I didn't get a lift but I can say that with a regular exchange I was down for about 3 days and fatigued for a couple weeks. I am about a month and a half out now and I am completely back to normal.

Glad to help... reach out anytime as you proceed through your journey

Just a word of caution... Don't expect too much at that reveal. It will take some time for your new breasts to settle and look more normal. Initially the area will be swollen and bruised. I had a bilateral mastectomy and remember thinking that it looked like I had a big uniboob with a little valley in between. A few months later it looked so much better. Also, don't push yourself too fast in getting back to work. Take the time to rest and heal

I just had my exchange surgery on Monday (9/19/16). So far, it is not as painful as the BMX. I do not have any drains. I'm taking pain medication and an antibiotic. The PS said it will be about 4 weeks before I'm back to "normal".

What a huge difference between the expanders (felt like rock hard softballs on my chest) to the silicone implants (lighter and softer).

My nipple reconstruction was done same day as my exchange.