1 day post exchange question

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cleigh
cleigh Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

Hi,

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I'm new here and couldn't find it. I just had my exchange yesterday and I'm a little disappointed about the way they look. My doctor used natrelle style 20 high profile 550 cc silicon implants.  I was large before so it's not the size that bothers me but more so the shape. They are just as big up top as they are along the bottom, making them look really oblong in appearance.  I'm hoping that a lot of this is due to swelling, but how much do they change in shape after the exchange surgery? Do they really drop or settle to give more of a tear drop look?  

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited June 2014

    Hi Cleigh, welcome to the BCO community. 

    No need to be sorry, you are posting in the right forum. 

    It may take a little time to get some replies to your question. 

    There is some information about your concern on the main site if you click on this link Reconstruction satisfaction which at the end advises that "If you're not as satisfied as you thought you would be with your reconstructed breast, talk to your surgeonimage and other members of your medical team. There may be steps that you and your team can take to improve the look and feel of the reconstruction" 

    Best wishes to you 

    The Mods

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  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited June 2014

    Hi cleigh - I have natrelle mid profile 421. I'm not sure how things compare, but mine did drop a bit and are definitely fuller at the bottom than the top now. I don't really remember how they were right after the exchange, but they do settle. I think they look very natural. I would imagine that your swelling is distorting the shape some right now. You could post on breast implant sizing 101. I bet the ladies there can help. Take care! The worst is over now!

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  • DiveCat
    DiveCat Member Posts: 968
    edited June 2014

    You must give them time! In addition to swelling which takes weeks to resolve, your pectorals are tightened up around your implants right now, which are softer than the TEs, and pushing them against your ribcage and up. As the muscles and tissues relax, the implants will drop into the pockets created by TE/surgeon and fluff as gravity allows more of the silicone to sit in the bottom of the pocket. It takes 3-6 months...sometimes even a year...to see final results; not days!

    Believe me, this is a very common feeling after exchange and if you go to "Exchange City" you will be told the same...don't judge them so soon, give them time!

    I was a direct to implant but my implants (Allergan high profile 435ccs) were at my collarbone initially. No worries, as I knew they would change. 7 weeks later they are now dropped into position, but are still in the process of fluffing out at the bottom...but they ARE doing that.

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  • Amelia123
    Amelia123 Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2014

    I also had the exchange a few days ago.  Glad to hear I'm not the only one concerned with how they look.  Will follow everyone's advice and be patient.

    I did have a question about sleeping.  My discharge papers said to keep the head of the bed at a 45 deg angle (i.e. elevate the pillows).  How long should I continue this for, and does anyone know why this recommended?

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  • DiveCat
    DiveCat Member Posts: 968
    edited June 2014

    Amelia,

    I was not given an "angle" specification, just to lay on my back propped up. I believe it is to prevent fluid buildup, reduce swelling, and help the capsules heal. You don't want to be sleeping on side/stomach or risking rollover before that happens as it may cause displacement. 

    I have been strictly a stomach sleeper all my life, but I am still on my back 7 weeks out at a slight angle. I still find it more comfortable whether in bed or recliner. My PS cleared me to sleep on side already but that is not comfortable for me...I was told it might be 3 months after surgery before I can sleep on my stomach again. 

    You should ask your PS when you can change your position...always best to follow your own PS!

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  • vbishop
    vbishop Member Posts: 616
    edited June 2014

    Hi all -

    I echo everyone's advice to be patient.  It does take a while for the girls to settle in.  Even then, some minor corrections may be needed.  I see my PS later this month to discuss fat grafting six months post exchange.  This will give the girls a more natural appearance.  I am small framed and don't have much excess fat on my upper body, so you can see where the implant starts (when I am naked - you can't tell in normal street clothes, unless I wear something real low cut, which is not normal for me).  Fat grafting will help that.

    Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome.  But I was barely a B-cup before.  I am now a D cup.  What's not to love?  Go big or go home is my motto!  Good luck!!

     


     

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  • Amelia123
    Amelia123 Member Posts: 96
    edited June 2014

    Thanks DiveCat - your explanation makes sense.  I love your username, btw!

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  • ClaireFraser
    ClaireFraser Member Posts: 94
    edited June 2014

    My exchange surgery was yesterday. The pain is worse than when I had my UMX. I am dealing with two additional areas... my right boob and stomach, where he did fat grafting. I am really nervous about showering, I don't want to see the results just yet. I had a meltdown last night, because of the pain. And the anesthesia took it's slow time leaving my system, so I was slurring my words a bit.

    One day at a time..,

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  • 1toughmomma
    1toughmomma Member Posts: 87
    edited June 2014

    I am 4 mos post exchange and I went from having 2 long big breasts to 2 wide but not super full breasts.They   are kind of squarish at this point, BUT I am having revision surgery Monday with fat grafting because my implant shifted and I have a large dent that no implant will be able to fill! They  are still changing shape but be honest with your PS--mine has been great to work with :)

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