“Gummy Bear” Breast Implants

With the FDA recently approving another form-stable cohesive silicone breast implant manufactured by Mentor, doctors and women have now three different companies providing them with a large choice of teardrop-shaped breast implants. These types of implants are commonly referred to as "gummy bear breast implants." The three implant manufacturers are Sientra, Allergan and Mentor. To hold the shape of these newer implants, the silicone gel is firmer than what is typically used for standard profile round implants. These form-stable implants offer women additional options for breast augmentation surgery.

One of the advantages of these teardrop breast implants is that they are tapered, so there is more fullness in the bottom of the implant and less on the top, matching the shape of the natural breast. For that reason, they are most desirable for women who would like to emphasize the fullness in the central portion of the breast rather than also the upper pole. Less wrinkling risks are expected and in some women, the additional firmness of the implants could be helpful when the skin is very thin. Because the gel is thicker, a slightly longer incision to insert the implant is commonly necessary. This is one of the disadvantages of these implants. Another is the potential rotation, which could distort the breast shape if the thicker part of the implant lands away from the bottom of the breast.  

Before choosing an implant, all women should discuss with their plastic surgeon potential risks and benefits and find out whether form-stable breast implants are good a choice for them.   

Call us at Mangat-Holzapfel Plastic Surgery for a consultation at (513) 984-FACE in Cincinnati, (859) 331-9600 in Northern Kentucky, or (970) 766-FACE in the Vail Valley of Colorado.

"Gummy Bear" Breast Implants
Posted in Body Procedures.