What Are Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

Many women who are thinking about getting breast enlargement have come across the phrase "gummy bear breast implants." These are a new type of implants that are filled with a cohesive form of silicone gel that is similar to the consistency of gummy bear candies. They are approved for use in Canada and many other countries around the world but have yet to receive approval by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States. Read on to learn more about this new option for women seeking to improve the appearance of their bustline.

Look and Feel

Gummy bear (cohesive gel) implants are currently available in the anatomical (teardrop) shape, which means that the breasts appear fuller but naturally shaped after surgery. Due to the physical properties of the silicone they contain, these newer prostheses are somewhat firmer than other types. They also retain their shape better and appear more natural on very thin women with little natural breast tissue.

Cohesive Gel Compared to Saline

Saline implants are filled with a saline (salt and water) solution, while cohesive gel prostheses are filled with silicone. Thus, the two prosthesis types have a different look and feel. Saline devices might feel unnatural to the touch and are sometimes visible from the side, while the new gel devices feel more like natural tissue and are usually unnoticeable from the side.

However, unlike saline prostheses, this new type of implant cannot be inserted while folded and filled later. This means that the insertion of the new devices requires longer incisions. Depending on the size of the prostheses, the incisions might be more than two inches long. To conceal any scars, plastic surgery providers place the incisions in locations where they will be hardly noticeable, such as around the nipple or in the underarm.

Compared to Silicone

While silicone implants feel more natural than saline prostheses, a major risk of silicone prostheses is the possibility of silicone migration in case of rupture. Cohesive gel devices are thought to be much safer than the traditional silicone devices because, even if the newer type of implant ruptures, the silicone gel stays put. Perhaps this is the main reason why many women choose to pay a significantly higher cost to get this new type of prostheses.

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