How does TE expansion "finished" size equate to implant size?

Jaegergirl - I had very wide TEs - 16 cm, and my saline implants only went up to 14 cm, so the PS had to do a lot of pocket work at exchange.

Usually, you hear about women getting more ccs in their permanent implants because there is just no way that implants can have the projection that TEs do.

TEs are like deflated implants, except with a hard backing. All the saline that is put into them pushes outward, against the skin and muscle to create a pocket.

On the other hand, your permanent implants are squishy all over, so once they are inserted into the pocket your PS has created, they will go through a process called "Drop and Fluff"(don't expect your doc to have heard this term).

As the swelling from your exchange surgery goes down, the soft implant will gradually "drop" and settle firmly into the pocket created by the TEs.

At the same time, it will soften somewhat, and confirm to your chest wall...something that the TE could not due because of the hard backs. But the implants also "fluff" out a bit, and look more like a natural breast than a TE, which tends to look like half a coconut shell.

I think what your PS may be telling you is that by "overfilling" the TEs, she is actually putting in saline in the upper range of acceptable fills. (Different manufacturers have different types, obviously, but most can accept more saline than the actual size they are labeled.

This does give you some wiggle room to choose a permanent implant that will fill that "footprint" made by your TE. 

If you haven't done so already, I encourage you to check out the "Breast Implant Sizing 101" thread run by whippetmom. She is our resident Implant Sizing Guru. 

Be sure to read the header at the top of each page, and give her the information she needs to suggest possible appropriate implant brands and styles for your particular body size and shape. 

This will give you a great starting point in discussing sizes with your PS.

My TEs were filled to 620ccs. My permanent implants were Allergan Natrelle High Profile Smooth Saline 68HP-700s, filled exactly to 700 ccs. Love 'em!

I am just trying to process all of the recent info about TE'S and implants so need some help.  I keep reading that these te's are soo painful, but my PS showed me the old kind and a new kind they are using-the new models look/feel like silicone gel implants, not hard at all.  Has anyone experienced this type?  I had been warned that having prior radiation(21/2 years ago)would make skin streching impossible for me, however my PS says not true at all.  He said he has the ability to test the muscle during my first surgery(Bi-mX/TE) and that filling would not take all that long.  I have been reading about people taking 6 months and more then waiting 2 extra months for them to relax!! yikes that is forever.  I have size ddd/F now and he said having all this skin will make everything easier/faster.  He wants to use the newest thick siliclone/gummy implant with the teardrop shape(not sure of brand)  He says alloderm is an option as is using my own skin if i choose a bi mx. The healthy breast would provide the tissue for the slings instead of alloderm. He also does lots of fat grafting and may even do some at the first surgery, as it gives a better outcome and helps prevent the contractue issues, more of my tissue the better.  I need to hear form others so i can calm down a bit and prepare for this surgery at mayo in rochester. 

Jaegergirl,

Best wishes for an easy surgery and boring recovery.  Don't be tempted to do too much post-op when you feel so much better.  Hope your PS is as great as mine. 

My PS did not overfill my TEs. I was filled to 420cc and had 430cc implants on both sides.

Hello everyone have a question although I can't find out what size my expanders are my Drs are enjoying screwing with my head apparently. Even asked for the card and had no idea what I'm talking about. Sorry just Very aggravated. Anyhow I'm filled to 420 cc on both Dr is only doing 1 more possible to 450cc. I weight 152 pounds, was a 38B ribcage measures 38 1/2 I'm 5'7. Any advice he's saying I'll be a C cup won't go bigger because of 2 previous failed back surgeries. So any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks and sorry for seeming so grumpy.

Lynne - I have a card for my final implants, but I don't have one for my expanders. I have a 39" ribcage and was a B-C before. I used my path report to use the grams removed at the mx for roughly the ccs for my final fill. They took 385 grams out at mx, I was filled to 350 cc, but she was able to put in 421s but they are moderate profile, so definitely more B than C, which is good with me. If you haven't already check out the breast implant sizing thread. Whippetmom is a rock star. She helped me immensely as she so graciously helps so many other ladies here. BTW my expanders were 14 inches across (I think). Good luck with your exchange!

Thank you farmerlucy at least I can relate to that! Don't know why my Drs are so intent on not giving you any information. Thanks again for helping I greatly appreciate it!

Hi funnthesun - I decided I was done after my first fill of 150 (200 in OR). You are in the driver's seat so be sure to make your opinion known. Again Whippetmom can help with suggested sizing. If you haven't already, read through her thread, you'll learn so much. She knows her stuff! Special K linked it above, My mx scar is across the top part of my breast and for the exchange my PS only used about half of the original scar (I can tell because the other half is much more faded). I waited four months after the final fill for the exchange too. Later I decided on 3-D nipple tattoos from Vinnie Myer instead of nipple surgery. Here is a link to a thread about Vinnie's tattoos.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/...

I used Tylenol only for pain after a few days post Mx though if I did any physical activity that engaged my pecs it hurt like crazy. I stuck those self heating sticky pain pads to the base of my breasts, used bengay, hot tub and such. I did need Xanax for anxiety for about a month and a half, weaned off too early then starting having panic attacks. Not fun. Those were tough days.