Also known as gummy bear implants, these implants are filled with a form-stable gel that will not leak in the rare event of trauma to the implant. For the benefits of their consistent shape and safety features, gummy bear implants have grown in popularity since being approved by the FDA in 2012.
Finally, gummy bear implants last up to 25 years for many people, with only about twenty percent needing to have them removed after ten years or less. For many people, this is the one and only breast implant they need to have during their life.
Gummy bear implants are a little safer than traditional silicone implants because there's no risk of the silicone leaking out into the breast tissues if the implant shell is ruptured.
The main difference between gummy bear and traditional silicone implants is the consistency of the silicone filler gel. Gummy bear implants use a thicker filler material than traditional silicone implants. This helps the implants to better retain their shape, even if the outer shells break.
On average, women replace or remove implants after 10 years .
As mentioned previously, Cook et al7 reported a divorce rate of 28.8% in breast augmentation patients, compared with 18.1% in comparison subjects.
After years of studying gummy bear breast implants, which Dr. Love was a part of, the FDA has declared them safe and available to the public. While they add a more natural look to breast implants, they also require a larger incision during surgery.
Breast implants filled with this gel have a consistency similar to gummy bears, which is why they have earned their nickname. They do not leak: If the implant shell breaks – as it probably will eventually – the ultra-cohesive silicone gel is the only filler that will not leak out.
Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered safe for breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Research on the safety and effectiveness of both types of implants is ongoing.
Unlike traditional round implants, gummy bear implants have a teardrop shape. Implants have a tendency to rotate over time, which could look strange when they are not round. To fight this problem, the gummy bear implant has a textured shell to help it stay in place.
Teardrop breast implants have a gradual slope to them which mimics the shape of a natural breast. They have a narrower contour on the top than on the bottom. As a result, teardrop implants typically deliver more natural-looking results.
After the surgery you will probably feel weak. You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks, and you'll likely have a lot of swelling. You may have a pulling or stretching feeling in your breast area. You can expect to feel better and stronger each day, although you may need pain medicine for a week or two.
It may take up to three months for your breast implants to drop into a more natural position.
Costs. How much breast implants cost depends on the location, doctor, and type of implant used. Typically, the surgery ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Because it is a cosmetic procedure, health insurance usually doesn't cover breast augmentation.
Myth: “If you want round gummy bear implants, you're out of luck.” Contrary to the rumors that highly cohesive silicone gel implants offer no round options, these breast implants come in a variety of shapes to fit nearly any woman's needs.
Silicone implants tend to feel more like natural breast tissue than saline implants. They are also less likely to fold or ripple, giving the patient a smooth and even bosom long-term.
Both natural breast augmentation and breast lift surgery are popular breast implant alternatives. They can adjust and lift the shape of your breasts without the need for more permanent objects.
Average Cost of Breast Augmentation
The average cost of breast implants is around $4,500, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. With additional costs associated with an in-patient procedure such as operating room, anesthesia, and other costs, it can range from $5,000 – $8,000 total.
Some patients find that their breast lift results last for well over 15 years while others may seek minor cosmetic alterations sooner. On average, breast lift results last for 10 to 15 years.
Their silicone shells can be inserted empty and then filled, which allows for more discreet incisions. However, they can also be prone to rippling and will deflate if ruptured.
They are available in the United States only through clinical trials. Typical costs: Breast augmentation with "gummy bear" implants as part of a clinical trial typically costs about $6,000 to $12,000, including the surgeon fee, anesthesia, implants and facility fee.
The recall was requested by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after the agency found that the implants have been linked to a form of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
The Gummy Bear implant is currently made by three different companies, Allergan, Mentor and Sientra. These unique form holding implants were approved by the FDA after eight-year clinical trials with each company.
I simply added up all of those procedures (a total of 4,798,349 since 1997) and divided it by the current U.S. female adult population (124,501,374) and arrived at the estimate that 4 percent of American women alive today have had breast implants.
Based upon the data collected, 8.08 per 1,000 women in the United States reported ever having had some type of breast implant. Approximately 60% of the procedures had been done for cosmetic reasons. Most of the women were White (94.6%) and rates were highest in the South or West.