Most women who are considering breast augmentation are familiar with the two most common types of implants: silicone and saline. But what about newer styles of implants? Many different types are currently under development. Among the most promising of these is the “gummy bear” or cohesive gel implant.
While this type of breast implant has been used in Europe for more than a decade, they are not yet widely available in the U.S., unless your surgeon is taking part in a clinical study to test the implants. Expect them to become more available over the next few years – and for them to join older-style silicone and saline implants as the most popular forms of breast augmentation.
Cohesive gel implants consist of a silicone gel containing a firm silicone gel. Unlike regular silicone implants, the gel inside one of these implants is closer to a solid than to a liquid. If you were to cut a 'gummy bear' implant in half, the gel would remain intact, rather than leaking out. This thicker gel does not sag with gravity in the same way as the more liquid silicone and saline implants. Because of this, most cohesive gel implants are shaped 'anatomically,' or thicker at the bottom than at the top, to provide more realistic contours once implanted into the body.
Using these implants is believed to reduce the incidence of several potential breast implant complications such as rippling or folding. Ruptures or leaks are also believed to be less common. However, there are also a few drawbacks to be aware of. If an unnatural shape is chosen for the implant, its rigid shape will lead to less natural-looking results than if a more realistic implant was chosen. In addition, the implant has a firmer feel, which some patients may find feels too firm for their desires. These rigid implants also require a slightly longer surgical implant since they cannot be bent during the insertion.
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