New Gummy Bear Tear Drop Silicone Impants - anyone have them?

buffy

I had a double mastectomy 6 years and received the gummy bears. I absolutely love them and would not change a thing if I had to do it over again. THey are very natural looking and very little rippling. I know some people are concerned with their PS not having enough experience with them as they have just been approved by the FDA but I can't imagine that your PS wouldn't e able to implant them if they have already been putting in the round silicones . If you look at both of them, there isn't a huge difference. Good luck!

Hindsfeet

I need help. I had a mastectomy on my right breast two years ago this December. The PS made me too big, and had to put an implant in the good breast to match. I had the small implant in the good breast removed last December, and the PS put in a smaller implant in the mastectomy breast. The implant is round, and hard. It looks like a hamburger, and doesn't match the natural breast, which is more of a tear drop look. I could live with it except for the contractions, pinching under my arm pit, and it being very uncomfortable. I like wearing fitted shirts, clothing, which is now difficult in that you can see my breast contract when I move about, and it's round where the other is more normal. It's obvious the implanted breast is not real. Is this normal? Would you consider getting a revision? If I do I have to do it before the end of the year for insurance reasons so I feel under the gun.

I would love to remove the implant and do the whole fat grafting in the mastectomy breast, but no PS does it in my city. I would have to travel 3 to 4 hours each way to have that done.

My current PS used UAL, which is an aggressive way to remove the fat, and often burns fat killing the stem cells.. It caused quite a few lumps, which are now being monitored as some of them lit up during the yearly MRI last Spring. I heard there is a micro fat-grafting that doesn't cause fat cell death, which is the reason for the lumps. My PS is willing to do another revision, but I fear he won't listen to me, and again use the UAL fat-grafting procedure. He said the last time I saw him that he would (do to all the contractions and pain) he would put the implant on the outside of the pec muscles. Anyone familiar with putting the implant over the pec muscle to eliminate the contractions?

Is it possible to be allergic to silicone around and in the implant. I am sensitive to metals and I read silicone is made up of metals. I wondered if that could be a reason for pain issues.

Thanks to anyone who can help. I don't know who to chat with about this as no one else seems to have the issues I have.

Hindsfeet

If I do decide on a revision from what I've read here, I will ask for a gummybear tear drop implant.

nutmeg_89

sweetbean,

do they have to pay even if it is by choice that you are getting them revised just because you aren't happy with the way they look?

Hindsfeet

My opinion, if the plastic surgeon doesn't give you the information about the choices, and types of implant, risks/complication then the PS is responsible to make it right. Once you are dx, you are rushed into surgery often times before you completely understand what you are doing. I thought I was getting a teardrop natural looking implant. I wasn't told it would be pinching me under my arm like a too tight bra. I had no idea it would hurt or have lumps afterwards. I knew some women were uncomfortable with implants, but, my PS said it is rare someone isn't happy with them. It's enough you lose a breast then to have to be constantly reminded of the horrible ordeal.

Char66

Hi -new to this thread-met with Plastic surgeon this week-having BMX in Jan and need all the info can get before last meeting with her. Where is the TimTam site? Surgeon wants to use the round silicone but at me age (66-yea over the hill-way over!) am wondering if the Gummies wouldn't look better. Thanks for your help in advance. Char

goldie4040

Hi Char66

Welcome. Sorry you are going through this, but glad you found us. It's hard to say what is best for any one person. It's always nice to get it right the first time. Do you know if you are having expander's, or are you having a straight to implant procedure?

In order to get on Timtam's site you have to PM her, and get permission, then she will send you a temporary password, etc. You know the drill. The site is not easy to navigate. Good luck. It is a great place to see pics of real people, not what the plastic surgeons put on their websites.

Char66

Goldie4040 - Thanks for the welcome and info. I PMed her right away so will wait to hear. The plan is to go straight to implants-as long as not going bigger she said it should work. It is so hard to just put your body into someone else's hands and have complete trust they will do good for you. Guess I am one of those people that like to make decisions for myself, so will continue researching and trying to make informed decision along with surgeons suggestions. Thanks again. Char

goldie4040

Char,

You are very welcome. I am sure you will do fine. I know somebody personally that went straight to implant, and she did just fine. Are you doing a nipple sparing?

I hope Timtam answers you soon.

marianelizabeth

I am having my exchange from T/E with fat grafting and an augment on the non mx side on Dec. 6. I have to admit to not being prepared when I saw my PS in September. He asked if I knew what I wanted and I said no. I had also just been told by the receptionist that my augment had not yet been approved but our provincial medical system so was distracted. I had a potluck here on Saturday for a dozen of us from our British Columbia thread and there was a lot of discussion and show and tell on implants. Some had gummy but apparently they are usually here actually Cohesive Gel by Inspire. Also I was told that Gummys can rotate thus a bra needed. I realized then that I was woefully uneducated. There was also discussion about how hard they are and cold too maybe? Anyway I called my PS office yesterday and got another appt. for Nov. 7. She said that actually I was getting round implants not tear shaped which I am certain the PS said I was when I saw him in September. Now I really need to do my homework and go in better informed. so any information and comments welcome!

sarahjane7374

Hi Marianelizabeth - I have Mentor MemoryShape (teardrop) cohesive gel implants. My PS highly recommended them, in fact, the round ones weren't even really discussed. There's a couple brands out there - I think he was looking at the Natrelles first, but they weren't sized right for me. Not that I have any basis for comparison, but I like them. They look natural and are nice and soft. He told me "those things aren't going south anytime soon - you'll never need to wear a bra". As for feeling cold - they sometimes do, but externally only. I'm still numb, so I don't feel the coolness unless I touch them. He didn't say anything about them rotating. I wore a front clasping sports bra for the first week and a half after my exchange- to protect the cleavage shape, I was told - and then I was cleared to wear whatever bra I wanted - or none at all. If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to try and answer!

goldie4040

Sarajane,

Thanks for all the info on the Mentors. I am having my exchange on Dec 3 and have asked for the Mentors. Right now my expander's always feel a few degrees warmer than my body, especially after walking, etc. I actually am looking forward to the implants being cooler...lol. My PS wanted to use the Allergan 410 gummies but I have heard how hard they are, so I asked for the Mentor's, which I have seen some nice pics of on the photo forum.

What size did you get? I am only expanded to 500cc. I am aiming for a full B cup.

Maria

I believe I know somebody from another thread that was at your party. She had a DIEP. Anyway, I have heard nothing about the Natrelle cohesives, just Allergan, Mentor and a little about Sientra. The ones that you saw in person, did they look okay, or were the women disappointed in their outcomes?

sarahjane7374

Goldie - I have 530cc - solid C cup on me.

Togetherness

Hello new to the board. I met with my ps yesterday and he has recommended the Allergan Natrelle 410 silicone implants. I am having the exchange on nov. 5th. I had a bmx back in july. I currently have TE filled to 550cc and he suggested size 595cc. I am a bit concerned that they will be too big. I am only 5'0. I was a dd and do not wish to be that size again and I have expressed that to my ps. I keep saying I want Barbie doll size. So a little nervous about this last chapter. I just hope the feel better than these torcher expanders. I was told I would have drains since I have been been having to have fluid drained off these last two weeks due to cellulitis. I just want to be done with all the decision making, but be satisfied as well. I have earned to have some great looking boobs!!! Any thoughts!! Thanks!

sarahjane7374

Hi Togetherness,

I'm not an implant expert by any means, but I think they look different on everyone. Hopefully your PS is on the same page as you and understands the look you are going for. I can't really remember how much I was expanded to, but my implants are 530cc. On my frame that equates to a C cup. The implants have a squish factor that the TE's don't - so I imagine that if you want to look about like you do now, the implant would need to be slightly larger. Just a guess, though. I left that kind of decision to my Dr. - I have 100% confidence in him and he knew what look I was after. Anyway - I'm happy with mine & he keeps asking me if I am ok with the size.

I had 2 drains following my exchange. Was a surprise to me - I didn't expect that. They were out within 5 days of the procedure, so it wasn't that bad. Didn't drain nearly as much as after my PBMX.

And they definitely feel much better than the TEs. A lot more comfortable and less tight. What a relief

Togetherness

Thanks sarahjane I have great confidence in my ps as well. He has been wonderful to me through all this. Thanks for the encouraging words!! So glad to see light at the end of the tunnel. So glad to here you are pleased with your Allergan 410.

goldie4040

Okay, now I get it. Natrelle is Allergan 410!

Sarahjane, So I guess if I go for the 475 then I should be in the right ball park for a full B cup. I am so glad you are happy with your results. That makes me feel a little bit better about all this.

TinaT

For those here who aren't aware, there's a great thread called Breast Implant Sizing 101 that you might find helpful.  Heads up....the thread will be more helpful if you can provide the particulars about your tissue expanders, if you have them.

TinaT

Goldie - Allergan is the company that makes Natrelle implants and tissue expanders.  Sometimes the words Allergan and Natrelle are used interchangeably.  They make anatomical implants like the 410s as well as round implants.

Togetherness - If you're concerned about being too big you might be misleading your PS about your wishes if you are telling him/her that you want Barbie breasts.  I think most people think "large" when they hear that term.  Or, perhaps I misunderstood something in your post...

Togetherness

Thanks Tina. He realizes when I say Barbie doll size I want smaller. As I said I was a double dd and wish to be smaller. He says he will make me smaller and more in proportion with my height and weight. Trust me I have given this ps a hard time..... Lol. I research everything and come in with a million questions. He is very patient with me and just says you have been on the Internet again. I say yes how can you tell.... Lol. I am just over thinking it all and just need to let go and let him work his magic. I keep telling him I want this reconstruction to be award winning. The best reconstruction that he as ever done and then I add no pressure. He just laughs.

TinaT

Togetherness - Sounds like there's good communcation going on and that he "hears" you.  That seems to be the crucial element for a happy reconstruction experience.  I've been on these threads for a while and I can tell you that you have a great head start, not everyone is so lucky.  Mine has been fabulous - truly seems to love what he does and also very patient and a great listener.  It has made this journey so much easier.  Hang in there and check out that other thread that I mentioned above. 

Best wishes!

marianelizabeth

Goldie that was liefie who had the DIEP. Looked good too!

goldie4040

Yes, Maria...it is Liefie. Really nice lady. I sure you all had a wonderful time. I wish we could have a gathering in my area.

ConnieGreene

sorry - haven't been on much ....

Goldie - she took the "bra roll" fat first then took it from my upper tummy area because she did indeed need more. She also went in my belly button and removed more- she said she couldn't go below the C-Section line as it would cause issues down the road!

I have a FLAT tummy and perky tatas with nipples now

goldie4040

Connie, how wonderful for you. I can't wait. I have my pre-op in a couple of week, and then my exchange on Dec.3.

Did you have a nipple recon, or just tattoo?

Enjoy you holiday season with your beautiful new body!!!!

ConnieGreene

nipple recon- tattoing will be in January due to her schedule - I almost look like a woman again - I am ecstatic!

The nipples made all the difference for me!

goldie4040

Connie, that is great!!!! Happy is a rare thing to find on these boards. I am really glad you are!!! Keep us posted on the tattoo part.

ConnieGreene

I will!!!

Togetherness

Had my 410 allergan implants put in today. Hard to tell what the final result will be as many have mentioned swollen. Was not really thinking I would be in this much pain. I have drains in and what I call a very tight Corsa around my chest area. Go to the dr tomorrow to get the full reveal. I hope I am happy!! Hope everyone is doing well!!

goldie4040

Yeah, Togetherness. That is great. Let us how everything goes tomorrow.