Exchange City

Maybe try a thick ace bandage. That is what I was sent home in after my surgery.

I have the same struggle lmkopy. The gauze on my incision helps and zipping the bra halfway up.

Thank you Trmtab! I'm doing well. I am following my post op instructions. I don't want any problems.

Shoregirl - fantastic news on the earlier exchange date!!! I have one more fill tomorrow and then I have to wait 6 weeks for the exchange.

I would like to hear your experience with this part of the process.

Hope you have a quick and pain free recovery.

Shoregirl that's WONDERFUL news...Im 3 weeks post op and Im doing really well. Everything up top is still pretty tight (my PS put in implants larger than he expanded me) but not nearly as bad as those turtle shells. The exchange is no where near as bad as the masectomy and the recovery is pretty easy. The key is listening to your surgeon for optimal results. The 25th will be here before you know it...Ill be thinking of you! hugs

Congratulations, Shoregirl!

I was told to not take my aromasin a week before fat grafting. Has anyone been told this? The nurse says it can cause more bleeding, but I never stopped taking it before my exchange surgery,

I was originally scheduled for an exchange on Dec 28th and had to cancel at the last minute...but I was off Arimidex for 2 weeks in anticipation of the exchange.

I had to stop Tamoxifen before more exchange and before my revision surgery two weeks ago. It may depend on the surgeon as to whether they tell you to stop.

Scottie

I saw PS today. 4 more weeks of restrictions and wearing the sports bra. Then I see him and he will release me to my "normal" life and wants me to wear a underwire bra to create the "shelf" below my foob. Righty is already trying to drop but lefty (my radiated side) is holding tight. He hopes lefty will loosen up and drop with righty. I really hate the idea of not being symmetrical. I don't want to have to forever wear a bra to not look lopsided.

I wore a sports bra 24/7 for 6 weeks per PS instructions. But Zi wore a bra for st leadt a year and still feel better when wearing a light bralette. I don't wear one at night now. It has been 2 years.

I got the 3D nipple tattoos abd they are amazing!

Robin

I'm planning on the 3D tattoos. Hopefully before end of the year if PS gives the OK. Thought about getting on Vinnie's list but need to do it under insurance.

Scottie

oh mine is the 26th! I had a double Mastectomy January 11 with immediate reconstruction. I have not enjoyed the tissue expanders. The left side has shifted under my armpit and made me very uncomfortable. All of this has made me wonder if I should have explored other options like direct to implant. But, that is in the past and now I am very happy to be getting these thing out. Friends who have had this exchange tell me the implants are so much more comfortable. I had a reduction DMX so I have big scars under my boobs and up but they look pretty good. I want B small C size after being a DD! I have my. Pre-op PS appointment tomorrow. Nervous and excited to hear what's ahead. Good luck on the 25th! Next stop nipples! ;

Rosebowl16. . .implants are definitely better than TEs. That's why we call them squishies. Best wishes for a swift recovery after your EX.

Scottie

Can someone point me in the right direction, perhaps a link? I recall reading a post somewhere a bit ago about some of the ladies on this forum being a guru for implant sizing questions. I had a bi-lateral nipple-sparing mastectomy and have TE's currently. (Not sure what type) My PS said he'd like to fill them to about 220cc and is hoping to go with a 185cc implant. I'm 28, 5'2'', 100 lbs soaking wet, and very fit/athletic. He put it under the muscle and added alloderm... and had to stitch something directly to my chest wall in the center. Pre-surgery I wore a 32B and just barely filled out my cup. (If i measure my ribcage under my boobs I think i'm more like 28")

I would prefer after surgery not to be much bigger, but my PS told me "they don't even make implants that small" ...I'm very concerned about not being too big after! I'm used to my previously almost-flat chest and liked having small boobs.

I wish he could show me a picture of what to expect after, but he said he didn't have any for someone my size. He also said today he'd like to go with a round implant...which initially I thought we'd go with a teardrop shaped "gummy bear" implant. Can anyone let me know how this is sounding like it'll end up? I'd love to see photos of a similar situation of what to expect to end up with. So not even necessarily of someone who had implants/reconstructions, (although that'd be awesome!) but it could just be a regular boob picture of "you'll look something like this". I also have some photos I found of what I'd LIKE to look like after if that helps at all.

Thanks in advance!