| 18 November 2009
Vs. Non-Gummy Bear Breast Implants and Saline
Gummy Bears are the candy that are soft and pliable but dont lleak when they are cut in half. This is the name chosen for a type of silicone gel breast implant that behaves similarly. Gummy bear implants are more cohesive (thicker) than regular silicone gel breast implants. The whole idea behind them is to guard against leakage of silicone gel if and when the implant shelll ruptures. This may in turn decrease the risk of capsular contracture. Unfortunately, these hopeful advantages have not yet been proven, but studies are underway. We do know that gummy bear implants are much less likely to ripple or wrinkle than saline, and also less likely than regular silicone. So, if you have silicone gel implants that wrinkle, then gummy bear implants may be for you….someday.
FDA Approval
Unfortunately, gummy bear implants are not appproved by the FDA, which is why they are not yet available to the public in the U.S. Projected date for their hoopeful approval is unknown. In the meantime, you can get them in some other countries….but I always recommend waiting until any product receives FDA approval before using it.
Shape and Texture
Gummy Bear breast implants are so thick that they must necessarily be shaped (teardrop) - so round is not an option. Also, because thye are shaped, they are made textured to prevent rotation after placement. So, if you ever do get gummy bear implants, shaped textured ones are the only options.
Outlook
I can’t wait for the day that Gummy bear breast implants are available in this country – and I AM optimistic that that day will come….I just do not know when. Gummy Bear breat implants will offer women another important option for both breast augmentation and breast reconstruction.
Breast Wishes!
Dr. Loftus
Author and Plastic Surgeon
