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What are gummy bear implants?
Nicknamed the "gummy bear" implant, cohesive gel implants have the consistency and texture
of a gummy bear when cut into. Made of the exact materials of a traditional silicone implant,
the gummy bear implant includes a component that makes molecules bind to each other in a
manner that creates a stable shape and overall form. Unlike traditional implants, gummy
bear implants will keep their form, and appear to have a more natural feel to them. There
has not been the rippling and folding, leading to rupture or leakage that is usually
associated with more traditional implants with these implants. If rupture does occur, it
has been reported that the gel will not leak out- this is a factor that will require more
research, it is unclear what the effects silicon leakage within the body have.
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Are there any problems associated with silicon and saline implants?
The problems associated with silicon and saline implants seem to revolve around the
rippling and rupture. The rippling effect occurs when the implant is not filled correctly
with the saline solution, and at times a sloshing sound can be heard. Rupture occurs,
causing many women not just embarrassment and discomfort emotionally, but the physical
pain of enduring another procedure presents itself. Many times if the implant is filled
too tight, there is hardening of the breasts and pain has been associated with that.
Although the cohesive gel implant is being touted the appropriate choice for a more
"natural look" the downside to a form stable implant is the method in which it must be
inserted into the body.
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How are the gummy bear implants inserted?
Many appreciate the TUBA (trans-umbilical breast augmentation) method that many surgeons
use with implants - it is where the implant is inserted through an incision in the navel;
there are no visible scars with this procedure. Even silicone implants are not inserted
in this manner, due to their density and inability to be folded an inserted through the
appropriate equipment. Given the form stable shape and form of the gummy bear implant,
the implant requires a longer incision, and must be done via the armpit, underneath the
breast or through the areola.
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Are silicone gel implants more desirable?
Manufacturers believe that the cohesive silicone gel implant is desirable for two
reasons - first, the cohesive gel implant may be the solution to the most important concerns
regarding silicone implants: discovery and removal of silicone outside the implant capsule.
If the filler material binds to itself, as researchers claim, the risk of silicon spreading
to other areas of the body is avoided.
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How do the gummy bear implants look and feel?
The gummy bear implants look and feel like natural breast tissue. The implants will
provide another safe and effective option for women who want to enhance the shape and size
of their breasts for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes.
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What are the safety issues associated with silicone implants?
While the FDA has only granted preliminary approval for one type of silicone implant, the
safety of all silicone breast implants has, again, become a major concern. National
Institutes of Health researchers have conducted numerous studies, all of which have
determined no link to silicone implants and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus, and MS. Researchers have also found no link between breast cancer and
silicone breast implants, once thought to be a contributing factor.
According to numerous studies, the only risks associated with silicone breast implants are
local complications such as capsular contracture (scar tissue which squeezes on the
implants) and the effects of silicone on the body after a rupture or leak. Soon it will
be determined if the new cohesive gel implants will provide a promising solution to some
of these major safety concerns.
Although gummy bear implants have been in use overseas for little over a decade, the FDA is in the process
of learning more and conducting clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of its
use in the United States.
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Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
