Dr. Erik Miles believes that no two Charlotte breast augmentation patients are exactly alike. Every woman has a different idea of what she wants her breasts to look and feel like after surgery. Because his patients are so unique, Dr. Miles is committed to offering them choices in their breast implants. In addition to using saline and traditional silicone implants, Dr. Miles also offers a third type of breast implant: the form-stable or “gummy bear” implants, which have been around for the past few years. Gummy bear implants have received FDA-approval, as well as an overwhelming amount of positive attention because many plastic surgeons and patients agree that in the right patient they can closely mimic the look and feel of natural, beautiful breasts.

What Are Gummy Bear Implants?

Gummy bear-style implants are sometimes referred to as “form stable” implants, meaning they are designed to maintain their shape and form for many years. These implants are made from a silicone shell filled with a more cohesive type of silicone gel. The silicone gel has a very thick and cohesive consistency – so much so that if the implant were to break or be cut in half, the gel would maintain its form, quite like a gummy bear candy.

Gummy bear implants are available in many different teardrop shapes to mimic the gentle slope of a natural breast. The implants have greater fullness and projection at the bottom, with additional tapering at the top of the implant.  A patient’s specific breast measurements are taken into account when selecting these implants.

Advantages of Gummy Bear Implants

There are some outstanding advantages available to women considering gummy bear breast implants:

• Extremely stable – As the “form stable” name suggests, gummy bear breast implants are very strong and unlikely to lose their shape over time.
• Natural feel – Many physicians and women are in agreement that the gummy bear implants feel very lifelike, thanks to the firm silicone gel.
• Low chances of leaking – Because of the nature of the highly cohesive gel, the gummy bear implants have a low chance of leaking. Even if the shell were to break or tear, the silicone gel would likely not escape into the surrounding natural breast tissue.

Placing Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Because gummy bear breast implants are pre-filled from the manufacturer, they require a slightly longer incision than saline implants. The textured coating on all of these implants also necessitates a slightly longer incision.

After creating the incision, Dr. Miles uses a Keller Funnel to help place the gummy bear implants. The Keller Funnel is a device that allows Dr. Miles to insert the implant into the breast tissue pocket without touching it – thus reducing the chances of bacterial contamination and resulting complications like capsular contracture. Dr. Miles positions the gummy bear implant either above the pectoral (chest) muscle or underneath it.

Depending on the individual patient’s needs, Dr. Miles sometimes incorporates breast lift into the placement of gummy bear implants. This is usually recommended for women that have sagging breasts and downward-pointing nipples at the time of breast augmentation.

Charlotte Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Are you interested in gummy bear breast implants, but not quite sure whether they are right for your needs? The best way to determine what’s best for you is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Miles about your breast implant options. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Miles, please call or email our practice today.