Breast implants

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3bears
3bears Member Posts: 254
edited February 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

just wondering if anybody here is happy with their choice of implants over using their own tissue for reconstruction. My plastic surgeon wants to use gummy bear implants. I'm kind of relieved that I won't have to be chopped up even more--- bilateral mastectomy will be plenty. But I want to hear from someone about if they are happy with their implants. Thanks for the advice. My surgery will be in janua

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2016

    3Bears -

    Yes I have Allergan 410 implants - the original gummy bears. I also did not want to be cut anymore or loose any other muscles. There is now another company making anatomical implants also. Check out the thread below - breast Implants 101. If you read the entire header and post your stats as requested, WhippetMom will give you her best advice.

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...


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  • Sassa
    Sassa Member Posts: 1,588
    edited December 2016

    I don't have the gummy bear implants (they didn't have market approval when I did reconstruction). I am seven years out from my exchange surgery and I love my implants and the way they look.

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  • 3bears
    3bears Member Posts: 254
    edited December 2016

    Thank you Sassa. This is helpful news. I need to hear that people like their implants and are happy with their choice. It's so hard to make these life altering choices! I think it's the hardest part. Well, at least so far.

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  • Meadow
    Meadow Member Posts: 2,007
    edited December 2016

    I too have gummy implants, I am happy with them. I would not could not have more invasive surgery using my own tissue. That was not for me, even though my Plastic Surgeon highly recommended it. I did not want the pain, the healing time, the loss in motion or strength in the donor site. My implants have served me well. Hoping the best for you of course!

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  • Obxflygirl1
    Obxflygirl1 Member Posts: 377
    edited December 2016

    I have silicon and am happy with the way they look. No problems there. I miss, most of all, not having anyfeeling in my breasts. It's a trade-off for sure but I still hate the numbness.

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  • 3bears
    3bears Member Posts: 254
    edited December 2016

    Thank you girls for responding. Anyone else have positive experience with implants that they can share? I can use all the encouragement I can get to know that I'm making the right decision. Life is strange. Whoever thought we'd be making these kinds of choices? Certainly not me

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  • tennischick888
    tennischick888 Member Posts: 18
    edited December 2016

    3bears...I am having my exchange to implants surgery on January 16th. It looks like you are having your surgery on my daughter's birthday. I am going with the gummy implants. I agree that recovering from BMX will be plenty. I have two girlfriends who have the gummy implants and they are both happy very with them. Good luck!

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  • Sugar8
    Sugar8 Member Posts: 47
    edited January 2017

    After failed Bilateral DIEP. I have Bilateral silicone implants. The last one was a replacement for R expander on the 20th Dec. I am now happy with my implants although I haven't done nipples yet. They feel quite natural and very comfortable compared to the expander. I now feel that I can move on to the next chapter of my journey and I am much happier. The failed DIEP was very the most traumatic time of my journey both mentally and physically.

    Hope this helps


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  • PNWBCHgirl
    PNWBCHgirl Member Posts: 115
    edited January 2017

    I actually have both. I had a Pedicle tram- flap on my right ad a implant on my left. I am 4 months out from my exchange surgery for the implant and I am liking the feel of it really well. Definitely not my original breasts, but they needed to go. Told my Plastic Surgeon at the last visit that I actually kind of like the implant look and feel more than the flap side. He totally understood especially since I wasn't able to keep my left side( I'll spare you the long story of why and point you toward my biography) Don't get me wrong He did an Excellent job on both sides. My DH is impressed! The flap side acts more like a regular breast as depending which way you are sitting or laying it may flatten since it is tissue and can lose weight and volume depending on your weight. The implant side is always perky. but keep in mind some radiation and chemo patients have trouble with skin and tissue after and implants don't work. It all depends on your health, your treatment and what your doctor is willing to do.

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  • MarieK
    MarieK Member Posts: 911
    edited February 2017

    3 bears - I'm probably to late for this response but I have had a gummy implant for 7 years.

    It's holding up well but in comparison to my natural reduced side it is quite different.

    You are having 2 so you won't have this issue and will hopefully get better symmetry than I have.

    It's close but not the same size or shape as my natural side. And even more so lately since I've gained a bit of weight after the holidays and post holiday vacation!

    Pros - I'm happy not to have to wear a hot and heavy prosthetic. I have a bit of cleavage and I can wear regular undergarments, bathingsuits and clothes.

    Cons - This implant is so heavy. At times I have rib muscle cramps on that side. It hurts to bend over for too long.

    Also it's much flatter than I expected - even after multiple fat grafting surgeries.

    Everyone's experience is different and mine was affected by 2 things:

    1. I had a mastectomy scar that was cleaned up by my PS before exchange but that scar tissue does not stretch and holds the implant flat.

    2. As well I had radiation so my skin did not stretch as much as non-rad skin would.

    I hope you are recovering well and have a positive experience with your implants.

    Marie


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  • SummerAngel
    SummerAngel Member Posts: 1,006
    edited February 2017

    I have round silicone implants. I wasn't a candidate for a DIEP (not enough stomach tissue), and I didn't want any of the flap surgeries, so this was my only option besides going flat. The implants are very nice, they look great and they don't bother me. I had no complications and I would do the same again. One thing I might do differently if I had the option, though, would be to look into the (quite new) technique of implants over the pec muscle. Having the implant under part of my pec has caused issues with my ability to do push-ups. This isn't the case for everyone, but it's something to consider if you enjoy working out.

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  • coachvicky
    coachvicky Member Posts: 1,057
    edited February 2017

    3bears

    I love my implants! They are Natrell, Classic Round Silicone, Style 45, 500cc.

    My Surgeons were able to save my breast skin so I still have sensation. I wanted a round look instead of a slope. I have had side boobs most of my life and now finally I don't. My Plastic Surgeon preferred a natural, slope implant. He did the round profile for me. I figured after the past 8 months of 5 surgeries, chemo, and cancers I wanted to look bought and paid for!

    I plan to do 3D nipple tattoos at a later date.

    Another breast cancer survivor recommended that I have nice pictures of my breasts made. I went to the photographer that does our photos for our business. She agreed to do the pictures. At first I felt awkward but I got over it. I have only looked once at the pictures and I found my original breast actually ugly especially when compared to these implants. That was a surprise to me.

    As to making the right decision ... I wanted to live. Whatever it took to live, I was willing to do.

    Best wishes!

    Coach Vicky

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