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Are Gummy Bear Implants Better Suited for Breast Reconstruction?
When it comes to breast implants, there are literally countless options. From implant size, shape (round or anatomic), profile, fill material (silicone or saline), gel cohesiveness, surface characteristics (smooth or textured), and even brand, your breast augmentation can be extremely customizable. This can be largely said for breast reconstruction as well. One of these options, which has been in use in this country for several years now, is known as “gummy bear” implants (and just as you guessed—named after the candy with the same name).
What Are Gummy Bear Implants?
Gummy bear implants, more technically known as Natrelle® 410 breast implants (manufactured by Allergan Corporation), are teardrop-shaped, highly cohesive silicone gel implants. Because of their dense consistency, these implants maintain stability and shape, even if damage occurs to them. These implants are more solid and firmer than their traditional counterparts and not tremendously different from the consistency of their namesake candy.
When Are Gummy Bear Implants Most Ideal?
These anatomically shaped implants are designed to mimic the look of a “normal” female breast. Unfortunately, while they can simulate the appearance of a natural breast, they do not generally feel as natural as “traditional” silicone implants do. This issue is an important one especially for patients seeking cosmetic breast surgery.
Interestingly, round silicone implants can actually produce anatomically shaped breasts and do so with a “natural” feel. This issue, along with a few other significant ones, is why Dr. Turkeltaub rarely recommends these “gummy bear” implants for breast augmentation surgery. These same implants, however, have characteristics and advantages that can yield some excellent results when it comes to a variety of breast reconstruction situations and so should be considered as a realistic implant option.
If you would like more information about gummy bear implants for either augmentation or reconstruction, contact Dr. Turkeltaub at the Arizona Center for Breast Surgery today by calling (480) 451-3000.