Cohesive Gel Implants: Leakage, Shape, And Scar Tissue

The Gummy Bear implant was first introduced to the world in the early 1990s. The rest of the world immediately embraced them, but America did not. The FDA would soon ban the use of the silicone gel implant because of the many incidents of implant rupture, so they were not about to allow American women to use this implant without clinical trials.



The Gummy Bear implant was invented with two goals in mind: to create an implant that would last longer than the saline and silicone gel implants, and would maintain its shape. Data collected from Europe and the rest of the world indicates the implant is meeting its goals, however, the FDA discounts information not resulting from its own rigorous testing. The FDA clinical trials on the silicone gel implant took fourteen years; there is no idea when the Gummy Bear clinical trials will be complete.



The saline and silicone gel implants usually last about ten years before they need replacing. There is a very real concern of leakage because they are filled with liquid. They are prone to wrinkling because their liquid filler moves within the implant as gravity pulls it. That movement ends up rippling and creating folds that have a potential to spring a leak. The Gummy Bear implant, however, is not filled with a moving liquid. Its filler is a solid mass of gel. Cut it in half and you have two pieces of gel. Long-term patient follow-up in Europe indicates the implant does not leak and, therefore, should last longer than the other implants.



The European research also shows that the Gummy Bear implant is maintaining its shape regardless of gravity and the passing of time. Because the implant is a singular solid mass unit preformed to a particular shape and size, gravity does not change it. That means the implant imparts its shape upon the breast and looks more natural.



Scar tissue (also known as capsular contracture) is a problem with the saline and silicone gel implant. The European research, however, suggests that it is not a problem with the Gummy Bear implant. It is too soon to say whether or not it will ever happen. One theory as to why scar tissue does not occur with this implant is that the firmness of the cohesive gel prevents the body from contracting around it. This is one of the items the FDA is studying in their clinical trials.



If you would like to learn more about the Gummy Bear implant, seek out an expert. That would be a plastic surgeon that is board-certified in breast augmentation, who is also participating in a FDA clinical trial. You can find such a surgeon on the internet, searching for "cohesive gel implants". Most surgeons do not charge for the initial consultation, so call and make an appointment today. Some will even do the first consultation over the phone. Have a list of questions ready to ask, and write down the answers. Remember, you are not only learning more about the implant surgery expectations, you are interviewing him (or her) to potentially conduct your surgery.



This article is not medical advice or recommendations. Only heed medical advice from a state-licensed physician.

Learn more at these pages: breast implant rupture, cohesive gel shape and texture, and silicone implants.