TEs. A Beginner's Primer

I had two different sized implants also, but they looked symmetrical.  I had 600cc on the left and 650cc on the right - this is more common than you think due to chest wall anomaly and other body issues.

I just got back from my post-op appointment with PS, and I found out why it was more extensive than just an exchange and why the implants are different sizes.

As we expected, Plastic Surgeon had to do a lot of "pocket work" on both breasts. Also, PS removed some fat tissue that was just under the skin on the lower halves of both my breasts. The fat was keeping the skin stiff and slowing down the healing. The fat was "not exactly necrotic" but it was "definitely not happy" where it was. I don't know how much total he removed, but it was a lot. PS said he removed about 50 grams more from the right breast than the left. So that's why he put a bigger implant on the right side (495 gm) than the left (450 gm) to even them out. PS thinks the breasts look even now, or perhaps the left is possibly slightly bigger.

Both breasts are really swollen, but are starting to shape up much better. I am happy with the results.

Ringelle, wishing you a successful surgery and speedy recovery. Knowledge is power ... i am glad that you found the posts helpful!

Hugs

Ringelle, wishing you a smooth surgery and speedy recovery. Tell us your date and is this TE insertion or swap to implants?

Thank you everyone! My surgery date is February 3 to place TEs. Of course in all my preps in getting ready for surgery I didn't plan on having to move offices the week before (if it's finished being built in time) and one of my key staff members just gave me her 2 week notice! The timing for all this really sucks but some how we will make it through! I was hoping to actually get to rest during this recovery. My mastectomy was 2 weeks before our school year started and I was so rushed to get back. Guess it will be the same this time.

Just got my first fill last Wednesday. My skin is extremely tight because of previous radiation and a mastopexy on the good side a few years ago. I figured it would be hard, but it was ok. My right side burns, but was burning before the fill. I think it's just because I use that arm more. He put in 100mls and I'm to come back in 4 weeks for the next one. He is going slow because of my high risk of expansion failure. Also had some pretty bad pinching on my right side, but a rolled wash cloth put just enough pressure there to help. I either have 450 or 550 expanders in, not sure. Guess I should find out, but figure it really doesn't matter at this point.

No shoveling for me this weekend, thankful to have sons. We are snowed in for the next few days forcing me to slow down! Hope everyone is safe this wintry weekend.

new_me: Thankfully where I live, this snowstorm was just a nuisance. What snow we got is just about melted already. As for recovery, I will definitely take it easy. I was just hoping mentally I could too. I'm going to do the best I can. After my bmx I physically took it easy but I exhausted myself during the day by visiting and talking too much. My recovery was during the summer and I had so many visitors every day. This time I'm limiting visitors. I also opted not to have help with meals. I'm preparing stuff ahead of time and freezing as well as teaching hubby how to make their easy favorites. PS says I will most likely have the drains for 2 weeks and can not return to work until they come out (I wouldn't think of it before) I'm planning to take 3 1/2 weeks off.

Scottiemom . . . was that for your mastectomy and TE or for your exchange?

Well, the clock is ticking down! Just 3 more wake ups before my TEs are placed. I feel like I'm nesting again, just like I did before my BMX. Things at work are running pretty smoothly and I was able to square away some of the things I was worried about. Thankfully, my office remodel/move is really delayed so I have absolutely no chance of getting that done before Wednesday. I've almost got my overnight bag packed and I'm setting up my recliner and side table as I did before. I got a few pairs of winter PJs that open in the front. I've made some frozen meals and I've planned menu items that I can talk my hubby through pretty easy. I feel more worried about the recovery this time than for my BMX. I think because I've heard it's a lot more painful and there will be more restrictions. My BS basically told me there was nothing I could do that would mess up his work. Not so much this time. Anyway - any advice for last minute preps that you found extremely helpful or wish you had done?

Ringelle, you will do just fine. I had minor pain and my TEs never felt terribly uncomfortable. I am 9 weeks after TE placement and have had 3 fills (every 2 weeks). I am having 1 more fill in 2 weeks and exchange on March 16. The best advice is to limit your arm movements drastically (think T-Rex arms). The more restricted the sooner drains will be pulled. I also purchased a big U shaped pregnancy pillow and put my head on the middle pillow and wrapped the long arms around my tummy. It kept me upright and very secure. I slept sitting up for 4 weeks and then returned to my bed along with my big pilliw. I can comfortably sleep on my side with TEs.

I will be thinking of you this week

Hugs

Ringelle, it sounds like you've done a lot of preparation already: meals, recliner, and even prepping hubby.

Suggested final preparations, although you've probably already done all this: pick up any scripts now if you can, stock up on Tylenol, Colace, your favorite bandages, and any toiletries. Make sure that things are on lower shelves or within reach. Stock up on any heavy non-perishables if you can: laundry detergent, kitty litter, dog kibble, and bottles of water.

I had my BMx and TE placement at the same time. It was hard, but it got better after a week. The TEs are different for everyone, and it depends on how much they are filled. Mine felt like they migrated into my armpits after the last fill.

Read the information at the beginning of this thread again. Slow and steady, really.

You will do great!

Much love,

Mominator

in your pocket, Ringelle

Hope you are doing well Ringelle. Positive thoughts coming your way!

I had surgery 3 weeks ago with a tissue expander placed. The PS put 60 cc's in during surgery and I had my first fill on Monday of 50 cc's. The extra volume seemed to go entirely to the top of the TE, so I don't see any expansion in my breast area. I thought this might be normal but the radiation oncologist commented on it this morning and said my surgery scar looked tight and that the fills may not expand the TE properly. Anyone else have this problem? I go for a second fill next Thurs.

Grandma3x, you should discuss with your PS. Ringelle, hopefully the pain subsides soon. I hated the expander for about 2 weeks. Once I got my first fills they became tolerable.