Gummy bear breast implants, also known as cohesive gel implants, have gained significant popularity in recent years for breast augmentation and reconstruction surgeries. These unique implants offer patients a natural appearance, a variety of shapes and sizes, and improved longevity compared to traditional saline or silicone implants. In this article, we will discuss gummy bear breast implants from both the perspective of patients and plastic surgeons, providing a comprehensive overview of their benefits, considerations, and outcomes.
Benefits for Patients
Gummy bear breast implants offer several advantages for patients seeking breast augmentation or reconstruction:
1. Natural Look and Feel
Due to their highly cohesive silicone gel filling, gummy bear implants mimic the natural texture and movement of breast tissue, providing patients with a more realistic and natural appearance.
Moreover, these implants come in a wide range of shapes, including round, teardrop, and contoured, allowing patients to choose the one that best suits their individual body type and desired outcome.
2. Longevity and Minimal Rupture Risk
Gummy bear implants are known for their durability and resistance to rupture. The cohesive gel filling stays intact even if the outer shell of the implant is compromised, reducing the risk of silicone leakage into the surrounding tissue.
Several studies have shown that gummy bear implants have lower rates of rupture compared to traditional implants, ensuring that they maintain their shape and projection over a longer period.
3. Reduced Chance of Rippling
One of the common concerns with breast implants is visible rippling, especially in patients with thin breast tissue. Gummy bear implants have a firmer consistency that minimizes the likelihood of rippling and improves overall aesthetic outcomes.
4. Lower Capsular Contracture Rates
Capsular contracture, the formation of scar tissue around the implant, can lead to discomfort, hardness, and distortion of breast shape. Gummy bear implants have been associated with lower rates of capsular contracture compared to traditional implants, providing patients with improved long-term satisfaction.
5. Versatility in Reconstruction
Gummy bear implants are an excellent option for breast reconstruction surgeries, allowing plastic surgeons to restore breast shape and volume in a more natural manner. The ability to choose from different shapes and sizes helps achieve a customized reconstruction outcome with enhanced symmetry.
Considerations for Surgeons
For plastic surgeons, gummy bear breast implants offer unique considerations when compared to traditional implants:
1. Surgical Incision and Placement
Due to their form-stable nature and firmer consistency, gummy bear implants are typically inserted through slightly larger incisions and require more precise pocket dissection. Surgeons often prefer either inframammary or periareolar incisions for improved access and control during the procedure.
2. Anatomical Shape Maintenance
Gummy bear implants are available in different anatomical shapes, including teardrop and contoured. Surgeons must carefully evaluate each patient's breast anatomy and desired outcome to ensure proper shape selection and positioning during surgery.
3. Implant Rotation and Asymmetry
As gummy bear implants have a textured surface to minimize the risk of rotation, surgeons must be cautious during implant placement to avoid any potential rotation and subsequent asymmetry. Close attention to detail and precise surgical technique are crucial for optimal results.
4. Longer Learning Curve
Adapting to the use of gummy bear implants may require surgeons to invest additional time in training and gaining expertise. The unique physical properties and surgical considerations associated with these implants necessitate a comprehensive understanding to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients.
Global Pricing and Availability
Gummy bear breast implant prices vary across different geographical regions. Here is a range of prices for breast augmentation surgeries (including implant cost) in five developed countries:
- United States: $6,000 - $12,000
- United Kingdom: £5,000 - £8,000
- Canada: CAD $8,000 - CAD $12,000
- Australia: AUD $10,000 - AUD $15,000
- Germany: €5,000 - €10,000
Please note that these estimates are approximate and can vary based on factors such as surgeon experience, location, and additional surgical fees.
Conclusion
Gummy bear breast implants provide patients with a range of benefits, including a natural look and feel, longer-lasting results, reduced risk of complications, and versatile options for breast reconstruction. For surgeons, consideration of implant shape, surgical technique, and patient-specific factors is essential to ensure optimal outcomes. As with any surgical procedure, patients should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals, expectations, and suitability for gummy bear breast implants.
References:
- Liu, D., Swift, A., Skoracki, R., & Lee, M. (2016). Comparison of implant rupture frequency between round and shaped cohesive gel breast implants in reconstructive patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 138(1), 1e-9e.
- Stevens, W. G., Spring, M. A., Stoker, D. A., & Cohen, R. (2013). Cohesive silicone gel breast implants in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 132(5), 1085-1094.
- Wixtrom, R. N., Stutman, R. L., Burke, E. H., Mahoney, M. C., & Meyer, L. E. (2012). Mentor contour profile cohesive gel breast implants in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 129(3), 525-534.
