Can anyone provide an argument against saline?

The position of the FDA and every health ministry in the world is that there is no demonstrable evidence of systemic disease or illness from silicone implants of any sort (be they breast, joint replacement, vascular points, etc...). Keep in mind that even saline implants are manufactured from a silicone rubber shell polymer.

Mentor Corp's. "Memory Gel" implants are nothing more then the types of devices we've been using for nearly 20 years at this point, it's just a marketing gimmick by Mentor. They (and other manufacturers similar generation implants) are more durable then previous devices but will likely need to be replaced somewhere between 10-20 years out. "Memory Gel" is not the same thing as the forthcoming "gummy bear" devices which may never need to be replaced due to their more solid silicone gel polymer they're manufactured from.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery!!!   I have silicone implants and prefer them over the saline implants.  They look and feel more like a real breast.  Do your research and have that discussion with your PS.  It is important that the two of you talk and come to an agreement.  There are pros and cons to both so you must weigh those out for yourself.  Good luck and happy healing!!!

HUGGS,

Karen

Thanks again, everyone! I am excited! However, there is so much to think about. This decision is starting to feel overwhelming.

Dr. Oliver, I really want to thank you for all the attention and advice you have given me. This site is lucky to have you! So this "gummy bear" implant is not available to the public yet? Is there any way to get them? I googled it and found some information, but I didn't understand all of it. Have you ever used the cohesive implants?

Thanks in advance!

You can get the "gummy bear" implants outside of the US. I had them done in Mexico. I had a lift and 325cc moderate profile implants (I didn't want big honking knockers) to balance me out.  I was given the registration information for the implants, so I know they're genuine. If I don't tell people that I have implants, they can't tell because they look so natural.

The form-stable devices may be available later this year here in the USA. WE're waiting on FDA approval. The clinical trial data has been in their hands for 3 years to decide. It's kind of crazy at this point!

They may not be the right device for many weight loss patients though. If you have lots of loose skin and require dramatic mastopexy (lift) procedures, a traditional round implant will work better in most instances. Once the implants are approved here, I think round versions of the form stable implants will begin to aappear just for our market. Right now they're all slightly shaped, which is a design that works better with good preexisting breast shape.

Silicone, from my understanding, has just been a go-to for so long, would you recommend waiting for FDA approval of this new "gel"? Just curious.

I'm 23, so I'm looking at a LONG life with implants!

Also, could you refer me to the trial data?

I can't go outside the US. My surgeon and hospital are already set to do it free of any extra charge because they messed up before. Thanks for the advice though.

Dr. Oliver, so for someone who has lost 175 pounds and kept it off for 5 years. What shape would you recommend. I know that I am going to use 300cc. I just want to present this info to my surgeon. Also, I noticed that Mentor has some kind of a lifetime replacement plan? Do you know companies that will replace? Does that mean that in 10-20 years (when I need a replacement), they will cover the replacement? and that all I will be responsible for is OR time and surgeon's fee?

Thanks so much!!!