Mentor MemoryGel vs Allergan Gummy Bear?

cc4npg

I had bilat mx in 2010, exchange surgery Feb 2011 from tissue expanders to Mentor MemoryGel 400 ml implants. I have decided it's time to swap out my implants. Insurance is changing next year, trying to get things done to ensure I'm good for the next decade or more. My cancer side has become a bit tighter... the implant looks smaller somehow than my non-cancer side. It's nothing drastic, but they definitely change over time. I would probably wait if it wasn't for my insurance changing. I initially wanted to also rid myself of the ripples, but I'm finding it a more difficult decision than I thought. My PS will probably go a little bigger than 400 ml (5'2", 102 lbs). I asked him what type of implants he used, and the only thing he said was either the Mentor MemoryGel or Allergan Gummy Bear, so this really doesn't tell me what type. I think he feels I'm putting too much emphasis on style or type within "regular cohesive silicone gel" and "highly cohesive silicone gel gummy". When I felt the gummy, it definitely felt firmer than the MemoryGel... thus my dilema (I remember the tightness of the expanders). I know what to expect from Mentor... I've had mine for over 10 years now. What I don't know is how the gummy bear implants "feel". I have thin skin, my implants were placed under the muscle, any most wouldn't see the ripples unless I point them out but they're pretty evident. Has anyone had both of these? Do the gummy bear implants need time to adjust to? Do they give a heavier/tighter feel? Need opinions/guidance.

VegGal

“Gummy bear” isn’t a very specific term. You need more information for sure.

I went from a fairly squishy implant to Inspira SCX, which is pretty much the most firmest implant out there. The firmness of the implant, at least in my case, had nothing to do with the tight sensation. They still have a squishy back, not solid like an expander.

A little fat grafting should fix the ripples. And nowadays so many (myself included) have gone from under the muscle to over. That really improves comfort.

If you continue to have dilemmas, it might help to get a couple of more opinions. There are so many options, and every woman should feel confident about the procedures they endure!

Good luck

cc4npg

I've pretty much decided to wait on surgery. My implants really do look good, I have full range of motion, and rarely have any discomfort (only when I've over exerted). I have almost no fat from which to take, so fat grafting always leaves the PS trying to figure out how that would take place (weighing 99-102). I sought out advice from whippetmom, who is just phenomenal at these things! She advised against swapping them out. The ripples are not that noticeable (she didn't see any), and although I could have slight pocket revision, she really didn't see anything to warrant additional surgery right now. Simply having surgery because of an insurance change isn't always best, because each surgery has its own risk factors and I could have discomfort where I have none now. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it"