Cohesive breast implants (aka gummy bear
breast implants) Natrelle 410 – Mentor CPG – have been used worldwide for
nearly 15 years and have undergone over 6 years of rigorous testing in the
United States. Despite international patient enthusiasm for gummy bear breast
implants, the opinions of many European plastic surgeons is that cohesive
implants are the best breast
Implants in the world, and in spite of the
most favorable data on any breast implant, cohesive breast implants are not yet
widely available in the United States. For now, they are only available to
limited numbers of patients fortunate to find doctors participating in the
clinical trials of cohesive gel breast implants.
Q: Why Gummy Bear Breast
Implants are a Sweeter Alternative to Saline Breast Implants?
Saline filled breast implants and other
liquid-filled implants have enjoyed a long reign as the solitary choice for
women who wanted to enhance their breast size. But now, high-strength
silicone gel implants, commonly known as “gummy bear” implants are proving to
be a much more acceptable option.
Q. What are “gummy bear” breast
implants?
Gummy bear implants Houstonare implants that are made of a high-strength
silicone gel. The material is very dense, resulting in a semi-solid form.
High-strength gel implants have been nicknamed “gummy bears” because, when cut,
they adhere just as gummy bear candy would.
Q. What are the benefits of
high-strength silicone gel implants?
High-strength gel implants differ
significantly from liquid-filled saline and silicone implants, and they offer
unique advantages. Because they are semi-solid, they maintain their shape and
remain in an upright position. Unlike liquid-filled implants, they are not
likely to wrinkle, fold or ripple. And liquid-filled implants, when overfilled,
can be hard. Gummy bear breast implants feel soft and natural.
Q. Where to get
Gummy Bear Implants in Houston?
You can get those implants at Plastic Surgery Houston Center for
Cosmetic Surgery.
Q. Will they look and feel
natural?
High-strength gel implants are the next
dimension in breast implants. Designed to replicate the look and feel of a
natural breast, they are soft to the touch and maintain their shape for a
natural, upright appearance.
Q. Are they comfortable?
Many of the study participants who had
previous breast implants say that, in terms of comfort, they can’t feel the
high-strength gel implants underneath the skin, but that they could always feel
saline implants. In addition, there is no sloshing sound, which can occur with
liquid implants.
Q. Are they safe?
I believe high-strength gel implants will
prove to be very safe. Silimed, the manufacturer of the breast implants, holds
an ISO 9001certificate for meeting strict industry standards in the
manufacturing process, as well as a perfect FDA rating under the FDA Custom
Good Manufacturing Process (CGMP).
Q. Where are they available?
Silimed’s high-strength silicone gel implants
have been popular in Europe since 1995 and in Canada since 2000. But the FDA
has only approved testing them in the U.S. in 2002. Currently, the Silimed
brand of high-strength gel implant is being studied for mass use in breast
augmentation, breast lift and breast reconstruction surgery.
Q. What is the purpose of the
study?
The goal of this study is to ensure that the
FDA, along with breast implant manufacturers can provide substantiated data on
the safety and effectiveness of the devices. Specifically, they are examining
rupture rates, as well as the causes and effects of the ruptures. High-strength
gel implants, though much less likely to rupture, are also being studied, but
mainly because of the overall safety concerns that have arisen from the use of
liquid-filled implants.
Q. If I have breast implants,
but I’m unhappy with the results, can I participate in the study?
You may participate in the study if you are in
good health, are at least 18 and you have had a previous breast augmentation
with which you are not satisfied.
Q. Will I be able to get the size I want?
There are 9 models of Silimed’s high-strength gel implants and they are
available in a variety of sizes. In fact, at my practice, we recently began
testing a super-large size that allows us to achieve cup sizes of “D” to “DDD.”
This implant size, from 600 to 1,000 cc, was not available when the study was
begun. Prior to the procedure, your surgeon will help you determine the
appropriate model to achieve the look you desire.
Q. How will I be prepared for
the procedure?
Prior to your acceptance to the study, you
will be required to undergo and pass a physical exam, diagnostic tests, health
screenings and mammograms. You may be referred to other physicians to complete
some of these tests. In addition, you will be asked to take photographs and
complete medical and other forms related to the procedure. Your surgeon will
also meet with you to discuss any precautions, questions you may have about the
implants, your desired results and surgery aftercare.
