There is a new kind of teardrop-shaped implant available that holds its shape and is preferred for many breast augmentation procedures because of the natural look and feel it creates. What are “gummy bear” breast implants and why are they often the best choice?
What Are Gummy Bear Implants?
Highly cohesive gel breast implants use a high-strength silicone gel that holds its shape even if cut into, rather like a gummy bear in consistency. This soft but firm feel has earned these implants the nickname “gummy bear breast implants.” Rather than being round in shape and moving freely, gummy bear implants create the breast shape desired and stay firmly in place.
How Are Gummy Bear Implants Different?
Traditional silicone implants have a softer silicone gel than the gummy bear type. They are round in shape, as are saline breast implants. Gummy bear implants can produce a more natural look and feel due to their teardrop shape and firmer consistency, especially for patients who are slim and small breasted.
All types of breast implants have an outer silicone shell and a filler material. Gummy bear breast implants retain their shape even if the outer implant shell is broken, and often have a textured surface to prevent rotating or movement. Surrounding tissues will bond with this surface to prevent the implant from shifting or moving.
Some of the reasons your doctor might recommend a cohesive gel implant for your breast augmentation surgery include:
- Produces a more natural outward look and feel
- Creates and maintains a pleasing shape
- Provides a more natural internal feeling for the patient
- Has a lower incidence of ruptures, leaking, or complications
- Is a longer-lasting implant that might last a lifetime
How Long Do Gummy Bear Implants Last?
This type of implant can last up to 25 years for some people, and a low percentage need to have them removed in less than 10 years. This high acceptance rate and longevity of gummy bear implants make them a good choice for breast reconstruction or aesthetic cosmetic surgery. Because they have been in use for less than 25 years, we may find they last even longer.
Are Gummy Bear Implants Safe?
Breast augmentation procedures are considered safe and may use traditional silicone, saline, or gummy bear implants. There are some indications that the gummy bear implant may be even safer than other alternatives, for these reasons:1
- The implant can withstand greater amounts of direct force without damage.
- There’s less chance of breast rippling or wrinkling than with softer implants.
- The cohesive gel interior is not prone to leaks, even if the outer shell is damaged.
- The texture of gummy bear breast implants may reduce the risk of common complications.
The FDA does recommend checkups for those who have silicone breast implants to check for leaks, complications, and proper placement every two to three years. In the unlikely event that your gummy bear implant rotates out of position, it can be repositioned with additional surgery.
Are Gummy Bear Implants Right for You?
If you are slim with naturally small breasts, the gummy bear implant option might be just the look you’ve been waiting for. The teardrop shape fits perfectly to existing tissues and often feels more like part of your own body than softer implant options. Thinner at the top with a rounded bottom, these versatile implants create a natural silhouette and can be impossible to detect when properly placed for your body type.
Every patient is unique, and gummy bear implants might not be right for you if you have a larger body type and want larger breasts with more movement visible. These are matters of personal preference and artistry on the part of your cosmetic surgeon. Choosing a cosmetic surgeon who is experienced with all types of breast implants will allow them to help you choose the best option for your desired results.
Choose an Experienced Gummy Bear Implant Surgeon
You can expect that your gummy bear implants will last a long time and enhance the size and shape of your breasts long into the future. Feeling confident about your body and restoring a youthful silhouette are the primary reasons patients are interested in this procedure. Choosing a cosmetic surgeon with an impressive track record in proper placement and aesthetically pleasing results will help you make the most of this investment in yourself.
Breast augmentation can help you:
- Improve the proportion and balance of your breasts and body.
- Create a sculpted shape with better symmetry.
- Restore lost breast volume resulting from pregnancy, illness, or age.
At the Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Houston, TX, we have the expertise needed to help you choose the right breast enhancement procedures to create the look you envision for yourself. Dr. Do is a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon who excels at the art and science of cosmetic surgery. You can schedule a free virtual consultation today to discuss your personal goals and vision and create a custom treatment plan to make your dreams a reality.
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