Exchange City

kmb4, my exchange was in April and I don’t have pain or discomfort. I don’t think it’s normal. Definitely speak to your doc

alice, listen to Minus two, she and I both have gummies, not sure what you have. But yes, it takes a long time for your body to accept something different and settle down. It has gone through a lot. I am out 3 1/2 years and things are fine now but I frlt like it was almost a year before my foobs took on a natural look and that I felt good in them.

I didn’t sleep on my side for a year either.

Also, remember “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should “. Don’t overdo. Take care and give yourself a chance to heal. Stress slows the healing process.

Robin

alicia, my PS doesn’t show pictures, I think that is for augmentation not cancer reconstruction. Every situation is different. It depends on where the tumor was and how much pocket work had to be done. They will never be like a natural breast , but will be your “new normal “. Take good care of yourself and let your body heal.

Robin

Deb - you should check in with Whippetmom at Breast Implants 101 - link below. If you read the header, you'll know what information to provide for her knowledgeable recommendation. Lots of information if you want to read back some.

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

minus2, I will check out the link! Sweet pea, lol, I had heard several women say they noticed permanent implants more comfortable as soon as they were in the recovery room. Thank you ladies!

Here is my 7 week update...

I had revision exchange surgery w a new PS...he released my scar tissue on my radiated side, swapped out my initial implants, [I had Natrelle SRF 450 (L) and SRF 435 (R) ] I now have SCF 550 on both, and did fat grafting. My breasts are starting to fall into the pockets (my incisions in my IMF are now hidden), both sides are softening nicely (rads side is noticeably softer), and I am wearing a sport bra 24/7. I have a softer lighter impact style I sleep in.

For this exchange I did not have drains but for my initial exchange I had 2 small drains that were taken out a week later. My current PS explained that the decision for drains or not depends on the amount of bleeding during surgery.

For those ladies about to have surgery best wishes, implants are much more comfortable than TEs and will soften over time. A reconstructed breast differs from an augmented breast and needs time to heal, soften & settle...this will be the most frustrating part of your journey.

For those ladies who have recently had surgery...remember just because you can doesn’t mean you should...listen to your surgeon and your body.

Hugs!

alicia63017 no one explains the exchange process...this is my 2nd exchange my first results were mediocre and I knew I could achieve better results. Since I had rads I needed someone who specialized in the process. My former implants continued to change in softness and placement for the year I had them...stay patient. If at the 6 month mark things don’t seem like they’re looking more natural go seek a 2nd, 3rd or 4th opinion...(which is what I did) it is normal to have revisions which is covered by insurance. Implants for breast recon is greatly different for BC patients then it is for augmented patients. If you have questions feel free to PM.

imkopy - glad to read your assessment that the SCF is becoming soft. I too will get a revision. Have TCX which is toooo big and has never really softened up. Not sure if it is the Textured case that has prevented it so was thinking of going to the SRX which is what I thought I was getting (actually what I had signed off on so the TCX was a shock/surprise). If I read it correct you went from an SR to SC and you think they are fairly soft? TT

I am 9 months out and will start looking for a new PS shortly, so at this point I don't have a scheduled exchange revision...

I am in the Richmond, VA area if anyone has suggestions. TT

Not for Dr Fabulous!

You might PM Whippetmom. She keeps a list of recommended surgeons.

Mom-mom- good luck on your upcoming exchange, I had FG and exchange at the end of April. Not sure if you need compression (spanx) for your donor site, if so be sure to follow that rule it is sooo helpful. Also, I have to wear a sport bra 24/7. If this is the case you will be very swollen even though it doesn’t seem like it. I had a couple of sportbras that I bought after surgery which felt comfy ( they were way bigger then my reg size) and be sure to kick your feet up and rest. Exchange surgery is waaaay easier then BMX or UMX and that’s where we tend to forget how important the rest factor is. Listen to your surgeon, follow your restrictions and im sure you’ve heard ‘just because you can doesn’t mean you should’...this is so true. At this stage in the game you don’t want to risk your final results.

Remember reconstructed breasts are not the same as augmented breasts and they take a great deal of time to take shape and soften. This process can be months or even years...if you have questions be sure to ask or feel free to throw something out on the boards we’re here to help.

Oh yeah and Shoregirl said pineapple (fresh not canned) helps to detox after surgery and also helps to heal. I ate a ton of it with this last surgery and she was soooo right.

Hugs!

Thanks Leslie. I have been looking at Amy Black's web site for over a year...since I am still looking for a revision of the implant that is a long way off, but am glad to hear you are happy with her. It looked like a reasonable way to go versus traveling to Vinnie's

Have heard good things about Sharline Aboutanous in RIC...I will start going for consults after my next MO appointment in early August...so if folks have other suggestions, please keep them coming or PM me if you want to keep it private.

Thanks so much...hard to believe I will be starting this up again...TT

Good info Imkopy2! You are so right about the PS working for US! I feel it is critically important to be on the same page and to have a doctor that doesn't make you feel rushed or uncomfortable in any way! So glad to hear how thrilled you are since having your revision with the new PS!!

I am getting in the boat with you TrmTab. I too had to switch PS. The one that did my initial expanders and exchange refused to do nips and only minimal fat grafting. I was NOT going to settle for doing things HIS way. I found a wonderful female PS who was on board with what I wanted and had a great rapport with. She did a revision last Nov with another planned for June 14. It had to be cancelled due to a false alarm on my Stress Test. Once we got that figured out I got the bad news her office mgr decided to stop participating with my insurance. I now have an appt for a consult with a good friend of hers, another female PS over at Johns Hopkins. I see her July 5. Thankfully she has a satellite office over in Columbia, MD so this country gal doesn't have to drive in Baltimore! Hopefully the 3rd PS is the CHARM!!! Like you TT, I can't believe I am starting over either. It was a bit discouraging at first, but now that I have a new PS in the wings my spirits are back!! Being in VA you have a lot of great options I am sure. The one I sent you the link for (Dr. Rad) and Dr. Venturi mentioned by Leslienva would def be worth looking into. You too will feel better once you have someone you feel completely comfortable with. You deserve the very best!! Keep us posted!!