Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants are relatively new and one of the best options available for breast augmentation. They were first approved for use in the U.S. in the summer of 2012, but they’ve been used in Europe for many years. But why they are called so (gummy bear)?
The nickname was coined by Dr. Grant Stevens, a plastic surgeon in Marina Del Ray, California. He gave the implants their name because of their unique ability to keep their shape even after being cut in half.
The cohesive gel allows the implant to hold its shape and it is available in a variety of shapes. Also, learn about Liposuction.
What are gummy bear implants made of?
Most breast implants are made of either saline solution or silicone gel. But gummy bear implants are made of high-strength silicone gel and feature a textured shell.
Their advantage compared to other implants is that they stay in place, and they create a very natural look. The biggest drawback with this type of implant is that it requires a larger or longer incision than other implant types.
Teardrop implants offer numerous benefits to women. They are a much safer option because they have a much lower rupture rate.
On other hand round implants may be filled with silicone or saline, depending on your personal preference.
Saline implants are another popular type of breast implant that features a silicone outer shell and are filled with a sterile saline solution. Silicone implants contain silicone gel and are made with a silicone shell.
Different types of Breast Implants
Round implants are still the most popular type of implant, although the teardrop is not too far behind. If you’ve seen breast implants before and after photos, then you’re already familiar with this type of implant.
Women often choose round implants because they help them achieve a fullness in the upper breast that’s lost after breastfeeding or weight loss. It’s important to note, however, that gummy bear implants can also achieve similar results if they’re shaped to be taller rather than wider.
There have been some safety concerns regarding silicone breast implants over the years. From 1992 to 2006, silicone implants were outlawed. Although the FDA has recently approved the use of silicone gel for women over the age of 22.
Traditional Silicone implants offer a more natural look and feel when compared to saline implants. Some women are still terrified about silicone implants (and for good reason).
Saline implants are firmer than silicone, and they’re more affordable. The implant is placed while empty and then filled after it’s been placed inside of the breast.
Plastic surgeons have tried to mold saline and other silicon-based breast implants into natural-looking shapes. But these types of implants have no form of stability.
Over time, they tend to revert to a round shape as the person’s skin and other tissue exert pressure on them. Due to the way they’re constructed with cross-linked silicone particles, gummy implants do not present this problem.
Your plastic surgeon can explain in greater detail the differences between each shape/material and help you find the right solution for you.
Gummy Bear Implants vs Regular
Most women who get a boob job opt for round implants, but the tides are starting to change, and for good reason. In past, women had few options in the United States, the round implant was the only choice. The choice between saline and silicone was the only option women really had.
Today, women have a lot more options when it comes to the look and shape of their breasts. But which option is the right one for you? Let’s compare round implants to teardrop implants. Read about Gynecomastia!
Round implants create that “Victoria’s Secret” look, but many women now feel that these implants are too artificial-looking. Women who have large round implants often say that other women know they’ve had breast augmentation. Yes, it creates fuller breasts and more cleavage, but the result may be obviously artificial.
Teardrop implants have the distinct advantage of being the most natural looking. This is why they’re sometimes referred to as anatomical implants. Because of their shape and their cohesive material. Teardrop-shaped implants are less likely to cause rippling or wrinkling that’s visibly noticeable.
Risk Factors
Just like any other surgical procedure, there are risks associated with gummy bear implants. However, due to advancements in the field, risks are lower.
One important thing to stress is that you must find a board-certified and experienced surgeon to perform the procedure. This will help minimize the risk of infection and other complications.
Common risks associated with breast augmentation include:
- Implant complications – If the desired look is not achieved or an implant complication occurs, several surgeries may be required to correct the outcome.
- Capsular contracture – This is when hardening of the breast occurs around the implant. This can cause the tissues to tighten and become very painful.
- Rupture – A rupture occurs when a hole or tear in the outer shell of the implant occurs. In the case of saline implants, the implant deflates, and the liquid solution leaks. In the case of silicone, the gel may remain in the implant’s shell or the scar tissue.
- Breastfeeding – While some women can breastfeed after undergoing breast augmentation, some cannot.
The FDA states that the longer you have a breast implant in place, the greater the chances of rupture and complications occurring. The good news is that the majority of women undergo procedures and do not experience any severe complications. This is now considered routine plastic surgery, and surgeons perform them on a regular basis.
Selecting your breast implant shape is a personal decision and will depend on the look you’re trying to achieve. Your plastic surgeon can help you determine which shape will best complement your body type and help you achieve the look you want.
Gummy Bear Implants Pros and Cons
Gummy bear implants offer a lot of advantages over other types of breast implants. Many cosmetic surgeons in Europe declare them the best option for breast augmentation. As well as there are some cons of gummy bear implants, which we will discuss next.
Pros of Gummy Bear Implants
Stability isn’t the only advantage offered by this breast implant. Here are a few more:
- Lower leak rate. Even if the outer shell is ruptured, the silicone gel in the implant remains cohesive and doesn’t migrate to other parts of the body.
- More comfortable. These implants can be shaped to fit a person’s particular body type, making them more comfortable.
- Lower risk of “rippling.” Because silicone gel is highly cohesive, the risk of shell collapse producing a rippling effect seems to be lower.
- Less scar tissue. Capsular contracture is the medical term for scar tissue buildup and hardening around the implants – a condition that can be painful, and in severe cases, require surgery. The rate of scar tissue buildup appears to be much less with gummy bear implants.
Cons of Gummy Bear Implants
Despite all the hype, gummy bear implants aren’t perfect at least not for everyone. Here are some disadvantages:
- Cost. Gummy breast implants are much more expensive than other types of implants.
- Firmness. For some people, the chief advantage of cohesive silicone gel implants – their solidness – is a disadvantage. The implants are firmer than other types of implants, especially in cases where they are large compared to the amount of tissue available to cover them.
- Larger incision size. Because these implants are more solid than other types of implants, it’s not as easy to push them through a small incision. A larger incision is needed for insertion.
Gummy bear implants cost
Typically, the insurance does not cover the breast augmentation procedure instead you have to pay out of pocket. According to the American Society of the national surgeon, in 2017 the average cost of the procedure was $3700.
Moreover, these implants are more expensive than other treatments. Its cost ranges between $6,000 to $12,000. However, the cost varies due to factors such as the doctor, their technique, and location.
Things to consider before treatment
If you’re considering breast augmentation, some of your first concerns may be the shape of your implant and the type.
Until recently, women had few options in this department. But new technology has allowed for new implant shapes and types to give women more control over how their breasts will look after surgery.
Before you decide that breast augmentation surgeries are the right choice for you. Take the time to speak with a famous plastic surgeon and keep the following things in mind.
No matter what breast shape you’re trying to achieve. It’s important to consider a few things before going under the knife.
- Implants are not a permanent solution. At some point, you’ll need to remove or replace your implants. Some last longer than others, so you’ll need to speak with your plastic surgeon to discuss the best option for you.
- You’ll need to be committed to aftercare. After your surgery, you’ll need to obtain an MRI screening to check for silent ruptures every two years.
- Remember that surgery is still surgery. There’s always a risk of infection and you must be ready to provide yourself with proper after-care.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what implant shapes are available to you.
The bottom line
The gummy Bear implants may be the best option for you if you’re looking for natural-looking breasts.
Round implants may be the better option if you want the “Victoria’s Secret” look. Just beware that these implants often look artificial (don’t say we didn’t warn you!).
Note: This article is just for information purposes to guide people, not for professional use. For more additional questions regarding this topic feel free to contact us without hesitation. Our team is always available for your help and guidance. Thanks for visiting, Stay Healthy!
