All About Gummies

BC - Sorry to hear about your infection.  Hope it clears soon.

I wanted the Allergan 410 and I was able to get them because my PS was in a research program before the FDA approved some of them.  I will still be in a research program because the style I have hasn't been approved yet.  I liked them from the beginning - although I would have been happier with a smaller size - especially now that I've lost 60 lbs with chemo. But that's a problem w/my PS who "knows everything" and not the implants.

just wanted to update: I was admitted to hospital yesterday with an infection in left breast, and given IV antibiotics for 24 hours. Didn't respond, so PS removed the implant today. Before I even said anything about it, he suggested I go to round when we do the revision, so he's thinking like you, whippetmom! ( exchange to allergan 410 was 2 weeks ago).

I feel very sore, but just in the breast area, not my entire body! 

Thinking of all the ladies at every stage, and encouraged by all your strength to stay strong myself! 

thank you, MinusTwo. I can't imagine all you've been through. Wow. The strength required of us, and of you, my goodness. My heart goes out to you. I'm anticipating foggy brain from all the anesthesia for quite some time, but the alternative makes it worth it!

 Tohisglory- I don't like my gummies either, but it's only been a bit over 2 weeks. So really way toomearly for me to judge. My PS isn't happy with them either, and I actually lost one today in surgery b/c it was infected. What do you think you want instead of gummies? Have you reached out to whippetmom? She has helped me tremendously! 

Thanks again for your encouragement, MinusTwo!

Sorry for the whine above.  I do want to add for the record that I too love my 410's.  The shape is great, as is the cleavage.  They look really normal in clothes & naked - even if a bit bigger than I would have chosen.  I have no rippling and no 'step off'.  They move into a push-up bra if I want.  But the PS said I never have to wear a bra again if I don't want to.  Lilah, I expect you're right that they're a bit firm, but my breasts were soooo dense that these don't seem that much different.  Also since I had a BMX & I have no normal breast to compare to any more, it's easy to forget what "real" felt like.

Thanks for all the interesting info.  I am starting to think that the anatomicals are going to feel too firm for my liking.  I may go with rounds now.  Thanks 

MC Beach -- which brand of gummy do you have?  I think the Allergan 410s are firmer than the others.

lilah-yes, I have the 410s. I held them all and the 410s are definitely the firmest ones. 

FLgrl-I get what you are saying. My PS was similar. Going into my exchange he told me I'd get he 650 HPs which I thought I preferred. I too was worried about the firmness of the anatomicals. I told him I was not "completely" opposed to he 410s but was not preferring them due to firmness and width (the size he mentioned was MUCH larger then the width of my TEs.).  Then I woke up w the 410s, and it was a bit of a shock. But he was right, they are great for me. The width gives me cleavage I never had (even w my prior augmentation). I am happy with my results so far. 

I think you do have good options w a narrow breasts. The sientras are a soft gummie but were too small for me. Have you look at all the catalog info?  Has your PS let you handle the different gummies?  My PSs nurse was helpful with those things for me. As for pocket "work" there are differing opinions on that IMO. Some say you need to match the width of the TE. Mine were not close to matching and I'm fine. I've seen this with others too. My PS opened my capsule (the 'tissue' that grows around the implant or TE) to allow for the larger 410 and did some pocket work. He mostly does reconstructions tho not augmentations so maybe he is better at I than others?  I don't know. But I do know it is possible to get something different than what your TEs are. 

I've heard the Mentor CPGs are a little softer but still form stable like the 410s.  One of the chief advantages of the gummy, for me anyway, is the projection.

hi Flgrl32,

Im glad you're here! I've received so much help in this journey from all these women.  I've been following your posts - and I  had the Allergan 410's put in 3/4/14. I've learned from this board that the same implant can result in vastly different results. 

This is just my experience and might not be yours, but my teardrops did not work on me. They were long, flat, wide and no projection. I had FF which I think is full height(?) and was supposed to have full projection, but it just didn't work on me. It's been 6 weeks I guess and there's been no improvement in the look or feel (hard as the expanders!). I did lose one to infection.  I'm switching to smooth, round as soon as I'm cleared for the surgery, 2 months or more away. Have you reached out whippetmom? Her thread is breast implant sizing 101. Oh wait, I think I remember seeing you on that thread! She's helped me immensely.

Also, I'm breaking up with my first PS. I began to doubt his judgement when I learned f whippetmom he did not use the corresponding expander for the implant, and then he took me off antibiotics after 3 weeks  post-infection and is willing to operate again to replace teardrops in 2 weeks. I got a second opinion and learned this path is all very scary and I need a different treatment plan. Feel free to pm me if you want to talk more about your feelings with your PS. 

I wish you well!

Xo

HI Ladies!  I see any new names as well as old-timers helping out the newbies.  

I have a concern someone may have encountered....and yes, I will see my dr when I can...I got original gummies 4 yrs ago and hated them.  Switched out to Silicone teardrops TWO YEARS AGO and much happier.  The right boob got an infection and was swollen.  Had IVantibiotics and drained twice and it recovered but was always 'bigger' with a lot more projection.  Yesterday, the left boob swelled up, is warm and tender.  It matches the right boob now !!!  More than likely this inflammation will pass, but I hope the size stays!!

Main question here, has anyone had warmth and swelling 2 yrs after implants?  No fever. Not red.  

I've done massage daily after showers to loosen them (altho the right one was always looser)  Now they are both loose.  Did I finally dislodge it?  Other than soreness in a couple of spots, it feels pretty good.  

HI Lilah!

Well, its not as sore and not as warm today.  I seriously think it finally released or something.  I agree that an infection 2 yrs out would be nuts, but for others that may run into this...you CAN have inflammation anywhere anytime due to so many things...I"ll post again if anything out of the ordinary pops up

I will add, I am so glad I did not have radiation!  The RO advocate for it but remember, that's their JOB.  Just as surgeons do surgery.  Check out the survival stats before your torture your body any further.  I long for the day when barbaric treatment is a bad memory and not the standard.  My daugher-in-law's mother passed from BC and with my history, I worry so about my daughter and their unborn children...ok, off my soapbox!  Hugs to all~

Ruth

HappySpring - I too have the Allergan 410s.  It was a LONG time after exchange before I was comfortable on my side.  My exchange was 9/2011 and I probably didn't try for at least 4 -5 months.  Maybe Lilah's memory will be better than mine.  Now it's no problem at all, even after recurrence and ALND surgery in 9/2013 & radiation.  I slept on that side just a couple of weeks after surgery since the surgeon was able to avoid the hitting the implant or capsular contracture.

Thank you Lilah & MinusTwo.  I am still wearing the support bra 24/7 and I don't mind sleeping in that at all.  I feel it is protecting my new babies.  I will wait the two weeks, almost there anyways.  It was just that I can't sleep at night on my back anymore, I keep looking at the clock. When I had the BMX in Dec, I slept on my back till about Feb and when I finally went to my sides, it was never comfortable but it helped a little.  This time around I am babying the implants so they don't move or flip. Who wants another surgery when it can be avoided. I think it's my mattress, time for a new one.

happyspring - I have 420s too and went back to side sleeping about 2 weeks after xchange. I started occasionally stomach sleeping about 4 weeks out. Hang in there, it gets easier. 

Everyone is so sweet to offer their advice.  I'm hitting two weeks on Wednesday, so I'm thinking I will give my side a try! I've been propped up on 3 small pillows and pillows on both sides of my head to sort of cuddle it.  That neck roll thing I'm going to try tonight.

Thank you ladies