I know that nothings a sure thing, but I'm feeling optimistic so far that the fat will take. It's amazing to me the difference FG can make. The natural look it helped to create is just what I needed/wanted. I hope that this is it for a while and I get a little break from the reconstruction stuff :-)