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

Very happy with these implants thus far--big difference from the TEs. I did have a bit of radiation recall irritation on the left side as a result of the surgery, but it seems to be subsiding. Fingers crossed! My PT was quite impressed with the shaped implants--she specializes in BC surgically-related BC, and thus has seen her share of implants!

Well, mine went in on the 16th, so I'm no help!  My problem is that the reaction on my radiated side means I can't wear a bra, which I'd like to use to keep the right-side pocket where it is supposed to be. My PT fixed me up with kinesio tape. 

How do you mean, weird-shaped?

My PS wants to use them on me. I was excited to get the latest product but you ladies are making me think.

Please keep us informed. I can't get mine till the end of the year because of Chemo and radiation

Lillithmoon - My surgery is also scheduled for June 14th.  Had a DM on 12/26/12 and my PS used Alloderm so that I could have the TE placed and fully filled.  I was a D, but am very happy to be a C, at this point.  Left my PS's office yesterday annoyed and confused.  I've tried to explain the 'discomfort' I feel with the TE, but he doesn't seem to understand that I need to know that all that will be behind me after I have the permanent implants placed.  Will the tightness go away?  Will I stop feeling like I'm wearing a belt around my chest?  Will the heaviness lessen?  Will the movement I feel under my skin whenever I move my arms subside?  He is suggesting the Natrelle 410 'gummy bears' but my biggest concern is whether or not I'll still feel this way when their placed.  

ConnieGreene - I'm so happy to hear that you're feeling good and like the results.  Did you, too, experience what I've described about regarding the TE?

The last thing I want is to choose the wrong implant (will silicone smooth implants feel better than the textured 'gummy bears?) and have to be cut open again.

Would love to hear from anyone who's experienced the TE discomfort I've described who's had either the 'gummy bears' or round, smooth silicone.

THANK YOU!!

Hi ChrisAnne, glad to know our surgery dates coincide!  I don't know about the pain you're experiencing because I had direct to implant over the muscle so I didn't have the muscle pain you have.  Normally that should subside over time.  Let us know how you are after surgery and I'll do the same.  Best of luck to you,

Jocelyne

Jen, Jocelyn & Connie -

Thank you, so much, for your responses!  I'm not sure who's more grateful ... me or my husband (I've been NASTY since leaving the last appointment with my PS ... ;-)

It's such a relief to hear that what I've been experiencing for 5+ months is 'normal' and will go away after my implant surgery.  There are certainly worse things to deal with, but if I don't keep physically/mentally busy, I feel like I'll jump out of my skin.

From what you've all said, it sounds like the implant choice is based more on the final appearance than comfort ... that both the round silicone and 'gummy bear' implants offer the same level of comfort - no better/no worse.  If that's the case, I'll take your advice, Jen, and leave the decision to my PS.  I do trust him (he performed my sister's reconstructive surgery) even if I don't like him, at the moment (note to self:  choose a woman next time as she would at least understand what a boob feels like ... ;-)

I will post again after my surgery in the hope that my comments may help someone else (actually, my hope is that this club no one wants to belong to, is dissolved due to lack of membership - there are too many of us).  This site has truly been a lifesaver and I'm so thankful it exists!

Chris

(my mom was so excited that I used ChrisAnne as a 'handle' - that's what she wanted to name me - after the babysitter, no less)

Hi Cathyann

I just had my second fill of TE. Had one done at time of the surgery. From reading the posts I guess it is normal for them to feel somewhat hard. I'am having reconstruction on right and implant on left to make them more symmetrical like you had. How long is the actual surgery?

Offwork:

The first fill is really just to see how well you can handle the fill ( so my PS told me).  It can take 6 months from start to finish. (and mine did)   I asked my PS to go slow with the fills because after the third fill, I was feeling a bit of pressure in the chest...but not pain.

  My surgery was 6 1/2 hours long.  I had the gummy on left and reconstruction and lift on right, so maybe that's why it was so long.  I was kept overnight for observation too.   I'm so glad I've chosen this type of implant, as it seems to be "settling" in nicely.  

I'm only 8 weeks out from my exchange.  But I'll try and answer what I can from my experience..

You most likely won't have that feeling like the TE is still there..but you will feel the implants and I'm sure that's just natural to.  As time goes on,  I feel the implants less now. 

I'm not sure about the less volume, less pressure though.  I have 550cc in left and 150cc in my right and I don't feel any pressure at all.

My Gummies are made by Mentor and they're very soft/squishy.  Ask your PS to show/feel all the different ones they have so you can compare.  And also ask PS to see some of his pictures of (other patients) that he/she has done.   I know it sounds silly, but you can show your dr what you DON'T want to look like.

Thank you cathyann and blanviper! I have checked the website and will certainly ask the PS to see and feel the diff types.



Cathyann, what type of mentor implants do you have? Is there a model number? Soft and squishy sounds very good! This might sound funny, but do they move like breasts? I read many have commented allergen 410 , most recently approved gummy, is very firm and do not move (if you turn and sleep on side they won't move to gravity.)



Thank you!

bct..i have sientrs anatomicsls, round base.. mine move similarly to boobs when lying down on my back..i.e. move to the side some.  they dont shimmy tho.  mine do move sime for cleavage, but i had readwhere others dont, so??  sientras were softest to touch of anatomicals/shaped ones.  i think tbey are soft, but slughtly firmer than in ps office since under the muscle.  

my te pain and sternum sensitivuty gone with excganfe.  i am a little over 6 weeks post exchange niw.  based on what i have read, appears recovery time is a little linger for anatimicals/gummys due to picket work. i have a small frame, so my ps said i would feel the weight some if i kept going more cc.  plan was allergan 45s, various suzes or sientra anatomical, high profile..my skun couldnt handke volume of allergans, so ps used sientra and their largest in roynd base was 425cc. i was filled to 500cc in TE.  

Hi all! I'm new here, so be kind.

My exchange date is 8/2. I originially thought I'd get anatomicals, but got scared off reading about their stiffness. Mamatwinz mentions above that she does get some 'movement' with her Sientras, so now I think I should get more info.

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to sleep on your stomach with the anatomicals? Do they feel like balls in your chest, or can you get comfy?  I've been a stomach sleeper all my life and MISS it, so this is important to me.

Thanks all.

I had my exchange yesterday and feel really good this morning. :-)

I was an A prior to BC and got 255cc 410's. Allowing for some (appears minimal) swelling, it looks like I will be an A+/B- when all is said and done. Exactly what I wanted!

They are definitely softer and much more squishy than the TE's, which were at 250 cc's.

I have a drain on each side which should come out on Thursday. I have very little pain or discomfort.....so nice!

Surgery was a breeze.....checked in at 5:30am and was home before lunch.

Best thing so far is that I no longer feel (or look) like I have a couple of half coconut s stuck under my chin. WooHoo!!