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POSTED UNDER Breast Reconstruction REVIEWS

How Do I Choose the Best Size Implants After Mastectomy? Going from 475cc to 650cc - Daytona Beach, FL

ORIGINAL POST

Bi-lateral Mascetomy in December 2010, 475cc...

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db4758
$5,000

Bi-lateral Mascetomy in December 2010, 475cc implants in April 2011. I am very unhappy with the size and look of them. I am told I will never be perfect but as you can see from the pictures they are not even close. I have been very insistant that I want to go larger and have them re-shaped.

It is now June and I am told that my dr's schedule is full until the 1st of September. I go every day with some degree of pain. I am at a loss. I have no before photos but I am 53, 5' and 120 lbs.

db4758's provider

Sergio M. Zamora, MD, FACS

Sergio M. Zamora, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

db4758

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Replies (30)

July 23, 2015
You look great and thank you for sharing! I have just undergone a double mastectomy 2 weeks ago with expanders placed for reconstruction. Would you mind telling me what type of implants you ended up with - Silicone vs. Saline and high profile or medium plus profile? Thank you and congratulations! !!
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July 24, 2015
Thank you. I have Natrelle Silicone filled implants, 650cc, Ref # 45-650. They are high profile. I know shortly after my healing was complete they came out with a "gummy bear" implant which basically what mine are. You can cut the implant in half and the inside does not move. I hope you have read my entire story because of the problems I had with my first doctor. Please know if you are not happy with your doctor there are others that are better. If you are unhappy with your results Please find another doctor. I cannot stress this enough. Expanders can be painfull but should not hurt 24/7 where you cannot function, once the implants are in they should not hurt at all. Also keep in mind that when choosing an implant size you are working with a concave chest cavity so if you are looking at an actual implant and think it is a little too large, once they are put in you they will actually be the correct size. Again your chest is caved in after the masct. My first implants were 450cc and I felt flat chested even though before the cancer I was only a B cup. My weight now is 104, I;m 4' 11 1/2" tall and wear a D cup But they look very natural. I could go on with so many other details and so many things that most women do not know until it's too late. I learned the hard way and do my best to help others that are going through this process. If you have any questions or would like to talk either email, instant messenger or on the phone I will be more than happy to share what I have learned. Talk to your dr about how much cleavage you would like to see, most of it depends on your chest shape but I have found that many women do not know to discuss this. I hope you are cancer free and doing well. I am always available to talk or a friendly ear just to listen, this is not an easy thing for any women but we are tough. lol. Take care, Darlene
July 27, 2015
Hello and thank you so much for replying to my question on what type of implants you went with.
Sorry it took me a while to find your response, I am not very techie and typed a reply a moment ago and couldn't find how to send it,lol. I would love to chat with you more, does everyone see the posts and replies or is there some way to private message you?
I see your doctor is in Florida, I also live in Florida. So far I am happy with my doctor, he has encouraged me to go from a full A to a C cup because of my height /weight, 5'6" - 135 lbs. When I went through the mastectomy and expanders placement, I also had him do lower puffy eyelids. The recovery and hospital nurses couldn't believe the outcome, almost no swelling at all and absolutely ni bruising. They look very good and natural, I just look well rested and they won't even know when I go back to work.
Thank you again Darlene, I really look forward to hearing from you or speaking with you when we figure out how to exchange info.
: ) Sincerely,
Arlene
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August 14, 2015
I had my eyes done just months before I was diagnosed with cancer so I'm with you there, I love it. Good for you! People do not understand what we go thru emotionally and physically so treat yourself every chance you get. You have Earned it! Darlene I will send you a private message from this site and we can chat or we can text. Look for a notice in your regular email that you have a Private Message on Real Self. Hugs
August 14, 2015
I had a mastectomy when I was 25 in 2005 with saline implants later changed to silicone. Mine look awful too. I was doing some research on this site and found a link to the miami breast center. They are doing reconstruction with BRAVA and Fat grafting. I like it because there are no more new scars plus you get full body lipo. Once I get that procedure done I am going to get my nipple and areola tattoos from a 3D artist, just have to find one. Please check out www.miamibreastcenter.com. I think the technology and what they are doing for women naturally will help you decide on future procedures.
August 14, 2015
Vinnie Myers....I know it sounds like a movie name but that is his name. He basically pioneered the 3D tattoo technique. If you google him you will see. His facility is like a hospital. He has offices in Maryland and New Orleans. But be aware, his New Orleans office has a waiting list of about 8 months. Maryland not so much. I hope to get there next year for my areola tats. Good Luck.
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August 17, 2015
My breast have been completed since late 2011 but Thank You for your info. As far as the tattooing my ps personally oversaw mine picking the size and color and they are perfect. To look at them you cannot tell they are not real. Be careful with both size and color Please. If done wrong there is no fixing the tattoos. Best Wishes.
November 12, 2015
Vinnie did mine in San Diego. I actually teared up when he finished. My daughter couldn't believe how real they look. They even have the tiny bumps natural nipple have, are perfectly sized, and the color is also perfect. He's fun to talk to and he provided a comfortable environment. Less expensive to get it done in Baltimore, however. I made my first contact last March. He comes to San Diego twice a year.
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November 14, 2015
Its great to hear when someone has such wonderful outcome the first time. Me, it took my second dr to be my savior. Best of luck with your health and new boobs. lol
August 25, 2015
He did a terrific job. I hope you feel wonderful.
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August 28, 2015
I feel awesome and proud of my breasts.
August 28, 2015
:-)

You go girls (per my cute friend Frank who appreciates your reconstruction as a red-blooded male).
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September 12, 2015
So glad you are happy with your results. Do you experience any discomfort at this point or chest tightness with your implants?
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September 13, 2015
It's been 4 years since my implants so no I do not have any tightness or discomfort. My skin itches at times and are cold at times but that's it. How long ago was your surgery? Have you talked to your surgeon?
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September 13, 2015
I had the BMX 10/21, implant exchange 1/23, nipple recon 6/5. He has said it will get better over time. When it rains I seem to have some chest tightness
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September 13, 2015
Interesting. If I had to guess I would say that is your chest muscles reacting to a change in the barometric pressure in the air which changes when it rains. I don't remember experiencing that but everyone's body reacts differently. Give it some time like the dr said. You are not that far out from your last surgery so your body may just need more time. When you have had major surgery they say it can take up to a year to completely heal. I've had some difficult surgeries so I understand wanting to be done with the pain and get on with life. Be patient, take care of yourself, eat right and drink plenty of water. Keep me posted. Best Wishes, Darlene
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September 13, 2015
Thank you for your kind words. God bless you as well
UPDATED FROM db4758

If I give my doctor pictures of what I want my...

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db4758
If I give my doctor pictures of what I want my breasts to look like can he change the shape and imperfections with the 2nd implant surgery?

Replies (3)

July 20, 2015
hang in there i myself know how hard this ordeal can be.You have gotten this far, all survivors know that deep within ourselves we can find the strength.
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July 24, 2015
If you are using the same doctor, RUN in the opposite direction. Find another doctor. My first dr did a horrific job and had the guts to tell me "that's as good as it gets" I was mortified. I found another doctor and now have perfect breasts, so YES a 2nd surgery with the right doctor with give you great results but again it all depends on the dr. You are a little limited to cleavage depending on your chest cavity but profile, size, shape etc is all possible. Best Wishes, Darlene. Let me know if you have other questions.
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August 14, 2015
A Great reconstructive ps can make you perfect breasts, You have seen on my profile what a huge difference there is between my first and second ps. The MOST important qualification you need to look for is a ps that deals in Reconstruction.
There is a Huge difference between Rebuilding your breast and just putting in implants to existing breasts. If you have a great dr he/she will ask you what you want. Profile, shape, size and cleavage mainly. If he does not ask and thinks he knows, or he acts like he knows it all RUN and find another ps. If they don't care enough to ask you do NOT want him to touch you. I learned that the hard way. There are great ps's out there, be patient, consult with many and find the one who really cares and will give you great boobs. Research, read patient reviews and again look for those that specialize in
Reconstruction!!! Let me know if I can be of any help.
UPDATED FROM db4758

The pictures that are terrible breasts are mine,...

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db4758
The pictures that are terrible breasts are mine, while the other ones I added is what I want. A beautiful job. I am so jealous. My dr's office just took another set of post op pics that look just like the ones I took of myself. Now we are waiting to hear from the insurance company, I am getting set up with a Pain Management Center and a nurse's assistance to see why I am still having pain issues.

Replies (2)

August 12, 2016
Its been over a year since i had my last surgery dog ears cut off and i still have pain everyday. What can i do. I called my dr. Office and they think it just nothing so they wouldnt see me.
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August 12, 2016
I am so sorry to hear this. It sounds like you have some nerve damage. As far as the doctor is concerned be pushy. He did the surgery, he is responsible. Tell them to either make your appointment or you will contact the Board of Plastic Surgeons and file a formal complaint. When you get into see him be direct and ask him WHY? If he does not come up with some type of help for you then file a complaint with the Board and ask them for help. Explain to them your pain and the details. Doctors think their patients are not going to push or take any actions so show them you are not going to back down. Don't be rude or loud but do be persistant and upfront with them. If you need help in doing this I have no problem doing a conference call with you and your doctors office and get you the help you deserve. I am very polite until the time comes to get the point across. lol I have had over 20 surgeries in my life so I know how to get the ball rolling. I will help you in any way that I can, just let me know. Don't take no for an answer. I hope your doctor will help, if not call in the big guns!!! God Bless. I'm here for you and I know what you are going through. Sincerely, Darlene