When it comes to breast augmentation, there are various options available in the market. One of the more popular choices in recent years is gummy bear implants. But what exactly are they made of? In this article, we will explore the composition of gummy bear implants, their advantages, potential risks, and how they compare to other types of breast implants.
Types of Breast Implants
Before diving into the details of gummy bear implants, it’s essential to understand the different types of breast implants that are commonly used.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water. They are often considered a more budget – friendly option. The shell of saline implants is made of silicone elastomer. One of the main advantages of saline implants is that if the implant ruptures, the saline solution will be safely absorbed by the body. However, they may feel less natural than other types of implants, especially when the breast size is small, as the saline can slosh around inside the implant.
Silicone Gel Implants
Silicone gel implants are filled with a silicone gel. The original silicone gel implants, which were popular in the past, had a gel that was more fluid – like. These implants had a higher risk of rupture and leakage, which led to some concerns about the safety of silicone in the body. As a result, there were restrictions on their use in some countries. But over time, the technology has improved, and modern silicone gel implants have a more cohesive gel.
Gummy Bear Implants: An Overview
Gummy bear implants, also known as highly cohesive silicone gel implants, are a type of silicone gel implant. They get their name because the silicone gel inside is so highly cohesive that it holds its shape well, much like a gummy bear candy.
The Material of Gummy Bear Implants
The outer shell of gummy bear implants is made of the same silicone elastomer as other silicone – based breast implants. This silicone elastomer is a flexible, rubber – like material that forms a durable and leak – resistant barrier around the implant’s contents.
The unique feature of gummy bear implants lies in the silicone gel they are filled with. The silicone gel used in gummy bear implants is highly cohesive. This means that the gel molecules are strongly bonded together. In contrast to the older, more fluid – like silicone gels, the highly cohesive gel in gummy bear implants is less likely to spread or leak if the outer shell is damaged.
Advantages of Gummy Bear Implants
Natural Look and Feel
One of the most significant advantages of gummy bear implants is their natural appearance and feel. Due to the highly cohesive gel, they tend to mimic the look and texture of natural breast tissue more closely than saline implants. They maintain their shape well, whether a woman is standing, sitting, or lying down, giving a more natural breast contour.
Lower Risk of Rupture and Leakage
As mentioned before, the highly cohesive nature of the silicone gel in gummy bear implants makes them less likely to rupture or leak compared to traditional silicone gel implants. Even if the outer shell is punctured or damaged, the gel is less likely to spread throughout the body. This reduces the risk of complications associated with silicone leakage, such as inflammation or the formation of scar tissue around the leaked silicone.
Shape Stability
Gummy bear implants are pre – shaped, and their highly cohesive gel helps them maintain that shape. This is beneficial for women who want a specific breast shape, such as a more rounded or teardrop – shaped breast. The shape stability also means that the implants are less likely to shift or rotate within the breast pocket, which can sometimes occur with other types of implants.
Potential Risks of Gummy Bear Implants
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a potential risk associated with all types of breast implants, including gummy bear implants. When the body is exposed to a foreign object like an implant, it forms a capsule of scar tissue around it. In some cases, this capsule can tighten and contract, causing the breast to feel hard, look misshapen, and be painful. The exact cause of capsular contracture is not fully understood, but it may be related to factors such as infection, bleeding around the implant, or the body’s immune response to the implant.
Rupture
Although gummy bear implants have a lower risk of rupture compared to some other types of implants, rupture is still a possibility. Over time, due to factors like normal wear and tear, trauma to the breast, or the natural aging process of the implant, the outer shell may weaken and eventually rupture. If a rupture occurs, it may require surgical removal or replacement of the implant.
Infection
Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection, and breast augmentation with gummy bear implants is no exception. Infections can occur at the incision site or around the implant. Symptoms of an infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and fever. If an infection is not treated promptly, it can lead to more serious complications, such as the need to remove the implant.
Comparison with Other Implants
Gummy Bear Implants vs. Saline Implants
As mentioned earlier, saline implants are filled with salt water, while gummy bear implants are filled with highly cohesive silicone gel. Gummy bear implants generally feel more natural and have a lower risk of rippling (a visible or palpable wrinkling of the implant surface) compared to saline implants, especially in women with less breast tissue. However, saline implants are often less expensive and if they rupture, the saline is absorbed by the body without causing significant harm.
Gummy Bear Implants vs. Traditional Silicone Gel Implants
Gummy bear implants are a type of silicone gel implant, but they differ from traditional silicone gel implants in the cohesiveness of the gel. Traditional silicone gel implants had a more fluid – like gel, which made them more prone to rupture and leakage. Gummy bear implants, with their highly cohesive gel, offer better shape stability and a lower risk of these issues.
Surgical Procedure and Recovery
Surgical Procedure
The surgical procedure for inserting gummy bear implants is similar to that of other breast implants. The surgeon will make an incision in one of several possible locations, such as under the breast fold, around the areola, or in the armpit. The size and location of the incision will depend on factors like the patient’s anatomy, the type of implant, and the surgeon’s preference.
After the incision is made, a pocket is created either behind the breast tissue (subglandular placement) or behind the chest muscle (submuscular placement). The gummy bear implant is then inserted into the pocket, and the incision is closed with sutures.
Recovery
Recovery time after breast augmentation with gummy bear implants can vary from person to person. Generally, patients can expect to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising in the first few days after surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed to manage the discomfort.
Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and exercise, for the first few weeks. Wearing a supportive bra is also important during the recovery period to help with the healing process and to support the newly augmented breasts. Most patients can return to work within a week or two, depending on the nature of their job, but it may take several weeks to fully recover and see the final results of the surgery.
Conclusion
Gummy bear implants are made of a silicone elastomer outer shell and a highly cohesive silicone gel filling. They offer several advantages over other types of breast implants, including a natural look and feel, lower risk of rupture and leakage, and better shape stability. However, like all surgical procedures, breast augmentation with gummy bear implants also has potential risks, such as capsular contracture, rupture, and infection.
If you are considering breast augmentation, it’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with a board – certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon can discuss your options, including the type of implant that may be best for you based on your body type, aesthetic goals, and medical history. Understanding the materials, advantages, and risks associated with gummy bear implants will help you make an informed decision about whether they are the right choice for you.
Related topics:
The Rupture Of Saline Implants: First Aid Measures & Means Of Recovery
