Everything You Need To Know About Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Cohesive implants have become extremely popular although not available to the general United States population. Only a handful of surgeon's are permitted to use cohesive implants as part of a clinical trial. Dr. Steven Teitelbaum of Santa Monica, California, is one of the most experienced surgeons to use cohesive implants and is the only surgeon who can receive implants from the three companies that manufacture them. These implants, also called gummy bear implants because of the consistency of the gel filling, has been used outside the U.S. for the past decade with positive results.

The gummy bear consistency of the gel filling contained in cohesive implants give them many advantages over other types of implants. Cohesive implants are able to maintain their shape and last longer than other implants. These implants also have a textured surface to prevent rotation. Since they are anatomically shaped, they tend to look more natural and beautiful. When the implants are placed, they are done so in a way that they will not move around or rotate. These implants are not affected by movement or gravity like other implants are. Also, should the implant rupture, it is believed that the gel filling would not seep into surrounding tissue and would retain its shape. It is not fully known what would happen in the case of a rupture since there has been only one reported case of this happening.

While results with cohesive implants have been very good, they do have some disadvantages. Because of its firmness, a cohesive implant's shape cannot be manipulated for placement. Therefore, the incision through which the implant is inserted must be longer. Depending on where the incision is made, a larger visible scar may remain. Another disadvantage is that, although rare, should an implant rotate, the shape will be distorted since these implants are anatomically shaped. Rotation is more likely to occur with revision surgery where the implant is being downsized. Once a smaller implant is placed, the texture surface doesn't come into contact with the surround tissue to help hold it in place which can lead to rotation. Another disadvantage to consider is cost. Cohesive implants cost significantly more than other implants. However, since these implants are offered only as part of a clinical study in the United States, women who choose to participate in a study may have all of their costs reimbursed over a ten-year period.