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

I had a UMX. I don't have a Naturelle 410, but I do have a Sientra implant which is a cohesive,  anatomical silicone similar to the 410. I used to have a smooth round Naturelle gel implant and had revision surgery to get rid of it. I had to match my natural side and the round gel was definitely flatter and more hamburger bun like than the implant I have now. It also rippled more on top and sides in my case. I'm pretty active and you could see all that when I worked out.

I don't find the new cohesive one any heavier or cooler than the old implant. It might be - I just haven't noticed it. I don't have a big implant, only 330 cc, so that may be a factor. I did notice the other one all the time and it was 339cc. I waited 5 months for the gel implant to settle in, swelling to go down and to see if problems improved with it but it just never visually worked for me.

Supposedly the Sientra is softer than the 410s but it definitely is firmer than the round gel. It doesn't flatten out as much as the smooth gel did when lying on my back, but definitely has a more natural look on me when I'm upright than the old implant did. It matches me better because the shape is closer to what my natural side is. For me, it seems more comfortable. Maybe it just fits my body better. That's going to vary person to person. I'm 3 months out from revision surgery and it hasn't shifted yet. I had a lot of pocket work done to prevent that and because the old implant pocket had stretched and started dropping too low, which was the big reason I had the revison. Maybe the reason that one felt heavy. The anatomical implants were not available for my first exchange.

As far as no turning back once you have them in, revision surgery was something I didn't want to have but the result was so much better, it was a blessing.

My PS uses the gummy bears exclusively and all the patients are part of a 10-year study. I had been told that I would be participating also but, now that they're approved, I'm not sure if I'll still be part of that study. My exchange surgery is May 10 and I'm going to be getting the Allergan Style 410MX, described as moderate height, extra full projection. My PS says they don't bounce at all and I'll probably never need to wear a bra if I don't want to. My new normal. I'll just be glad to get these TE chunks of granite out of my chest. I must say I haven't worn a bra at all with my TEs and I enjoy that. Just camisoles under my shirts. I'll be happy to post all about the implants once they're in.

My ps would like to exchange my allergan cohesive gel implant for a gummy-bear.  I've had the implant since late december in my right breast and have a lot of rippling on the upper pole.  The lower pole still looks pretty good.  He said that it is a technical feat with lots more measuring and details to create a good pocket.  I'll also have an alloderm strip across the top (I had immediate to implant) and a boob job on the left to match.  I've already been cut open twice (didn't get a clear margin the 1st time) so this will be the 3rd, hopefully it will work out. 

I went to my PS last week to figure out if I was ready for my exchange. I am. She told me that the gummy bear implant is now approved but told me that she has had NO experience with them. She asked me to give her a 7-10 days to get some more information.

My partner is a bit nervous about my getting the new style implant, comparing the newly approved implant with the notion of not getting a car within the first year that it's produced so they can work out the kinks. I'm not sure what to do. I trust my PS 100%. If she feels confident doing the surgery, I may go with the new implant....

If anyone has the new implants, I'd be curious to learn a bit more about them being cooler.

I hadn't heard about them being firmer. I haven't worn a bra since my BMX in January. It's been wonderful not wearing a bra and it would be great if I didn't have to wear one after the exchange.

Jocelyne- I did not mess with the unaffected side and have no implant in that side. I wonder sometimes if my PS should've put a small one in but I think I'm being hyper-critical. It was a game day decision when I was on the table and he was trying out various sized implants to determine best course.

The differences are not large but I do notice a difference in the two sides. Natural tissue just behaves in a different way than any implant can. I'm not big and don't sag much but the reconstructed side has a definitely perkier shape when bra-less. It projects in a way only something artificial can and there is slightly more upper pole fullness than the natural side. The shaped implant has less upper pole fullness than the round one did, so matches WAY better. My old round implant really looked artificial in comparison than my new implant. Maybe a small implant in the natural side would've helped the upper pole fullness differences and will be asking the PS about why he decided not to put one in. As swelling has gone down, I'm thinking he made the right call. 

In a bra, you seriously can't tell the difference between sides with the new one. A regular bra moves the natural side up and in a way that matches so the average person looking at me would never know. If I'm wearing  something more low cut, I put in a very small push up pad so the upper pole fullness is exactly even. My husband thinks I'm nuts- he says he'd never notice without the pad but obviously, I'm way more self conscious about it.

As for sensation, I'd say my experience is the same as yours except I do have a little sensation in the nipple. and Yes, I am glad this is done.

Just got the Allergan MF410 (580cc) on Monday. I feel fabulous and they look great. So relieved to have TEs out. Ah!!! I feel like a new woman!



Pictures on the link...

http://everyday-hollyday.blogspot.com/2013/03/fda-approves-gummy-bears.html?m=1

Tangles: I got 580cc. My TEs were filled to 480. I'm not sure about over filling. Since they aren't saline, they do not fill them. The size is the size (make sense?) They feel very natural and don't hurt at all.

Blanviper - just want you to know how much your posts have REALLY helped me.   I want a natural look and just want to move on with my life. Thes teardrop cohesives are what I have been interested in. I am so sorry that you had to go through revision surgery. Sharing your experience has answered my questions more than anything I have read so far. You are much appreciated!

~ Michelle

jocelyne- my implants was definitely placed under the pec muscle. Putting them on top just under the skin would be extremely unusual in reconstruction - your skin may not have the strength to hold an implant over time and rippling would be much worse because you have no breast tissue left to cover the implant. I'd ask my PS about that. I would even think about getting a second opinion if that's what he wants to do again.

Michelle- Thanks! Happy to help. It hasn't been a fun road but it is nice to hear that I was able to help someone.

Definitely not trying to scare you, but I would want to hear an opinion from someone who does sub muscular and get all their reasons why they do it to be more comfortable in whatever decision you make since your PS is doing something that is more unusual. Especially to feel at ease that you are making what you feel will be the best choice to avoid any more revisions. The whole process is really draining and time-consuming. Finding out I needed a revision was a bit of a let down. I told my PS at that point, "No pressure, dude, but this last surgery has to be 'one and done'."

blanviper - did you start out with direct to implant or did you do TE's? You're absolutely right about hearing reasons for sub-muscular as opposed to under the skin flaps.  Though I have talked at length about it with my PS and he feels they wouldn't work for me, that they would be very uncomfortable. He saw my pecs at the 1st surgery and decided it would be better not to go that route.  I actually don't think there is another PS in Santa fe or even Albuquerque who is versed in the gummy bear technique.  Maybe I could call or email another PS.

You must be happy to finally have something that works for you.  It's crazy, I had my UMX done in december and the gummies hadn't been approved yet.  Just a question of a couple of months. I totally trust his technical skill and he'll be doing quite a few before they get me on the table.  Hopefully the surgery won't be as long.  How long did it take for your revision?  You said you had a lot of pocket work done.  I think that will be the case for me as well.

wow, I thought it would have been shorter but I guess there's lots to do.  I'll have my other breast done so I guess I'll be under for a while.  My Mx and direct to implant took about 5-6 hours.  I still feel lousy from the surgery.

Hi there ladies,



I had NSBMX on 02/21/13 with TE. Just had my 4th and final fill today (was pre-filled at surgery to 200 cc). My PS today suggested the highly cohesive teardrop gummies to me as well. Said they are the most natural shape and feel. I know they got recently approved by the FDA in February so wondering from any of my sisters here who have them already, how you feel about them? Pros/cons??



I have appt next Friday for top off to gain symmetry and consult to set exchange date. Would like to be as informed as possible for my next appt so I know what questions to ask.



Thanks for any advice!



Hugs,



Jen

I'm so torn on what to do. I have read about them turning/shifting and you would not have this issue with a round one. I have also read women say they are too firm. I am so looking forward to getting these chunks of granite/TE out of my chest!! I just want something soft and natural not hard. I have also read that they look very natural and in the future is the only thing they will be using. UGH I almost think I would sacrifice the fake look as long as they felt soft and natural. I also read to not have a Dr do them that was not part of the clinical trial. Well my Dr was not, but he is head of the entire PS unit at a major university so I know he is good at what he does.  I am having a hard time with the fills. With the Chemo going on I always feel so terrible and then to ad fill pain into the mix is so hard. I go again on Monday and I am going to ask for a tiny amount. I had 75 last time and suffered for an entire week. I cant get my exchange until late June so I will just gets lots of small fills. I am at 380cc now. I will ask more questions Monday!!!