Gummy bear implants are a type of silicone breast implants that are relatively new to the market. They are known for having a more natural look and feel than other silicone implants, and for having a lower risk of rippling.
While gummy bear implants may last longer than other types of silicone implants, it is important to note that no type of implant is designed to last a lifetime. Generally speaking, breast implants are designed to last between 10-15 years on average.
After that, they may need to be replaced due to factors such as changes and deterioration in the material or to achieve a preferred shape and size.
Ultimately, the longevity of gummy bear implants, as with any other type of implant, is heavily dependent on a variety of factors including age, lifestyle, implant size and placement, body chemistry, and even environmental conditions.
Therefore, it is important for anyone considering breast implants to discuss all of these factors with their surgeon, as well as the recommended implant type and size, in order to determine a realistic timeline for how long their implants can be expected to last.
What is the problem with gummy bear implants?
Gummy bear implants have caused a lot of concern among doctors and patients alike because they are riskier than traditional implants. These implants contain a firm yet elastic silicone gel – hence the name “gummy bear” – which allows them to have a more natural shape than traditional implants.
However, this gel can cause a few problems over time.
Firstly, the gel inside these implants can leak or rupture, causing inflammatory reactions and the potential for bacterial infections. Saline implants do not have this risk because the solution is retained in its shell and does not leak.
Secondly, the way the gummy bear silicone is made creates a greater risk of capsular contracture. Contracture is when the internal scar tissue formed around the implant hardens, making the breasts unnatural and uncomfortable.
This is also a risk of traditional implants, but much less so.
Finally, due to the complexity of their design, gummy bear implants are much more expensive than traditional saline implants – and yet their long-term success rate is not necessarily higher depending on the skill of the surgeon.
Whereas traditional implants are easy to use and carry a fewer potential complications, gummy bear implants are much more difficult to place properly. This can create additional risks of infection, shifting and implant visibility.
Therefore, it’s essential that patients carefully consider their options before opting for gummy bear implants. The risks involved can cause significant issues over time, so it’s important to be sure before proceeding.
Are gummy bear breast implants better?
No, gummy bear breast implants are not necessarily better than any other type of implant. Gummy bear implants are cohesive gel implants that are designed to hold their shape and more closely replicate the appearance and feel of natural breast tissue.
However, there are other implants, such as saline or silicone gel, that also provide excellent outcomes. While the gummy bear implants are often favoured by surgeons who look to minimise risks like rippling or implant deflation, the main advantage of going with a gummy bear option lies in the look and feel of the implant.
Ultimately, what type of breast implant is best for each individual patient depends on their unique anatomy, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle factors that can influence their decision. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to figure out which type of implant is right for you.
How common is breast implant illness with gummy bear implants?
The exact prevalence of breast implant illness with gummy bear implants is not known, as there are very limited studies that have looked at this specific type of implant. However, there have been numerous anecdotal reports of women with gummy bear implants experiencing a wide range of symptoms that they believe are related to the implant.
These symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, joint pain, nausea, brain fog, rashes, and more. While it is possible that the implant could be responsible for some of the symptoms, it is also important to note that many of these symptoms are common and can be caused by a number of other health factors.
At this time, the best way to assess whether or not gummy bear implants may be linked to breast implant illness is to look at individual cases and assess the general population of implant recipients to identify any patterns or correlations that may exist between the type of implant and the onset of health issues.
As more research is conducted, a better understanding of the prevalence of breast implant illness with gummy bear implants is likely to be established.
Are gummy implants being recalled?
At this time, there are no recalls reported for any gummy implants, including those used in cosmetic surgeries. Gummy implants are an FDA-approved form of breast augmentation, and general surgical implants made from various materials are not subject to recall.
Some gummy implants have been found to cause complications, including implant migration and rotation, deflation, contracture, and malpositioning. These complications can be treated surgically, often with the help of a six-month follow-up visits.
Although gummy implants are a relatively new technology and their long-term effects are still not fully understood, they remain popular due to the ease of their insertion, which does not require a lengthy incision or manipulation of the pectoral muscles.
Patients considering gummy implants should do their research and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
What percentage of patients get breast implant illness?
It is difficult to pin down an exact percentage of patients who have reported cases of breast implant illness, as this has not been extensively studied and reported. However, a study conducted in 2019 which surveyed 3,000 women with implants found that 33% reported having symptoms directly related to their implants.
A similar study in 2020 found that nearly 15% of implant recipients reported experiencing adverse symptoms, such as joint pain, fatigue, and neurological issues, within five years of receiving their implants.
In addition, many women have reported experiencing similar symptoms after receiving their implants, despite not having officially been diagnosed with a definitive illness. While it is difficult to determine the exact percentage of women who have experienced breast implant illness, it is clear that a significant percentage of implant recipients have had adverse reactions.
Who is more prone to breast implant illness?
Due to a lack of comprehensive research, there is no definitive answer as to who is more prone to developing breast implant illness (BII). However, some experts have noted that certain factors can make a person more likely to experience serious complications from their breast implants.
These factors include having a medical history of autoimmune disease, having a prior history of sensitivities to plastics or other material ingested or absorbed, having silicone or textured implants, having a history of exposure to toxic elements, having exposure to environmental toxins, or having genetic mutations that make you more sensitive to certain substances.
Furthermore, breast implants are foreign objects in the body and the body may react differently to them than it would to natural tissue. Age is also a factor as the more time that passes after breast implant surgery, the greater the likelihood of complications.
Lastly, having larger implants may increase the risk of implant illness.
