PLUS-sized and 800cc implants too small?..need feedback, please

Suthenflowah, I hope you get some responses. I've also been looking for more info that's closer to my size. I can't figure out if there's some weird correlation between skinny women and mastectomies, or if it's just that there's less participation from the fuller-figured ones.

I won't have TEs put in until late July, but I'm already wondering if I'll have this problem too. At first I was sure I wanted to be smaller than my natural breasts were, but given the different shape of implants, now I'm not so sure and am starting to worry about getting big enough implants. 

Rebecca, are you saying you're not sure if you'll go with saline or with special-order silicone (which route you'll take)? I really didn't like the feel of the saline implants, but something tells me insurance won't cover special-order.

This post caught my eye because I am a plus-sized woman, size 26/28, 48D or DD, and just diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast.  I'm only beginning this journey, and have lots of things to consider including a significant weight loss effort and whether/when to do reconstruction.  Haven't even decided on lumpectomy, mastectomy, etc. just yet but my mind is reeling.  I've just looked at some reconstruction photos online and the one-sided approach is the least appealing in terms of appearance, and the bi-lateral mastectomies with tissue-expander reconstruction are the best cosmetic result.  I don't mean to hijack your thread but I haven't found anything else yet that addresses us curvy girls.  I don't think I'd be happy either ending up at a B cup; I was an overflowing C before my first pregnancy and have never gone back below a D, even when I was in amazing shape at a low weight.  So how is it that the celebrities get boob jobs that make them look enormous??

have you ladies considered DIEP?  I'm having uni mastectomy in August and will do reconstruction in spring with DIEP...that can be larger, depending on tummy tissue available - I have always wanted a tummy tuck so that's a bonus!

rebetata - I had the 800 mod plus silicone implants initially which may be a B/small C. Needless to say like the others I was frustrated with the end result. Cosmetically they looked nice but I wasn't the size I was prior to BMx. My PS wanted to use custom implants; however, insurance would not cover them because the custom implants are not FDA approved. I chose to have my silicone replaced with the 800 mod plus saline which my PS overfilled to 1100cc. I am so happy I did. I look like a full D and I like the projection - definitely more in proportion with my frame (just went for a bra fitting week before last and my new bras are a 40G - not that I look like a G but its nice anyway). Based on feedback I have received from others and my own experience, the overfilled saline are not as firm as you would expect. As my muscles have relaxed, the implants have become much softer - very similar to the silicone.

Just wanted to let you know my experience. I know saline isn't for everyone but it turned out to be the right choice for me.

Denise

Denise & Rebecca, I've seen both of your pictures on the pic forum and I think you both look(ed) great with the 800cc silicone, which just goes to show it's how we feel about ourselves that makes the difference, meaning what makes us comfortable & confident. Also, it's hard to tell with close-ups how the overall look is and whether it compares to the pre-bc size.

Did either of you know when you had the TEs that you weren't going to feel big enough, or were you not sure until you got the actual implants? That's the thing I'm having the hardest time with - at what point do I know that 800ccs isn't enough, when it's already been done?

Pamdo - my PS didn't recommend DIEP for bilateral because of increased complications and I have to admit I don't like the idea of additional healing time from multiple affected areas, though the tummy tuck is QUITE appealing. I'm actually a uni but have decided to do the other side prophylactically to not have to deal with making them match and for peace of mind.

rebetata - I do have pics on the forum - I will bump them up since they are quite a few pages back. If you want me to email them to you like I did suthenflowah, just let me know. To me they are a little heavier than my natural breasts were but not to the point of being bothersome or uncomfortable.

Denise
Diagnosis: 11/17/2008, IDC, 2cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/5 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

Thank you Rebecca. Yes my nips have shrunk (about half of the size they were originally) - not as much as I would like but I am hoping they will continue to do so (it's only been 3 months). I will try to post updated pics this weekend. Judy/Facecrafter is going to do my areola tattooing - I am fortunate that my business travel will take me to her town in September - I am looking forward to meeting her.

Denise

Implant reconstruction can be limited at times particularly in larger figured gals. Implants that seem so large in the packaging frequently fall short of nice proportions. Then again larger implants in patients with surgically reduced breasts are at higher risks for extrusion and encapsulation. Sometimes reducing the other breast (as unattractive an option as it may seem) is a good answer.

Good luck to you

Hi I too am a plus sized woman.  I am just finishing the fills.  I have two more to go.  I'm currently filled to 700 cc and sit at a B cup.  My PS said I wouldn't be able to get to a C cup.  I used to be a g cup and had a reduction 5 years ago.  I am not happy that I won't be able to get  to a full C.

I have read these posts and now I am considering the Saline implants that could be overfilled.  I am kinda feeling cheated by this....firstly by having to have the MX in the first place and secondly, but not even being able to regain a sense of normalcy by having at least the same size cup prior to the MX.

What are the difference between saline and silicone?

Emme

Ohh Denise,

Deborah told me to talk to you!  I am so glad you posted...I have a question for you.  How did they stretch you to fit the 1100cc?  My  TE only goes to 850cc, which the PS said  he could fill to 900cc.

I am going in on Thursday for a fill...I am going to be loaded with questions..

Thank you so much!!!

Em

Suthenflowah - Hi, I am a plus sized person as well. I fall in the 16-18 range with previously 1-x blouses, shirts and such. I am only 5'4" and approx. 180 lbs. My PS originally put in my TEs expanded to 300cc at time of surgery (Mentor High Profile Siltex) and overexpanded them over about 8 weeks to 700cc. I wanted the Mentor 800s, but he put in Mentor High Profile saline expanded to 750cc for exchange and said that he could not get anything larger in at the time. I was very unhappy. I went from a D to probably a B. I never bought any bras, just wore undershirts and camisoles. Fortunately, the pockets expanded and in Dec. when I was having the nipple/areola complex done, he was able to put in the Mentor Moderate Profile Plus 800cc expanded to the 960 max recommended fill. I know others have had these filled with more, but Mentor will not honor any guarantees for failure if they are filled past the max. I am much happier with the projection and coverage of my sternum than I was with the 750s. PS was not happy that I had not worn bra during the 750 stage, but he never told me to and DH and I were under misconception that he said I did not have to. Evidentally my muscle and skin are very thin, especially on my right side and he was afraid of the larger implants veing too heavy. They really don't feel that heavy, except the right one has never felt quite as good as the left and the scars are starting to break down after 6 months. In August I will have the right reconstructed, again, and reinforced with alloderm. At least I am now back to my pre-surgery 40D (in some bras C) with these implants. The curious thing is that when I mentioned loosing weight, PS did not think it was a good idea. He said no more than 10% of weight I was at at time of exchange in Dec. 09. OK by me as I can't seem to loose it no matter what I do.

At last appointment PS did ask if I wanted to go larger and I said I was happy where I am and anyhow wasn't I implanted with largest that Mentor makes. He said yes, but that we could always have custom implants. I said no. I am sure my insurance would not pay for them and then I would have issues with recon. on both breasts instead of just right. Really don't want to mess with left as it feels nice and soft and normal.  BS is amazed at how soft my saline ones are. 

My PS will not use silicone implants, only saline and in comparing, I wanted the projection that the saline gives. 

I have some pics on forum under "My Reconstruction Journey". They are several pages back and I will try to bump them for you lovely ladies on this topic.

Nancy 

Emme - in regards to bras, each PS is different. Some say wear bras whereas others say don't. The weight of the larger implants need the support of a bra. There are some women who sleep in bras - I did for the first couple of months until the pockets were healed. I would highly recommend wearing a bra so the implants don't sag.

Denise

Denise, I wish I had read this thread earlier.  Just yesterday I had the 800cc silicone implants exchange and a breast lift and reduction on my "normal" breast.  I realize the lifted breast is still a bit swollen, but it still seems so much larger than the one with the implant.  I'm thinking, after readiing your post, that I might like to have the silicone replaced with the saline and have them overfilled, but I'm wondering how this works with insurance.  You see, I have a cap on my outpatient benefits of $10,000 and I know this is probably already been reached and there's no way I can come up with money out-of-pocket to pay for another surgery.  When I removed  the bandages today and saw the difference still in my breasts I just sat down and cried.  I hate going through all I've been through to come out with this result.  It just doesn't seem right.  Any help from anyone would be appreciated.

Christine

I was originally a size 18 before my surgery and I was pretty motivated to lose weight after the BMX. One thing to consider, is if you lose weight, your breast do not lose weight, because there is'nt fat anymore. So lets say you lose 30 lbs, that 800ccs are going to 'appear' larger.

I lost 20 lbs before my exchange and the PS said I'd have better results if I did. I went from an 18 to a 14 and am planning on losing more...if I get motivated now that I had my exchange...lol!!!

So just something to consider:) Oh, and I am 5'2' and was 182lbs (pretty chunky) to about 162(3)...So I"m hoping my 650ccs aren't going to make me look too top heavy...LOL.

Good luck on your decision, it's so frustrating but in the end I'm sure you will feel good about your decision.

-Catherine

Good Morning Ladies,

I'm geting motivated to try and lose some weight too.  I have been walking three times a week and that is making me feel so much stronger.   I have also started swimming, very slowly. Now a good dose of portion control should help. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.

em