Exchange City

LJ4618

Clearly, I am avoiding work today and have been posting in various communities here!:)

I had my surgery on November 2 (3.5 months ago)...the implant has dropped down into the pocket more (I have been taking pictures (bottom views, side views, front views), so the difference is visible and real. I am so impressed with how things have softened.  From day 1, it is better than the TE, but I am talking about the feel of the implant.  It feels really good and as natural as I could expect from am implant.  I have to say that I don't even think about the implant all of the time, the way that I could never forget that I had the TE inside of me.  Give it time. It will get even better!

lj4618, I wouldn't say that my chest size was small and tight. I don't think that I had a lot of skin removed because, after my mastectomy, both the breast surgeon and plastic surgeon said that that like to save as much skin as possible, and they showed me some of the skin saved around the scar area (at that time).  In any case, my PS told me to massage the implant size frequently, particularly around the top and then circling down/around.  He said that this would encourage the implant to slide deeper into the pocket.  The pocket size matters.  If it is too tight, then there is little opportunity for movement.  If it is too big, the implants can rotated to the underarm area, so I hear!  I massaged daily (sometimes twice a day) with shea butter.  Mine definitely dropped.  

OCDAmy - I had my exchange surgery 2 weeks ago today. My PS does not use textured implants because of the association with anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. The risk is very low, but he gets good results with the smooth so avoids texture.

Thanks so much. My PS said the same thing, she prefers the smooth because of the risk. I have read that sometimes they don't stay in place as well as the textured?

I think if the PS creates a good pocket, except for normal settling, the smooth won't go anywhere. Mine have not.

Thank you all so much for your input. Thank goodness for this site to be able to get good and informed feedback.

I meet with my PS tomorrow morning (this morning if I am getting picky) to discuss my exchange. Surgery is end of March. I’m actually happy with the TE and am rather nervous about getting implants. Is that crazy

Hi Jada I had my bmx with TEs a year ago. Before that I was a generous 38C. I wanted to go smaller. My PS had 500 and 600 Tes in the OT but managed to fit in the 600TEs. Was glad he did as I still looked prepubertal at fills up to 480. We overfilled to 680 and inserted Replicon silicon teardrop extrahigh profile. I am now a 38B. However do keep in mind that patients vary due to chest wall width etc. Some patients will end up with a B cup with 350cc. In my case I was still completely flat at 320. My PS had been planning on Replicon EHP 635 but upgraded to 665 after I had done my fills based on what things were looking like. Ultimately it is very individual. 

If you look up whippetmom there is a thread she started on implant sizing that is very informed and she may be able to help you too. Keep in mind that the implants will be slightly smaller than the TEs. If you are not happy with the sizing do speak up now though before the surgery. 

Good luck and take care.

Ghionik: Trust me, Exchange is SO much easier than BMX! You will be tempted to do too much -- that's how much easier it is. And I had lots of pocket work and not the easiest Exchange. And it was amazing how much better it was. Don't stress this one if you can help it. I hated to have my incisions opened back up, too, but the surgeon will "clean up" any scar tissue and all that good stuff, too, while in there.

TaRenee: No, you're not crazy to like the look of the TEs. But, boy, are implants so much more comfortable. And I didn't have the worst TE experience -- but they are NOT built for comfort. Just talk to the PS about projection (if that is what you like about the TEs) because you'll lose some with implants. You may want high profile then.

Good luck to all! You got this!

thank you Meg2016 for the info, I know it’s an individual case by case situation that is what is so hard about it! I feel like if they are front and center and full thatwill make All the difference.

Shadie:

I did not have drains but it was a possibility.

Any way you could maybe get a week off? Although many on here went back sooner than I did. I had pocket work, so I needed a few extra days. I also have desk job.

But Exchange is SO much easier than BMX. So much. So worst case, you'll be fine but maybe tired. You really have to try and not do too much. Lifting, etc., etc.

Excellent news, TaRenee! I’m hoping my PS visit next Tuesday will be as informative. Thanks all for the info about the exchange surgery being so much easier. I’ll be glad to be done with surgeries and get on with life. This page has been so helpful. Xox

Shadie

With this surgery, your plan could work, although I agree with Eastcoast: you will probably feel more tired than you want to..I did not have drains but my PS always said it was a slight possibility.

Hello everyone! I finished my last fill and I am having my exchange surgery in 6 weeks. I need to decide what type of implants to go with. Do most people get the round or tear drop shape? What are the pros and cons of each. My ps wouldn't recommend one over the other.

Agreed...many seem happy with both. I thought that I wanted anatomicals until my PS explained why he thought rounds were a much better choices for me, given my chest dimensions/anatomy. I love my rounds, so I am glad that I trusted him.