rippling?

dbs1673

I had my expanders removed and silicone implants put in in April. I had bilateral mastectomy with BC and radiation on that right that ended in October. The results are not as good as I had hoped as there is considerable rippling on both sides. My surgeon validated what I was feeling and is looking to redo them with a larger implant. I have read that rippling can be a complication if you are small and there is little fat in the chest wall, which is my case. I know that he used some alloderm which should also help but I was wondering if anyone else has had this. I'm not looking for perfection but what is realistic for me? Does this journey ever end???

dawn

Alexis F

I am sorry Dawn. I had a
I am sorry Dawn. I had a lumpectomy, so, I can't really answer your questions. But, others here will post about their experience. I do hope everything works out for you.

bfbear

Alexis F said:

I am sorry Dawn. I had a
I am sorry Dawn. I had a lumpectomy, so, I can't really answer your questions. But, others here will post about their experience. I do hope everything works out for you.

Me too
Hi Dawn,

I had a bilateral mastectomy, too, with implants put in at the same time last May 6th. So I'm still healing, but I know exactly what you're talking about.

I have that "rippling" thing too, and results that were not all that I'd hoped for either (but I haven't complained much to my surgeon because I keep thinking, "It is reconstruction...not enhancement." So I'm kind of conflicted about the whole thing.

One side is also very slightly larger than the other, but enough that I notice. And my surgeon said, "Oh, we can just go back in and change that till they're perfect," as though it's no big deal to go through surgery again!!! Well it's a big deal to me, even if it isn't to her!!!!

So all I can say is I totally understand what you're going through and I look forward to seeing how you decide to handle it...

Gratefully,
Debi

dbs1673

thanks
Thanks for the validation! Like you said it's reconstruction not enhancement. Most people haven't a clue..they just think you get to pick your size and vavoom! I go back to the Dr on Wednesday and see what's next. Not that I'm thrilled with another surgery but if at first you don't succeed I'm all for trying again. thanks for the feedback!

dawn

confused123

dbs1673 said:

thanks
Thanks for the validation! Like you said it's reconstruction not enhancement. Most people haven't a clue..they just think you get to pick your size and vavoom! I go back to the Dr on Wednesday and see what's next. Not that I'm thrilled with another surgery but if at first you don't succeed I'm all for trying again. thanks for the feedback!

dawn

I have the expanders but am
I have the expanders but am doing rads now. I have heard of people loving their "new boobs" but not sure if they had rads. I know my plastic surgeon was not thrilled I needed it. It will make his job harder. He did say that everyone is asymmetrical and not to expect them to be exactly the same size. I do think I started with one just slightly larger than the other. He is concerned about capsillary contrature(sp?) and the scar tissue and skin tightening. Did you guys have this? It is looking like December for my implants. Did you guys get silicone or saline?

Kim

lady4law

Ripples also
Hi Dawn, like you I have the ripple issue. This is my second set of implants. My first were silicon implanted without my consent. They had to be removed and replaced with saline. I have a pacemaker and my PS KNEW there was no way I could have silicone, as they care not compatible with a pacemaker, but the jerk put them in anyway.

They became encapsulated (sp) within DAYS of my surgery so I had no issue with regards to ripples - they were hard as rocks. However, I do have ripples with my saline replacements. The rippling's strange, not always present. I never have ripples while lying on my back. They look perfect then, (but how much of our lives do we spend on our backs?) If I relax in the tub, the ripples seem to come to the surface.

I think my muscles might be causing the ripples, but I am not sure. They feel pretty tight on the outer sides, and I wonder if that's not pushing the implants so that they ripple. I am now trying some exercises to try and stretch those muscles.

My expanders slid under my arm and - yes same PS - continued to fill them. I was unable to put my arms down but he continued to claim, everything would be fine after the exchange. When the "bad" implants were replaced, my new PS had to cut from the center of my chest to my back. I have a very long incision that goes under my arm so it must have effected my muscles.

I have agreed to one more surgery, "tweaking" my foobs. My PS said it will be very minor surgery. If I still have ripples after, I will just accept them, after all better a little ripples, than cancer, and at least they are not sagging. - Jean

bfbear

lady4law said:

Ripples also
Hi Dawn, like you I have the ripple issue. This is my second set of implants. My first were silicon implanted without my consent. They had to be removed and replaced with saline. I have a pacemaker and my PS KNEW there was no way I could have silicone, as they care not compatible with a pacemaker, but the jerk put them in anyway.

They became encapsulated (sp) within DAYS of my surgery so I had no issue with regards to ripples - they were hard as rocks. However, I do have ripples with my saline replacements. The rippling's strange, not always present. I never have ripples while lying on my back. They look perfect then, (but how much of our lives do we spend on our backs?) If I relax in the tub, the ripples seem to come to the surface.

I think my muscles might be causing the ripples, but I am not sure. They feel pretty tight on the outer sides, and I wonder if that's not pushing the implants so that they ripple. I am now trying some exercises to try and stretch those muscles.

My expanders slid under my arm and - yes same PS - continued to fill them. I was unable to put my arms down but he continued to claim, everything would be fine after the exchange. When the "bad" implants were replaced, my new PS had to cut from the center of my chest to my back. I have a very long incision that goes under my arm so it must have effected my muscles.

I have agreed to one more surgery, "tweaking" my foobs. My PS said it will be very minor surgery. If I still have ripples after, I will just accept them, after all better a little ripples, than cancer, and at least they are not sagging. - Jean

So, Dawn...and Jean
do you think you will end up opting for another surgery??

At this point, I think I am going to wait and see for at least 6 months. That will give me more time to get used to them, to see if I can find comfortable bras (although right now I'm thinking I'll be in sports bras forever!!!), and to see what happens when the holes finally fill in.

And Jean, I hope you'll let us know how the story of, "The Tweaking of the Foobs," ends. What a journey you've had already! Did you heal faster the second (and 3rd?)time through than after the initial mastectomy?

Fellow Rippler,
Debi