Dr. Kearney’s patients love gummy bears, too, as in gummy bear implants. These implants that were first approved by the FDA in 2012 have what is termed “more cohesive” silicone gel. You could call it thicker.
In this tulip-laden March blog for Dr. Kearney, let’s get into this breast implant choice, the gummy bear implant.
What is the difference between gummy bear implants and traditional implants?
The only real difference is the gel used to fill these implants. The silicone gel in gummy bear implants is more cohesive than traditional silicone gel that tended to be more of a thick liquid consistency. With gummy bear implants — and there isn’t a single type or manufacturer — the gel tends to want to stay together, so even if the implant ruptures the gel remains within the shell. This contrasts with traditional silicone gel that could leave the shell.
There are different gummy gels used. For instance, Natrelle offers three different gummy gels, which they have named “Responsive” to “SoftTouch” to “Cohesive” for the increasing degree of thickness of the cohesive gel.
Because gummy bear implant gel is more cohesive, there are options for teardrop shapes with some of these implants in addition to round. The original gummy bear implants were all teardrop shaped and textured, but that is no longer the case.
How long do gummy bear implants last?
All manufacturers guarantee their implants, including gummy bear implants, for 10 years. If the implants rupture within that time, the company pays for the surgery to remove and replace the ruptured implants. That assumes a baseline of at least a decade for implant lifespan.
However, because of the cohesiveness of gummy bear implants, it’s thought these implants will prove to be more durable. Because they most gummy bear implants were only approved by the FDA in 2012, there isn’t much broad-based, long-term data to see if that is true.
How hard can gummy bear implants feel?
The term gummy bear can be a bit of a misnomer, as most of these implants are not as firm as actual gummy bear candy. There are different thickness profiles offered in these cohesive gel implants, so patients can choose the degree of firmness they want. These implants are thought to feel more like natural breast tissue than other, particularly older, silicone implants. Despite the cohesiveness of the gel, most gummy bear implants would be described as having a soft, squishy feel.
Cohesive gel implants have become the most popular implant type, so if you’re researching breast augmentation you definitely need to put them on your list. Then when you’re ready to talk to Dr. Kearney about breast augmentation, give us a call at (858) 677-9352 to schedule a consultation.
