You may have heard about the gummy bear implant if you are considering breast augmentation. In fact, you may be under the impression that this fifth-generation implant is the only way to go for adding natural fullness to the breasts today. While the gummy bear implants do offer a variety of benefits to the right patient, they are not the appropriate choice for everyone. Check out this overview of the gummy bear implant and find out why [primary_practice] offers different implant options to ensure all our patients get the best breast augmentation results.

What is the Gummy Bear?

The gummy bear implant is technically known as a form-stable, highly-cohesive implant, and it is the latest addition to the line of silicone implants women can choose from for breast augmentation today. Approved by the FDA in 2012, the gel implants got their nickname from their textural resemblance to the gummy bear candy. Like the sweet treat, these implants hold their shape if they rupture or even if they are cut in two.

The medical-grade silicone inside is covered by a stronger outer shell that is textured to help the implant remain in place in the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle. Most form-stable implants are anatomical, which means they are fuller at the bottom and taper towards the top like the natural breast shape. However, there are some round implants available as well, allowing patients that want more upper pole fullness to fulfill their goals with the more cohesive implant option.

Gummy Bear versus Traditional Silicone

Gummy bear implants are similar to traditional silicone implants in some respects. Both consist of a silicone filling placed into a tougher silicone shell. Both implants come pre-filled in a broad range of sizes and profiles so they can be tailored to the unique body proportions and desired results of each patient. Both form-stable and traditional silicone implants have a lower risk of rupture, rippling and capsular contracture than their saline counterparts.

However, the silicone inside the traditional implants is not as cohesive as the filling inside a form-stable implant. While the form-stable texture resembles a gummy bear candy, the traditional silicone implant is more like Jell-O. If the traditional implant ruptures, it can slowly leak its contents over time. The tradition implant might look and feel softer than the gummy bear for some patients.

Advantages of the Gummy Bear

There are some good reasons why patients might prefer the form-stable implant over traditional silicone products:

• The risk of rupture is even lower with the gummy bear than with other silicone or saline implants
• The anatomical shape might create a more natural result for some patients
• Textured outer shell is less likely to move inside the breast
• The gummy bear is less likely to show any wrinkling or rippling over time
• Form-stable implants have the most durable outer shell

Some patients think the gummy bear implant has a more natural look and feel to other silicone implants overall.

Drawbacks to the Gummy Bear

Despite the many advantages gummy bear implants offer, there are a few drawbacks as well:

• Gummy bear implants are more expensive than saline or other types of silicone implants
• If the implant does move, the anatomical shape may distort the appearance of the breast
• The implant requires a slightly longer incision for placement

Some patients also find the form-stable implant is almost too firm for their taste, detracting from the natural results they wanted.

Making the Choice

There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to selecting the best implant for you. Many factors will go into your decision including the current size and shape of your breasts and the results you want to achieve. While cost should never be a final factor in making the right plastic surgery choice for you, gummy bear implants may be out of the budget for some patients.

With so many considerations involved in the selection of your breast implants, it is vital that you work with a plastic surgeon that you feel comfortable with so you can discuss each option as you progress toward your final decision. You want a surgeon that listens carefully to your concerns and aesthetic goals to recommend the best implant and augmentation technique for you. In some cases, that process will include form-stable implants, while other patients will opt for a different implant to ensure they get the best results for them.

Dr. Kurtis Martin at [primary_practice] is committed to ensuring all his patients achieve their aesthetic goals. He will take ample time to assess your personal situation and discuss your desires for your results so he can meet your expectations as closely as possible. If you select form-stable implants for your procedure, rest assured Dr. Martin is certified in this procedure. If you are interested in learning more about your choices in breast augmentation, contact [primary_practice] today at [primary_phone] or 888-616-9061.