Tag Archives: TESSA

Just some “fluffing”

2 Replies

WARNING: NSFW / graphic content below.

Well, it has been a month since I posted my last status update, because there really isn’t anything terribly exciting going on. I do have a photo for you to show you some “fluffing” I’ve noticed in my right implant, though.

I saw Dr. M for another follow up visit a couple of days ago and we agreed that the infection is no more. I have been redness-free for over a month, so I seem to be in the clear. My next appointment with him is at the end of March, which will be my pre-op visit, with the surgery to follow on April 10, 2014. TESSADuring that procedure my PS will attempt to replace the implant via a small incision in my armpit, using the TESSA technique (right). If he observes that too much scar tissue has accumulated in that space, he will have to place a tissue expander instead. We won’t know until he gets in there. It’s a log way away, but it’s not too early to start crossing fingers and banking those positive thoughts. Get on it! 🙂

As of today, it has been over three months since my exchange surgery and two months since the infection claimed my left implant (see: Houston we have a problem). The implant on my right does seem to be “fluffling,” meaning there has been a slight change in the perceived shape and size of the implant. What is actually happening is my body is changing around the implant forcing it into a different configuration, thus making it seem like the implant itself is actually changing. It is a gradual redistribution of the volume from top to bottom of the implant. The completion of this process may take from three months to a year. Here is the difference in just one month:  left = November 13; right = December 13.

Fluffing

Attitude is everything

2 Replies

Attitude

Yes, THIS. I have hit a  pretty huge speed bump on my road to being finished. A major setback that’ll add at least three more months to this process. When I had my prophylactic bilateral mastectomy in January, I expected to be finished by mid-summer. HA! It’s almost January again! Yes, I’m devastated and angry, but there really isn’t anything I can do about it now except focus on recovery and what’s ahead of me.

Attitude really is everything. While you cannot always control what happens to you or around you, you have complete control over your reaction to it. I have chosen to continue to be positive, because the alternative won’t help anyone or improve my situation.

Good news x 3

I saw Dr. M for a follow up on Friday.

  1. The Lone Drainger is out! Whoop whoop! I was producing less than 15 mL/day.
  2. Culture results are good and show no signs of infection. This doesn’t mean I didn’t have one, it means that the antibiotics I have been on since Monday are working.
  3. TESSAI might not have to have a tissue expander!!! Dr. M thinks the tissue won’t retract so much that I would have to start all over. If all looks good in a few months, he will place the implant via a small hole in my armpit using the TESSA technique (Transaxillary Endoscopic Subpectoral Smooth Augmentation). This was the best news! It also means that we will NOT have to mess with the incision/scar again.