Gummy Bear Implants (Form Stable Implants)
Making Informed Decisions
Breast augmentations are highly customizable surgeries, and there are many decisions you need to make during the process. One of the decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the type of implant you wish to use for your breast augmentation. Knowing your options and being educated on all the factors that come with them will help you make the best choice for you and your surgery. Here’s what you need to know.
Your Implant Options
To help you learn more about implants for breast augmentations, we will discuss the two different types available: silicone and saline, but there is also a third type of implant you may have heard of. Gummy bear implants are textured implants that are named for their unique properties. They are made of a cohesive gel material that holds its shape even when cut, much like a gummy bear. However, these implants are no longer available on the market. In 2019, they were voluntarily recalled, but there are other options you can choose from for your breast augmentation that will provide beautiful, natural results.
What Are Silicone and Saline Implants?
Silicone and saline breast implants are two types of implants used in breast augmentation surgeries. Both types are FDA-approved and have been used for many years to enhance the size and shape of breasts. Here is a discussion comparing silicone and saline breast implants, including their composition, advantages, disadvantages, and considerations.
Silicone Implants
These implants have an outer shell that is made of silicone elastomer and filled with a cohesive silicone gel. This gel is a thick, tacky substance that closely resembles the feel of natural breast tissue.
Saline Implants
These implants also have an outer shell made of silicone elastomer, but the inside is filled with a sterile saltwater solution (saline). The outer shell is made of silicone elastomer.
Feel and Appearance
One of the most important factors to consider for your implants is how they look and feel. Silicone and saline implants each have their own appearance and texture. Whichever one you choose depends on the results you desire from your breast augmentation.
- Silicone Implants: Many patients find that silicone implants provide a more natural look and feel compared to saline implants. The cohesive gel filling gives the breasts a soft and pliable texture, much like natural breast tissue.
- Saline Implants: Saline implants tend to have a firmer feel and may not provide the same level of natural softness and movement as silicone implants. However, the appearance can still be pleasing, especially when properly sized and positioned.
Safety and Risks
Every procedure comes with risks, including breast augmentations and implants. However, we take every precaution to reduce the likelihood of risks to provide a safe surgery and smooth recovery. With that said, here are some risks associated with breast implants so you can be completely informed when making your next decision.
- Silicone Implants: Extensive research has been conducted to assess the safety of silicone implants. The current generation of silicone implants has a low risk of rupture, and the silicone gel used is cohesive, reducing the risk of migration after a rupture.
- Saline Implants: Saline implants are considered safe and have a lower risk of complications when compared to silicone implants. However, they may have a slightly higher risk of visible rippling or wrinkling.
It’s important to note that the decision between silicone and saline implants should be made during a consultation with one of our qualified plastic surgeons. They will assess your goals, body characteristics, and medical history and discuss with you the most suitable options based on them.
Surgical Considerations
When you choose which implants you want for your breast augmentation, you might also want to consider how each implant affects your surgery. Here are some of the factors you can discuss with your provider to determine which option is best for you.
Implant Placement
Potential Ruptures
- Silicone Implants: Ruptures in silicone implants are known as “silent ruptures” because they may not cause noticeable changes in appearance or sensation. If a rupture occurs, the silicone gel may stay in the implant capsule or migrate to surrounding tissues. Regular ultrasound or MRI screenings are recommended to detect silent ruptures. Surgical removal or replacement is typically required.
- Saline Implants: When a saline implant ruptures, the saline solution is harmlessly absorbed by the body. Ruptures are usually easily detectable as it’s often noticeable when the implant deflates. Surgical removal or replacement is necessary.
Size and Shape Options
Your Personalized Consultation
There are many factors to consider when choosing your breast implants, but you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to help you take your next steps toward the beautiful and natural results you desire. Contact us at Gayoso Plastic Surgery and MedSpa to schedule your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons for a more personalized discussion about which implant type is right for you.