Tissue expanders question

have you decided what type of implants you will have? That decision makes a difference in how they look and feel

I have cohesive gel implants, which is what a lot of plastic surgeons are using these days. The final implant is quite a bit Softer than the TE, and definitely more comfortable.I wouldn't call it soft soft.

Hi there, I have had my TEs now for a year. My exchange is scheduled for the last week in April. My understanding is that the implants will definitely be softer. My sister had her exchange surgery in December and she let me "feel her up" LOL!! She is definitely softer and more natural feeling than I am with these awful TEs.

I have chosen the regular silicone rounds. Doc says my mastectomy flaps are thick enough to hide the ripples and he thinks I will have a better result with those than I will with the cohesives (although he typically favors the cohesives).

I hope that helps.

Good luck!

having exchange on Tuesday. Please tell me result will be much better than having expanders in? Can't wait.

Bobka303, weleome to BCO. Nothing is crazy (-: Do what makes sense and feels right to you. Please let us know how things go post Tuesday!

I can't say how nice to get reply. Never did board like this. Thank you for support. All ready for tomorrow!

Good Luck Bobcat! Thinking of you. I am having my exchange Friday - can't wait!

Bobkat - I was 64 at the time of my exchange. I feel great and look forward to many years of wearing these babies! Good for you!

hi ladies,

So glad I stumbled across this forum as I've been a bit down in the dumps. After a strong family history and brca1 postive diagnosis, I underwent a double mastectomy on sept 28. Drains came out yesterday (woohoo) but these tissue expanders are beyond awful. They are uncomfortable and suffocating and i would love to just rip them out. I'm smaller so they feel huge and overbearing. It's making me feel depressed and blah (I'm usually super active) but I just don't feel like doing anything. My mother and sister have been through this and have been very supportive as has my boyfriend. I keep trying to keep the end In Sight but any tips on how to deal with the TEs? I don't think I can do this for 3-4 months

NYNJGirl3. You are so early on in recovery.  You will get through this and be better than fine    I had BMX in May 19 and yesterday had my TE exchanged.  I feel great.  As you will.  You made the right decision on BMX.  Hang in there.   Someone told me I would forget about recovery after surg and they were right.  As time goes on you won't even remember what tough spot you are in right now.   Keep busy and rest a lot to let body heal.  It did take 4 months to get my full rnergy and life back to what I would say was normal!

NYNJ, I am small too. Mine felt uncomfortable (like wearing  coconut shells  for a bra) for about a month, but I really started to feel better at the 2 week mark when I was told I could do more excercise (not my arms). I started walking and got back to running 4-5 miles daily by week 4 - I think that helps with healing and the depressed feeling too (the anesthesia can cause that and so do opiates). I had to force myself to do things, including smile, but I think my hubby was doing too much for me ie. everything(bless him but...). Being highly active and very independent, this crushes that esteem for a while. I felt much better when he went back to work and I had to get on with my daily itinerary solo, well with my 3 children - we homeschool.  As BobKat says, it does get better. Hang in there!

Thanks for answer.  Did they change a lot when swelling went down.   I have quite a bit of swelling especially under arm so implants are not as defined as I thought.   Sure first visit to dr will help reassure me they will get better with time.