Plastic Surgery Archives

American women are excited when they learn there is a new breast implant available. What is a cohesive gel implant? What does it cost compared to saline and silicone gel? What does it feel like? What size of an incision does it require? What size of scar does it leave? Is there a risk of unwanted rotation? The goal of augmentation surgery is to enhance the breast you have, not to distort it. That means selecting the proper size of cohesive implant is just as important as selecting the proper size of silicone gel or saline implant. You need to consider the body frame you have. Can the tissue and muscles of your chest support the volume and weight of the larger breasts you desire? Although it is ultimately the patient’s decision, the patient should carefully heed the concerns and recommendations of her surgeon – the expert. Something to consider while selecting your implant size and shape is whether the implant will maintain its shape throughout its lifespan. Cohesive gel implants, also called Gummy Bear implants, will not lose their shape like other implants will. A cohesive gel implant is generally firmer than the other implants available, especially the saline. However, the firmness of your implant also depends upon how much breast tissue you have in regards to the size of the implant. A very large cohesive gel implant under very little breast tissue will naturally feel firmer, as opposed to a size of implant that complements the amount of breast tissue stretched over it. Cohesive gel implants sound like they are the safest available because they have no liquid to leak. The cost of the implant itself in comparison to a saline implant is significantly more expensive, but it doesn’t cost much more than a silicone gel implant. If the implant cost is an issue, however, women should know the FDA will reimburse a portion of the cost as part of their ten-year research study. A larger incision size is definitely a disadvantage of cohesive gel implants. It makes sense when you consider the smaller the implant, the smaller the scar. Saline implants are inserted into the breast empty and filled after placement, so they need the smallest incision. Silicone gel implants are prefilled, so they require a larger incision. The cohesive gel implant has no liquid, so it is the largest implant and can’t be squeezed through a smaller incision. In America, the cohesive gel implant is only available in anatomical shapes. That means it is fuller at the bottom than at the top to emulate the natural slope of a real breast. However, that also means even a minimal amount of movement or rotation will visibly affect the appearance of the breast. The only way to correct a rotated cohesive gel implant is surgery. Are you interested in learning more about the amazing new cohesive gel implants? The internet is a great place to start. But before making any kind of decision, you need to seek out an expert. In this case, that would be a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast augmentation. And because cohesive gel implants are not available on the open market, you will need to locate a surgeon participating in the FDA clinical trial studies. Plastic surgeons do not usually charge for an initial consultation, so call for an appointment today. This article is not intended as medical advice. Only accept guidance in your health and medical-related issues from a licensed physician.