Exchange City

Flynn I had both expanded, then one side deflated for radiation, then re-expanded. My knitted knockers helped a lot with everything looking pretty even under clothes!

Mom-mom,

I am a umx-er and had the same concern/issue while I had my TEs in.  I am now done with my exchange, and I have to say that my PS got things pretty right, even though I might have a minor revision.  The choice was mine to be conservative, after he explained things to me. So, for example, I definitely wanted the native breast lifted.  How could my native compete with the hang of an implant at my age??(51 years).  So, a lift was a definite from the beginning of our plan. 

Next, wanted the volume and shape to match (as sisters, not twins, per se).  That part turned out pretty well, too, mostly because my PS chose the right implant size and projection for my body. I didn't try to tell him what to do, but I did let him know that I didn't want "rack!" I work out a lot and would not be used to my breasts getting in the way.  So, although I wanted the native to be fuller (we did fat injection on that side) I wanted things to look natural.  

All said, the volume is right and even on both sides.  The only thing that we might revise is the upper pole (topside) area of my native breast.  Right now, about 10 week out from surgery, the implant upper pole has more fullness.  It has dropped into the pocket quite a bit over the past month, but I don't think that it will settle to look like my native side.  That can be fixed with a tiny implant or additional fat, depending on the location.  We just need to wait and see. I will have another appointment with my PS in mid-March and we will decide on next steps. I asked him about doing that type of implant---on the native side--during my exchange surgery.  However, he felt that it is best to add an tiny implant when you know you need it.  If you add it, and things then settle differently, removing the tiny implant would leave a non-optimal result with skin, shape etc.  I agreed. Cancer has taught me to be patient.  I also trust my PS.

Until any revision, I am still really happy with the way things look right now in my bra and clothing. Incidentally, my cup size is much bigger than before, but it looks very normal for my body. I am glad that I didn't oversteer my PS to remain small.

How long were you out of work after exchange surgery? I have an office job and will ask my PS (he tends to say things like, "well, that's up to you!"), but am even more interested in your experiences. Thanks!

Glad things are going well for you Scrafgal. It's such a great feeling when you feel you can trust your PS. I am 4 weeks post exchange and for the first time, I put on a normal soft foam bra as I was going out for a coffee with a friend. Oh gosh was it great to remove that post op bra and strap... and cool I really liked the look of me in the mirror with the bra on! And yes my friend said I looked great!

Sweet_Pea I can work from home for my job and had surgery on a Thursday and was back at work on Monday (but at home.) I did plan light days for my first few days. But I didn't need painkillers other than Tylenol so working wasn't a big issue since for me is mostly conference calls. I did have to sit in a more supported type of chair (I chose my recliner) where I could put a pillow in my armpit because rubbing between arm and armpit wasn't comfortable and using my mouse a lot, etc. I got a rollerball mouse which helped. (I used a little pillow in my armpit.)

Hey ladies:

I had my bilateral exchange on Wednesday. No drains. Post op bra. Minimal to no pain. Seriously. I did have a bit of revision on the right side. PS said she lifted the breast up a bit. It is more sore on that side than the other - this is the minimal pain. I don't need pain killers.

I do have restrictions. No lifting over 10 lbs, no lifting arms above 90 degrees, no pushing/pulling heavy things for six weeks. I must wear the post op bra for 24 hours a day for 2 weeks minimal and then a very supportive bra for 24 hours for another 4 weeks - even the post op bra if I want. So, my job does have some heavy lifting, but I feel so normal now, I am returning to work tomorrow and will not do heavy lifting. I will drive first time tomorrow. I am nervous to return in case I over do it. After reading on here, it seems that its common to be feel "normal" soon after this surgery and it fools you into doing too much. Especially with all the restrictions on me, I don't want to hurt myself. But at the same time, I am eager to get on with living. I guess I am looking for reassurance from you all that returning to work this early is doable and some have you have done it.

I had larger implants placed than my natural breasts, but I gotta say, I looked ALOT bigger in my TE's. I do not think I am am bigger than my natural breasts. According to the implants put in, a full projection were placed, so they should, in my opinion look bigger than I was naturally. Maybe its just the compression of the post-op bra. I did however, have a shower today (first one since surgery) and naked, my boobs look same size as I was. PS mentioned that my natural boobs were around 320cc and she put in inmplants of 560cc on the left (same as TE) and 485 cc on the right(same as TE - I had fat gratting on that side so I look fuller on that side with smaller implant ). I must say, my boobs are quite symmetrical and same size looking though. Is this a common thing? I thought this was my chance in life to be bigger and now it doesn't seem I am. Sigh... Anyone else experience this?

wallan

Wallan - I thought the same after my exchange, that I was no bigger than I was going in, even though my implants were 50% bigger than the tissue removed during my MX (300 cc implants vs. 200 g). It took a while for things to settle out so that I now have greater projection and wear a larger cup size than I had before. I also had 2 fat grafting procedures after exchange to cover up some rippling and even things out. I think this really helped.

Thanks ladies for your replies.

I am so pleased that I feel great day 6 from surgery. I do have a bit of minimal pain still where the revision was on the right side, but otherwise I feel like I didn't even have surgery.

I drove for the first time the other day with no issues. Today I am back at work .

I have my surgical follow up next week. I will see how everything settles out over time. I do have a compression type bra on, so this squishes things smaller and that may be the issue.

We shall see. I just am very glad to be done and hoping it all stays well.

wallan

Sorry about your issues. I'd be running to a second opinion. He's had two chances to get it right and didn't get close.

discouraged, I am so sorry to hear of your wayward implants! I absolutely agree with VegGal & MinusTwo. I don't know HOW she did it, but my new PS (my 2nd opinion doc I fell in love with!!) said at my consult she would anchor them and I didn't ask how. She, as well as the 1st ps had never seen implants flip backwards before, and neither had a ps I consulted with at John's Hopkins. So it is a rare phenomenon to be sure!!

The new ps also had suggested to me we move to a textured implant, but I did not feel comfortable so she stayed with smooth round but switched brands. I have had no problems at all with these flipping. All I know is, when I leaned over with the old implants, they would dangle off my chest. When I lean over now, they stay close to my body. By any chance did your ps have you massage your implants daily? My original ps had me grasp each implant at the each side of the bottom part and squeeze the lateral and medial edges toward each other firmly so the implant would rise up the chest wall away from the pressure 5 times on each implant every day. The ps at Hopkins suggested this may have kept the pocket too loose, allowing the implants to flip. But you said even your TEs flipped...that is crazy!! Please, please please go see another ps!!

Shoregirl

Hey discouraged:

I am sorry that you are having these complications.

I agree with the other ladies. Your PS does not sound very experienced at this or very talented at it. This may not be true, but you need a second opinion. Something is not right.

I did not realize that implants could be "anchored" either. I know that my PS expanded the TE's to the same size as the implants would be and she sutured up the pockets tight she told me. I am wearing a compression bra right now for two weeks so the implants stay put too. So far, there are no issues. Its only been a week though.

I hope that you get your issues sorted out discouraged. Let us know.

wallan

exchange 1/31/2018

Flynn, I also go to Moffitt. I travel there from Destin. Wanted to do a DIEP but due to weight loss during chemo am not a candidate. My PS wants to do a lat flap and implants. I originally did not want implants (the fills are going to take longer due to traveling) but do not really see an option. A flap is needed because I have had radiation twice on the same side and the skin just can not handle TE. I am learning a lot from reading all of the experiences here. Thank you all!

Cindyanne, have you considered autologous fat transfer (AFT)? I hear it does wonders for radiated breasts!! It can be done in conjunction with an implant or without implants. Much less invasive than flap! I can't stand my implants and am in the process of replacing with fat. It can be done even on slim women. Are you in Destin, FL? I used to live in Ft Walton Beach, love Destin!! If so, there are some good doctors in FL experienced in AFT, if you want to look into it. Dr. Khouri of The Miami Breast Center, and there is a lot of info on Dr. Hartog in Orlando website, and a number of drs come up on RealSelf.com. There is also a thread on here about fat graft to the entire breast.

Best wishes!!

Thank you to everyone who posted a reply about my flipping implants. I will get another opinion, probably two. I'd love to find a ps who has dealt with this before. The ps I have been seeing is the most recommended in my area. He is kind and has done a great job for others I know. However, I just don't think I can have a 2nd revision surgery with him for the same issue when the 1st one failed.

Shoregirl, can you give me the name and location of the ps who was able to help you? Also, if anyone else knows of someone who has a fair amount of revision experience in the Denver area, I can easily drive there. I'm sorry you had to go through all of this but I can't tell you what a relief it is to hear someone was able to fix it. Thank you so much for sharing your info.