Silicone implants for recon the same as for breast enhancement?

Yes, they are the same. There are multiple brands with different sizes in terms of width and projection for total volume but the same deal.

If you are having doubts about implant recon, know that there are other options using your own tissue (generally taken from tummy or hips) called autologous reconstruction. DIEP flap and SGAP flap are the 2 most common ones.

To get back to your question though...yes they are the same implants. But you are starting from a totally different place than someone who is augmenting with an implant. They still have breast tissue which helps with projection, shape, etc. with mx, you don't. Breast tissue goes all the way up to the collar bone, implants do not. While they will have some natural softness left in their breasts like before implants, recon breasts are 100% implant and will feel different. Fat grafting can be done to help fill in divots on the upper poles of the breasts and to help round out the shape and rippling with implant recon. Under the muscle implants will always cause the breast shape to look unnatural when using the pec muscles as they are being squeezed and contracting where in augmentation there is still breast tissue over it that conceals it. Breast tissue in augmentation also helps insulate the implant so it feels warm. There’s no insulating breast tissue left with implant recon so the implants can feel cold (to you from the inside and to anyone from the outside) especially in the winter months.

Yes, they are the same. What horror stories have you heard? Could you be more specific about your concerns? I have had my silicon implants for almost 7 years, with no problems. I do remember some feeling of coldness, initially, but don't notice a thing now.

I had my reconstruction with implants in 2009. I had no problems with the tissue expanders or the exchange.

My implants are comfortable, have soften to the touch and I even have a bit of jiggle.

Don't believe all the horror stories you hear.

The gummy bear implants were not approved for use when I had my reconstruction. I had Naturelle silicone implants.

When I was cleared by my surgeon, I started doing daily exercises to strengthen and stretch my chest muscles.

As you probably know, it takes a while for the implants to "drop and fluff." While the initial dropping and fluffing took about a year, the process has been ongoing.

It was about three years before I notice a bit of jiggle in zumba class and probably about six years when I noticed that the implant area seemed soft to the touch (although still firmer than breast tissue).

Lily, good luck to you. I hope things go smoothly.

Lilly - the original implant called 'gummy bear' was the Allergan 410 anatomical. They were the first made of cohesive gel material - called gummies because of the feel & the way they work. If punctured they do not leak. I had those 'installed' under a research plan in 2011 before they were approved. I too love mine. If you have anatomical, be sure your PS has lots of experience who is very detailed. The pocket must be exact.

There are now implants made of the cohesive silicone gel that are round. If you want to get a personalized recommendation, go to Breast Implants 101, read the header, and put in your specifications & measurements for Whippetmom's recommendation

Lily is not in the US, if I’m not mistaken. As far as Kaiser goes, I am a Kaiser patient and had all options for recon open to me.

xbrnxgrl- did you change your screen name? I recognize the photo but not the name...then again AI brain fog may be striking yet again - LOL! I asked about Kaiser because they typically will not pay if you don’t go to their docs/hospitals. Since Lilly stated she could only go to a certain center, I thought that may be why. Socialized Medicine makes sense too though.

Keep posting Lily, we are here and listening. I hope everything goes well.

Lily,

Above the muscle implants are less common than under the muscle and I would guess, though I may be wrong, that fewer plastic surgeons are skilled at above the muscle implants when you have no underlying breast tissue. Those who have gone over the muscle seem satisfied with them, though there are far fewer of them.

What conflicting things have you heard?

There are plusses and minuses for each choice and it is impossible to tell ahead of time which will work best for you. You mentioned that your choice of treatment center was limited. Can you choose your surgeon? If so, try to find one who has the most experience with the procedure you choose.

Also, bear in mind that women who are perfectly happy with their reconstruction are far less likely to spend time posting about it, so by reading bco, you do learn about all the possible complications, but need to remember that not everyone experiences these complications. I have had my under muscle implants for almost 7 years and am quite pleased with them. Wishing you the best.