The FDA approved “Gummy Bear” Implants in early 2013. They’ve become a very popular request for patients at Smith Surgery
and across the nation. But, many women are often hesitant and have concerns
before they choose to get implants. We would like to spend some time looking
at common misconceptions about Gummy Bear implants. But first, a little
background:
Gummy Bear Implants
Also called “form stable” or “cohesive” implants, Gummy Bear implants were very popular in Europe before coming to America. They look and feel very similar to a natural breast, are easily customized to each patient, and hold their shape over a long period of time.
Some advantages they have over saline or silicone implants include:
- they are less likely to rupture or leak,
- less likely to cause rippling in the breast,
- and are also said to be more comfortable.
Misconceptions About Gummy Bear Implants
Here are 3 common concerns we often hear from women inquiring about Gummy Bear Implants:
- They will feel too firm. These implants are slightly firmer than other implant options, but firm is good. Younger patients rarely have this complaint because their breasts still have a youthful firmness to them; so they don’t notice much of a difference after the procedure. Women who are older or who have lost a large amount of weight may feel a significant increase in firmness because their breasts have stretched and lost elasticity over the years. It’s important to remember that a desirable bust looks firm, even if it feels different than what you’ve become accustomed to.
- I will be able to see the incision after the surgery. Compared to saline implants - which require a very small incision because they are filled after being inserted into the breast - the incision for Gummy Bear implants is larger. These implants are not deformable and cannot be squeezed through tiny incisions. Usually the incision length will need to be 4.5-5 cm long. Cutting an incision under the breast gives the surgeon the best visibility to make an accurate and delicate insertion. An incision under the breast is not noticeable in a bikini. Since Gummy Bear implants hold their shape, they need to be put in exactly the right place. It is crucial that you choose a doctor with years of experience with this particular procedure. This will ensure you get the best results with the least visible scarring as possible.
- I heard they can rotate as time goes on. As we mentioned in the last misconception, Gummy Bear implants hold their shape and need to be placed in exactly the right place. They are teardrop shaped, meaning they are start skinnier at the top then get wider towards the bottom. This is also known as anatomically shaped. If the implant rotates in the body, the breast will look disfigured. This rotation is extremely rare if you choose a surgeon who is experienced and skilled with these types of implants. If a rotation does happen, unfortunately the only way to fix it is to remove and replace them. At your first consultation, ask your doctor to explain the risks you have for rotation as they differ from patient to patient.
These concerns can all be avoided with the correct choice of surgeon. The more you know about the procedure and the more you questions you ask your doctor, the more likely you will be to make the correct choice for your implants.
Dr. Smith has been using Gummy Bear implants in Las Vegas for years and has a wealth of knowledge about them. He, along with the rest of our team in Las Vegas, is always happy to answer any questions. For more information, contact us or schedule a consultation today.
