Contracture with my TEs? Or a leak? Or...what? :-)

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Mel0rama
Mel0rama Member Posts: 11
edited June 2015 in Breast Reconstruction

My expanders were put in when I had my double m (12-23-14). As they were filled. The right one was obviously wonky. The left one (cancer side) was in the perfect spot, but the right one...basically slid a bit towards my arm pit. My PS said that the internal repair/AlloDerm came "undone" causing the TE to slide a bit out of position. My PS said when he did my exchange, he would repair it and seemed positive about it. He stated he'd probably use a porcine derived dermal matrix since they are stronger than the AlloDerm.

So I was okay with my wonky "almost boob" knowing it would be fixed. I could manipulate it into a bra, so clothed, it's fine.

About three weeks ago, my TEs were filled to 840cc. At the time, I set my exchange surgery for April 16. My PS and I were both concerned...I'm 6 feet tall and not tiny framed. :-) My 840 TEs looked so small. We set up a consult that we had last week. I was weighing the option of doing overfilled saline, since 800cc is the biggest silicone implant, (and I really did not want to do saline); but after my consult, we decided for a different path. The FDA has approved larger silicone implants, and now the waiting game is on the manufacturers. My PS's reps are thinking they might be ready in September or October, so I have decided to take a wait and see approach, and cancelled my 4/16 surgery.

I woke up this morning and wow...wonky was SUPER wonky. I could actually feel the bag...almost like it's "crinkly" under the skin. Reminded me of how it felt when it was about halfway filled. It *seems* smaller??? Hard to tell because it has shifted in position so much, but when I hoist it back into place, it seems smaller. in addition to sliding towards my armpit, it has now slid down. I have "anchor" scars and where as the horizontal part of the scar was positioned under the fold of the "breast", since it has changed position, the scar is now almost running across the lower third of the breast. Hope that makes sense...hard to describe. :-) Annnnd...there is an obvious "divit" (for lack of a better term) at the top of the breast. Now, even if I try to hoist it into my bra, you can tell, through clothes, it is way off. Could the "pocket" have opened up at the bottom?

Of course I'm calling my PS Monday...I didn't feel as though it was worth a weekend call. I am just hoping someone can offer my over active brain some insight until then.

Thanks in advance. :-)

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  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited March 2015

    My TEs are in the 600cc's range at the moment, and my left has a 'valley' in it towards my sternum. Met w/ PS on Friday and he said the TEs tab has probably detatched and it is nothing to worry about. Mind you, he is thinking surgery end of May / June, so that might come into play. BTW which implants have been approved but are not out yet? My PS said he wouldn't do anitomicles on my, as they don't have the projection he would want, but they might be released soon. I didn't think to ask which ones. My problem is my height is low, and they only have 1 projection right now. What is wrong with the FDA??? If one size is approved, why not the others?? Why not fast track for reconstruction?

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  • Mel0rama
    Mel0rama Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015

    Thanks so much for your response, knmtwins. :-)

    Heres article on Allergan implants.

    Here's fda info on the FDA pre market approval. Even though it does not mention sizes, I have heard up to 1400cc's.

    image

    My PS said that he had heard Mentor (which he prefers) has also received approval for 800+ through 1400cc's. I could not find anything on line, but he was going to talk to his rep again last week.

    My PS also said he would rather do rounds on me...just less chance on rotating with all the pocket issues I've had.

    I will say I don't think its a leak... Has not gone down any more over night. Anxious to talk to ps tomorrow.

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  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited March 2015

    Thanks - my fingers are crossed... Keep us posted.

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  • Mel0rama
    Mel0rama Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015

    I met with the plastic surgeon yesterday. I am going to have surgery to replace the right expander which seems to have a very slow leak. Also, the AlloDerm obviously came apart all around the right breast and partially on the side on the left. So he will repair that as well. The best part? I will have drains again. I am SO excited. (Yes. That was sarcasm.)

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  • knmtwins
    knmtwins Member Posts: 598
    edited June 2015

    Mel0rama how did it go? I had a leak in my right and couldn't get in for 3 weeks... too much time, the muscle pulled back, so an expander on right, the left had wonky alloderm, so that was swapped to an implant. Fat graft hurt like YIKES!!!!!!!!! I'm almost a month out and still hurt.

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  • lmoore4
    lmoore4 Member Posts: 18
    edited June 2015

    Started radiation today. But I noticed over the weekend that the effected side tissue expander is getting harder and more contracted all the time. I'm seeing ps tomorrow to see if there is anything to be done since it is uncomfortable and much higher in my chest than the non effected side tissue expander. I'm little worried it may have to come out not sure where that would leave me recon wise since I've only just begun radiation Anyone have capsular contraction with t e ?

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