Go up a cupsize?

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notdefined
notdefined Member Posts: 286
edited March 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi there.  I have been searching the boards for this, but unfortunately have not found what I am looking for.  I am currently undergoing chemo, but started to try to educate myself on the different types of surgeries.  My breasts are quite small, Aish.

If I undergo a lumpectomy, will I be offered reconstruction?  I understand that this may be dependent on how my breast looks after the surgery, but has anyone gone this route?  

Since I have never been happy with my size, could I get a size bigger in both breasts? 

I know that what is recommended to be removed is all dependent on the actual lumpectomy/mastectomy at the time, but I'm just curious if anyone elected to go up a cup size instead of going less.

 I may very well decide when it is all said and done not to do reconstruction at all, but I wanted to hear stories of others in this predicament.

TIA.

Mel


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Comments

  • Misha13
    Misha13 Member Posts: 240
    edited February 2019

    Hi there! I had a BMX, so recon was definitely in my plan. I did go up almost an entire cup size because like you, I always wanted bigger. My surgeon was comfortable doing a skin and nipple sparing mastectomy with straight to implant reconstruction. However, there are a lot of factors docs take into consideration when deciding.

    With lumpectomy, I don’t think you have that option because there are no implants. I was told by my surgeon that if I had a lumpectomy, my breast would get smaller.

    Once you meet with your surgeon, he or she will tell you your options for your case and can recommend the best option.

    PM me if you have any more questions. Good luck!


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  • notdefined
    notdefined Member Posts: 286
    edited February 2019

    Thank you Micha13.  I appreciate the info.

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  • Motheroftwo36
    Motheroftwo36 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2019

    I plan to go just slightly bigger after my BMX. I have Aish boobs. I liked the size I was when I was breastfeeding. I just don't want boobs that get in my way. My surgery is in March

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  • notdefined
    notdefined Member Posts: 286
    edited March 2019

    Thanks for the info Motheroftwo36.  


    In my perfect world, I would be getting a DIEP where they give me a tummy tuck, take out all my extra skin from me having twins, and take some fat out of my saddlebags that I have always hated, while giving me nice C cups.

     Hug  

    I am not downplaying the seriousness of surgery itself, and I would prefer not to be where I am at, but I can try to make the best of it.  I meet with my dr. next week, so I will see what he says.

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  • Motheroftwo36
    Motheroftwo36 Member Posts: 116
    edited March 2019

    we have to make the best of it

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  • Ladyofthelake
    Ladyofthelake Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2019

    Hi there. I am five weeks post a nipple sparing double mastectomy straight to implants. I was told beforehand that I wouldn’t be able to increase size of my breasts as it would put too much stress and stretching on the remaining skin and tissue. However, I feel that my surgeon gave me the fullest implants I could handle and maximized the area available. I went from a slightly saggy 36A to a 36D. Was rather surprised about that, as they don’t necessarily look bigger, just fuller, more pert. With all the numbness it does feel like I’m wearing a bra stuffed with balloons. Hope this helps

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  • Rah2464
    Rah2464 Member Posts: 1,647
    edited March 2019

    I had a nipple sparing double straight to implants as well. The morning of the surgery as the PS was marking me up (I was an A+ as she and I joked) she said she could make me fuller into a B based on my skin. I agreed. And I am happy with the result. I would caution against changing size too much if going direct to implant simply because you don't want to overstretch the skin. Not only do you run the risk of damage, but IMO your recovery is a little more extended because you were so stretched. My PS did tell me later that she tried an even bigger implant during surgery but decided it was too big. I am very glad she went the direction she did. Remember also that for a couple of months your new foobs will be swollen and bigger than your final size.

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  • Ladyofthelake
    Ladyofthelake Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2019

    Yes I wonder if there may still be some residual swelling for me, but I think it's gone down for the most part. I have the Allergan Natrelle Inspira inplants, which are round, rather than the anatomically shaped implants. This gives me a fuller top half of the breast, which I didn't have before and seems to account for my bigger cup size.

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  • notdefined
    notdefined Member Posts: 286
    edited March 2019

    Great information!  Thank you ladies!  I was wondering if women who get cosmetic implants have to worry about stretched skin as well, or is it that most of us have to undergo radiation which provides another obstacle?

    My sister got implants, and I don't remember her having an issue.  I will go with what the plastic surgeon recommends, but it is comforting to know that it wouldn't be too out there to ask for a bigger cup size. 

    Thanks again!

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  • Flynn
    Flynn Member Posts: 307
    edited March 2019

    I think it's great to use this sucky experience to get breasts that make you happier! I went from a b to a d after nursing my twins. I'm very happy to be returning to b-land with my upcoming diep. My sister got an implant and a reduction on the other side to make her breasts more symmetrical. She did rads and hasn't had issues. She had acellular dermal matrix. The skin on my radiated side is very different than my non-radiated side but I expect diep to resolve that issue. Good luck, whatever you choose

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2019

    Thank you for sharing your experience, Ladyofthelake! That's very helpful, and it sounds like you're happy with the result. Best of luck on your continued recovery!

    The Mods

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  • leftduetostupidmods
    leftduetostupidmods Member Posts: 620
    edited March 2019

    What you need to be aware of is that volume per volume, breasts with implants will be larger than natural breasts as cup size goes. Because when measuring to find the cup size is mostly the difference between the circumference of the breast at the highest projection point minus the circumference of the bust right under the breast. The shape and firmness of implants will project more than a natural breast even in a bra.

    I was a large C small D prior to the mastectomy. Pathology showed 450 grams weight for my excised breast. Doing the calculations volume/weight for flesh vs silicone gel, it's roughly 500 cc. That was the size of the implants I got.

    But now I'm a DDD.

    So it's a bit wonky there when trying to figure out. It also depends a lot on the type of implants you're getting.

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  • leftduetostupidmods
    leftduetostupidmods Member Posts: 620
    edited March 2019

    Motheroftwo, you made me chuckle at the"breasts getting in the way". Due to numbness, with more projection that I wasn't used to, I can't even count how many tumblers I toppled at dinner when reaching for something on the table!

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