Final Size After Exchange

babyo20

Hello everyone, I am very interested in hearing the final results of the exchange from all of you. 

• Are you happy with the end result or do your wish you would have gone bigger or smaller?
• Which manufacturer (Mentor, Allergan or other) style and volume/width tissue expander did you have? What is the manufacturer, style and volume of your implants?
• Body size - height, weight and ribcage size including frame type.
• Bra size before and after so others can compare themselves with your final outcome. 
• How have they settled after the swelling has gone down? Is the fullness or projection what they were when you had the TE or at least what you wanted? If not did your PS saybwhat should have been done to make them the size you were looking for?

I know that our implants are typically smaller than the TE but wondering if they are just not as round or don't stick out as much as you had thought they would based on the TE dimensions. I know implants settle too so just not sure how much more to go to achieve the desired size since I think I am done with fills now but up to me. I am coming from a mid B but want a full C with more of a natural look but also bigger than I was. 

I have read on other posts that others are asking the same thing but don't see much on final results. Thank you for any feedback you can provide!  Interested to hear what everyone says! Lets keep this going to help others.  Thanks!

Janett2014

Before BMX I was probably a DDD cup. I too wanted to end up with a C cup, and I did. My TEs were filled to 500 cc. My implants are Allergan Style FF 410s (gummy bears) which have 655 cc. I'm happy with them. I am 5' 7 1/2" and about 25 pounds overweight (working on it!). There really was practically no difference visually between the size of the TEs and the size of the implants. I've worn the same bra (Genie) for both.

stepangel

I too was very nervous going into exchange about what size I'd be. Prior to BMX I was a C cup and I told my PS that I wanted to be as close to that as I could. It was confusing during my fills though because the nurse who always did my fills told me we would stop when I was happy with the volume. As I got more expanded I panicked because I was having a hard time visualizing what the TE volume would like in a more normal looking implant. But when I met with the PS and a different nurse they both said to just trust him to decide on the volume! That's what I would have wanted in the first place because I didn't feel I knew what I was doing. My TEs were expanded to 670cc's and my implants are Mentor high profile 650cc's. I am 5'10" 150 pounds with a larger frame. I am a C cup. The implants look smaller than the TEs did and definitely don't have the same projection, but that's pretty normal.  I am happy with the volume but I have other issues with my implants. I am only 1 month out from exchange and have seen some changes and settling, but most of the changes aren't good. As the swelling is going down I am seeing more and more divots and rippling. And one side is dropping more than the other and looks to be getting smaller! It's all so overwhelming!

Frostecat

So glad to have found this post.  I am 5'7" and 180 pounds.  Currently filled to 655cc's awaiting exchange.  I don't want to be big, and asked my DH if this was big enough last night.  All I know it is all pretty tight right now and I don't know if I could take any more even if I wanted it.  I'm done with the fills and ready to move on.  It will be what it will be.

kcat2013

I'm 5'2'', 115lbs, small framed (29 inch rib cage).  I was expanded to 420 cc and got 400 cc Mentor ultra high profile silicon rounds.  I only had the exchange about 6 weeks ago, but I'm really happy with the results thus far.  I was a 34C before and had about 400 grams  removed from each breast.  My PS uses that as a general guideline to where we wanted to end up size wise.  My pics are on the picture forum, although I haven't updated them since a few days post exchange.  I don't have the same projection with the implants as with the TEs, but I'm ok with that because they look much more natural now--instead of just jutting out of my chest.  For me,  the size of my TEs was a good indicator of what size I'd be with implants-- things are just more curved and soft now.  My PS used the Ultra high profile on me because of my small rib cage size and build and she said she thought I would like the amount of projection from them   

Kendra

twoam

I am 5'9" 155 lbs. I am currently filled to 480cc's. PS would like to do more, but I have had enough. I was a small D before BMX and would like to be maybe a small C-ish. I have gotten so many different opinions (between here and outside opinons) that I am just giving up. It just makes me want to cry sometimes. I have posted on the Breast implant sizing thread, so please do not suggest it, though I appreciate your kind intentions

twoam

Frostecat - That is exactly what I said. It is what it is. I cant get any straight answers from anyone. I have probobly learned more from this new thread, then from reading 1000's of posts on others.

stepangel

twoam, so sorry you are feeling this way I felt a lot like that too. Such a difficult thing to go through. Try to just trust your PS to do what needs to be done to get you to that size you want. The fills can be so painful especially toward the end. Hang in there. And as far as worrying about what size you'll end up, I had someone who has gone through say something very helpful to me: there may not be a "perfect size". Some days and in certain tops you may wish you were bigger. Some days and some clothes may make you wish you were smaller. Hopefully most days you'll not even think about it. 

twoam

I have also found, that unless you are on one of the threads dedicated specifically to anatomical implants, your pretty hard pressed to get any help. It seems to be a bit taboo. Just putting that out there, from my own experience.

twoam

Thank you Stepangel. My sister told me the exact same thing today

babyo20

Thanks for those who have posted so far. It has been extremely helpful to hear everyone's story here.

Like you twoam I am sometimes at the point where I think I am putting too such energy into this. I am at least the point where I am bigger which is nice so I can feel a little better about it but at the same time I just want to be done. Sometimes i think i should just stay asbis knowing that they will look perky so that is the most important part. i want to notice the difference in size while looking good in bathing suits and dresses taht dontrequire  bras and just in general clothes but dont want them too big where people just me about it too.  i am grateful that they got it all early so why be greedy? At the same time it would be nice to be able to have a full size bigger so I can go braless too. With all we go through we should get an end result that we like. I always hear that people wish they had gone bigger in augmentation cases but seems like here most people want same or less but depends how big someone starts. 

We have to trust in our PS. I just remember him initially saying that they have to always overfill well I am at a size I like now so if we are done with the fills shouldn't we do more? He has told me that they won't be as wide but will project more. So am just torn on getting more now. I am 5'4" at about 130 lbs which is 10 lbs more than what I usually am so maybe when I lose weight they will look bigger lol my ribcagebis about 33 and i have a small frame so want something that will just look good innclothesbwithout a bra at times too. There is 425 cc on each side now so don't know what that means. He said he would use mentor moderate plus or high profile but didn't say if they would be higher volume than I am now. I would assume so if I want the project to be the same! 

SpecialK

In my experience it is fairly uncommon to have an exchange to implants project, or look as large, as expanders.  Expanders have a firm back and flexible front that allows the addition of saline to push the front forward while remaining immovable on the back.  This is the purpose - to stretch the muscle and skin forward.  An implant, regardless of the type, is soft all the way around, so most lose size and projection since there is not a hard backing. When the expanders are initially placed there is less focus on the final aesthetic, so if some pocket work is done to shape the area that will contain the implant it is possible that you will have similar projection, but in all of the reading I have done on this site I have seen that most feel their implants look at least somewhat smaller.  It is important to note also that cup size and visual size are two different things when it comes to reconstructed breasts.  Implants tend to sit a bit wider than natural breasts and are somewhat immovable - softer than expanders certainly, but still remain in place and are very different from natural breast tissue.  If you wear an underwire bra you need that underwire to go all the way around the implant and not have the wire sit on top on the implant.  I am a 34DD in an underwire bra, in order to get the correct size to go all the way around the outside of the implant, but visually I look like a full C cup.  I am 5'3" and just over 120 lbs. with 650cc Mentor round high profile silicone implants.  I was exchanged to the same size implant as I was expanded to but did lose volume and forward projection at exchange, and I expected to.  I did not experience any drop and fluff or softening, and I did not have much swelling.  I was a 34 B/C prior to diagnosis, depending on the bra.  I am currently without the left implant (long story) but earlier this year I did have a 500cc temporary implant on the left and there was about 1/2 inch difference in projection.  I can say that the 500cc was more comfortable and I would have been happy if I had that size on both sides after the initial surgery, although I was happy with the outcome of my exchange also.  I have a good friend who was diagnosed after me and I have gone through the recon experience with her - her PS indicated that for maximum projection that anatomicals were not a good choice for her as the sloping shape would not provide the projection she was looking for, and she needs the maximum size implants due to her anatomy and height/weight.  Those that like the anatomical seem to gravitate to the more natural shape, but I have also read that they can feel firmer.  Something to consider also is fat grafting.  About a year after initial exchange I had this done and it was a wonderful decision.  It helped soften the edge of the implants so they looked more natural and also added some fullness in the upper pole where I had some hollowness. 

Enerva

hi ladies, 

BABY20 thanks for opening this topic,

Ok so here is my experience and I wish I can be of help to some or all of you.

I had a Ps who from the start wanted me to be smaller than my D zise, so we agree on 600cc to get me some what to a full C. I must say I had a Bnmx so I was able to keep my skin and nipple. By the time I found this Web site my TE were already fill to 600cc. Then I was told at the breast implant tread that in order to keep that projection I needed at least 100 to 150cc more volume and X or f profile implants. I had the discussion with my ps and she only agree to go 30cc over, plus even though I requested a round X high profile implant. She used an anatomical implant. Well as you may now imagine I am not happy. 

What I really want to tell you all is that to me the most important point is that if the TE has 300 cc then you need 100 to 150 cc over so 400 to 450cc in the implant if you want to get similar projection as the TE. Also an anatomical implant may be great for some but for me it created a lot of drop and it did not fill in my upper poles. Since I have only skin I need the implants to be xtra full all around. I have picture in the picture forum so you can go and see what I mean.

I am lucky I now have my revision exchange with another Ps who seam to understand what I need. It took me a long time to find a ps it's very difficult to get a ps to fix another error at least in my case I was treated as if I am to be happy and keep these 80 year old looking breast and be thankful for it lol

I hope my input helps, I like you was very confused at the beginning and I trusted the Ps words she never showed me the implants or anything she gave me the style number and said they were round and I was so stupid I trusted her then I found out it was not. I guess we all learn the hard way.  

I also néed to tell you ps did potent work and as a result of that I have PMPS so I am always in some kind of pain too.

Wish you all luck 

vfay49

Enerva,  Although many PS do overfill for various reasons, it is not always necessary to overfill the TEs.  Much depends on the dimensions of the TE and the dimensions of the proposed implant.  My TEs are 16 cm wide with a variable projection of 6.6.  My PS is considering a the Allergan 800 cc Style 20 implant.  This particular implant is 15.3 cm wide and has a projection of 6.1.  Whippetmom pointed out to me on her forum that my implant is smaller than my TEs and therefore there is no real need to overfill.  I am 5' 8" tall, 175 lbs, with a rib cage of 35 inches. 

Enerva

vfay49, in your case that my be right also due to the implant your Ps is using, style 20. I am hoping I get that style 20 or 45 but in my case I do need more volume, I have a lot of room for more volume that needs to be fill. 

Wheeptmom is the one that told me if I want to keep the projection I had with the TE I need to go with much more X projection implant. I just want the new ladies to keep it in mind but also know everybody is different. It really depends on what they want to achieve at the end. I want to be as close to my own shape before bc as possible. 

babyo20

thanks specialk we are about the same size or close to it. Do you recommend me getting more than 425 cc in the TE if I want to keep the same projection? Are they big enough to go braless when you want to? I guess I need to find out what cc he will use as that is important. I feel like I should get 25 more cc just to be sure to put me 100 over the TE size now. Whippet mom told me that I did need higher volume but waiting on her recommendation on if I need more cc in my TE to remain the size I am. Are they more natural looking? It sounds like the volume fills in the chest wall then what is left projects out. I don't know what I care more about. Just want to be visually bigger so I can feel better about them

I am waiting on access to the picture gallery so will check them out. Do they have stats on there too? Thanks so much! Your post really clarified some things. Although now I am wondering what I should do with what how may to tell my Ps I want. I would like natural looking but also full but don't want to feel the implants on my arms like I do now. Does that go away? 

SpecialK

babyo - Much depends on your individual body in terms of total filled volume in your TE and how an implant will look after exchange.  As I said, I had 650cc in fill and implant to look like a full C.  I am fairly petite, particularly in the upper body - I wear a size 4 top/dress, sometimes a 2.  I don't think that I would look like a full C with 425cc after having had the experience of a 500cc implant on the left earlier this year, but that may be different for you.  I feel that based on what others have posted on other threads that if you wish to remain with the same projection you have in the TE now you need to overfill - by how much is probably a question for your PS.  I am not sure I would describe implant reconstruction with round, smooth, high profile implants as natural but for many they do look softer than TE.  In my earlier post I mentioned fat grafting - for me, this went a long way towards making the implants look more natural.  I was fortunate that my TE actually looked decent - and I had them for a long time so this was a good thing!  I have not been on the picture site so I can't answer any questions about what people have posted there.  Be careful about seeing what others look like and making any assumptions about what you may look like - we are all different.  You can take two people about the same size, with the exact same recon, and they will not look the same.  As far as where the implants sit (under your arms) talk to your PS about plans for pocket work.  This is where the artistry of the PS comes into play - they have to create a pocket for the implant that moves them out from under your arms, while not making them too close together - you don't want a uniboob.  Talk to your PS about how far apart the implants will be in the sternum (cleavage) and whether or not there is a plan to bring them forward by closing the pocket toward the underarm. 

Mischief46

It's all so confusing...

lonnie713

hi all,

I gave a question regarding the healing process.  I have expanders now, my PS said that he will use the same incision from the mastectomy, no new incisions.  Was it painful? What was the down time? I'm thinking two weeks to drive, and 4-6 for everything else..realizing that everyone is different.  Thanks for any info.

HomeMom

I think it also depends on if you are going to have radiation. My PS said that the rads will shrink the TE and I could lose 100cc's alone there and he needs another 100 cc's for the surgery. Whippetmom told me to get the Allergan Style 20 600cc's to get that C cup for my frame.  I am at 700 cc's right now so another estimated 100cc's should be enough. I was wondering about that armpit boob I've got. I have not seen my PS for fills, just his nurses, so I guess I won't see him until we get ready for the exchange.

Juliecc

Lonnie, I am taking a week and a half off from my desk job and my PS said that was fine. 11 days including surgery day.

My TEs are filled to 450 and she will probably put in 500cc. She said she might try to fit in even bigger.   I'll report back after my 8/8 surgery!

lonnie713

good luck Juliecc.

sarahjane7374

Are you happy with the end result or do your wish you would have gone bigger or smaller?  Happy How many ccs did you have in your TE before surgery and how many are in your permanent implant? Which brand?  I don't know how many cc's I had in my TEs, or the brand.  I have Mentor Round High Profile Silicone 650 cc implants.Body size - height, weight and ribcage size including frame type. 5'3, 115 lbs, 28 inch ribcage (small frame)Bra size before and after so others can compare themselves with your final outcome. Before - A cup.  Now - D cup for proper bra fit, but visually more like a C.How have they settled after the swelling has gone down?  Settled nicely - good symmetry, shape, fullness. Is the fullness or projection what they were when you had the TE or at least what you wanted? Yes - they look pretty natural.  If not did your PS saybwhat should have been done to make them the size you were looking for?  I see him at the end of August.  I plan to ask about fat grafting to fix some rippling. 

My PS asked me what size I wanted to be.  My boobs were so enlarged due to tll the masses I had, that I pointed to my right breast and told him I liked that one better.  So that was what we were aiming for.  I went along with all of his recommendations.  Originally he was planning on using anatomicals, but when he measured me a few weeks before my exchange, he said they were too wide for my chest and I ended up with rounds.  I didn't even know I had rounds until I googled the serial numbers off the cards I got after my exchange.  I've since learned that the TEs are specific to the kind of implant you are getting, so I assume the TEs I had were for the anatomicals.  But he made it work with the rounds.  I trusted him and let him do his thing.  I think he got it right.  I have pics on the forum if anyone is interested.

Sorry you are having such a hard time twoam.  I hope everything works out for you.

Janett2014

lonnie713, 

My exchange surgery was two weeks ago today (7/16), and I had very little pain post-surgery. I would call it soreness instead. I switched to Advil on day three and started driving that day (my PS said driving was fine once I was off the prescription pain pills). I worked two days the week after the surgery (teacher training). I was kind of dreading it but had no problems. I was glad to not have to work after that though. I go back to work on August 11. And I did have new incisions because he used the skin around the BMX incision to make nipples. They look good by the way, and I got those stitches out yesterday. The new incisions are under the breast. I thought they would hurt or be bothersome because of being right where the band of my bra hits, but they really haven't bothered me at all. I feel very good and "normal" (whatever that is these days). 

Janett

lonnie713

janett2014, awesome. I was thinking that a month off was reasonable. Thanks for the info.

babyo20

hey sarahjane can you find out ho many ccs were in your TE as we have similar body frame. That is the size I want to be visually so wondering how many ccs you had to get you to that point. I know a SArah Jane too!

Thanks! Do they rub your arm at all? My TEs rub against my arm but my PS said the implants won't be a problem. Do you guys find that to be the case?

sarahjane7374

babyo20 - I will ask for my TE details when I see my PS in August.  Mine sat right on the front of my chest - not under my arms at all.  They looked like coconut shells. 

I was thinking about this last night, and I recall telling my PS I wanted to be bigger than I was originally (before all my masses started growing!) but I wanted to look natural and not fake.  I was not looking for a specific size, just wanted to look good, and used my least swollen boob as a guide.  At each fill, he would ask me how I liked the size.  When I got to the point where I was happy, we did one more fill.  About 5-6 weeks later, I had my exchange.  I was in the hospital for one night (my choice - could have gone home same day), he partially re-opened my BMX incisions, and I went back to work 4 days later.  I had no driving restrictions, and I was cleared for normal activities within 2 weeks.  Compared to the BMX, it was a breeze.  I had a little fat grafting done at the same time, and the worst part of the recovery was the soreness on my belly where he did the lipo. 

 

Elizabethaw

SarahJane, I'm also interested in your TE's--and that sounds a little creepy when I actually write it down!  : )    I'm 5'4, ~118 pounds, with a rib cage measurement of 27".  Our plan is to expand to 450cc, and then the surgeon chooses the implant.  And, yes, I'm planning to have a conversation with him about the size and model of the implant.  The nurse thought he'd expand to 450 and then replace the TE with a *smaller* size implant--somewhere between 350 and 400.  I sure hope she has it wrong, because that doesn't sound like it will be large enough at all. I'd also like at least a "visual C," and if it took you 650cc implants, 400 won't be anywhere near enough for the look I want. Then again, if he requires that the TEs be expanded beyond the size of the implants, I don't think I can stand be stretched to 700cc!!

sarahjane7374

Elizabethaw - I'll definitely post back once I get my TE info. 

I put a lot of faith in my PS that he understood what I wanted and would be able to provide it.   And thinking back, I didn't give him a whole lot to go on.  At the time, reconstruction seemed like the least of my worries, so I pushed it aside and went with the flow more or less.

I do think it's important to make sure the PS is on the same page - for your own peace of mind leading up to the exchange, and obviously so you come out of it looking amazing.  FWIW, my expanding process wasn't bad.  I had some soreness after each fill - similar to having braces tightened, if you know how that feels.  It would be tight for a day or so and then subside.  The final fill was the worst, and hurt for several days. 

Maybe bring some photos with you to show your PS how you'd like to look?  I know a C cup can look very different on different women - my SIL is a C, and to my eye, she's a LOT smaller than me.  My PS did not use sizers or pictures at all - he tossed me an implant from across his desk and I just squished it around like a stress ball.  It was an anatomical one.  That much I do remember!  He did a lot of measuring and muttering, comparing the specs on different implants and holding up a tape measurer to show me how much projection I'd have. He seemed most concerned with the width of the implants at the base - I guess I'm narrower than most??   But ultimately, he made the decisions on what I ended up with, and it worked out well.

babyo20

also, when trying on bras now with TE is it true to size? Been going but not sure how accurate it will be after exchange but tha is what I am basing my current size on. 

Janett2014

I wouldn't spend much money on a bra with TEs because that same bra might not work after the exchange surgery. Go for comfortable and cheap now!