Cohesive Silicone Implants: The New Revolution In Breast Implants
Silicone breast implants have been around for over four decades and have been constantly improving with technological advances which make breast implants safer for women seeking breast augmentation or reconstruction. The newest innovation in breast augmentation is cohesive silicone implants.
Cohesive silicone implants are commonly referred to as gummy bear breast implants because of the silicone used in the implants. The silicone in cohesive silicone implants is thicker than liquid silicone implants and resembles the substance used in gummy candy. Because cohesive silicone implants have not been on the market very long, not many advantages and disadvantages are known yet. One of the supposed advantages of the thicker silicone filling is that it retains its shape and does not easily succumb to gravity.
Also, cohesive silicone implants seem to be less likely to fold or ripple because the filling does not move around within the shell. It is also thought that the thicker gel of the filler helps prevent ruptures and causes less migration than in the case of a rupture or leak than liquid silicone does. Keep in mind that more time is required to adequately study the advantages and disadvantages of cohesive silicone implants.
Shape can play an important factor in deciding which type of implant you want. Cohesive silicone implants only come in an anatomical, or teardrop, shape in the United States. Round cohesive silicone implants are available in Europe, however. This can be an advantage or a disadvantage. This would be a disadvantage in cases where women are looking for a round, grapefruit shaped breast. Another complication with the teardrop shape can occur if the implant rotates. This requires additional surgery to remove and possibly replace the implant. To help prevent rotation, teardrop shape implants are textured, also. A larger incision is required for cohesive silicone implants because the implants cannot be squeezed or deformed to fit into a smaller incision. Cohesive silicone implants are also somewhat more firm than liquid silicone implants which can dissuade some women from getting them. The cost of cohesive silicone implants can also be significantly more than that of other implants. However, if you participate in a study of the implants, much of the cost of surgery can be reimbursed to you. Technically, all silicone is cohesive, but the term has taken on the meaning of stability for breast implants. The stability that is referred to comes from the semi solid substance of the silicone gel rather than the liquid form. The idea behind cohesive silicone implants is that the gel will be more durable and retain its shape better over the long term. Patients seeking cohesive silicone implants must meet certain requirements. First time breast augmentation, breast augmentation revisions and post mastectomy breast reconstructive are all eligible recipients of cohesive silicone implants. The potential patients must also participate in a clinical study to help determine the safety of cohesive silicone implants. Remember that all surgical procedures impose risks, so be sure to talk to a certified plastic surgeon before undergoing breast augmentation or reconstruction.
| 