Implants

<It would be like he was playing with a rubber doll and I was just watching, in my mind that's just too bizzare.>

I've wondered the same thing myself. And, do your nipples still contract and expand?
 
Isn't this a bizarre conversation? I didn't have any problem at all with loss of sensation in my nipples or anywhere on the breast with the exception of the incision area, which now is back to almost 100%. And, by the way, the incisions are underneath each breast right in the fold (I have folds now!!) and is practically invisible. They have faded almost completely so even if I pull the skin up to look at them you can hardly see them. And the nipples still contract when it's chilly and relax when not. Absolutely no difference for me, but I have heard of others through the grapevine who have had loss of sensation. My breasts were slightly lopsided before and they still are, which makes it look natural. I was told that in 10 or 15 years I may have to have them redone. Maybe not - depends on how my body ages. I bought insurance for $100 that covers the cost of new implants and part of the surgery cost if the implants fail in any way and have to be replaced. **This is good for 10 years from date of my surgery. Of course, if my skin craters and they have to be redone, it will not be covered.

If there are any other questions I can answer, I'm happy to try!! I really am glad I did the surgery and have been fortunate not to have any negative effects (except for throwing up for 24 hours from the anesthesia).
 
My nipples are not numb and they still have a mind of their own!;) They relax and "stand in attention" like they did pre surgery.

I was told the life span of the implants has yet to be determined. Right now, they are saying about 15 years but they are still going strong beyond that so we have to wait and see. Even if it was 5 years...worth every penny!

As for pain and sickness post surgery...depends on the individual. Pain meds and anti-naseau pills kept me sleeping and not vomitting.

As for the MD "tap dancing" around questions...tap dance your way to another MD!!! They should be just as eager for you to have the answers to your 10,000 questions as you are! if they are not...go find a new MD...a good one!

Also, implants cannot bring the breasts "up"...you need a breast lift for that.

As for some people thinking you should...or shouldn't do the surgery...it shouldn't matter. It's not their self esteem...it's yours! If I had left it up to anyone, especially my DH...the surgery never would have happened! Now that it's done, all agree it was brilliant! However, I only told 3 people I was having it done. The more people you tell, the more opinions you'll hear, and they shouldn't matter. What you feel is trump here.
 
Sarah,

You are always direct, to the point, and give no nonsense responses. I love reading anything you post!:)

Ann Marie
 
I think you need to do what makes you happy and what feels right to you and your body. Just make sure you do your research. Take into account getting your yearly mamo's. With implants they have to move your implant over to the side so they can see behind it. Some women have such firm implants they are unable to do this and they may miss something because they can't move the implant and get a good read. Ask yourself what is most important? Find a good doctor and don't be afraid to interview a bunch of different doctors. Ask your doctor all the questions you have about breast cancer, mamography, breast feeding, whatever it may be. Feel good about your decision and be happy.

Best of luck :)

Jen
 
My boobs cost $5500. And I also told almost no one because I didn't want to hear all the opinions. I had thought about it for years on and off and suddenly it made sense and I really was ready. Now the husband loves it, I love it, my tailor LOVES it and all my girlfriends are jealous. One thing: the doctor's staff who helps you "try on" different sizes were encouraging me to go bigger - bigger than I wanted to go. They kept saying that if I didn't go big enough to notice, why do it at all? That I would regret it. I stuck to my guns and explained that I didn't want it be noticed - just to be back to my nice size. (I ended up being a 34C, which is bigger than I was, but it's not huge). So, I decided on the 270 cc size. If anything, I would have gone a little smaller - maybe. Just a heads up that the docs may possibly have a competition going on among themselves as to who does the biggest boobs! You may need to assert yourself!
 
Ok, what about weight lifing with implants?
Could lifting too heavy break them or mess them up?
SArah, you say it won't lift them. How about just filling them back up?
How long before you could lift and workout after?
How long did it hurt?
I know reduction was a few weeks of major pain.A friend really suffered.
Anne
http://www.picturetrail.com/acatalina
 
It's interesting how the opinions stack up.
DH and my best friend who happens to be male - strongly against
My sister and niece (who will probably be taking care of me post-surgery if I do this) totally supportive and saying "you've been needing this for YEARS!" A little odd to think that I guess they've been contemplating my poor little non-chest. :)

About the numbness, I had heard that too. I plan to ask about it. I had an ACL reconstruction several years ago, and my knee to the left of the incision was numb for a couple of years. I eventually got the feeling back...so thought that maybe numbness and implants were similar.

The doctor that I'm going to for a consult is known locally as THE boob guy...and several of the ppl I've met who had implants from him went a bit large for their frames IMHO. I'll be curious to see if he tries to sway me to go large. The largest I've ever been has been a 34C, and that was years ago before diet and exercise, and my body fat % was pretty high.

It's difficult to imagine myself with breasts at this point. Did they give you some fake ones of varying sizes to try so you could see what you were comfortable with?
 
They had me put on a sports bra then gave me different-sized implants to put in the sports bra to simulate how I would look. Then I put my sweater on over the sports bra to get an idea of what it would look like under clothes. It was pretty darn accurate.
 
I simply could not imagine putting myself through unnecessary surgery and risking complications but of course this is a decision for you to make. Good luck on whatever you decide.
 
Sorry to bother you Sarah, I know this is off the subject, but after seeing your pictures, could you tell me how you got in such excellent shape? I even thought that maybe you didn't have kids, but you do. Did you just do Cathe for a long time or do you mix it up at the gym doing weights? You look like you feel incredible too. Do you work? I am not working just yet. I went back to school for school counseling/community counseling)and am taking care of my two beautiful kids. My husband is supportive, but I'd love to graduate from college, and head into the workforce looking as great as you. I am 33 years old and am up against so much younger competition. Thank you. Did I mention you look great!?!

Carrie:) :)
 
As for the pain issue...it depends on the person. Some peoples brains register pain in different ways or it takes longer, or more pain. It also depends on your mind set and attitude. Some just have a higher pain threshold.

As for MD's pushing bigger sizes...I think they all do that because we are so use to being flat chested...it doesn't take much for us to feel gigantic so we tend to lean more conservatively. I know I wanted them to cut the smallest size in half at first!LOL!! I listened to my MD, she listened to me (understanding my lifestyle and needs) and we worked it out! No one knew I had it done until I #1 told them and #2 wore a tube top and they knew I had nothing to hold that thing up last summer. Keep in mind that at first, you are going to think any increase is gigantic and over the top huge.

As for your DH not wanting you to have it done...talk to him and listen to him talk. He just loves you and doesn't want anything to go wrong and doesn't want to see you uncomfortable.

A few loose ends...you can nurse with implants. Also, if you go under the muscle, a mammogram is not a problem because the breast tissue that would carry a problem is in front of the implant. It would go chest plate, implant, muscle, breast tissue, skin and nipple. All the milk ducts would be in front of the implant and should not be disrupted from the procedure.
 
Charlotte and Sarah,

Yeah the converstion is a little bizarre but it's those types of questions we ask around here that we're dying to know, afraid to ask, and finally get answered.

Thank you both for your frank answers :)
 
Sarah,
i am so glad you just gave that little description about the mammogram and having the implant under the muscle. that makes me feel so much better about going to get that done. i haven't had my first mammogram done yet, and have been dreading it because of my implants so thanks for giving my anxiety some relief!!

i am another one that had no loss of sensitivity at all, and had only soreness after for a couple of days. but then again, cathe makes me sore too sometimes...if you get a good doctor, they will listen to you and make sure what you get fits your frame and lifestyle.

good luck with your decision and let us know how it turns out...
 
Candi, Please do not mistake my frankness for being irritated or anything of that nature. I'm just a direct person.

I actually welcome such questions...it's why I am open about my procedure (on this forum), so hopefully I can help those contemplating and cure curiosity. When your able to talk with someone you know had the surgery, it makes it so much easier to decide if it is right for you or not. I cannot think of anything more horrible than an overly excited woman rushing into such a procedure without weighing every single aspect, every pro, every con...really beat it to death because it is not to be taken lightly. It is very serious and so life changing...but you already know all this.;)
 
I have several friends with implants. From what they tell me, Heads up Mammograms are not pleasant with or without implants. LOL. Also I have heard that it is a good idea to have a mammogram before have implants, because it gives a base line which can be used to compare to future mammograms. But check with your doctor on his/her opinion.
 

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