Let’s Discuss The Gummy Bear Implant!

Breast enhancement surgery is not just about physical transformation; it’s about reclaiming confidence and embracing a new chapter of self-assurance. For many women in Brentwood and Nashville, TN, the prospect of enhancing their appearance brings a sense of excitement and empowerment. The advent of Gummy Bear Implants, with their advanced ‘gummy bear’ technology, offers an option that combines a natural feel with enhanced shape and safety. At Garza Plastic Surgery, Dr. Robert Garza understands the importance of choosing the right implants. His expertise ensures that each consultation explores the emotional and practical aspects, helping you make a confident decision.

When considering breast enhancement surgery, it’s crucial to decide on the right implant size, placement, shape, and type. Traditionally, options were limited to saline or traditional silicone implants. In 2012, the FDA approved a new type of silicone implant called form-stable silicone gel breast implants, or Gummy Bear Implants, due to their similarity to gummy bear candies. These implants have become popular in Brentwood and Nashville, TN, with many patients at Garza Plastic Surgery inquiring about them during consultations.

Dr. Robert Garza, experienced with all types of implants, can guide you through the benefits and drawbacks of each during your consultation. Here’s a closer look at Gummy Bear Implants to help you feel more informed before your appointment and answer the most frequently asked questions about Gummy Bear Implants. 

What Are Gummy Bear Implants?

Gummy Bear Implants, also known as highly cohesive gel implants or anatomical breast implants, represent an advanced option in breast augmentation surgery. Unlike traditional silicone implants, Gummy Bear Implants are made from a denser, form-stable silicone gel that maintains its shape more effectively. This gel, likened to the consistency of gummy bears, is created by cross-linking silicone molecules, resulting in a solid and stable implant. This firmness shouldn’t be confused with being hard; these implants closely mimic the feel of natural breast tissue.

The teardrop shape of Gummy Bear Implants mimics natural breasts, providing a more authentic look and feel. This feature has become increasingly popular as current trends show a preference for results that appear natural while still enhancing volume and shape. The thick silicone gel maintains the implant shape and adds firmness, further enhancing the natural appearance sought by many patients. Additionally, the cohesive nature of the gel prevents leakage in case of rupture, ensuring added safety.

Benefits of Gummy Bear Implants

Natural Look and Feel: Gummy Bear Implants are designed in such a way that closely resembles natural breast tissue, providing a remarkably realistic aesthetic outcome. They are available in a variety of shapes, including round and anatomical (teardrop), and a wide range of sizes measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). This new silicone gel ensures that the implants maintain their shape and firmness, enhancing both the appearance and feel of the breasts. This advanced technology not only mimics natural breast contours but also offers stability and durability, with options that fit individual body types and aesthetic goals.

Shape Retention: The thick silicone gel helps the implants maintain their shape, even when changing positions, providing a consistent and natural look. Rippling is not something you will have to worry about with gummy bear implants.

Stable Positioning: The contoured design ensures that the implants stay in place, maintaining a stable and balanced breast shape over time.

Leak Prevention: The highly cohesive gel filling prevents leakage in the unlikely event of rupture, enhancing the safety profile of these implants.

Lower Risk of Complications: The textured surface reduces the likelihood of rippling and folding, and the dense gel is less likely to migrate within the breast tissue, potentially lowering the risk of complications like capsular contracture.

Considerations and Safety

While Gummy Bear Implants, such as those offered by brands like Sientra, Mentor MemoryShape, and Allergan Natrelle 410, offer many benefits, there are considerations to keep in mind. The thicker silicone gel and shaped design require a slightly longer incision for insertion. However, these are minor trade-offs for the desired outcome.

Safety: Gummy Bear Implants have undergone rigorous clinical trials and received FDA approval in 2012, ensuring their safety and efficacy. Many consider them safer than traditional silicone implants because the cohesive gel remains intact even if the shell ruptures, reducing the risk of leakage.

Comparing to Traditional Implants

Traditional breast implants typically include saline and silicone gel options. Saline implants are filled with saltwater after insertion, offering adjustability but may feel less natural and have a higher risk of rippling. Silicone gel implants, pre-filled with cohesive gel, provide a more natural look and feel, though they require larger incisions and periodic monitoring for silent ruptures. Gummy Bear Implants, filled with highly cohesive silicone gel, maintain shape and reduce rippling, offering a teardrop shape that mimics natural breasts. They have a lower risk of capsular contracture but require longer incisions and may rotate within the breast pocket. Comparatively, Gummy Bear Implants and traditional silicone gel implants are favored for their natural feel and appearance, while saline implants are valued for cost-effectiveness and rupture visibility. Choosing the right implant type involves considering aesthetic goals, body type, and risks discussed with a plastic surgeon.

Filling Material: Gummy Bear Implants are filled with a highly dense silicone gel, providing a solid and form-stable consistency. Traditional silicone implants use a softer gel, and saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution.

Look and Feel: Gummy Bear Implants offer a more due to their cohesive gel. Silicone implants are softer and provide a natural texture, while saline implants have a firmer feel and allow for adjustable volume during surgery.

Risk of Complications: All implant types are FDA-approved and safe. Because of the dense gel that Gummy Bear Implants contain the leakage risk is minimized. Silicone implants have evolved to reduce leakage, and saline implants are safe with a saline solution that the body can absorb if ruptured.

Cost and Longevity

Cost: Gummy Bear Implants tend to be the most expensive due to advanced technology and clinical trials. Silicone implants are priced higher than saline but offer a more comfortable feel. Saline implants are typically the least expensive option.

Longevity: Gummy Bear Implants are durable and long-lasting, with an estimated lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Proper care immediately after the procedure is crucial for optimal healing and longevity. Following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and wearing supportive garments as recommended, can help minimize complications and promote healing. Regular follow-ups with your breast implant specialist are essential to monitor the condition of your implants and ensure they are functioning well.

In the long run, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight can contribute to the longevity of your implants. While there are no specific exercises you cannot do with implants, it’s advisable to avoid activities that excessively strain the chest muscles, such as heavy lifting or intense upper body workouts, especially soon after surgery. These activities can potentially impact the position and stability of the implants. Consulting with your surgeon before resuming vigorous exercise routines is recommended to ensure you can safely enjoy physical activities without compromising the integrity of your implants.

Making the Right Choice

Deciding whether Gummy Bear Implants are right for you involves consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon.  Your surgeon will take into account your current breast size and shape, which can influence the implant size and type needed to achieve your desired outcome. For individuals with more natural breast tissue, the implants may be used to enhance volume while maintaining a natural appearance. Conversely, if you have minimal breast tissue, your surgeon may recommend a teardrop-shaped implant to provide a more natural contour. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the various shapes and sizes available, tailoring the recommendation to suit your body type and aesthetic preferences. This personalized approach ensures that your breast augmentation achieves both natural-looking results and enhances your overall satisfaction with the procedure.

Gummy Bear Implants offer a natural look and feel, making them an excellent choice for those prioritizing a realistic appearance. They are also suitable for breast reconstruction surgeries. However, if sagging breasts are a concern, a breast lift might be more appropriate. 

Gummy Bear Implants in Brentwood and Nashville, TN

At Garza Plastic Surgery, we offer Gummy Bear Implants as an option for breast augmentation. Being an informed patient is essential to make the best choice for your unique needs. 

We hope this article answers your questions about Gummy Bear Implants. If not, we’d be happy to answer any further questions you have during your complimentary consultation. Take the first step towards enhancing your beauty and boosting your confidence, and schedule your consult with Dr. Garza today.