Exchange City

Serendipity… - I'm not sure if APEX is offered anywhere else, but I sure would ask my PS (well, not mine lol) about it. When I did a google search there was a place called PRMA in TX that looks like they do it, but how well I don't know. The NOLA surgeons pioneered the surgery in 2012. I don't know if they train other surgeons to do this type of surgery? It looks like it takes the DIEP flap procedure to the next level in protecting the abdominal muscle. Did you click on the link to read about it. It is pretty interesting. They would remove my implants and the capsule that formed around them, move the muscle back to where it was originally and then do the reconstruction. The muscle is on he top right now with implant underneath. I wouldn't mind the foobs being smaller than what I have. Their before/after pictures are impressive. I will also consider doing the 3D tattoos. They have a particular artist come in every so often to do the tattoos..from Boston or Baltimore. He did all the tattoos you see on their website. She said that could be a long weekend in the area.

Serendipity.. She didn't tell me his name, but if they are bringing him in from that far, it very well might be. I wasn't sure where you are located. I'm lucky it is within driving distance. I don't know if NOLA would recommend someone closer to your area??? At first I didn't care about the tattoos, but I think I would like them, if they are done well. Another way to look "normal" in all this.

He is regarded as the best and so it doesn't surprise me that he works with NOLA. He is in high demand, booking way out. I believe there's thread on here about him.

Thanks for the information. Like I said, going to ask PS and see what she says. In the mean time I'll reach out to NOLA to see if what they say and find out about insurance. It'd be nice just to know if it's an option. Thanks again! I'll keep you posted.

nsbrown - I initially had implants in the 600's and now have them in the 400's, with some stops in between... to answer your question my bra band size did not decrease, but the cup size did, although not as much as you would think - at least for me. I was a 34DD with the 600's and am now either a 34C or D, depending on the bra manufacturer. A number of the bras I purchased initially still fit, particularly the underwire ones. A lot of this has to do with the width and height of the implants and that they are not as malleable as normal breast tissue. My implants are the most cohesive of the Inspiras though, if yours are less cohesive you may find it is different. I often wear non-underwire soft bras, like Coobie or Genie type, and like them to fit pretty snug. Good luck with your surgery!

trmtab - hey you! I am well, hope you are too! I actually "exchanged" again in July 2021 due to a surprise stealth ruptured right implant, detected on a somewhat routine MRI. The upside was that I had the recalled textured implants, so they were removed and smooth Inspiras were put in. Downside - more surgery, lol! But hey, that's me...surgery girl! Seems to be my superpower...

Hi all, I have a fat grafting question. My PS is now saying he would like to do a layer over my implants; I am intrigued by the idea, especially smoothing out the “ripple effect”. Does the lipo increase your breast size significantly? Im already a bit bigger than I had wanted to be, and don’t want to be any bigger. Thanks

I had a skin sparing, nipple removing dmx December 2020, after chemo and had expanders immediately placed…I had radiation and finished a year of kadcyla. I chose to not have exchange surgery until I was finished with kadcyla…which I have been since November, but I have a busy active job on a ranch and wanted to wait until most of my cow babies were born before I had another surgery. I go in 2 weeks for my exchange surgery…I’m excited to get my real boobs…but I’m wondering how recovery is…am I going to need to get out my body pillows and mastectomy pillows. I have a 2 hour car ride home after surgery…. How long till I can golf again??? My ps just said, meh…there’s not much recovery time… what does that mean??!!! Is it going to be a piece of cake? I don’t do well under anesthesia, and got sick when I had the dmx…port surgery I was fine tho. What should I expect?

Agree with all that Minustwo said...I also had exchange away from my home hospital. I stayed at a hotel in the other town for a couple of nights. The surgery is outpatient, but the Dr wanted to see me the next day and again at 48/72 hrs...driving back and forth and back, etc. was too much so I stayed local a couple of days...