nothing to something special

[jsygal83]

Dr Pelletiere I hope you can help. I'm in a bit of a predicament. I'm a 38AA and have worn prosthetic breasts for most my adult life. With them on I fill a 38F nicely so long to be that size but I worry that I can't become that size. I was wondering what the largest size the likes of me can have and to reach my desired size would I have to build up to it? My husband constantly ridicules me due to their lack in size so all advice is welcome.

[Dr. Pelletiere]

If you are a AA cup, their is no real way to get someone to a F cup in one surgery. You probably need to go one of two different ways. The first way is to have an augmentation and go as large as you can for your body at that time. Over the course of a year or so, the tissues will be stretched out and you can usually accomodate larger implants then. The other way is to treat you like a breast reconstruction and place tissue expanders initially. These are then filled postoperatively every week or two, stretching the tissues and making more room. You then remove these expanders when you are at the desired size and place the regular implants. Both ways require multiple surgeries, but with someone who is a AA, it would be hard to achieve a F all at once. I hope this helps.

[jsygal83]

Originally Posted by Dr. Pelletiere

If you are a AA cup, their is no real way to get someone to a F cup in one surgery. You probably need to go one of two different ways. The first way is to have an augmentation and go as large as you can for your body at that time. Over the course of a year or so, the tissues will be stretched out and you can usually accomodate larger implants then. The other way is to treat you like a breast reconstruction and place tissue expanders initially. These are then filled postoperatively every week or two, stretching the tissues and making more room. You then remove these expanders when you are at the desired size and place the regular implants. Both ways require multiple surgeries, but with someone who is a AA, it would be hard to achieve a F all at once. I hope this helps.

Thank you so much for the swift response. I was wondering is there cost difference between the two choices? The surgeons here have told me it is impossible for someone of my size to ever dream of becoming anything close to like that. You've given me serious hope once more. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. thank you

[Dr. Pelletiere]

It can be fairly expensive if you need to go through multiple surgeries. Using tissue expanders can be fairly expensive, since the cost of the expanders is about twice the amount of the implants ( about $2000 each). This is probably the most reliable way to get someone as large as possible, but can be pretty extensive. It really just depends on what you are willing to go through, cost, and what your body can accomodate.

[jsygal83]

Thank you for the advise i think that I'll head towards two individual Implants. I got my rib and chest sizes here taken from one appointment is there a max width that i can go to with these
Ribcage: 35"
Ribspan: 12"
and He was not sure about the Breast which as it came to 8" he measured 3 times and couldn't get an accurate read so i went in the middle are there any other measurements i can have done to be able to tell what size i can start with? i know it's hard without seeing me but i need a guide so that i can find a surgeon to do the surgery over here. many thanx for all your help?

[Dr. Pelletiere]

It is hard to know without actually measuring the breast width on each side. This is something that you could do yourself if necessary - measure in centimeters, and just place a ruler underneath your breast. Measure the widest part across your breast in centimeters. That would give you a rough idea of what size you might be able to accomodate. If you email some pictures to our email ( at the bottom), I can take a look and give you a more accurate idea of what you can realistically expect.

[jsygal83]

I've sent you a pic unfortunately my camera not loading on to my computer so I have sent you one of me and my Niece on holiday. It really shows how little I have. Oh I measured my breast came to 13cm each across the widest part I hope this helps. Once my camera is working again I will take a front and side view properly.

[Dr. Pelletiere]

I recieved the photo - in your case, it really is like a breast reconstruction, since you need to create an inframammary fold, etc. The largest implant you could probably go with would be something in the 350 - 400 range. Saline would work better because of the expansion once the implant is in the pocket instead of trying to fit a silicone implant into the space. Cup size afterwards you would probably be in the C range. I hope this helps.

[jsygal83]

Thank-you. I was hoping for silicone but I understand the reasoning being using saline. what would the minimum time be that I'd have to keep them in before going to silicone? Also would I then be able to go up the size I desire? And considering my current size what cc wouldbe required? Thank-you for all your help. On average how long is your waiting list and what cost would it be for me?

[Dr. Pelletiere]

jsygal83- we have just sent you an email that is more detailed and private, so as not to disclose any personal information, etc.