Brava Machine, fat grafting reconstruction update.....
I got the Brava machine on Friday and am on my third time of wearing it. I wore it during the day once and at night once. During the day is going to work out best for me because the suction broke on the seal last night and I didn't even hear the alarm. So I didn't get a full night of suction last night. That's 10 hours wasted. I didn't see any redness on my skin so it must of been off for awhile.
The dome is tricky to get used to putting on. You really have to pull around the edges to get a good seal. I have a concave area left over from my masectomy and it is giving me a hard time getting a good seal on that area.
I was worried about the adhesive on the domes, like being allergic to it. I have trouble with adhesives and so far so good, no irritation.
You really need two people to do this. MY fiance attaches it while I hold it in place and then he has to help me put the special bra on too.
I am wearing it now and I can feel the slight suction on my breast. Not uncomfortable, just can feel a slight pulling on my skin. That is how you know you have a good seal.
Well, that is what is going on now with it. Will post more and answer any questions anyone has for me about this.
I have to wear it 10 hours at a time for three weeks and then for 3 straight days and nights before my surgery on the 25th.
Love and Light,
Vicki
Comments
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Please keep us postedsusie09 said:I have read your other posts
I have read your other posts about this Vicki and found it so interesting. Praying it goes well for you and will be watching for more updates!
Susie
I am praying it will work for you. Thanks for sharing0 -
Long time no see Vicki!New Flower said:Please keep us posted
I am praying it will work for you. Thanks for sharing
Long time no see Vicki! Praying this works also!
Lex0 -
Vicki,
I am sending you much
Vicki,
I am sending you much support and hope as you proceed with this method.
thank you for keeping us informed with your process.
I am currently on a wait list for this clinical trial but the clinic is still waiting approval to proceed.
My thoughts and reconstruction wishes are with you daily.
D.lee0 -
Lex....Alexis F said:Long time no see Vicki!
Long time no see Vicki! Praying this works also!
Lex
yes, I have been out of the loop for awhile. Nice to see you too!!!0 -
Are you waiting for a clinical trial for the brava machine?dealdale said:Vicki,
I am sending you much
Vicki,
I am sending you much support and hope as you proceed with this method.
thank you for keeping us informed with your process.
I am currently on a wait list for this clinical trial but the clinic is still waiting approval to proceed.
My thoughts and reconstruction wishes are with you daily.
D.lee
I will tell you that it is getting easier each day. At first, I had pain around my rib cage from the suction of the dome but now that isn't bothering me anymore. I just positioned the dome differently so that it didn't lay right on my ribs.
I put it on around 8 in the morning and then it can come off at 6 p.m. and I can have my night free of the dome and can sleep well. They say to wear it at night but when I did, it popped off and the suction broke. It has an alarm and makes a buzzing sound also when the seal is broken, but neither of them woke me or my fiance up. I don't work outside the home so I can wear it during the day without worry. I have a concave area where my surgeon took to much tissue out and that is giving me some trouble with getting a good seal. Now the dome seems to be conforming to the shape of my body and it is staying adhered. Yesterday, it never lost suction once.
I am thinking of trying it on at night again to see if I can sleep on my back and have the suction stick now that my body is more adjusted to it.
You can feel a slight pulling when wearing it but it is not uncomfortable after a couple of days. First days were the worst. The skin is loosening up and I can see a swelling happening like is supposed too so it is doing what it claims to do.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and for cheering me on while I walk this road.
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
I have had two surgeries using the BRAVA methodReikigemgirl said:Are you waiting for a clinical trial for the brava machine?
I will tell you that it is getting easier each day. At first, I had pain around my rib cage from the suction of the dome but now that isn't bothering me anymore. I just positioned the dome differently so that it didn't lay right on my ribs.
I put it on around 8 in the morning and then it can come off at 6 p.m. and I can have my night free of the dome and can sleep well. They say to wear it at night but when I did, it popped off and the suction broke. It has an alarm and makes a buzzing sound also when the seal is broken, but neither of them woke me or my fiance up. I don't work outside the home so I can wear it during the day without worry. I have a concave area where my surgeon took to much tissue out and that is giving me some trouble with getting a good seal. Now the dome seems to be conforming to the shape of my body and it is staying adhered. Yesterday, it never lost suction once.
I am thinking of trying it on at night again to see if I can sleep on my back and have the suction stick now that my body is more adjusted to it.
You can feel a slight pulling when wearing it but it is not uncomfortable after a couple of days. First days were the worst. The skin is loosening up and I can see a swelling happening like is supposed too so it is doing what it claims to do.
Thanks everyone for your kind words and for cheering me on while I walk this road.
Love and Light,
Vicki
Hi Vicki,
Good luck on the BRAVA wear!
Just came across this website. I had a BX in June 2010. Was BRCA2 positive...and DCIS in one breast. Anyway, I found out about the BRAVA suction/fat grafting method and have had two surgeries by Dr. Khouri. I did have radiation on my left breast about 18 years ago, but you can still do this method. In fact, the fat actually has helped my L breast to improve. My right breast is completely done...I had a partial skin sparing BX...but no nipples were saved. My right breast is now about a B plus or C minus...love it (my originals were a small B...well, the left who knows, as I had a lumpectomy 18 years ago with that radiation I mentioned). The left breast will have one more fat graft April 8, then I should be finished. There is a very good website of Dr. Khouri and other Brava patients...if you are interested it is: http://www.fatgraftpatients.com/forums/ There also used to be quite an active thread on the subject at the Susan B. Komen forum.
Some of these ladies are not cancer survivors, but the process is pretty much the same...they describe their experiences. It helped me before I had my first round.
I had considered implants and flaps, but ended up deciding all of that was not for me. I was going to just go flat, but then came across this option. Thought it sounded too good to be true, but my husband said let's go check it out. We flew down to Miami and met with Dr. Khouri. Then the rest is history. I can't believe how good this procedure is! I was a little worried at first, as I am not a large lady...not overly skinny, but not a lot of spare fat...but my doctor just took a little here and there and built my new breasts! The great thing is that they have feeling. Haven't thought too much about what I will do for the nipples, will wait till the breasts are done first.
Anyway...if you have any questions, just PM me or something.0 -
Some other points on the BRAVA Weardustylady said:I have had two surgeries using the BRAVA method
Hi Vicki,
Good luck on the BRAVA wear!
Just came across this website. I had a BX in June 2010. Was BRCA2 positive...and DCIS in one breast. Anyway, I found out about the BRAVA suction/fat grafting method and have had two surgeries by Dr. Khouri. I did have radiation on my left breast about 18 years ago, but you can still do this method. In fact, the fat actually has helped my L breast to improve. My right breast is completely done...I had a partial skin sparing BX...but no nipples were saved. My right breast is now about a B plus or C minus...love it (my originals were a small B...well, the left who knows, as I had a lumpectomy 18 years ago with that radiation I mentioned). The left breast will have one more fat graft April 8, then I should be finished. There is a very good website of Dr. Khouri and other Brava patients...if you are interested it is: http://www.fatgraftpatients.com/forums/ There also used to be quite an active thread on the subject at the Susan B. Komen forum.
Some of these ladies are not cancer survivors, but the process is pretty much the same...they describe their experiences. It helped me before I had my first round.
I had considered implants and flaps, but ended up deciding all of that was not for me. I was going to just go flat, but then came across this option. Thought it sounded too good to be true, but my husband said let's go check it out. We flew down to Miami and met with Dr. Khouri. Then the rest is history. I can't believe how good this procedure is! I was a little worried at first, as I am not a large lady...not overly skinny, but not a lot of spare fat...but my doctor just took a little here and there and built my new breasts! The great thing is that they have feeling. Haven't thought too much about what I will do for the nipples, will wait till the breasts are done first.
Anyway...if you have any questions, just PM me or something.
Vicki,
Me again...I noticed you are trying to use the BRAVA at night. I thought I could never sleep with those things on...also....I have a tendency to perspire and that doesn't help things either. I have had them lose suction and I, too, didn't hear the alarm for a couple of nights, but you are right..after awhile they adhere better. I found I could actually sleep at night and not lose my BRAVAs! So...I usually put it (now only the L side) on around 7 or 8 pm. and take it off 10-12 hours later. Curious...are you using the sports box pressure for the whole procedure? Dr. Khouri has me use another hand bulb pump off and on for a little additional suction. Just wondering.
Again, so glad you found someone who is using this approach to reconstruction!0 -
Dustylady......dustylady said:Some other points on the BRAVA Wear
Vicki,
Me again...I noticed you are trying to use the BRAVA at night. I thought I could never sleep with those things on...also....I have a tendency to perspire and that doesn't help things either. I have had them lose suction and I, too, didn't hear the alarm for a couple of nights, but you are right..after awhile they adhere better. I found I could actually sleep at night and not lose my BRAVAs! So...I usually put it (now only the L side) on around 7 or 8 pm. and take it off 10-12 hours later. Curious...are you using the sports box pressure for the whole procedure? Dr. Khouri has me use another hand bulb pump off and on for a little additional suction. Just wondering.
Again, so glad you found someone who is using this approach to reconstruction!
So happy to hear from someone who is doing the same procedure as I am. I was going to post today because I have to start using the hand pump today. They said after a week (it's a week today) that I have to use the hand pump along with the sports box, 3 times a day for 3 minutes at a time, for an hour each time.
Thanks for the website that I can go to for further encouragement and to read incase their are questions I have that need answered.
I am amazed that you are getting almost a full C for your size afterwards. I can see the skin stretching and my belly is what they are going to use to fill my breasts with. Also, skin from my chin, as I understand it. I think he is doing the chin for me as a favor to get rid of my double chin.
I am the 4th patient for my doctor using this procedure. One dropped out so far but the other two are doing good from what I have heard.
I have my surgery on the 25th of March and he is going to do a breast lift on my left side and then try to match the right side with the left with the fat grafting procedure. Liposuction on my chin and belly. How does it feel after the liposuction, pain wise? Did you have to wear a compression garmet afterwards? They say I will wear one for 3 weeks straight and then for 1/2 a day the next 3 weeks.
Off I go to check out that website link you gave me. Thanks so much for sharing about your surgery with me. I appreciate it more than you know.
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
Hi Vicki,Reikigemgirl said:Dustylady......
So happy to hear from someone who is doing the same procedure as I am. I was going to post today because I have to start using the hand pump today. They said after a week (it's a week today) that I have to use the hand pump along with the sports box, 3 times a day for 3 minutes at a time, for an hour each time.
Thanks for the website that I can go to for further encouragement and to read incase their are questions I have that need answered.
I am amazed that you are getting almost a full C for your size afterwards. I can see the skin stretching and my belly is what they are going to use to fill my breasts with. Also, skin from my chin, as I understand it. I think he is doing the chin for me as a favor to get rid of my double chin.
I am the 4th patient for my doctor using this procedure. One dropped out so far but the other two are doing good from what I have heard.
I have my surgery on the 25th of March and he is going to do a breast lift on my left side and then try to match the right side with the left with the fat grafting procedure. Liposuction on my chin and belly. How does it feel after the liposuction, pain wise? Did you have to wear a compression garmet afterwards? They say I will wear one for 3 weeks straight and then for 1/2 a day the next 3 weeks.
Off I go to check out that website link you gave me. Thanks so much for sharing about your surgery with me. I appreciate it more than you know.
Love and Light,
Vicki
Oh...I made a
Hi Vicki,
Oh...I made a mistake on one of the websites...wasn't Susan Komen...it was BreastCancer.org where there used to be a lengthy thread on the subject.
Well..it is a very full B or a small C..depending...Sounds like you are going to look great! Won't lie...the lipo hurts a little (afterwards), but the doc gives you pain pills...only needed them for about 5 or so days. My routine is that I would fly down to Miami on Wed...surgery on Friday, follow up on Tues., and fly back on Wednesday.
Dr. K had me wear the BRAVA for 24/7 after the surgery for three days...well, on the first trip back, I decided to wear them to the airport, through security, then take them off right before my flight...I had to go through that new screening booth and then a pat down on top of that!!!! What an experience! Didn't do that again...anyway...you will be spared ALL of those kinds of experiences since you won't have to travel for your surgery. I am SO glad this procedure is being offered at more locations by more plastic surgeons!
Right after the lipo you are a little soggy..as the lipo holes will drain...this is a normal and good thing....first time, he took the fat from the two "saddle bags"....so my butt ended up looking pretty cute....I did have a lot of bruising, but it went away rather quickly to my surprise....I was also quite stiff but that goes away over time. I used arnica gel on my bruises and stiff areas, avoiding the lipo holes until they were healed. Haven't had any fat removed from the belly area yet...think he will be doing that this time...and maybe some more from the thighs. His rule of thumb on the compression garment...1 week for every decade of age...I'm 59 (60 in May..can't believe it). So I wore it 24/7 for 5 weeks. This last time, he took more from the thighs and I ended up wearing some tight lycra capris after my 5 compression garment weeks. I also just had a massage and found that really helped to release excess fluid that I had in my thighs...maybe from the lipo, but maybe not.
I'm thinking everything should be easier for you since you only need to have enough fat for one breast. I am so excited for you!
Did you have a nipple sparing mastectomy?0 -
No....dustylady said:Hi Vicki,
Oh...I made a
Hi Vicki,
Oh...I made a mistake on one of the websites...wasn't Susan Komen...it was BreastCancer.org where there used to be a lengthy thread on the subject.
Well..it is a very full B or a small C..depending...Sounds like you are going to look great! Won't lie...the lipo hurts a little (afterwards), but the doc gives you pain pills...only needed them for about 5 or so days. My routine is that I would fly down to Miami on Wed...surgery on Friday, follow up on Tues., and fly back on Wednesday.
Dr. K had me wear the BRAVA for 24/7 after the surgery for three days...well, on the first trip back, I decided to wear them to the airport, through security, then take them off right before my flight...I had to go through that new screening booth and then a pat down on top of that!!!! What an experience! Didn't do that again...anyway...you will be spared ALL of those kinds of experiences since you won't have to travel for your surgery. I am SO glad this procedure is being offered at more locations by more plastic surgeons!
Right after the lipo you are a little soggy..as the lipo holes will drain...this is a normal and good thing....first time, he took the fat from the two "saddle bags"....so my butt ended up looking pretty cute....I did have a lot of bruising, but it went away rather quickly to my surprise....I was also quite stiff but that goes away over time. I used arnica gel on my bruises and stiff areas, avoiding the lipo holes until they were healed. Haven't had any fat removed from the belly area yet...think he will be doing that this time...and maybe some more from the thighs. His rule of thumb on the compression garment...1 week for every decade of age...I'm 59 (60 in May..can't believe it). So I wore it 24/7 for 5 weeks. This last time, he took more from the thighs and I ended up wearing some tight lycra capris after my 5 compression garment weeks. I also just had a massage and found that really helped to release excess fluid that I had in my thighs...maybe from the lipo, but maybe not.
I'm thinking everything should be easier for you since you only need to have enough fat for one breast. I am so excited for you!
Did you have a nipple sparing mastectomy?
I didn't have a nipple sparing mastectomy. My Plastic surgeon says he makes the nipple right there in the office after all the fat grafting is done and then they tattoo the aerola on. These are the last two steps.
Have to go and put my machine on!! Have a great day today.
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
How neat....about theReikigemgirl said:No....
I didn't have a nipple sparing mastectomy. My Plastic surgeon says he makes the nipple right there in the office after all the fat grafting is done and then they tattoo the aerola on. These are the last two steps.
Have to go and put my machine on!! Have a great day today.
Love and Light,
Vicki
How neat....about the nipple....
Well...you must be Brava free now...I'm going upstairs to put mine on, since I wear it at night...am getting a late start...usually start at 8pm...went out to dinner tonight.
Have a great Brava Day tomorrow!0 -
All of this is so amazing.Reikigemgirl said:No....
I didn't have a nipple sparing mastectomy. My Plastic surgeon says he makes the nipple right there in the office after all the fat grafting is done and then they tattoo the aerola on. These are the last two steps.
Have to go and put my machine on!! Have a great day today.
Love and Light,
Vicki
All of this is so amazing. I am so happy that progress is being made to help bc survivors. Thanks Vicki for sharing this with us and good luck!
Leeza0 -
I had thought about theReikigemgirl said:No....
I didn't have a nipple sparing mastectomy. My Plastic surgeon says he makes the nipple right there in the office after all the fat grafting is done and then they tattoo the aerola on. These are the last two steps.
Have to go and put my machine on!! Have a great day today.
Love and Light,
Vicki
I had thought about the surgical nipples too...also the 3D tattooing. Right now I have some prosthetic nipples that were made for me using my own impressions (done before my BX). They are very real looking....in fact, I was one of the live interviews at one of Dr. Khouri's conferences, and I wore my prosthetic nipples....don't think any of the surgeons could tell they were not real. I was fortunate enough before my BX to have connected with another lady who had done the BRAVA reconstruction and she and her husband started a prosthetic nipple business. They sent me materials to make my impression and then sent me my two new nipples...So far, I've just been playing around with them ....waiting until my L breast is completed to really wear them. If the nipple reconstruction doesn't work out for you, you might want to try these. Right now, they may still be willing to provide it for free. Their website is NaturallyImpressive.net. My friend said she has even showered with them and they will stay on for several days.
Well...you don't have long to go...before you know it, March 25 will be here!0 -
Wow.....dustylady said:I had thought about the
I had thought about the surgical nipples too...also the 3D tattooing. Right now I have some prosthetic nipples that were made for me using my own impressions (done before my BX). They are very real looking....in fact, I was one of the live interviews at one of Dr. Khouri's conferences, and I wore my prosthetic nipples....don't think any of the surgeons could tell they were not real. I was fortunate enough before my BX to have connected with another lady who had done the BRAVA reconstruction and she and her husband started a prosthetic nipple business. They sent me materials to make my impression and then sent me my two new nipples...So far, I've just been playing around with them ....waiting until my L breast is completed to really wear them. If the nipple reconstruction doesn't work out for you, you might want to try these. Right now, they may still be willing to provide it for free. Their website is NaturallyImpressive.net. My friend said she has even showered with them and they will stay on for several days.
Well...you don't have long to go...before you know it, March 25 will be here!
never heard of prosthetic nipples before. I do still have my nipple on my left breast so they could use that as a mold for the new one. It's nice to know that their is this option, incase the nipple making doesn't work with my doctor.
Thanks for the info.
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
Oh...by the way..the websiteReikigemgirl said:Wow.....
never heard of prosthetic nipples before. I do still have my nipple on my left breast so they could use that as a mold for the new one. It's nice to know that their is this option, incase the nipple making doesn't work with my doctor.
Thanks for the info.
Love and Light,
Vicki
Oh...by the way..the website for NaturallyImpressive.is NaturallyImpressive.com (not .net)0 -
Question for Vicki and Dustlady
My question is. "Is your insurance company paying for everything with the Brava and fat grafting by Dr. Khouri?"
This is an important question for me. I find the the Brava and fat grafting to be extremely enticing and am curious about what the insurance company's attitude is regarding it? Did you have any trouble submitting the billing to them?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Lots of Hugs,
Janelle0 -
I had a lumpectomy, so,dustylady said:I had thought about the
I had thought about the surgical nipples too...also the 3D tattooing. Right now I have some prosthetic nipples that were made for me using my own impressions (done before my BX). They are very real looking....in fact, I was one of the live interviews at one of Dr. Khouri's conferences, and I wore my prosthetic nipples....don't think any of the surgeons could tell they were not real. I was fortunate enough before my BX to have connected with another lady who had done the BRAVA reconstruction and she and her husband started a prosthetic nipple business. They sent me materials to make my impression and then sent me my two new nipples...So far, I've just been playing around with them ....waiting until my L breast is completed to really wear them. If the nipple reconstruction doesn't work out for you, you might want to try these. Right now, they may still be willing to provide it for free. Their website is NaturallyImpressive.net. My friend said she has even showered with them and they will stay on for several days.
Well...you don't have long to go...before you know it, March 25 will be here!
I had a lumpectomy, so, never looked into anything like this. But, this is so interesting. Thank you for sharing all of this with us.0 -
My insurance pays for everything except...Different Ballgame said:Question for Vicki and Dustlady
My question is. "Is your insurance company paying for everything with the Brava and fat grafting by Dr. Khouri?"
This is an important question for me. I find the the Brava and fat grafting to be extremely enticing and am curious about what the insurance company's attitude is regarding it? Did you have any trouble submitting the billing to them?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Lots of Hugs,
Janelle
the Brava machine. Mine was $1,000.00. I got it through my plastic surgeons office and they ordered it from Dr. Khoui after taking my measurements. They are letting me make payments. Paid for the first half and then $100 a month for the next 5 months. I am so glad they financed it for me or I wouldn't of been able to get started right away.
The reason insurance won't pay for it is because it hasn't been approved by the FDA yet. The data is in their hands, so pretty soon it should be paid for by insurance.
Hope this was helpful.
Love and Light,
Vicki0 -
My insurance pays forReikigemgirl said:My insurance pays for everything except...
the Brava machine. Mine was $1,000.00. I got it through my plastic surgeons office and they ordered it from Dr. Khoui after taking my measurements. They are letting me make payments. Paid for the first half and then $100 a month for the next 5 months. I am so glad they financed it for me or I wouldn't of been able to get started right away.
The reason insurance won't pay for it is because it hasn't been approved by the FDA yet. The data is in their hands, so pretty soon it should be paid for by insurance.
Hope this was helpful.
Love and Light,
Vicki
My insurance pays for everything too, as it is breast reconstruction. In my case, I also had to pay for travel and lodging since I'm having it done out of state. Don't think anyone in my state was doing the procedure when I started.
Will be nice when the the BRAVAs are covered, too. Dr. Khouri is hoping that they are approved soon for this use, but sometimes the government is slow.0
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