maggie, 18 years since my dad passed. It's hard to believe it's been that long sometimes. Yay, port removal too. PS said about an hour but I'm sure it could go over a bit with the fat grafting. I am going to call and talk to the PA in the office this week to clarify a few things. I'm fairly thin and expected him to take most fat from my belly. I think I have enough, he just chuckled. Anyway, he said he would take some from there but wanted to leave enough for plan B just in the rare case there are issues with the implants. So he mentioned upper legs, and a few other places too. Bottom line, just want to have the right spanx here for after surgery. Belly area for sure but I guess I need to grab some that cover the thighs too. Do you know what type of implant you are getting? I agree, these expanders do feel alien. Maybe it is because they have been full for so long. If anyone else has any advice on what type of spanx please chime in!

I have my pre-op appt in two weeks. DebAL, I believe the PS is using my extra fat from the stomach area, but the specifics weren't discussed at the last appt.  It will all be explained at the pre-op.  I want to ask him about the possibility of needing a "Plan B" if there are implant issues. I hadn't thought of that aspect.  I'm not sure if he even advocates wearing any type of compression garments, as that wasn't discussed either yet. At the pre-op, I have to let him know what type and size implants I'm going with so they can have them ready at surgery.  Have you decided yet?

hello ladies! I should be scheduling my exchange surgery in able two weeks. I trust my plastic surgeons judgement especially after seeing how good my expanders look! I will probably be going with mentor high prior rounds. I was a 36b prior to surgery, so I’m looking to be in the 300-350cc implant size area....I think.

The only thing my dr keeps mentioning that I’m not totally on board with is fat grafting. First off I don’t want to have to have another part of my body heal. Secondly I may go through with it to only have the fat graft not work or absorb back. Anyone do fat grafting and decide they wish they didn’t, or wish they did when they didn’t? Anyone happy they did it and the results are still good years later?

I did fat grafting twice and it was totally worth it. My breasts are nicely contoured and soft with no rippling... and symmetrical despite a unilateral mastectomy. Does fat grafting hurt at the donor site? Yes. Are you bruised as though you got mugged? Yes. Are you miserable while wearing spanx compression gear for 6 weeks in 90 degree weather? Yes. Was it all worth it, in the end? Absolutely.

SLL From what I've read on these boards, you can do fat grafting at any time in the future. If you're conflicted, maybe put it off to see how you like the original look. And if you want fat grafting later, schedule it when it's not the middle of the hot summer.

Thank you all for your input!. Scrafgal, I'm glad you are happy with the results! SLL, like minus 2 said you could postpone if you are unsure. Anything we do from now on is a bonus so maybe discuss with your PS again. I remember seeing a few posts on other boards saying it's better than the first surgery. Maggie, I called today too. I do need to get spanx and I think they fit me in the same type surgical bra as the mastectomy. They wont take a lot from my lower belly but will from sides, maybe thighs. Figures I hung up before I asked specifics about the implant lol. I will drop her an email.

SLL101984: I've heard a lot about fat grafting pros and cons. 

At every check up, my BS (yes, breast, not plastic) keeps asking if I want fat grafting. I have some obvious dimples and rippling when naked, but I look fine in my clothes, even a bathing suit. My PS has offered fat grafting if I want to smooth out those areas.

I'm happy the way I look. I don't want additional surgeries. I don't want to have a sore donor site as well as sore breasts. I'm hoping to lose weight. I don't want to go through fat grafting and lose the graft. 

Just wanted to give you another perspective. Good luck with your decision and your surgery. 

lmkpoy2,

I had fat grafting only once but it didn’t improve my radiated side very much and I am considering doing it again. I had quite a bit of fat necrosis. What was your experience after your first fatgraft?

raleighgirl-

Look up this topic by Whippetmom, the articles are great.

Topic: Fat Graft Transfer and the Radiated Breast

Hi Robin, exchange is one to two hours. Mine was just under two and I had fat grafting. It is definitely a much easier process and recovery.

Ceci

Robin, my exchange is scheduled for August 15.  I was told it would be about 2 hours for the chemo port removal, implant exchange, and fat grafting.  It sounds as if 2 hours is pretty typical. 

Yep! 2 hours for my EX as well. It is much easier.

Robin too!

I've been reading so many positive exchange stories and I'm a little down. I had mine yesterday and was incredibly sore and in pain today - especially under my arms and on my side. I'm slightly bigger than expected. I was a small B before and I wanted to to be a little bigger. Well I'm feeling huge right now. I wasn't wrapped and she doesn't want me in a bra due to the fat grafting and that seems to go against everything I've been reading. I know it's only been 24 hours but everyone says this is the easy surgery and I feel like crap with so much pain around my arms. Not really sure what I'm looking for here but did anyone else feel the same way?

Imkopy2- yes! I did have some pocket work so that may explain the soreness in the sides. Thank you for the advice onthe bralettes too. I'm feeling a little better today. Just really tired. One day at a time I guess.

When I see my PS in 5 weeks, we will discuss fat grafting. I had exchange earlier this month. What questions should I ask? Do you have experiences you will share? Thoughts?