implants are too low

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I went to my PS and he said my foobs are too low. They do sometimes bother my ribs. The procedure is called thoracoabdominal flap procedure. My understanding is that they go through the mast. scar and attach something (maybe the pocket) to the rib cage. PS said it is a very painful surgery (Yah). I was wondering has anyone had any experience with this. I will have my pre op on Thursday 3/17 with the doctor and I can ask more questions then. Did the implants fall? Are they too heavy? Is this going to happen again?
Thanks for your advice and help,
Rhonda

Comments

  • CypressCynthia
    CypressCynthia Member Posts: 4,014 Member
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    I haven't had the surgery,
    I haven't had the surgery, but just wanted to say that I am sorry that you are having to go through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
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    I haven't had the surgery,
    I haven't had the surgery, but just wanted to say that I am sorry that you are having to go through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    I have no expericence in this
    but hoping things are going better for you..

    Denise
  • Dawne.Hope
    Dawne.Hope Member Posts: 823
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    CandaceMM
    Dear Rhonda -

    I don't know the specific name, but CandaceMM has a thread on this page ... she just had her implants secured. I'm not sure if it is the exact same procedure, but it sounds similiar.

    Have your implants always been this low or have they dropped? Do you have alloderm?(cadavar tissue that is sometimes placed to provide a sling for the implants so they don't drop).

    Yes, the implants can fall and they can also slide over to the armpit. Alloderm is one way they can prevent this from happening ... at least from bottoming out. Not so much for keeping them from sliding over to the armpits.

    Yes, I've heard the surgery is painful. I'm sorry! :( How big, how many cc's are your implants? Ask your PS when you see him if he thinks going smaller may help. For some women, going smaller does help. Ask him too about the alloderm sling. Some PS's use it, others do not. I have it ... my skin is really thin and at the bottom, my foobs feel thicker, like they're being supported.

    Take care. Keep us posted. I hope you can get all your questions answered. I always froze in my PS's office, so I started writing down my questions on a piece of paper. My PS would always look and answer my questions one by one. I pray your PS would do the same for you.

    Blessings and Love,
    dh
  • Dot53
    Dot53 Member Posts: 239 Member
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    I have the exact same
    I have the exact same problem but my former PS put them in too low and now that gravity has taken place I have a bad case of TOB... I went to a new PS yesterday and he is going to make a new pocket and reduce the size of the implant.. he says that should help.. but if it doesn't take I am going to have to have the implants taken out for at least 6 months before he will give it another shot...

    Geez, who knew going in to this that these things could happen.. I really wanted to have my nipples on by now but no dice... my double mastectomy was in Dec 09. My surgery is scheduled for June 17 because I am walking in the SBK Race for the Cure so he recommended I wait until after..

    Please keep me posted with your progress..

    Best,
    Dot
  • CandaceMM
    CandaceMM Member Posts: 68
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    What I know...
    I am so very sorry that you're having to go thru this. I am 3 weeks post op from my revision surgery (securing the pocket after implants fell). I read that there is a 15% chance of this hapening. I know there are a couple of us on this board dealing with it.

    My story: at 5 weeks post exchange lefty broke free. I read that the stitching surgery was very painful. My ps insisted that was untrue. Yes, they go in thru your original scar (that is painless), remove implants then stitch up the tissue and muscle to reinforce the pocket. Then replace implants (my doc changed sizes and they look great now). My ribs were not involved but, I will tell you that it was very uncomfortable. Every time you move there is a pulling/tugging feeling from the stitched area. It feels creepy. My exchange surgery was a piece of cake. This revision was definitely more of a challenge in getting comfortable and trying to sleep. However, considering all that you have been thru, definitely worth it. Mine look GREAT.

    One last note, if I was you, I'd definitely ask how many of these revisions your doc has done! If the answer is zero, get a second opinion!!!

    Good luck!
    Candace
  • Giant Poodles
    Giant Poodles Member Posts: 79
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    CandaceMM said:

    What I know...
    I am so very sorry that you're having to go thru this. I am 3 weeks post op from my revision surgery (securing the pocket after implants fell). I read that there is a 15% chance of this hapening. I know there are a couple of us on this board dealing with it.

    My story: at 5 weeks post exchange lefty broke free. I read that the stitching surgery was very painful. My ps insisted that was untrue. Yes, they go in thru your original scar (that is painless), remove implants then stitch up the tissue and muscle to reinforce the pocket. Then replace implants (my doc changed sizes and they look great now). My ribs were not involved but, I will tell you that it was very uncomfortable. Every time you move there is a pulling/tugging feeling from the stitched area. It feels creepy. My exchange surgery was a piece of cake. This revision was definitely more of a challenge in getting comfortable and trying to sleep. However, considering all that you have been thru, definitely worth it. Mine look GREAT.

    One last note, if I was you, I'd definitely ask how many of these revisions your doc has done! If the answer is zero, get a second opinion!!!

    Good luck!
    Candace

    thanks so much. I do have a
    thanks so much. I do have a great PS, he did the "Atlanta Housewifes" (I think that is what it called). I will ask about smaller implants I am at 500cc's I think. Did you have your sewn to your ribs or rib cage? I think that is what he is talking about but will find out more on March 17, surgery scheduled for March 23. Do you think I can teach in a week?
    Thanks,
    Rhonda
  • CandaceMM
    CandaceMM Member Posts: 68
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    thanks so much. I do have a
    thanks so much. I do have a great PS, he did the "Atlanta Housewifes" (I think that is what it called). I will ask about smaller implants I am at 500cc's I think. Did you have your sewn to your ribs or rib cage? I think that is what he is talking about but will find out more on March 17, surgery scheduled for March 23. Do you think I can teach in a week?
    Thanks,
    Rhonda

    Hmmm...
    My ribs were not involved, just tissue. I really can't say about teaching in a week. I guess I'm no help at all. Maybe someone with experience will chime in.

    Good luck, I'm here for support!
    Xxoo candace
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
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    I haven't had the surgery,
    I haven't had the surgery, but just wanted to say that I am sorry that you are having to go through this. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    I had a lumpectomy, but,
    I had a lumpectomy, but, want to let you know that I will be praying for you and sending you good luck.


    Hugs, Debby