Exchange City

It's not capsular contracture as the entire implant isn't distorted.  It's the scar tissue inside from past biopsies that is creating the hardened scar.  It's hard but there is some softness.  I have Allergan high profile smooth.  I have spoken with the PS and he advised massaging to help break up the scar tissue.  Just wondering if anyone has had success with massage or can offer any other advice.  I am massaging 2-3 times daily with castor oil which was advised by my massage therapist.  

pinklotus - I had / have a lot of internal scarring from the original excisional biopsy back in July of 2013.  It wasn't so bad with the TEs because it was being stretched and appeared fairly normal.  But once I had my exchange to squishies, that scar tissue retracted with a vengeance!   And yes, my PS said the same thing... massage the daylights out of it.  So I did.  It hurt a lot at the beginning but grew to hurt less and less as I made it a routine.  My PS didn't think I needed PT so she wouldn't prescribe it.  Well, guess what?  I'm having a revision in a couple of weeks (with a NEW PS) and the first thing he'll be doing is restructuring that scar tissue so it won't pull anymore and distort the foob.  Yes, you massaging it daily will help, but I would push for a referral to PT if it's a relatively large area.  Hope that helps you a little...

Thanks Minustwo!  I will go check for that bra thread! 

Simple - every single doc has a different rule about bras - now & later.  Be sure to keep it on 24/7 for the first week since that's what you were instructed, and give your doc a call to ask about the next week.  I got an extra surgical bra from my PS.

FYI  - I took Arnica Montana and Bromelain before/after both of my surgeries and had no bruising or swelling.  I mention this  just in case others want to check into that with their PS before surgery to see if they are ok with this too.  My PS wants me to print out the info and bring it to my next appointment because he was impressed with my results.  Of course, like I said, this would totally be up to your own doctor so if they are not ok with it go with what they recommend.   I found out about these supplements (they are all natural) on a few PS websites as a recommendation for ladies who were getting breast augmentation (after this whole ordeal I told my PS that I can't believe anyone would do this voluntarily!)  

Mommyathome and Simplelife I am wishing you the best of luck in your recovery

Minus 2 and hipz, thanks for the info. I see PS on Tuesday so can check with him then on continued bra wearing. I was told absolutely no underwire, and noticed others are told underwire 24/7. Different PS,  different thoughts???

Hipz, I had a friend who recommended the Arnica, and I forgot all about it. Is it too late to take it now? I do have some on hand. 

Simplelife,

What state are you in? Thanks for your post! I'm not lifting, doing much. I was under the impression once I was off pain meds I can drive.. Guess I'll have to check on that!!! I'm taking ibuprofen in hopes on getting swelling down and pain relief. Pains not too bad... Every now and then feel like bruised. I was told sports bra then wear underwire!! But my sheet says no underwire! Ugh!! I haven't worn underwire for like 15 years!!! She said I could get fabric patted brs. She said implant is heavy so I need something to keep it from drooping. I got allergan style 20 750 cc.... How about you?

An anesthesiologist once told me it takes about a week for the affects of general anesthesia to wear off for every hour you were out. I'm sure the kind of general anesthesia drugs you had plays a part, but over the past year with numerous procedures under general anesthesia, I can say that rule of thumb is about right. You may feel fine at home, but driving is something else. After one of the reconstruction surgeries, I didn't realize I still had any leftover affects until I started driving two weeks later. I was about a block from home. Everything looked odd all of the sudden and I realized I'd made an error in judgment. I got sweaty and anxious. I became more aware of my limitations when I tried to turn the wheel to go home. Ouch. Two weeks was much too soon, even though I had never been on narcotics. (Allergic to narcotics & opiates.)  So it's not just the pain drugs...your body has to get rid of the general anesthesia too.

 I just received my 3D nipple Tattoos today and I can't tell you how impressed I am, they look so real. If my husband likes them that's saying something.

sherri! Congrats on the cherry on yop! LOL

Sandy. I love "tittoo" LOL

Most people will be fine at 2 weeks or even sooner. A few of us weren't. It was my hardest surgery to recover from and I needed 4 weeks. But, as I say, I'm in a small minority. As long as you aren't lifting heavy pots, cooking should be fine. Really it all.depends on the restrictions your PS gives you on doing things with your arms. One day I decided to wipe down the kitchen counters. The next day I was sore all day.

simplelife - I took my Arnica for 2 weeks after surgery.  I would be freaked out if I had blood too!  I have no bandages or blood.  I feel blessed.  I didn't even know that was a possibility!   I am sorry you had to leave the park early    I hope things are even better today!

Hi ladies,

I had my exchange on Monday june2. The past couple days my hands have had weird sensations. It's hard to explain it but let me try. It's like pins and needles but not painful like if your hand fell asleep more like little pin pricks going into my hand. Anyone experience this??? I might have to call ps AGAIN!!! Called a few days ago because there was some  blood on the inside of my bra from the incision. She said to just make sure incision doesn't actually open up, otherwise that should be fine, but now these damn pin pricks!!!

What is arnica?? I didn't have steri strips I had glue. My ps said that's a new thing now....?

Arnica is a natural pain reliever and helps with swelling and bruising. It is found at health food stores. How are things looking Mommy? I still have some visible bruising, but I'm shaping up ok. Still short of flat looking too and some swelling.