Gummy bear implants have emerged as a favoured option among individuals considering breast augmentation. Renowned for their natural shape and composed of a cohesive silicone gel, these implants provide a great aesthetic that distinguishes them from past choices.
Their introduction in the mid-2000s and subsequent FDA approval in 2012 marked a pivotal advancement in breast augmentation technology. Since then, their popularity has surged due to their superior shape retention and ability to mimic the look and feel of natural breasts.
What are Gummy Bear Breast Implants?
Relatively new to the market, Gummy Bear Implants are a type of breast implant that was developed by Dr. Grant Stevens, a prominent plastic surgeon in California. He says these implants maintain their shape when cut in half, similar to gummy bears, and are the adult version of being like kids in a candy store!
The silicone in these implants is made of a cohesive gel that remains stable and retains its shape well. Unlike traditional saline or silicone breast implants, cohesive gel implants closely resemble breast tissue when implanted, providing a very realistic and natural appearance. For many people, they offer an ideal solution for breast augmentation, serving as an alternative to traditional silicone gel implants.
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Gummy Bear Implants: Composition and Comparative Benefits
Gummy bear implants feature a silicone shell filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel, which sets them apart from traditional silicone implants that use a softer, more elastic gel. This denser composition gives gummy bear implants enhanced form stability, allowing them to closely emulate the natural breast contour.
When compared to saline and traditional silicone implants, gummy bear implants strike a balance: saline implants, filled with sterile saltwater, are cost-effective but may lack a natural feel, while traditional silicone implants offer a softer texture but may not maintain shape as effectively as gummy bear implants.
Here’s a comparison of the benefits offered by saline, traditional silicone, and gummy bear implants for breast augmentation
Saline Implant
- Cost-effective option.
- Filled with sterile saltwater.
- Generally less expensive than silicone implants.
- May feel less natural compared to silicone or gummy bear implants.
Traditional Silicone Implants
- Soft and pliable texture.
- Often chosen for a natural feel.
- May not retain shape as effectively over time.
- Typically more expensive than saline implants.
Gummy Bear Implants
- Balance between natural feel and shape retention.
- Made from highly cohesive silicone gel.
- Maintain shape well, mimicking natural breast contours.
- Generally more expensive than saline implants, comparable to traditional silicone implants in cost.
Pros of Gummy Bear Implants
Breast augmentation surgery procedures, an elective cosmetic surgery are becoming increasingly popular. It is largely due to the advancing technology that has allowed the creation of very life-life looking breasts to be surgically inserted into the body, and many people are taking full advantage.
Gummy bear implants are highly regarded in breast augmentation for their natural look and feel, closely resembling natural breast tissue with their teardrop shape and cohesive gel filling. They excel in maintaining shape stability, minimizing issues like rippling or folding that can occur with other types of implants. In this section, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of gummy bear implants, highlighting their advantages in achieving a natural aesthetic and addressing considerations such as candidacy requirements.
Natural Look and Feel
That is indeed one of the major pros of choosing a gummy bear implant: many people cannot even tell from the outside that they are fake. When touched they feel natural, to the user they feel natural, and to an outside observer, they look natural. This is partly due to their high strength silicone gel material, which so perfectly holds its shape when inserted. A cohesive gel implant has a more natural feel and appearance than a traditional silicone implant.
Safety
Another positive reason why gummy bear implants may be a good option to consider is because they are safer than other types of implants and have a much lower rupture rate. Other types of implants, previously used, have not been made of a silicone that is as natural in feel and look, or as comfortable for the user, and also which has had higher incidences of rupture or complications.
In addition, gummy bear implants do not present the risk of leaking within the body. Other types of traditional implants leave some women feeling like they have water inside their breasts, or in other cases, if the shell breaks inside, liquid is allowed to leak out. Because of the material of gummy bear implants there is no risk of this occurring.
Gummy implants are textured and according to Healthline, this reduces the risk of capsular contracture, a common complication of breast augmentation surgery. This condition arises when the surrounding tissue of the breast implant becomes unusually constricted or thickened, resulting in asymmetry and discomfort.
Long-lasting breast Implants
Finally, gummy bear implants last up to 25 years for many people, with only about twenty percent needing to have them removed after ten years or less. For many people, this is the one and only breast implant they need to have during their life.
Cons of Gummy Bear Breast Implants
While there is a lot of good things about gummy bear implants, there are also some cons associated with the procedure and the implants.
Cost
Cost is a notable consideration when opting for gummy bear implants. Compared to saline alternatives, they can be nearly twice as expensive and generally exceed the price of other silicone implant options. Typically, the cost for gummy bear implants falls within the range of $6,000 to $12,000 for the procedure.
While the higher price reflects their advanced technology and durable construction, it may present a financial barrier for some individuals considering breast augmentation. It’s important for prospective patients to carefully weigh the benefits against the financial investment and consider all associated costs, including hospital fees and potential additional expenses during recovery.
Long-term Effects
Finally, these breast implants are relatively new. They have not had the years of testing in human subjects that other options have had, simply because they haven’t been around for long enough. That also means that they have not been implanted in any patients for a significant number of years to have definitive studies done on the long-term effects. As one doctor noted, just because they are new doesn’t mean they are better.
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Who is a Good Candidate for Gummy Bear Implants?
Ideal candidates for gummy bear implants include individuals seeking a natural-looking enhancement with increased breast volume. They are particularly suitable for those desiring a teardrop-shaped contour, which mimics the natural breast shape more closely than traditional round implants. Candidates should generally be in good health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of their breast augmentation surgery.
Conversely, gummy bear implants may not be recommended for women who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, as hormonal changes can impact breast size and shape. Additionally, individuals who anticipate significant weight fluctuations or seek dramatic changes in breast size might find these implants less suitable, as these factors can affect long-term aesthetic results.
Surgical Procedure and Recovery Time
The surgical procedure for gummy bear implants entails making a precise incision, often slightly longer than those used for traditional implants, to accommodate the denser silicone gel. Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully positions the implant to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. Due to the firmness of the gel, which helps maintain the implant’s shape, meticulous placement is crucial.
Recovery from gummy bear implant surgery generally spans several weeks. During this time, patients are advised to refrain from strenuous activities to facilitate proper healing and implant settling. Following the surgeon’s post-operative care instructions diligently is essential for minimizing potential complications and ensuring optimal results. Regular follow-up appointments allow the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns promptly.
Safety and Risks of Gummy Bear Breast Augmentation Procedure
Gummy bear implants earned FDA approval in 2012 after rigorous clinical trials, marking a pivotal moment in their acceptance as a trusted option for breast augmentation.
Despite their established safety profile, like all surgical procedures, they do carry risks. These include standard surgical risks such as bleeding and infection, alongside specific considerations like changes in nipple sensation.
Notably, gummy bear implants may also experience rotation post-implantation, potentially resulting in asymmetry or irregular breast shape. Regular monitoring and selecting a skilled plastic surgeon are crucial for minimizing complications and ensuring long-term implant success.
Professionals with experience in using gummy bear implants often emphasize their advantages in terms of aesthetics and safety. They note the lower risk of complications like rippling and capsular contracture. Ongoing advancements in implant technology continue to enhance the benefits of gummy bear implants.
Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation in Barrie
There are a variety of breast implant types in the market and it can be confusing to figure out which one is best for your breast augmentation goals. It is crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can guide your decision and evaluate your individual circumstances.
Our plastic surgery clinic is located in Barrie, 40 minutes north Toronto. Request an in-depth consultation with Dr. Dickie to explore your options for breast augmentation, breast reconstruction and other possible cosmetic enhancements that you might be contemplating.