How important is the pocket/expander?

I had a TE for a round implant but asked to have the Allergan 410 implants. My PS was careful to use stitches to make a tight pocket to hold the implant in place. So far I'm thrilled with the outcome because they look natural.

When I met with my PS before the exchange surgery, we went over the 4 options available - saline rounds, silicone rounds and silicone anatomical implants.  My concerns were long term safety (leakage risk), natural look and avoidance of extra procedures like fat grafting.  I was able to handle the silicone rounds and silicone anatomicals (Allergan 410).  Both were fluid with the viscosity of the anatomical silicone implants just slightly thicker, not hard at all.  They were nowhere as firm as I thought they would be after reading comments from people on this board. My surgery was September 23rd - less than two months ago.  My new breasts conform to my chest wall and are very squishable under the muscle, totally unlike the tissue expanders.  Keep in mind, that I had very definite ideas about what I wanted to look like.  I did not like the appearance of the saline expanders, although I would have lived with saline rounds if anatomicals had not been available (my PS said they show rippling and I would probably want fat grafting if I went that route).  I was concerned about how I would look in my clothing, and I am overjoyed with how good I look even naked!  I am 64 years old and have never been a person who wore push up bras so I was uncomfortable with TEs sticking out of my chest with shelves on top!  After being encouraged to ask for a recommendation of size, I was advised to go larger for my 5' 10" frame, but the size I went with is right for me.  During my mastectomies I had 569 grams removed from the right and 648 grams removed from the left (BS was more aggressive in that removal). With the wedge of skin removed, my 400 cc TE's were expanded to 480. The 425 gram anatomical implants fit well in the pocket that my PS tightened up.  I have FF which is the largest extension and I am very happy with how it all looks.  I feel like I can move on and not focus on my breasts like I have been doing for the past year. 

I should also say that this was the first anatomical implant that my PS has done (another red flag for a lot of people). I didn't know to tell her that I wanted this type until I was on the table before my MS and TE placement markup.  She attempted to locate the correct TEs but there were none on site.  Other PS consulted with her and said that it would still work if she was careful with the pocket. She was very careful to fit those puppies in tightly and used drains and antibiotics after surgery.  I had no complications and couldn't be happier.

I wish you luck with your decision!  I'm happy to give you any additional information you can think of.  I am a very analytical person and have had to walk through this breast cancer process in my own way - step by step.  Luckily I have the perfect PS who worked with me and is as cautious as I am.

I do have photos on the other board but haven't placed new ones since my exchange.  That is on my list to do asap.  My screen name is the same there.

good for you Aphena! I would ask to see and feel one before you make your decision. That was the deciding factor for me. Best wishes

I have been flat for 2 years and the plastic surgeon is now in the process of booking my surgery for TE's. We never discussed what type of implant I would eventually have. Should I be phoning his office again? I know he gave instructions to the receptionist about what type of TE's to order.