It's also known that any type of implant is NOT permanent. Most implants should be replaced every 10-15 years. My PS said she had a patient whose implants lasted 25 years. I'm 55 so in 10-15 years it will be a question of if not when I might have my saline implant replaced.

Expanders are temporary and are used to expand the skin and muscles of the chest to make room for the permanent implants. Gummy bears are the newly approved cohesive gel implants. The have the consistency of the gummy bear candy and thus the nickname. PS is plastic surgeon. Implants are permanent and feel somewhat like breasts. Expanders are temporary and can be sort of hard and uncomfortable.

What are expanders? What are gummy bears, a type of implant? What is PS? Why are implants better than expanders?

Oh definitely the implants are better than the expanders! Big difference! But you are right in that you can always have them removed. Or replaced like I did. I got the gummy bears and went a smaller size. A also changed PS.

I still have expanders in. Am having exchange surgery in January. The double mastectomy with instant reconstruction has not been a good experience for me. Now, I will admit I'm a crybaby. And part of my problem is not having had much medical treatment in my life. Anyway, this constant discomfort is, to me, just a bit much. My PS has told me it will all feel so much better once the implants are placed. I hope she's right. If not, I'll have them removed.