Q. What are cohesive gel breast implants? Are gummy bear implants safer than other silicone implants?

A. Plastic surgeons sometimes suggest "gummy bear" breast implants, named after gummy bear candies because the implants are a thicker, more cohesive silicone gel. Since the gel in these newer models are thicker than most other silicone gel implants, it is possible that they might be less likely to break or leak into the body. But, since no long-term studies have been done, there is no proof that these implants are safer. There is no way to really know if these implants will last longer than other implants and if they will cause more complications or fewer complications.

It's important to know that not all "cohesive gel breast implants" are gummy bear implants. All implants that are sold today are a more cohesive silicone gel than the implants from 20 years ago. Many different kinds of breast implants are called cohesive gel implants. Only the most cohesive implants are called "gummy bear implants."

We have heard from many women who are unhappy with gummy bear implants. That worries us because they are relatively new and it is surprising that so many women are having serious problems even within the first few years. It's important to know that gummy bear implants are still considered experimental in the United States. They are not approved by the FDA. Any woman getting them is really a "guinea pig" who is helping the company test the implants - but still has to pay for them.

We have also heard from women with other kinds of cohesive breast implants that broke and leaked silicone into their bodies.

Most breast implants, whatever they are made of, do not leak during the first few years of use. All breast implants seem very sturdy when they are new. In fact, we've seen new breast implants thrown against a wall that did not break. But when those same implants are inside the body, even the strongest breast implants will break and leak as they age. That's why we won't know how safe they are and how long they last until gummy bear implants and other cohesive breast implants are in women for 10 years or more.


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