While breast implants have been available for years now, researchers in academia and industry are always on the lookout for better materials to make implants safer and more comfortable. Cohesive silicone gel implants are one of the newest types of breast implants to hit the market.
Due to the similarities with the texture of gummy bear candy, these implants are informally known as “gummy bear” breast implants. While their use hasn’t been approved in the U.S. yet, they are taking Europe and Brazil by storm…and there’s good reason why.
First, they use a new type of silicone that addresses two of the problems with traditional saline and silicone implants – rupturing and rippling. If there’s a tear in one the new gummy bear implants, the substance inside will maintain its shape and integrity, alleviating the concern of silicone migrating to other parts of the body where it can cause problems.
Cohesive silicone gel implants also have a more natural feel than traditional saline implants. Other advantages of gummy bear implants include:
- Lower risk of rupture and leaking
- More natural look and comfortable fit
- Ability to maintain their form, or “bounce back”
- Less risk of capsular contracture, or inflammation and hardening of scar tissue
While it may seem gummy bear implants are infallible, they do have some disadvantages over more traditional options. One, they feel firmer than other implant options, which may be uncomfortable for some women. Also, a larger incision is required to insert them and they do cost more. And if the implant does move, it may cause a distorted appearance.
Unfortunately, this procedure is not available on a wide scale in the U.S. To obtain gummy bear implants in this country, women have to enroll in a clinical study that’s evaluating these implants (or travel to Europe or Brazil)
Even though there are some drawbacks, reports from patients indicate overwhelming satisfaction. In fact, they have become one the most popular breast augmentation options in Europe and Brazil.
In the mean time, consider breast augmentation and lift options at our Florida plastic surgery center in Gainesville. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Accent Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics today.