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Explaining all the subtleties of saline vs silicone vs gummy bear anatomic implants could turn into a long answer, and that's what an in person consultation is for. I'll do my best to summarize the important differences here. 1. All implants come in a silicone shell, and your body will form a layer of scar tissue called a capsule in response to any implant. If saline implants rupture, the silicone shell stays within the capsule and your body absorbs any leaking fluid. Most companies have a lifetime warranty to replace your implants and help cover some of the replacement surgery cost, but it can take several weeks to process the refund, and your capsule may shrink down during this time, which can make replacement a little more tricky. If silicone implants rupture, most of the time you can't see or feel a difference since the gel stays in the capsule. If the implant is ruptured for several years, the gel can cause inflammation in the capsule, which is one potential cause of capsular contracture. The gel can sometimes also "bleed" out of the capsule into the breast tissue, which in rare cases might become infected or become difficult to completely remove. 2. Saline implants are filled after they are placed under the breast tissue or muscle, and silicone implants come pre filled. In some cases of asymmetry, saline may allow for closer balance of asymmetry, but silicone implants are made with smaller differences between sizes now, so balancing asymmetry is getting easier with silicone. 3. Gummy bear implants are anatomic shaped. It is commonly said that this creates a more natural look, but in a recent journal paper, doctors and patients couldn't tell whether implants were anatomic or round based on after photos. These implants are textured, which means they cling to the tissues a little like Velcro. They have lower rates of "bottoming out" or displacing into the armpit, but they have a small risk of twisting, which could lead to a deformed shape, requiring revision surgery. Also, textured implants are linked to a form of lymphoma that can develop around the implant called ALCL. It's extremely rare, but it does not appear to be linked to smooth implants. 4. Profile refers to how much the implant "sticks out" off the chest in comparison to how wide it is. In general, low profile implants look more like pancakes, and high profile implants look more like torpedos. Although higher profile implants tend to look more rounded and artificial than low profile, the final look also depends on chest and breast shape, the amount of natural breast tissue, and how the implant is placed. 5. Saline implants are the least expensive, followed by silicone. Gummy bear or "form stable" implants are the most expensive. But when you factor in revision surgery, it becomes less clear what the best "investment" is since saline implants have higher rates of rupture and capsular contracture. The bottom line is that there are some definite differences in the implants themselves, and sometimes one particular implant type offers advantages for certain patients based on anatomy or the desired "after" look. But the best choice for any individual often comes down to a matter of personal preference. I encourage you to find a few board certified plastic surgeons who have a lot of experience in breast surgery and who have before and after photos you like.
Gummy Bear implants refer to the cohesive gel (silicone) that is currently used to fill most implants. Some implants have an extremely high level of cohesiveness that give them a feel of a gummy bear. High profile or moderate plus or moderate or super high profile simply refer to the base diameter vs. projection ratio. Simply put, the higher the profile, the more projection you achieve. I usually reserve high profile implants for the patients that want to be quite large yet avoid too much "side boob".
Cohesive gel?…Form stable?...Gummy Bear?…what do these terms have in common? With the recent introduction and FDA approval of the next generation of devices, the attention of patients, physicians and the media has been focused on these terms. While these devices have certainly captured the public’s attention, an in-depth understanding continues to evade most.Following the FDA moratorium on the use of silicone gel filled breast in 1992, “cohesive gel implants” were introduced to the market. How do these devices differ from their predecessors? The silicone gel of a cohesive gel implant is firmer (via the addition of proprietary cross-linker). The greater the cross-linking the firmer the device will feel. The result is a filling that doesn’t leak when the shell is compromised in the way that a traditional liquid does. This quality is best illustrated when cutting a device in half…it doesn’t yield a gooey mess but instead two stable halves. Generally speaking today’s silicone implants are all “cohesive gel implants.” This broad term has been inappropriately applied to the next generation of “highly cohesive gel implants.” However, the recent media attention on “cohesive gel implants” is not warranted and is in fact misplaced. These newest devices to reach the market are form stable implants. These higher strength silicone gel implants were approved by the FDA in March 2012. They contain a more “highly cohesive gel.” This increase confers upon these devices the ability to maintain shape irrespective of position. This quality has earned them the informal nickname of “Gummy Bear” implants. Imagine cutting into a gummy bear candy and the effect is the same. While these implants are new, “novelty” does not necessarily equal “better.” There is a device for every patient. Form stable implants have both advantages/disadvantages. The advantages are: shape retention, no shell folding/wrinkling, no leakage, decreased capsular contracture. The disadvantages include: increased cost, limitations related to access incision, increased technical difficulty, device rotation. There are currently 3 devices with FDA approval available to the public at large. They are the Allergan/Inamed 410, Mentor Memory Shape, Sientra. Each represents a different point along the cohesive gel spectrum, the former being the firmest and the latter the softest. Patients will often struggle with choices of implant profile as much as volume. Thus it is important to understand what these terms mean. For a given volume, there are typically a few profiles. The differences between them are the actual device dimensions. The projection of the device (distance from flat base or backside of the implant to the peak of the dome or the front side) will vary with the width. For a given volume, a wider device will project less than a narrower device. If you actually reviewed the measurements for your potential options, the differences would be subtle (on the order of millimeters).In general, traditional silicone implants are preferred over saline implants by many patients and surgeons for their more natural feel. Both are safe and durable options. However, silicone is generally preferred for its aesthetics (softer, less ripple).As when making decisions about any form of surgery, patients should have an in-depth consultation with their board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) before selecting the type of implant to use. While form stable anatomic implants are newer, they may not be suitable for all patients.
Hi there, brandy82. Gummy bear implants are so called because they remain solid when cut in half, much like the inside of a gummy bear. A silicone implant contains a gel, which is a thick fluid, not dissimilar to the feel of human fat. Saline, on the other hand, is sterile salt water. Unlike gummy bear and silicone implants, a saline implant is surgically inserted while empty and then filled once it is in place. Profile refers to projection – how far out they come from the body. A high profile implant will give you the fullest and roundest breasts, which some people describe as a more ‘obvious’ augmented look. You can discuss which type of ‘look’ you are hoping for with your surgeon, who can advise on which type of implant will be best for you.
Thank you for your question.Gummy Bear implants are thicker and firmer silicone breast implants. Originally they were designed for shaped aka anatomic breast implants. These implants have a tear drop shape similar to a natural non augmented breasts. In regards to profiles, one first needs to measure the width of your breasts. Suppose the width of your breast is 11.4 cm. You have four basic choices when choosing silicone breast implants. If you choose a 215cc low profile implant the thickness of the implant measures 2.8 cm. If you want more fullness you can choose a 250cc moderate profile implant which is thicker at 3.4 cm. If you choose a 325cc high profile implant the thickness is even more, 4.6 cm. If you still want greater projection you can choose an ultra high 480cc implant with a projection of 5.8 cm. All four implants will fit your breasts. Each implant will give you a different cup size. We have special breast sizers that you can place in a bra and get an idea of what the different size implants will look like on you. Patients find this very beneficial.
Best to seek in person opinions from boarded PSs in our are. Have a written list of ALL your concerns and questions to be answered during your consolations. Based upon the few posted photos I recommend cohesive gel moderate + implants..
Hello, thanks for your question, gummy bear implanta is the popular name for silicon cohersive gel implants, the silicone gel inside this implants are 5th and 6th generation, and is a firm gel that in case of puncture it remains solid not coming out of the implant, thats the main difference from saline, which drain out if puncture, also saline fake to touch is more noticeable. Nowadays most of silicone implants are "Gummy bear" cohersive silicone gel.Hope that answer your question.Regards.
Selecting the appropriate volume implant to use is a very individual decision. Putting in implants is not like putting bumpers on Chevrolets. Each patient is different. You might get a lot of differing opinions on this website, but none of them is as good as the opinion of someone who can ex...
Thanks for your question and photos. It's difficult to say from your photos but it looks like the lines are either stretch marks or just compression of the skin from your postop bandage. If it's from the bandage then they should get significantly better as time goes on and the s...
Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. You may be an excellent candidate for breast augmentation surgery. It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually. There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size...