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

I had the sientra oval hp 370s put in last November.  Sientras and Natrelle 410s are similar - it just so happened Sientras were it on the market when I had my BMX.....and I searched for a surgeon who had placed them.

I did require fat grafting (done April 1) at the upper pole on the left - he grafted to both for symmetry....and wierdly, after the fat grafting they feel less like implants!

I went from an A+ to a C......no more push-ups or pads needed. I like how I look after considering it was a "total renovation".........

Honestly, if you don't have alot of tissue on your chest wall the "profile" implants are great.

I think semantics is the culprit here. Gummies originally referred to the Allergan 410 teardrop style which were in clinical trials for a long time prior to approval. They are considered "true" cohesive gels as opposed to highly cohesive gels that are now used in all silicone implants. I suspect gummy has now become the nickname for all true cohesive gels, Allergan or other brands.

Caryn

Well tonight I spent HOURS doing research. I now understand why my PS said I may not be able to use the gummies he carries. Allergann410. He measured me and said if you want to go any larger then you are, we may have to go with the other silicon. I didn't understand but looking at the allergan charts I see with my measurements they only come in a projection of like 5.2cm . I have asked several family and friends and they all say well you are about what you were pre surgery but a tiny bit larger would be nice. I do agree with them. I went through this HELL It might be nice to get some nice boobs out of the deal although I wasn't one to really ever wish for a boob job. I know a gal who also has thin skin and got the other silicone implants and hers are already rippling after 6 mo which make me want to use the gummies. I guess I need to decide if size is important or the fact they can ripple. I also think the gummies may hold up better in radiation. So much to think about.............

I read that you shouldn't massage the 410's, because there's a possibility they'll become displaced. I thought massaging helped prevent contracture, so how will this be prevented in the 410's?

Tangles,

No nothing like flat surgery. My PS did two fat transfers; basically mini-lipo from tummy and outer thigh that was then injected throughout the radiated side to encourage new tissue growth and blood flow. Out patient procedures with little to no downtime. They have had very positive results in Europe with this technique.

I do believe it made a difference in the response of the radiated tissue to the TE's. I have 250 cc TE's that are now fully inflated to 250. I do have more pain and muscle spasms on the radiated side, but overall keep hearing how fabulous things are looking. I can actually see the new blood supply developing.

Radiation is tough. The process is easy and the visible damage heals quickly, but I am finding the internal damage seems to be the toughest part.

I'm getting Allergan 410 MX implants next month and they are still not yet FDA approved, so I'll still be part of a trial. I was wondering why some were approved and some weren't - it's on that link that Blan just provided:

"The (cohesive gel) implants are now widely available with two exceptions. The first is that the Mentor CPG is still awaiting approval, so patients interested in receiving that implants must enroll in a clinical trial. The second exception is that the FDA only approved four of the twelve different shapes of 410 implants. This was not a safety issue, but rather at the time the study began only those four shapes were available. To receive any of the other eight shapes, a patient must see a surgeon who can offer these implants as part of the clinical trial."

Which four of the 12 shapes were approved?

blanviper: thanks, that website was helpful!

Hi Shell - I'm in research also, so I love looking through websites like that.  All I know is that my PS expects any day now.  I'm scheduled for exchange 5/17 and he's expecting it before that.  Of course, "expecting" is one thing.....I'm keeping my eyes on the FDA media releases.

I wonder what difference there is between TE's to gummies and one-step to gummies?

I'm new to this...although I have been reading as a non-member for several months.



Two weeks ago I learned about the FDA approval of the 410 implants, and have been thrilled and nervous ever since. They would by far be my first choice.



Just had my last fill yesterday, and am up to 340cc in both breasts with my TEs. They are bigger and fuller than I am comfortable with, like two hard balls protruding from my chest, although I have been fortunate to experience very little discomfort with them. Until the Allergan 410s were approved, I assumed I would have the round, gel implants the other women in my BC support group have, so my PS overfilled me. But the 410s seem to be a much better option for me because I am thin and want the natural look they offer. I would need to do a fat grafting to hide the other type implant, but don't have enough fat to pull from another part of my body...



Like most, my PS has little to no experience with these implants, though he concurs with me that they would be the best option for me. He brought in samples of the natrelle round gel implants as well as the 410s, and the 410s are the obvious choice for me.



My questions are:

1. Does the fact that my TEs are expanded to 340ccs, though I want gummy bear implants that are smaller (275ccs) mean anything?

2. Does wearing a bra address the concern about rotation of the implants? If yes, then for how long is it relevant? I don't want to wear a bra again, if I can avoid it...

3. Where do I find the information on this site about the sizing of the implant based on the TE used?



Thanks

I had one step and my PS is going to replace mine with the gummy-bears.  He'll have to redo the pocket and add some alloderm as far as I understand.  I think he's doing direct to gummy-bears on other women.

As much as the TE's were a major pain, I'm glad my PS placed them at time of BMX  and my pectorals were  stretched to accomodate the 410's I will be fitted with in a couple of weeks. Whippetmom, available by PM, helped me understand how my frame size, height, weight and goals would match up with different implant options. 

Don't want to have to wear a bra unless working out, it gets so hot and sticky where I live, amd am willing to trade softness for less rippling and a more natural silhouette.  I don't wear clothes that show la lot of cleavage (prefere  a more chic/elegant look) , so I think that the 410's will be my best bet.

I DO NOT EXPECT PERFECTION. My breasts were not perfect before BC! Then they went and developed cancer, poor things. Cancer is gone, so are they, and I'm ready to finish up this chapter of my life and move on. My heart goes out to those sisters who have had to endure a much more difficult road than I....infection, asymmetry, radiation, chemo, lymph node removal, metastasis, or losing their life.

The way I see it, five months between diagnosis and complete recovery is a blessing I am truly grateful for. I very carefully have not obsessed about reconstruction, as I truly want to move on to a wonderful, rich, full and rewarding life that does not center around breasts, or lack thereof. 

exactly!!

Sientra really missed the boat.  It doesn't sound like many PS's place them.  Dang....those of us who have BMX and choose implants are the perfect patients to market to.  Shame on them.

Thought sizes aren't as many, I truly like the profile I now have with them!  ANd...they come with a lifetime warantee.