No, gummy bear implants are not textured. Gummy bear implants are a type of silicone gel-filled breast implant that were introduced to the market in 2012. The implant has earned the nickname “gummy bear” because of its shape, which resembles a gummy bear candy.
The implants are made of a cohesive gel, allowing them to maintain their shape and not cause the “rippling” that can sometimes occur with traditional silicone implants. The implants also have a more natural feel compared to saline implants since the gel is thicker.
Gummy bear implants are available in either a smooth or a textured exterior surface, but the surface of the implant itself is not textured. Instead, the textured surface helps the body to accept the implant, which helps to reduce the formation of tissue capsular contracture, the formation of a tight layer of tissue that forms around the implant.
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What is the difference between textured and smooth gummy bear implants?
Textured and smooth gummy bear implants are two types of breast implants used in breast augmentation surgery. Textured implants are designed with a slightly more textured surface and are believed to potentially reduce scar tissue buildup and the risk of implant rotation.
Smooth implants, however, are designed to be more natural looking and have a more natural feel. Unlike textured implants, there is a slightly increased risk of scar tissue buildup and implant rotation when using smooth implants.
Textured implants provide more stability than smooth implants due to the textured surface. They help to keep a breast implant in place even if there is a contraction of the capsule around the implant.
The texturing helps to reduce the risk of rotation or displacement of the implant. They also have a more natural look and feel.
Smooth implant shells are designed to have a soft, natural feel and provide a more proportionate, natural shape. They are not as susceptible to contracture or rotation, but there is still a slight risk.
Also, because the surface is smoother, there is potential for scar tissue to build up, leading to a harder implant.
Overall, choosing between textured and smooth implants should be done with the assistance of a plastic surgeon, as there are advantages and disadvantages of each option.
What type of implants are gummy bear?
Gummy bear implants are teardrop-shaped implants that are made of cohesive silicone gel with a firmer texture. Also known as Form-stable implants, gummy bear implants offer a more natural-looking breast enhancement with less chances of rippling or shifting in comparison to other traditional silicone or saline implants.
Unlike traditional silicone gel and saline implants, the silicone gel inside gummy bear implants is a semi-solid form. This allows the implants to maintain their shape if cut in half, resembling the texture and consistency of a gummy bear candy hence the name.
Gummy bear implants offer more control to the surgeon, allowing them to choose the shape, profile, and size of each implant to create a natural and predictable outcome.
When did they stop using textured implants?
Textured breast implants were once widely used for breast augmentation, until they were discontinued in the United States in 2019. This decision was made due to an increased risk of a rare form of lymphoma called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
A study found that the risk of this type of cancer was 6 times higher in women with textured implants compared to those with smooth implants. While the overall risk of developing this rare cancer is relatively low, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to discontinue the sale and use of these implants to reduce the risk as much as possible.
As a result, they are no longer available in the US, but may still be available in other countries.
Should you massage textured implants?
Yes, you should massage textured implants as part of the post-operative care routine. A gentle massage promotes the healing process by helping to distribute the implant more evenly within the chest and reduce the risk of capsular contracture and other complications.
The type of massage used should be one that is recommended by your plastic surgeon. Massage can help to reduce swelling, reduce scar tissue formation, and encourage natural softening of the implant. As part of the massage routine, your doctor may recommend manual massage or ultrasound massage.
Massage should be done in a circular or back-and-forth motion. Avoid any aggressive massage or any tugging or applying additional pressure on the breast as this can cause damage to the implant. In addition to massage, wearing a post-surgical garment or surgical bra can help to reduce swelling.
What do textured implants feel like?
Textured implants feel much different than smooth implants. They often have a firmer feel and a more distinct feel when you touch them. They can also have a slightly grainy or ridged texture which is due to their textured surface.
Depending on the brand and type of textured implants you choose, they can add a different kind of sensation when touched or manipulated. Some may feel softer and more natural, while others will be firmer and more pronounced.
Ultimately, the feel of textured implants is unique to the individual, as no two implants are quite the same.
Which implants are not textured?
The type of implant that is not textured are smooth round implants. These implants are designed to provide a natural shape and feel to the breasts, while the textured implants are designed to adhere to the body, reducing the potential for side-to-side movement after the implant has been placed.
Smooth round implants may be filled with a saline solution, silicone gel, or a combination of both. A saline implant is filled after implantation, while a silicone implant is prefilled before it is inserted.
Saline implants offer less risk as a saline solution is naturally absorbed by the body in the event of an implant rupture.
Will textured implants drop and fluff?
Textured implants, like Smooth round implants, have been clinically proven to hold their shape and not significantly drop or fluff over time. However, some studies have reported less accuracy in shape stability and slower rate of soft tissue adherence in textured implants compared to smooth round implants.
This poor shape stability and slower rate of adherence can cause the implants to drop and fluff slightly after surgery.
It is therefore important to choose the optimal implant size, shape, and texture, and to ensure that the patient is an appropriate candidate for surgery based on the characteristics of their body and tissue.
Additionally, placing the implant accurately under the ideal compression, as well as ensuring correct volume, will play a significant role in limiting implant drop and fluffing.
Are smooth implants better than textured?
It really depends on your aesthetic goals and the opinion of your healthcare provider. In general, smooth implants are typically considered the better option for a natural feel and look, though textured may be a better choice for certain situations.
Smooth implants tend to move less due to the lack of friction against surrounding tissue, creating a softer, more natural feel. In addition, smooth implants are less prone to forming scar tissue and irregularities, which make them ideal for individuals who want a natural look.
On the other hand, textured implants provide a firmer feel and create less movement in the pocket of the implant.
Ultimately, the decision between smooth and textured implants is a personal one, and only you and your healthcare provider can decide what is best for your own unique situation. Factors such as age, lifestyle, health, and desired look should be taken into consideration when making the choice.
How long does it take for gummy bear implants to settle?
Gummy bear implants typically take between 3 and 6 months to settle fully into the body after surgery. This is due to the fact that the implants are still settling into the pocket which has been created and the overlying tissue adapting to the implant.
Over the first few months, this process will slowly occur as the body adapts and the implant finds it’s natural position.
In the early parts of this 3-6 month process, the breasts may appear quite high on the chest wall and may feel very different from one side to the other due to the implants settling differently. This is normal and over time, with the movement and massage, the breasts will settle into a more symmetrical shape.
The feel of the implants will also begin to soften and slowly the patient will become more and more comfortable with their new shape.
Additionally, in some cases there may be some swelling in the breasts which can last a couple of months after surgery. This is also normal and will slowly subside as the body adjusts to the implant.
In summary, the full settling of gummy bear implants will take 3-6 months, however the patient will start to feel more comfortable and confident with their new breast shape after weeks, rather than months.
How can I make my implants settle faster?
One of the best ways to make your implants settle faster is to keep your head elevated for the first few days after the procedure. This will help minimize swelling and promote a faster healing process.
Additionally, it is important to try and limit your physical activity as much as possible for a couple of weeks. Strenuous activity can increase swelling and cause your implants to settle more slowly.
You should also make sure you are following your surgeon’s instructions carefully in regards to medications, wound care, and bedrest. Make sure you are taking all recommended medications as directed, cleaning your wound properly with antibacterial soaps, and avoiding intensive physical activities like sports or lifting heavy objects.
All these things can have a significant impact on the speed of healing.
Finally, getting adequate nutrition and hydration is key. Eating foods high in protein and drinking plenty of fluids will help strengthen your body and speed up the recovery process. Furthermore, certain vitamins and supplements have been proven to promote healing and help with inflammation and tissue repair.
It’s also a good idea to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that your healing process is going as planned. Your doctor may have more specific advice depending on the type of implants you have and the recovery process you are going through.
Follow your doctor’s advice as closely as possible to ensure that your implants heal correctly and settle faster.
