Revision results for obese women and/ or 50 yr+

skrisle

Hi, ladies. I'm 64 yrs. BBW. BMX/recon 2009. Very disappointing results from recon 10 yrs ago to the point I gave up and never even considered adding nipples. I was 250+lbs at surgery. 46 C prior. Inserted largest implants available. I want to say 800 cc but that may be ridiculously incorrect. (I totally emotionally blocked out all the info years ago.) Anyway, I pretty much am flat chested with not even enough projection to hold down a sports bra completely over each breast. Tug and pull at the left side of my bra constantly. Haven't even tried a wireless bra in so long I'm pretty sure it wouldn't stay down either. Might get curious and buy one. LOL Needless to say at now 300 lbs I look even more way out of proportion! So as I said earlier my surgeon inserted the largest implants and told me AFTER the results that that was the largest and best he could do for me because I was an obese woman. I had actually thought I was going to walk out of that office someday after surgery and actually have a nice set of boobs! Not so!!! When the surgeon said I was getting the largest implants I just figured I'd have something to be proud of. LOL So I am looking for feedback from large women (as in obese) who would be so kind as to share your experiences with being obese and unhappy with too small implants, if you've had any success getting your problem corrected, any of you who have had reconstruction revision and how you feel about your results and especially from those of you who may be 50 years plus and if revision met your expectations.

Of course I will be happy to hear from you about ANY topic. I'm just trying to give the specifics of the info I'm looking for. I have tried searching the boards and I'm just not finding what I need so if I need to be directed elsewhere please let me know.

Thank you all for your time.😘

MinusTwo

skrisle - sorry no one has answered yet, but your questions are good.

I do think you are correct - that 800 is the largest implant - or at least it was at one time.

NoMoreKindaCCups

Hi skrisle, I feel you!! I just came upon this thread after having a very sad day of bra shopping today. I'm 56, BMI of 39, I was wearing a 42 (kinda) C before BMX. I'd been told the band size was too big, but that's what fit comfortably. Since the BMX and TE placement, I've been wearing either nothing (when my skin was just too sensitive from the TEs) or the good old Walmart front-closing cotton sports bra everyone talked about. Not the most attractive look, but it worked after I bought the 44 size.

I just got my implants 9 days ago, was feeling good (healing), and went out to try finding bras. Ugh. Again, was told the band size I look at is too big (they said 38(!) but anything smaller than 42 feels too tight), and they tried to tell me I was a DDD! Okay, no. I honestly don't know what size the implant is (suspect the equivalent of 800 since my TEs were inflated that big) - haven't seen the PS since sx yet. The implants are big and flat like pancakes. I know there's this magical "fluff and drop" that's supposed to happen (when???), but I can't see waiting until then to buy a real bra. I know it has to be free of underwires.

So I took myself to Cacique (part of Lane Bryant) figuring they'd be my best bet for having sizes and staff to help. Staff was not helpful, and there were only 2 types of bras that I could try (not into over the head, no closure kind). They had "light" padding (seemed like a lot!) and had a side wire that didn't sit comfortably. I must've tried on 8 different band/cup combinations and none of them worked. I'm so disappointed - I sat in my car crying for 20 minutes.

I know I'm just having a bad day, but I feel like I'm having a visit from the 7 evil dwarfs: Lumpy, Bumpy, Dumpy, Frumpy, Grumpy, Fat, and Disgusting. Oh, the self-loathing is running high today... Sorry for whining. I hope you have better luck finding something that works for you!

VegGal

I suspect the bra fitters are correct. My implants are only 615 cc’s and there I am, 34 DDD. The implant must fit completely within the cups to avoid pressure on the skin. In my case, I wear underwires as recommended by my PS.

As for the flat pancake implants, that may be your result, depending on the projection style of the implant. Things may change subtly in the next weeks as swelling continues to decrease and the implants settle into their pockets.

It is traumatic trying to find things that work. Take a breather and try again. Realize that the band is supposed to fit firmly. The cup size should be as large as needed. It may take a lot of trial and error. I bought so many damned bras...

Good luck

NoMoreKindaCCups

Thanks for the words of encouragement and especially the reminder about how the implant needs to fit in the cups! The band is something I still think has to be less than tight, since regardless of type, it tends to roll and settle where it wants. That's a byproduct of obesity, which at a 34 band, it sounds like you fortunately don't have to worry about.

I feel better today and I know there's a solution - I just haven't found it yet. I'm optimistically heading out today to Macy's to just try things on. Maybe I'll just order a ton of bras online that I will ultimately return. One friend told me that she splurged and went to Nordstrom when she was in this bind following her mastectomy years ago. They had a specialist to help and she said it was well worth it. They're not nearby and last time (years ago) that I went to one, Nordstrom was super expensive. I'd rather spend that kind of money on a vacation.

SimoneRC

If you have a Nordstrom near you I have had great experiences with their post mastectomy fitters. You should call first to make an appointment. It does not cost anything and I have had really good luck there after each set of implants. And please do not get caught up in what bra sizes fit. Everything bra related is different after reconstruction! Good luck!!!!

VegGal

Other stores also have certified fitters. Call your PS and ask for suggestions of local places that can help.

NoMoreKindaCCups

So, today was not a complete failure. I must've tried on 13 bras at Macy's, and the only one I liked is a Bali ComfortFlex whose description actually includes the magic words 'for ultimate comfort post surgery'! It fits the pancakes perfectly! It comes in generic sizes (2X for me) rather than band/cup measurements. It's better than the sports bra, and it looked good under a thin tshirt. (We had warm weather today! YAY!) I'm buying a couple of them online now - and on sale!

If/when I feel like I need to upgrade to a 'real' bra with cup and band sizes (maybe if these things stop looking like pancakes), I might just have to go to Nordstrom and treat myself. Thank you all for the support!!

MinusTwo

Unfortunately most of us have found that we "should" be wearing a tighter band than is really comfortable. Hmmmm. And the cups will probably be DDD or more.

Yes, make an appointment and go to Nordstrom. If you find one or two bras that work, maybe you can buy more on line for a cheaper price.