Exchange City

shoregirl, I took 2 weeks off for exchange, but could have gone back to work in a week. I had pocket work under imf on right side to even them out. It was sore, but tolerable. I have the textured anatomical implants so they stay put in their pockets. It takes at least 6 months for swelling etc to occur, and as was said, everyone is different.

Are you sleeping on your side? You shouldn't be yet. Put a pillow on your sides to prevent it. And just because you can, doesn't mean you should!

Robin

Hi, I'm about to have my exchange (in a few weeks) surgery and I'm nervous that I won't be happy with the size of the implant. I am large framed and had 500 CC Allegran Natrelle 133 Plus MV 14 Expander placed earlier this year in both breasts (after mastectomy). The expanders were inflated to 550CC but are still way too small for my body. My surgeon assured me that they would bring larger implants into the exchange surgery. I'm wondering how large I could possibly end up with? Would 700 CC be realistic? Has anybody increased implant size from expander size? How much were you able to increase by?

survivor - is there some reason that your PS elected not to over-expand your TE more? Generally, implants look somewhat smaller than expanders, and I am skeptical as to how much larger an implant can fit in your expanded pocket. Your PS can over-expand your TE well beyond 550ccs and then you can either fit a 800cc silicone implant, which is the largest commercially available, or you can have a saline filled implant that has saline added beyond 800ccs. I would recommend making a post on this thread - read the header carefully and supply the needed info - the OP of this thread is exceedingly knowledgeable and can advise the best course of action.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics/746448?page=478#post_4980702

Survivor, depends on how thin your skin flap is. Ask ps prior to surgery. And implants look smaller than expanders usually. Also depends if you have any radiation damage. I have 700 ml implants and I was filled to 700 ml. I weight 180 ish. I am a C cup generally. No rads and healthy skin. Non smoker.

Thanks Scottie. I have incisions from IMF all the way under my armpits to beneath my shoulder blades (about 12") to correct dog ears. The right side he stitched to tight under my arm and by shoulder blade. It pulls when I lay down and try to change positions.

Robin, ack!!! I had NO IDEA I wasn't supposed to sleep on my side. It is like a security blanket for me, I started as soon as I was able, probably 2 weeks post op! My fiance says I stop breathing when sleeping on my back.

Kingster, I wore a snug bra the 1st 4 weeks, then my ps's assistant told me I could go without. I still wear one during the day, but stopped sleeping in them as my skin was getting sensitive. I checked out the Genie website, its hard for me to imagine them being supportive but they do look comfy and the reviews did say they are supportive. They have a special right now 2 pack for $9.99

EastcoastTS . . .I am between a B and a C cup. C cup Hanes sports bras are a little loose. I have a fairly small chest and I was barely a B before kids then B to C after. I now have Mentor UHP 300 cc implants and I really like the projection, which is more than I had with the Mentor HP 300 cc implants from first EX.

I will add that my new PS talked me out of going smaller. I thought it would be easier on my pecs, ie., less pressure on them. Turns out all of the nerve pain was from CC and is mostly gone now. I am back to lifting small weights and have hopes of a much better recovery this go round.

Scottie

Survivor117, EastcoastTS, and CarlaEM, be sure to check out Breast Implant Sizing 101. Whippetmom is very helpful with sizing questions. Be sure to read her original post and answer all the questions. https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics/746448

Shoregirl, you can use pillows so not to sleep on your side. If you find the snoring is too much, you can sleep propped up on a reading pillow. For both BMX and EX, I used the reading pillow for the first 6 weeks, then I used pillows under my breasts for a few weeks before side sleeping unsupported.

Shorgirl - you might also check the Danskin sports bras at WalMart. I didn't care for the Genie bra and didn't feel it gave me enough compression.

Mominator, my new PS, Whippetmom and myself are all on the same page about size and type. My only decision/issue is whether to switch to prepectoral placement as my PS wants. I am very much on the fence about that. We'll get it figured out, though!

Mominator and Shoregirl, thank you! I had an apointment with my PS yertrday and I'm healing nicely. Today I have some mild pain in incisions area (inframammary on both sides).

Shoregirl. . .glad your implant flipped back! Sounds like your PS needs to do more pocket work, it's great he understands you again and will fix everythng for you.

Thank you MinusTwo, I will check those out!

Golden, glad you are healing well!! No side sleeping!

Hercules, yes, it was very sweet of my ps to send that email. He is a great guy!!

Robin, too funny your comment about Target sign! Someone told me Vinnie doesn't repair other people's work, not sure if it's true. I had thought of getting tats in ps office, and if they were not good, save up for Vinnie. I am really wanting to try nipple reconstruction, but my ps doesn't do it, and strongly advises me against it. There is a ps that takes my insurance and does them, so I may consult with him. I want to talk with women who had surgery over a year ago, see how they hold up long term. I may have to get some pasties to hold me over as it's going to be a long road since I may be downsizing.

Mominator,

Yes, the surgeon proposed that we switch to prepectoral using a Natrelle SCX implant to make my whole chest more "front and center" and to improve projection. She recommends fat grafting in the upper pole to create a natural slope. The biggest "pro" would be no more animation when I use my pecs. Animation doesn't really bother me, however.

For me the cons, would be trying to cover up the implant edges using fat grafting. I don't have a whole lot of fat to spare and what if I resorb it? Ugh! I have good upper pole coverage and cleavage with my pecs now and ripples are only on the sides, which ideally will be greatly improved with the different implant alone. I also worry about my poor middle-aged thin skin stretching and sagging with the weight of a nearly 700 cc implant. I am going for a perky look.

Anyway, we scheduled the revision for August with a pre-op in July. I will need a LOT of convincing that switching to prepectoral will be superior. Any input is greatly appreciated.

C

Carla - I agree about the skin. It gets thinner every year. If for no other reason, I would not put the implants on top of the pecs.

Carla: Did you go to Breast Implant Sizing 101 yet? Read the entire header and post the information required, along with your questions. Whippetmom is a wealth of knowledge and had helped many of us. BTW - I do have Allergan 410s and am very happy with them, but we're all different.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...

Carla, mine are mentor memory gels smooth rounds under muscle. The foobs look weird when I flex, but I've gotten used to that. I think it offers more protection to the implant. Helps keep the implants in place since I have strong pecs.