440 Cc Mentor MemoryShape Breast Implants -Northbrook, IL

My breast augmentation was done with 440 cc shaped (gummy bear) silicone implants placed submuscular (dual plane) through inframammary (breast fold) incisions 2" in length. I started as a 36B and am now 38D.

I'm very pleased with the results. I'm so glad that Dr. Krochmal suggested the larger 440 cc implant size because my breasts have turned out well-proportioned to my torso. There are days I think I could have gone even bigger, but, as is, my clothes fit so well now. The scars are still reddish but not raised and are well hidden under a bikini top. Breast fold insertion is best for shaped implants so that the pocket can be sized and shaped to snugly enclose the implant to assure that it stays vertically oriented.

The dual-plane submuscular placement does result in some animation when flexing my pectoral muscles, so if that's of concern, subglandular or subfascial placement would be a better choice. I was more drawn to the lower risk of encapsulation occurring with submuscular placement.

These highly cohesive silicone implants are firmer than the gel type so as to maintain their anatomical shape. My breasts felt very firm soon after surgery, but they have become much softer with time, and now match the density of my natural breast tissue. With a push-up bra, I can achieve a modest amount of cleavage on those occasions when fashion calls.

These shaped implants do not "bottom out" as do other types. There has been some settling to the point where a definite crease has formed, but not to the extent that I pass the pencil test, if you know what I mean. These implants also do not lose projection when lying on my back the way saline and round silicone gel implants do. But I have no trouble sleeping on my stomach, and, of course, these implants will not rupture the way others do. Even so, I purchased Mentor's MemoryShape Extended Warranty for $200 that extends their product warranty from 3 to 10 years.

After 3-months, I'm very pleased with the results of my breast augmentation procedure. The gummy bear implants have softened considerably, and feel natural. I'm wearing a 38D bra still. The inframammary scars are still very visible, but flat. I have full sensation throughout the breasts and nipples. There is still fullness in the upper pole, but it has diminished some. My next update will be at the 6 month mark.

As a trans woman nearing the end of my transition (male-to-female), I was not satisfied with the breast growth (small B-cup) that I was able to achieve on hormone treatment alone. I chose to have form-stable, shaped silicone implants placed under the pectoral muscles (dual plane) via an incision in the breast fold. My original goal was to increase my breast size to a full C-cup, but in consultation with my surgeon, I agreed to a D-cup to achieve better proportion with my frame (38 inch band). I was interested in the highly cohesive silicone (gummy bear) implants because they are the least likely to rupture, and should they rupture, the silicone will not leak. These implants, which have a textured surface, are also less likely to experience capsular contracture. My natural breast tissue is quite dense, very similar to these implants. Subpectoral implants require a longer recovery, but I was amazed at how soon into my recovery I felt comfortable and regained my range of motion in my arms. I wore the surgical bra for the first 3 weeks and then used a sports bra until after my 4 week follow-up with my doctor. I am completely happy with my new boobs. I feel so much more confident as a woman, and my clothes fit so much better.