Gummy bear implants are one of the types of implants that you can choose for breast augmentation. Wondering why people call them gummy bear implants? It is actually a nickname for tear drop-shaped implants which have a consistency similar to gummy bears.
These implants are popular because of their ability to retain their shape, which makes them better than other types of implants, such as silicone and saline.
These implants are also known as a highly cohesive gel. You may not know, but the manufacturing process of breast implants has evolved over the years, giving you the shape and features you see today. People who want to add volume to their breasts are the best candidates for this surgery. However, women who are pregnant or nursing can’t get breast augmentation surgery. Lastly, you must be at least 22 years old for cosmetic silicone implants (saline implants is 18 years old for cosmetic reasons).
There are several things that you need to understand about the gummy bear breast implant surgery. For this reason, we have mentioned some basics related to this procedure. Read the article to make the right decision for you.
A gummy bear implant is made with the help of several materials and techniques. These implants contain an outer shell made from silicone and filler materials. In addition, most of the breast implants contain a saline solution or silicone gel. However, gummy bear implants contain both silicone gel and silicone shell for filling. These implants provide you more benefits compared to other types of silicone implants because of their unique formation.
The number one advantage of these implants is that they can retain their shape and keep the breast naturally soft. When it comes to traditional implants, their shape can get affected when their shells break. However, gummy implants retain their shape in case of any damage to the shells. This is because the gels present in these implants are thick. Another popular implant is saline-based. The saline breast implants are filled with a saline solution (think salt water) and will leak if ruptured.
After years of research, experts have produced breast implants that are safe. Moreover, your cosmetic surgeon will ask you to visit for regular screenings to ensure your implants are in good condition, in the right place, and haven’t ruptured. Years ago, breast implants had a significant risk of rupture and other related complications. When these implants rupture, the gel or solution gets out of the shell and reaches the surrounding tissues.
However, because of the gummy bear breast implants' durability, they are less likely to leak and rupture compared to the saline solution and silicone gel-based implants. But the risk is that if your gummy bear implants leak, it is tricky to notice the leaks compared to saline breast implants. This is why screening can help you detect the issues at an early stage. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), patients need MRIs every three years when they place silicone implants and every two years after that.
Like other types of breast implants, the gummy bear breast implants' primary objective is to improve the size and shape of your breast. Breast implant surgery doesn't address droopiness. People who have concerns about it need to communicate with their cosmetic surgeon. They may recommend you to opt for breast lift surgery and breast augmentation.
Traditional silicone and saline implants usually offer you a round shape. This is why there will be no problem if your breast implants move from their position in the future, as most breast implants do.
Furthermore, gummy bear implants have a tear-drop shape. Plus, they are denser and thicker compared to the other two renowned types of implants. This option is best for you if you don’t want a significant fullness in the breast, especially on the upper part. It also gives a highly natural drop to the bottom half of your breast. However, they can become more visible when the implants change their position. This is because they don't have the same shape on all sides.
The shell of these gummy bear implants usually has texture to prevent the shifting or rotating of these tear-drop-shaped implants. This allows the tissues surrounding the implants to grow into them. Moreover, these textured and shaped implants have a significantly lower rate of health complications, known as capsular contracture. In this condition, the tissues surrounding the breast implants become abnormally thick or tight, causing pain and asymmetrical and an unappealing appearance. The capsular contracture falls in the category of the most common surgical complications related to breast implants. It is also one of the common reasons for reoperation.
You also need to understand that no insurance company will cover breast augmentation surgery. This is why your insurance will not work for your breast implant procedure. So, you have to pay out of pocket.
Moreover, gummy bear implant surgery is far more expensive than traditional implants. You may have to pay more than $6,000 from your pocket. The cost greatly depends on your chosen surgeon, technique, and surgery center.
You also need to keep in mind that you may have to pay for some additional costs related to gummy bear breast implants besides the surgery’s expenses. This may include anesthesia and hospital fees. Some health providers may also charge for bras for patients to wear during recovery. The best way to avoid etting into any problem is to verify any cost related to your surgery ahead of time. Make sure to consider the cost of the things you will need during the recovery period, as it may take several weeks to get fully recovered.
Although gummy bear implants provide you excellent results, there are risks related to this procedure. Every type of breast implant surgery carries the risk of the following things.
· Wrinkling of breast tissues
· Vomiting and nausea from the anesthesia
· Scarring
· Pain
· Rupturing of the implant
· Nipple sensation changes
· Infection
It is also vital to understand that the results of the breast augmentation surgery are not permanent. Besides having plenty of risks, breast implants do not last forever, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. You may need another surgery to remove or replace them at a point in your life. On average, people replace or remove implants 15-20 yrs after the initial surgery. Not to mention, the longer you will have an implant, the more chances you will have for complications or side effects.
You need to have a stable body weight before the surgery. Plus, any great changes in your weight, whether you gain or lose weight, can damage your breast's appearance. The gummy bear's tear-drop shape is a perfect option for you if you don't want your implants to look round. But these also have a risk of rotation at some point in the future. In that case, your breast will have an unappealing, irregular shape until you visit your surgeon and decide on a treatment to fix your implant.
Now you may have an idea of gummy bear implants and how they are different from other breast implants. Gummy bear breast implants have a more durable composition, which gives them the ability to last longer than other types of implants. This is the primary reason why people opt for these breast implants over others. It also helps you achieve the desired cosmetic appearance of your breast. You will get a more defined and beautiful shape, which is the reason for the surgery.
However, you need to pay a good amount for this procedure. This is because they are expensive compared to saline and silicone-based implants. Lastly, these implants are not completely risk-free. This is why it’s vital to find a cosmetic surgeon who can provide you desired results while keeping you safe. When it comes to the best doctor, look for the ones who are experienced, have great reviews online and ask around from your friends. This way, you will not have to worry about your implants and enjoy the newer and beautiful look.
Dr. Wiliam Albright is a top-rated plastic surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, dedicated to providing exceptional value through patienteducation, empowerment, and incredible results.
