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Considering silicone mentor breast implants

By Fran66 on 16 May 2007

saw an ad for mentor breast implants that said silicone breasts are now approved and are superior to saline breast implants. But mentor itself states that silicone may get into your body.  Hoping someone can share how they get informed and comfotable with getting breast implants. are the rewards really worth the risks?

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joycek1 20 Jul 2007
I am one month out of getting Mentor breast implants. It is a very nice normal looking breast that resolves. The mentor program tho. is extensive. It includes MRI's of the Breast at certain intervals, in case, the "gummy bear," implant breaks open, and other waivers that have to be signed to give permission to put silicone into your body. "They" say it is safe, but I really don't know yet. The "healing" process is going very well, but one of my breasts is very sore, especially around the nipple. I am seeing, Dr. Brown, in Middlebury, CT today, and will see what is going on. He "assured" me that no one that he had implanted these into, has every had any problems with nipple sensation. But, if this is the case with me, I'm never going to get another procedure. I've had a facelift, and Juvederm shots. The shots have confused me, because I seem to have a bit of scarring from a lump that was there right after injection, and I just massaged it out. Of course, maybe I should have not done this, but the injections were done when I was in surgery for my breasts, and no directions for after care were given.
Rachele 1 Apr 2009
It is nice you didn't go to a quack like I did. I got a plastic surgeon who gave me two different size implants 375 CC's and 240 cc's and then LIED and told me I had ruptures, three dfferent times! Patients have to pay for subsequent surgeries and they do not tell you that when they remove them, 99% of surgeons do not know how to explant them without rupturing them and having all that poison-silicone or mold-saline leach into your body. So my plastic surgeon/butcher popped the smaller implant each time. Fix it surgeries are a great money drain for patients and a wonderful source of extra income for the surgeons! I called Mentor and found out exactly what he put in my body by the serial numbers on the implant cards I got after surgery. I suggest every woman call them after their first surgery to know exactly what is in your body because doctors do not always tell the truth.
Cindy Fuchs-Morrissey 1 Apr 2009
Quacks? Let me just say that we have those here too where I am from ... have been down that road as well~ I am sorry that you, like so many others have been put through this medical hell with breast implants. For myself I did gain some closure by what I have believed in when it comes to silicone gel breast implants = about proteins, protein excesses and causation of silicone gel breast implants when the chemical adjuvancy of breast implant lot numbers are entangled with the genetics of the human body-those variants of genes, of key genes that are indeed exerted/turned on, which is not the "cause" of one's genetics at all....along with the time factor of exposure. Like a "two hit" theory. Causation of silicone is simple in its understanding IF people want to see the scientific truth to uphold their oath of First, do no harm with these types of devices OR they can stay in denial...Free will choice is theirs. I really do not care anymore, because the human body is still going to speak out with the exerting of the human immune response in other plastic surgery patients because this division of medicine (plastic surgery) has FAILED GROSSLY to craft/tailor ANY BREAST IMPLANT (lot number) to the genetics/the variants of genes/of KEY GENES of the patient...therefore they will continue to see a variety of REAL problems exerted/turned on in a breast implant patient/offspring included. Within the Art of Medicine they CAN make their studies fall the way they want...and this has been true with the chemical adjuvancy of silicone gel breast implants of the past and ones that have FDA approval to date. This really does scream great ignorance. They can not even get a grasp on stem cells grown in a mold with good blood supply to aid women's health care to create a more genetically embracing b. implant for obtaining excellent women's health care~ Anyway, Over time I have forgiven my plastic surgeon for his ignorance, because I learned from my own extremely hellish experience as a 1976 teenage breast implant patient (from 1976- 2009) that it does not take a medical degree to uphold one's oath of First, do no harm to that highest of high standard when it comes to these so-called medical devices of an illusion of the mind, silicone gel breast implants. It just takes massive resiliency, some knowledge and a voice to speak up when others try to break you down because they do not want the truth to be told. But just like our economy here in the USA & its great failures, medicine/science and research will indeed find itself in the same black hole (like we see with our economy) sooner than later, from the lies & medical bushwhacking...and sadly, all of humanity (just like we witness today with our ill economy) has to suffer because of the free will poor choices of others that get us into these types of messes...Be careful who you really trust, especially when it comes to your health, like with breast implants. I have learned never to give up and never to give in, because I told the truth. I have been saying the same thing since the very early 1990's & I know I will continue to forge on like a footsoldier in a war to uphold the highest standard within the Art of Medicine. I am in hopes that women exposed to their failed/toxic breast implants never give up...because we all really are just kids in aging skin.... ...oh yes, the children...the generations to come. The innocent ones exposed to their moms failed/toxic breast implants. They are the real ones who are being damned by this type of behavior of not telling the truth about breast implants. Many, MANY agree with my words.
Ms. Smithy (unregistered guest) 27 Jul 2007
joycek1. Thanks so much for sharing. I never heard of gummy bear implants. Are they mentor silicone or somethign else? sorry to be confused!
maglavn 16 Oct 2009
The name of the implants in the US are called mentor memory gel implants.The gummy bear gel implants are not FDA approved in the united states. I have them and I love them over my Saline implants way more comfortable and my healing time was so much quicker. Also look on you tube it gives some good demonstrations on how they work.
goodyearchic 28 Jul 2007
I had Mentor Moderate Plus silicone implants put in about 11 weeks ago. I had the nipple incision, above the muscle. Practically no pain at all, but my nipples have been 'tender' since the surgery. Maybe I'm actually geting sensation back because after breast feeding three babies, I didn't have much left! I didn't have any pain from having the implants put in otherwise, but maybe that's because my breasts were already stretched out from breastfeeding - that's just a guess though. I got 450cc. I was afraid they would be big and heavy if I went any bigger. My only advice is they seem smaller once they are put in, and are not the least bit heavy, so get them as big as you want to. If I had it to do over again, I would have gotten 600cc. Sounds big, but my friend just got the 600cc's two weeks ago and she looks awesome. Another plus - I cannot tell at all that I have implants. They feel exactly like the real thing. Good luck, and I hope I eased your mind a little.
stanley0426 15 Feb 2010
i just got them and am not sure about the size. with the 450 cc how much did that change your cup size?
Ms. Smithy (unregistered guest) 30 Jul 2007
thank u goodyearchic! I was wondering if you'd notice the weight from implants. You answered my concern there! Thank you again!
Chandra Layman (unregistered guest) 9 Mar 2008
I am 39 years old, married, mother of 2, and considering BA. Very worried about problems associated with implants. Have read and seen the horror stories. Started out being excited about bigger bobbies not so sure now. Want to really know what the risks are and how common they are?
Sunshine N Austin 29 May 2008
Chandra~ That little worry factor you are having, is telling you to listen to your instincts, that is your angels trying to save you from the same tragedies many people go through from implanted devices. Google FDA statistics on breast implant complications, there you will find many articles where you can read about the statistics. Do the math. EXAMPLE: If say 10 percent of the people that get implants get necrosis where the implant starts to protrude through your breast and you have infection and cell death, then, take that number and multiply it times the number of people that got implants for ONE year, say 350,000 people, that is alot of people ! ! Here is the web page for you that has info on it : http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/breast_implant_risks_brochure.html , Here is some of the list: Potential local complications are shown alphabetically below. You may need non-surgical treatments or reoperations (including removal of your implant) to treat any of these. (See the Glossary in the Handbook for definitions.) Asymmetry Breast pain Breast tissue atrophy Calcification/calcium deposits Capsular contracture Chest wall deformity Delayed wound healing Extrusion Galactorrhea Granuloma Hematoma Iatrogenic injury/damage Infection, including Toxic Shock Syndrome Inflammation/irritation Malposition/displacement Necrosis Nipple/breast changes Palpability/visibility Ptosis Redness/bruising Rupture/deflation Scarring Seroma Unsatisfactory style/size Wrinkling/rippling Capsular contracture and rupture/deflation are the most common local complications that occur with both silicone gel-filled and saline-filled breast implants. I wish you well what ever your decision is. I hope one day there is some type of safe reconstruction for those that want or need it for any reason. May your life be blessed !
cambridge (unregistered guest) 1 Apr 2008
Chandra, I, too, was ecstatic about BA until I started worrying about all the things that could go wrong. I ended up doing overly extensive research for a couple years, reading everything from patient testimonies to the FDA's published reports. The bottom line is that even the most common complications are infrequent and are very "fixable"--this being encapsulation. Many doctors advise patients to massage the implants within the breast daily, which is believed to help break up and prevent accumulation of scar tissue. I could go on and on about the other things that COULD happen, but the bottom line (in my opinion) is that it all depends on your level of health and the doctor you go to. DO your research and make sure the doctor you see is the best you could find. If you are healthy and you know your doctor is more than qualified, it is a totally safe procedure. You only get one body and you only live once-- so if you are going to do this, do it right and definitely do all your research. You'll be glad you did and trust me, it will definitely make you feel better about going ahead with BA.
Sunshine N Austin 30 May 2008
Cambridge ~ Doing your research is a very smart thing to do, but also be sure you do the math.....your statement ... "The bottom line is that even the most common complications are infrequent and are very "fixable"--this being encapsulation. Many doctors advise patients to massage the implants within the breast daily, which is believed to help break up and prevent accumulation of scar tissue".......This sounds like a statement that the manufacture or doctor would be making. Below is the FDA site, and exact words from there..... They recommend you do NOT massage the breasts, and they also give an approximate percentage of capsular contracture. This is where you need to do the math. Take the number of implanted women, say for only 1 year, ( approximately 350,000 people )and multiply that by the percentage they have listed. This is by no means, infrequent ! it is actually very frequent ! ! For Breast enhancement patients: 3 years...9% get CC 5 years...10-11 % get CC For reconstruction patients: 3 years...25-30% get CC 5 years...29-36% get CC On the issue of massaging your implants dailey, this was something that they recommended years back before they had such a high rupture rate. Re-operation is also a high number. For every person that gets implanted devices, the doctor and manufacture can almost guarantee repeat business, and since it is cosmetic, cash up front, or guaranteed monies from financial institutes. http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/handbook2004/localcomplications.html Prospective studies of saline-filled breast implants approved by FDA in May 2000 showed rates of grade III or IV capsular contracture of 9% at 3 years and 10-11% at 5 years for augmentation patients. The same studies showed rates of grade III or IV capsular contracture of 25-30% at 3 years and 29-36% at 5 years for reconstruction patients. The following surgical practices are contraindicated (not recommended) for the approved saline-filled breast implants because they are known to cause rupture/deflation: closed capsulotomy (technique used to relieve capsular contracture involving manually squeezing the breast to break the hard capsule) Prospective studies of saline-filled breast implants approved by FDA in May 2000 showed implant removal rates of 8% at 3 years and 12-14% at 5 years for augmentation patients. The same studies showed implant removal rates of 23-27% at 3 years and 28-30% at 5 years for reconstruction patients. In a retrospective study of augmentation patients with silicone gel-filled breast implants, 303 of 907 (33%) of women reported that they had at least one reoperation in which their implant(s) were removed or replaced. The average time to removal, as reported by those who remembered the date of their surgery, was 11.5 years. I hope that your implant experience is a wonderful one, maintaining your optimal health through the years ! Best Wishes ~
Carolyn Wolf 26 Jun 2008
I had reconstruction after subcutaenous mastectomies many years ago. Plastic surgeons will always tell you they are silicone implants are safe...and it used to be, "they will last you a lifetime"... Some people can tolerate the silicone for a long time --and some people get necrosis quite soon -- and the implant comes out as the tissue rots. I was told --within 2 years of getting the implants---by the implanting surgeon "Don't ever let your husband come to rest atop you after marital relations --that can cause the implant(s) to rupture". He told me about a patient to whom that had happened...he said he was in suregy for 6 hours trying to remove the spilled silicone in just one breast --and stoill did not get it all....This was a military doctor --I do not believe there is a civilian plastic surgeon who would give that warning I have never heard from a single other woman who was ever told this, but did hear from 2 who wrote they thought that was how their implants were ruptured--- the military doctor was on salary --a civilian would not be -- and doing implantations is a big business--with each re-operation being more expensive than the last. The final operation --called an "en bloc" explantation, where the implant, the shell that the immune system builds around the foreign body (implant) is removed as one--where possible --- usually runs around $10,000-12,000 -the last I heard. Think long -and very hard, before you ever allow somebody to implant bags of toxic chemicals PLUS the heavy metal Platinum (the catalyst used in manufacture of silicone) in your chest --where there is no ventilation.
Ryli 27 Jun 2008
Thank you for the comment. I know other RealSelf readers would love to hear more about your story. Please consider writing a review. Click here to share your experience with silicone implants. In fact, if anyone has an experience with a cosmetic treatment or procedure, we also want to hear from you! Go here to share your story.
somerset75 (unregistered guest) 15 Apr 2008
I have had 2 BA's within the last 6 years. The first one's were too small. I was afraid of having HUGE breasts so I opted for the smaller size implants (350 cc). About 4 years ago I had them replaced with 450 cc and I am much happier. There are risks with any cosmetic/plastic surgery. But I agree, do your research and only have the surgery performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I was a little crazier 4 years ago than I am today (I'm only 32) I had both my surgeries done in Mexico by a doctor referred to me by a relative. I looked him up on-line and he is recognized as a board certified surgeon there in Mexico. I have since had a tummy-tuck done here in the states. I paid a lot more $$$ than I would have had I gone to Mexico but it's a small price to pay for piece of mind. Oh, and my implants are great! I have Mentor Silicone. No problems so far but I am thinking of getting the Gummy Bear implants and maybe even down-sizing a tad. For anyone considering, please do your research. It's VERY expensive to fix a botch job. I am fortunate that I turned out well.
smartheart 30 Apr 2008
I just had my BA and Lift 18 days ago and I was happy with my size 425cc the only probaly I have is pain around the breast still and not being able to sleep on my side but beside that I think silcone looks better and feels better then saline and I heard from a friend that is a cancer patient that silcone is better for those patients
Tanaya 14 May 2008
I really want to get mine done, not sure of which kind of implants I should get, more thinking of the silcone.Not sure of what gummy bear implants are, can someone let me know what they are?
Beatrice 10 Jan 2009
Why ruin your life and your health honey?
cynthia1964 2 Aug 2009
Ihad silicone leak in 1990 lost 50% of my lymph nodes filled w/ bioplstic material & was sick w/ joint pain etc. felt better after they were removed also signed my rights away.. then two set of saline, 1st one popped @ the 10 year mark, I research what i tought was thorougly GUMMI implants. 2/2009 had the surgery because i am a bodybuilder and athlete @ 45 yrs. old I still boogy board w/ the teeny boppers. 48 hours after surgery i could take a bath & noticed disfiuration of R breast then puttin sugical bra back on felt all lymph nodes L side are enlarged. just had mammogram & was normal. Question doc & he says is reactive. 5/ 2009 set up for 20 min procedure for the deformaty, (am awake). at first inscision doc goes OMG cin, it ruptured, this isnt supposed to happen, this i one in a billion, 2 hours 45 mins later i leave hopital w/ expander 2 days later i go back for another implant, have staph & celluitis and get to vacation in the hospital. i am still disfigured i need to c a surgical oncologist for my lymph nodes and was told am no longer welcome back @ doctors (in a round about way) i have severe joint pain...especially my knees. need these out am getting 2nd & 3rd opinions.i beleive this is now a legal matter, but i need to get well. i could type pages on what i saw in the OR w/ 12 people freaking out, is was sum experience. bottom loine i wanted implants that would last forever. what i got is to lose anther 50% of my lymph modes i hope i never get breast cancer i no longer hav a defense system. good luck w you choice... i wuld go saline all the way
salamander 15 May 2008
I had breast implants . They leaked into my body . I am totally disabled now and would not recommend them to any one . They lied they leaked and they are full of heavy metals that you canot detox . The silicone gets stuck in the muscles in the nerves it comes to the skin and get stuck there . If you want pain , its never ending . I know several women who had it get stuck in theyr colons .They had to have theyr colons removed . There are no doctors that can help you. Go to the website Ilena Rosenthal Humantics foundation there are all the womens testamonies of how ill they have become. For some it happens right away and for shure it happens several years later .Also go to boobtruth and read for information . Sicerely Salamander
Was it worth it (unregistered guest) 7 Jan 2009
Thank you salamander for your upfront and honest testimonial. I have considered implants because after nursing all of my children and staying lean and trim I have no boobs left. I feel very upset about the lack of size and shape to my boobs and it affects me every day, but I would rather stay healthy and have no boobs than to have nice boobs and have my entire body be sick. Being sick is not sexy. Healthy is sexy. The doctors all lie and say there is no problems. If that were true then they would not have you sign a waiver if you get sick from them and you would not be handed booklets with all the side effects. We need to come up with a safe permanent option for increasing breast size.
mcnally2005 27 Sep 2010
Yeah, me as well I wouldn't recommend them to any one . I was sick from them as well, I have spent 29,000.00 in the last 3 years ... what a waist of money... Makes you wounder why they FDA say that they are Safe... right.. Think again lady's be for you get these things, your life will never be the same.. EVER..
Rev. Dee Jones Dir.Gift of God Ministries 15 May 2008
I had silicone implants for 23 years. I got sicker and sicker as I went along. For so many years no one knew what was happening to me. Finally they removed my severely ruptured implants that were nearly empty sacks of gooey slop! They nearly killed me! I had silicone in my brain, under my arms, ooze from my tear ducts in my eyes, between my toes, and the pores of my skin. It was in my lungs, (and still is). Don't forget other problems like heavy metals as well as the toxic chemicals used to process the silicone into gel. Not everyone has this problem. It is sort of like Russian roulette. Some people are allergic to silicone and the other chemicals and some are not. You should be tested before you go through with the surgery. Saline is worse and presents a whole new set of problems. Good luck and best wishes. I was very happy with my new look until I got so Ill. I ended up in a wheel chair part time and a cane full time as well as other issues such as breathing problems. No I did not smoke. Rev. Jones, Dir., Gift of God Ministries
Sunshine N Austin 18 May 2008
Hello Beautiful People ~ I too, had lovely, safe, lifelong, like real, boobielicious silicone implants, for a long and safe lifetime of 4 years, ending up with a massive rupture,with sticky silicone roaming freely to all parts of my body, sticking in many of my organs, as well as forming large, cystic, silicone filled masses, some with necrotic tissue, meaning cell death, and pretty much rotting......making me very ill, and many surgeries to remove the masses. The implants were behind the muscle, so I had to have my entire chest wall detatched each time. I now have multiple nodes in both lungs, cardiomyopathy requiring a pacemaker with a defibrillator and 3 wires into my heart, and to top it off, I deal with multiple chemical sensitivity issues due to the toxic overload, as there are many toxic chemicals that make the silicone in implants. Here are some of them, just note, they are ALL known neuro-toxins ! ! 1)Methyl Ethyl Ketone 2)Cyclobexanone 3)Isopropyl Alcohol 4)Denatured Alcohol 5)Acetone 6)Urethane 7)Poly vinyl Chloride 8)Lacquer Thinner 9)Ethyl Acetate 10)Epoxy Resin 11)Epoxy Hardener 12)Amine 13)Printing Ink 14)Toluene 15)Freon 16)Silica 17)Flux 18)Solder ]19)Chlorplatinic Acid 20)Metal Cleaning Acid 21)Formaldehyde 22)Talcum Powder 23)Color Pigmentation (Printers Ink) 24)Oakite 25)Cyanoacyrylates 26)Ethylene Oxide 27)Carob Black 28)Xylene 29)Hexone 30)Benzene 31)Hexanone 2 32)Thixon-OSN-2 33)Rubber 34)Acid Stearic 35)Zinc Oxide 36)Naptha 37)Phenol 38)Methylene Chloride 39)Platinum Salt Live life loving every part of your natural unique self. Have a Blessed Day ! Sunshine N Austin
Rogene 18 May 2008
There is no such thing as a "safe" breast implant . . . at least not yet. I've been active in support groups trying to help women (and their sick offspring) find help after becoming sick from breast implants - saline, gel and gummy bear implants! . . . IF you are of child bearing age, and hope to bear a healthy child one day, ask yourself how you would feel if you learned your breast implants have caused your child a lifetime of suffering? If you are older, ask yourself if you can afford to have your implants replaced at least every ten years? (proper removal costs more than placement). If you can survive without a job? (because you are too sick to work). If your spouse/partner will stick around if you become chronically ill? If you are willing to take the risk of becoming uninsurable? If you have someone willing to care for you if you become disabled? Getting breast implants is a life changing event. Not always for the better. By the time women find support groups like Yahoo's SalineSupport, many have lost everything, except a glimmer of hope. They may have to travel across country to find a doctor willing to remove their implants properly (en bloc). By that time, they generally come to the conclusion that the size/shape of their boobs doesn't matter. That the thousands sent to get the toxic bags out was the best investment they ever made in themselves. Of course, if they knew in advance what could happen, they wouldn't have taken the turn in the road towards breast implants! . . .

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