Exchange City

Options
1…13121313131513171318…1387

Comments

  • Madison4568
    Madison4568 Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2017

    HI Leslienva,

    It was an easy surgery. I haven't even taken Tylenol. I have a little feeling on good side and still no pain. They do look HUGE. My surgeon said they will settle way down. I am a hypertrophic scar former so I highly doubt mine will flatten out but hopefully they will at least a little bit Good luck on Wednesday! Let me know how you're doing.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2017

    Rosebowl- I had my exchange on 3/8, before that I had my beloved turtle shells for 11 months. I can honestly tell you that you will be much more comfortable immediately after surgery. Granted my chest was tight, my PS put in a larger imaplant than what I was expanded to but at almost 5 weeks post op its a totally different situation than the awful expanders. My left side is loosening up nicely and my right side is getting there. I had rads on that side and I feel like my right side is currently as soft as my left side was the day of my exchange surgery. Hopefully that makes sense. I will keep you in my prayers, Im sure you'll do awesome! Hugs!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Imkopy2
    Imkopy2 Member Posts: 265
    edited April 2017

    Madison thank you for sharing, that is my next phase in June. Leslienva, good luck to you, please share your experience...Ill say a prayer for you.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2017

    Madison, do you have the "nip shields"? If so, how long do you have to wear them? Do they poke out from your clothes?

    Imkopy2, thanks! I'll report back. I'm more worried about the fat grafting than the nip recon.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Madison4568
    Madison4568 Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2017

    No nipple shields. Just a compression bra for 3 weeks with the nipple area cut out of it, a very interesting look lol. They told me to put nothing on them. I am going back to work tomorrow so I am going to wear loose shirts with a scarf over my chest.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2017

    I can just imagine what these "shields" look like. The nurse said similar to a small hat!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Madison4568
    Madison4568 Member Posts: 54
    edited April 2017

    I had my nipples done 3 days ago. They bled for quite a while after. 24 hours after surgery the one on my LD flap started turning black on the edges and was bright red on the top with a fluid filled blister which kept popping and oozing. I ent to the ER as directed by the doctor on call and it was a complete waste of time. The plastics resident on call had no idea what was happening, I had no more answers than before I went there. I was worried I had an infection. I called the surgeons office the next day. The nurse said the nipple is trying to establish a new blood supply and the skin on the surface is dying and that I could lose the nipple. Has anyone had this happen?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2017

    Ihad my nipple reconstruction and fat grafting yesterday. I'm still having some bleeding, which the nurse said was normal. I had to wash the surgical bra and replace the gauze that was covering the shields. I'm supposed to start applying ointment tomorrow. Is the problem on your radiated side? It's my prophylactic side that's bleeding.

    I hope everything turns out okay. Keep us posted!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited April 2017

    So, how long does it take to see what the end result of your implants will be? I am still wearing a sports bra 24/7. He wants me to switch to a supportive underwire after I see him next month. My surgery was 4 weeks ago today. My left (cancer/rads side) looks awful. It is still mishapen like the TE and rather pancaked and still swollen in places. The right is wanting to drift to the right toward my pit which makes me terribly unhappy. I want a little cleavage and I don't want to have to wear a bra, especially an underwire the rest of my life.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited April 2017

    Molly - It can take 3-6 months until your new implants "settle". I know it's hard, but all through this thread the best advice is just step away from the mirror. You can always have a revision down the road if you are truly still disappointed with the result once all the swelling inflammation is gone & your body grows to accept the implant placement.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited April 2017

    Thank you, Minus Two. I know I read somewhere it's about two months but you know after being in TE's for so long I just want something close to normal.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited April 2017

    Molly, my revision for CC was almost five weeks ago. I'm still wearing a sports type support bra. Mine are starting to settle, i.e., drop and fluff a bit. They were very close together in the front right after the surgery and now are drifting apart some. Give yours time. Best wishes.

    Scottie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shoregirl
    Shoregirl Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2017

    Molly, I know it's been a long road for you, and not so long for me. But as women who have lost parts of our bodies it is only natural to want the best possible results after what we have endured. The lengthy journey is hard, but we are blessed to have sisters who have gone before us to encourage and guide us! You have been so patient and helpful to others here, I just wanted to let you know I am rooting for you, praying for you, for the continued patience and peace as you recover from your exchange.

    I'm going for my exchange Tuesday, April 25. I thank you for voicing your concerns and Minus2Two & Scottiemom1, thank you for your response to Molly. I can't imagine how lost I would be without all these wonderful ladies, my sister's I never had as the only girl with 11 brothers!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Molly50
    Molly50 Member Posts: 3,773
    edited April 2017

    Shoregirl, I will be in your pocket for Tuesday. I am very excited for you. I want to thank all of you for your encouraging posts. I just needed to get through a couple days of being discouraged. Shoregirl, you are right. It's been such a long journey and I did so well not missing my breasts until it hit me that this stage is permanent. This is going to be me for a long time. In the scheme of things it shouldn't be a big deal but some days I don't recognize my own body. You are all so wonderful.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited April 2017

    Hi all, getting ready for my exchange this Friday! So happy! Just one problem, my insurance has refused to pay for the fat grafting. Tried an appeal, but it was turned down. Has anyone had the exchange without the fat grafting?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • candles1
    candles1 Member Posts: 77
    edited April 2017

    heartfull, did the insurance company say why the fat grafting was denied? I'm looking into fat grafting myself since my implants have rippling...it didn't occur to me that the procedure might not be covered. Is it commonly declined??
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited April 2017

    My insurance is Medical Mutual. They seem to be one of the few that decline the procedure. They are calling the procedure "experimental." I think over insurance companies are on board with the importance and do cover it. I hope your insurance company covers it for you. I'm just worried about getting the exchange and how it will look without the fat grafting...is there a lot of rippling for you?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • candles1
    candles1 Member Posts: 77
    edited April 2017

    Heartfull, I had a one step, direct-to-implant reconstruction over the muscle. One side does have visible rippling at the top (so, yes, visible in low cut attire). I could live with it, but I'd prefer to try to fix it. Over the muscle implants are more likely to ripple, although I highly recommend the procedure overall if that's what you are doing.


    Maybe you won't ripple at all...fingers crossed. My PS would not have done the fat grafting right away in any event. I was told that it's better to wait for the swelling to subside so you can see all the areas that need it (if any). In my case, I initially thought the rippling was so tiny that I'd ignore it. Now, two months later, the rippling is indeed deeper and more widespread than originally appeared. So, maybe there's a benefit to waiting anyway? Do you've have the opportunity to switch to another insurer in a few months' time?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2017

    Heartfull, I didn't have fat grafting with my original exchange, I had it over a year later with nipple reconstruction. But it was covered by my health insurance.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited April 2017

    leslienva and candles1, thank you both for your information. It sounds like it will be alright to wait and get the fat grafting later if needed. It really does make sense to wait and see how things settle in. I also thought it would be great to switch insurance if possible, but not for a year or so. Maybe before that time my current insurance will see the importance of the fat grafting for women! :) Either way I am soo excited about getting the implants put in on Friday! I hear the surgery is easier than the original BMX. What do you guys think? Did you have to wear a bra immediately after the surgery? Thank you again for your information and support! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Scottiemom11
    Scottiemom11 Member Posts: 1,298
    edited April 2017

    Heartful. . .I had both my EX and my revision for CC done without fat grafting. I did have lipowithout fat grafting with original EX and insurance covered that. New PS said no fat grafting needed when I asked about it this time and he was right.

    Best wishes for getting your squishies on Friday. FYI I am still in a sports bra 5 weeks out from revision. That depends on PS I think.

    Scottie

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Shoregirl
    Shoregirl Member Posts: 375
    edited April 2017

    Its official, exchange surgery 11:25a.m tomorrow along with "dog ear revisions." I will have drains. Any other ladies have drains with exchange? I'm guessing it's because of the dog ears, not sure though. My PS is bringing a range of sizes from 400cc to 475cc in the Inspira smooth round high profile and ultra high profile. I have to trust his judgement. I will be a little smaller than my natural 36D -DD, but I'm ok with that. I just don't want them too far apart!

    I will report back when able!!! Yay!!!!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Leslienva
    Leslienva Member Posts: 489
    edited April 2017

    Heartful, the exchange was a lot easier than the mastectomy. I had drains, but they were only for about a week. My PS felt drains help with healing.I did wake up in a surgical bra but could switch to a sports bra after a few days. Some women don't even need fat grafting. I had a "dent" under my collar bone that I wanted filled, which is why I opted for the grafting later.

    Good luck on Friday! I'm sure you'll do great!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mominator
    Mominator Member Posts: 1,575
    edited April 2017

    It's been 1 year 3 months since my exchange. Overall, I am very happy. I have some areas of "volume loss" as my BS calls it, and some rippling as well. But since I look fine in my clothes, I am hesitant for any more surgery.

    However, in the last few weeks I have noticed that I can feel the top of my implant poking up from under the muscle at the top of my left breast. It is uncomfortable.

    This is the Natrelle 410 implant.

    image


    I made an appointment for next to discuss options.
    Has anyone had their implant move?


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Mominator
    Mominator Member Posts: 1,575
    edited April 2017

    Shoregirl: I had drains both with BMX and EX. That is standard procedure for my PS.

    Best wishes for your EX tomorrow. I'll be in your pocket as well.

    Madelyn

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited April 2017

    Leslienva ,scottiemom11 thank you for the information and good wishes! I am so happy to know that the grafting can be done later! I'm glad to know that the surgery will be easier! :) I think I better check into a sports bra! All of your good wishes mean so much! Thank you!! :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • robinblessed54
    robinblessed54 Member Posts: 578
    edited April 2017

    mominator, heartful, shoregirl, it has been over 2 years since ex. I also have the Natrelle 410. I didn't have fat grafting and don't expect to need it. Mine have not moved. I woke up in surgical bra and ace bandage. Had that for a week, no drains. After that sports bra 24/7 for at least 6 weeks. I wore one for over a year. I love them and with my professional 3D nipples, they are complete! It takes quite a while for them to look good and feel like they are not foreign objects. Be patient and srep away from the mirror. Blessings, Robin



    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • VegGal
    VegGal Member Posts: 507
    edited April 2017

    Mominator, I have had my 410's since last June. I recently had it confirmed that Righty rotated 30 degrees. That, along with other issues including rippling, has prompted me to seek a revision and switch to smooth rounds.

    Hope you get your issue resolved quickly and easily... and to your satisfaction!

    C

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heartfull
    heartfull Member Posts: 36
    edited April 2017

    robinblessed54, thank you for the good information! I am also thinking about the 3D nipple (I only need one as nipple sparing on one breast). It sounds like your surgery went great and hopefully ours will too! Do you have any recommendations for a good sports bra?

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • noodlesmom
    noodlesmom Member Posts: 43
    edited April 2017

    I'm sort of in the same boat. Very petite, under 100 lbs, and not looking for larger breast implants. I'm barely a A now, so being a full A would be fine, but when I met with a PS, he said he didn't even have an implant close to that size that I could see. If you come across any info, would you share? And I'll do the same.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories