Are there any down sides to gummy bear implants?

Question

I went on two consults and hears conflicting info. I want silicone unders 325cc. One surgeon with 8yrs exp. and an underwhelming before/after portfolio only uses gummy bears. It sounded perfect. Felt soft, safe, won't leak. The other surgeon with 30yrs exp and a good before/after gallery doesn't use gummies because it requires a larger incision, said they're unnatural feeling and difficult to get into the body because they're harder. But Non gummy implants require MRI's often to check for leaks.

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

Shaped, aka, anatomic or "tear drop", implants currently referred to as "gummy bear" implants are certainly the newest technology out there, but they are not gaining widespread acceptance with plastic surgeons.  I personally use them a fair amount in breast reconstruction cases as much as possible because those patients do not have any breast tissue or any natural tear drop shape to their breast reconstructions.  Cosmetically, by far the majority of patients do have some semblance of natural tear drop shape to their breasts.  For that reason, and because of some of the issues mentioned (not a natural feel, larger incision) as well as the potential for imperfect alignment, I generally prefer round, smooth, gel (or saline for smaller implants relative to native breast volume) implants.  At a recent national plastic surgery meeting an audience (of plastic surgeons) was polled about whether or not the patients in pre- vs. post-op breast augmentation "slides" shown had gotten shaped or round implants. Results showed that only 50% of the surgeons were correct in their answers. For the added cost and risk (of malrotation) I don't think I am yet convinced that shaped implants are best for most of my patients.  Clearly this is my opinion, but I am not alone.  There are those surgeons who will have exactly the opposite opinion, which is fine.  That is why they call them opinions.  Best to find a surgeon with whom you are comfortable and go with them.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend the silicone gummy bear implants.  They are highly cohesive and give you the most ideal result.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with and who is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Best wishes!

Dr. DesaiHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

Most ASAPS board certified plastic surgeons use smooth round silicone implants(80%), they do this for several reasons, the first is silicone round breast implants usually have a natural like bounce. Second they have a low incidence of rupture, third they look good and most often feel the most natural. The Gummy implants are harder and have a significant incidence of fluid collections or seroma. The textured implants have been associated with a rare problem ALCL. Get all the facts before you decide. Also it is good to try on implants, sizers (Mentor) and get a Vectra 3 dimensional analysis. Good luck...

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

All silicone breast implants today would be considered 'gummy bears' because every manufacturer uses a highly cohesive silicone gel. They are all equally safe. All breast implants have a lifelong risk of rupture. (disruption of the enveloping shell) Whether one chooses to get MRIs to monitor for shell disruption after surgery is a personal decision between the patient and the surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I tend to agree with the latter surgeon's description. I will also say that the gummy's are textured and do not move around like the smooth implants, and also the gummy's being anatomic/teardrop shaped have a polarity and that means that if they turn in the body a bit, they may look odd.  Round implants do not have that issue.

Are there any down sides to gummy bear implants?

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Are there any down sides to gummy bear implants?

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