Gummy bear breast implants offer a modern approach to breast enhancement. Unlike older silicone or saline options, these implants keep their shape, giving a more natural look and feel.
If you’re contemplating breast augmentation in New York City, possibly due to asymmetry or a loss of volume, it’s crucial to understand your options. Dr. Darren M. Smith, a respected specialist in the field, can help you decide if gummy bear implants are what you’re looking for.
What Are Gummy Bear Implants?
Gummy bear breast implants, also known as cohesive silicone gel implants, are a favored selection for those pondering breast augmentation or reconstruction. These implants have garnered attention for several distinguishing characteristics.
Composition and Design
Gummy bear implants are fashioned from cohesive gel, a stabilized variant of silicone gel approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Unlike traditional implants (e.g. silicone and saline breast implants), if a gummy bear implant is cut open, the inner gel remains in place, drawing parallels to how a gummy bear candy retains its form when sliced.
Texture and Appearance
With a soft and pliable texture, these implants remarkably mimic the feel of natural breast tissue. Those who opt for breast augmentation using gummy bear implants can expect results that exude a natural, feminine appeal.
Advantages of Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Shape Retention and Consistency
One of the defining features of gummy bear implants is their exceptional ability to maintain shape. Their design, enriched with a thicker gel, ensures they keep their form even in the unlikely event of an outer shell breach.
Natural Look and Feel
Ensuring a seamless blend between implant and body, gummy bear implants deliver both a natural feel and appearance. Their structure supports a youthful breast, while the gel’s consistency offers a genuine feel.
Enhanced Durability and Safety
Gummy bear implants are known for their safety and durability. . Since these implants hold their shape, there is less folding and stress on the implant shell that can lead to rupture. If a rupture does occur, the cohesive gel remains intact, eliminating the need for urgent revision procedures.
Reduced Rippling and Folding
Thanks to their firm composition, gummy bear implants minimize the chances of undesirable rippling or folding within the breasts, ensuring a smooth and uniform appearance.
Diverse Shape and Profile Options
Gummy bear implants offer profiles suited to different breast sizes and body types for a customized look. Some implants project further away from the chest wall for a more dramatic appearance (high profile), while others tend to be wider for a given volume (low profile). There is a wide range of shapes available in between as well.
Am I a Good Candidate for Gummy Bear Implants?
Gummy bear breast implants have carved a niche in the breast augmentation industry, primarily due to their distinct upper pole fullness, a result of their cohesive gel composition.
Their defining feature is especially beneficial for women with limited natural breast tissue, highlighting the aesthetics of the breast’s upper region.
However, gummy bear implants are not for everyone. Here are some basic points to consider.
Evaluating the Suitability of Gummy Bear Implants for You
| Criteria | Description |
| Desire for Upper Pole Fullness | Individuals who are aiming for a breast enhancement that provides volume to the upper portion of the breast will like gummy bear implants.. These implants use a gel filling that is more form-stable (holds its shape) compared to other implants, so the gel stays at the top filling out the breast’s upper pole. |
| Durability Concerns | Those who prioritize long-term durability and a stable appearance. Gummy bear implants are renowned for their robust nature and cohesiveness, adding longevity to the enhancement as the gel continues to support the upper pole for the long term. |
| Age Consideration | Women aged 22 and older are ideal candidates. This age limitation is due to the FDA approval guidelines for silicone implants, including the gummy bear variety. |
| Willingness for Investment | Individuals who prioritize the value of the unique material and manufacturing process of gummy bear implants and are prepared for a slightly higher cost compared to other implants. |
| Comfort with Surgical Procedures | Candidates who understand the potential for a slightly longer incision, but value the benefits of the gummy bear implants enough to consider the trade-off. |
A thorough consultation with Dr. Smith will incorporate advanced tools, including Vectra 3D imaging software, to visualize potential outcomes with various implant types. This allows patients to make informed decisions, ensuring their aesthetic goals are realized.
The Procedure
Initial Consultation with Dr. Darren M. Smith
The first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Darren M. Smith, a board-certified plastic surgeon. During the consultation, our surgeon, Dr. Smith will evaluate your health and discuss your goals and concerns. He will provide details on the breast augmentation procedure and help determine if gummy bear implants are the best option in your case.
Preparing for Surgery
Once you decide to move forward, Dr. Smith will provide preoperative instructions. This may include guidelines on nutrition, medications, supplements, and lifestyle habits in the weeks leading up to surgery. Following these recommendations helps ensure you heal optimally.
Administering Anesthesia
Depending on the specifics of the surgery and patient preference, either general anesthesia will be initiated to keep you safe and comfortable during the procedure.
Incision
Dr. Smith will make an incision in one of three places: under the breast (inframammary fold), around the nipple (periareolar), or under the arm (trans-axillary).
The choice of incision location depends on factors like your anatomy, the type of implant, and the desired degree of breast enlargement\.
Insertion and Placement
The gummy bear implant is then delicately inserted through the incision and positioned either beneath the pectoralis major skeletal muscle (submuscular placement) or behind the breast tissue and directly above the pectoralis major muscle (subglandular placement).
The specific technique depends on variables like implant type and size, your body habitus, and the recommendations of your board-certified plastic surgeon.
Closure of Incisions
Once the implants are correctly oriented in the desired plane, the skin incisions will be closed using interrupted or running absorbable sutures in multiple tissue layers of the breast. Additional measures like steri-strips, tissue adhesive, or surgical tape may be applied to the skin incision lines.
Recovery
Post-surgery, patients are guided into a dedicated outpatient surgery recovery area, where they will be closely monitored by our expert nursing team. Typically, patients can head home after 1-2 hours, equipped with specific postoperative guidelines and a subsequent appointment date with Dr. Smith.
Follow-Up Appointments
Return to Dr. Smith’s office as directed so he can ensure proper healing and discuss your experience. Long-term follow-ups allow him to address any issues and ensure you achieve the optimal result from your augmentation with gummy bear implants.
Healing Timeline and Recovery Tips for Gummy Bear Breast Implants
Gummy bear breast implants, also known as cohesive silicone gel implants, provide a natural look and feel. Like any surgery, proper recovery is important for optimal results.
Here is an overview of what to expect during the healing and recovery process:
| Time After Surgery | What to Expect | Recommendations |
| Day of Surgery | Following the procedure which takes around 45 to 60 minutes, you’ll be ushered into a recovery room for monitoring. This period can involve grogginess due to the effects of anesthesia. | Please arrange a ride home, and we recommend having someone stay with you overnight. |
| First Week | The first week post-op can be marked by sensations of soreness, noticeable swelling, and potential bruising. This is a natural response as your body adjusts to the new implants. | Prioritize rest during this week. Strenuous activities can exacerbate pain and swelling. If prescribed, take pain medications as directed and consider your job’s physical requirements before returning to work. |
| 2-6 Weeks | As the weeks progress, you’ll notice a gradual reduction in swelling, giving you a glimpse of your surgical results. The body continues its healing trajectory during this period. | After two weeks, you can return to lower body exercise. After 4 weeks, the gradual introduction of upper body exercise is generally safe.Opt for bras without underwires that can irritate surgical sites and prioritize comfort. |
| 6 Weeks – 3 Months | By now, a significant portion of the swelling has diminished. Your implants are also settling into their intended position, aligning more naturally with your body’s contour. | It’s time to reintroduce regular physical activities, but always get a nod from Dr. Smith first. Regular check-ins with Dr. Smith are crucial to monitor recovery. |
| 3-6 Months | The bulk of the physical healing has occurred. Incision scars will become less prominent, and the full effect of the surgery is typically visible during this window. | Don’t skip those scheduled visits with Dr. Smith. They offer a chance to address any concerns and ensure the implants are settling as they should. |
| 1 Year & Beyond | As months turn into a year, scars continue their fading process. With the major stages of recovery behind, attention turns to long-term breast health. | It’s not just about aesthetics. Safety is always the top priority. Perform regular self-exams and screenings as recommended by Dr. Smith. |
Potential Complications of Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implant surgeries, particularly under the expert guidance of Dr. Smith in NYC, are both safe and efficient. But like all surgical procedures, there are associated risks. Here are some of the possible complications you should be aware of:
- Bleeding: As with many surgical procedures, there’s a possibility of bleeding during or after the surgery. This can be addressed with a return to the operating room.
- Infection: There’s a minimal chance of infection post-surgery, but it’s essential to follow all aftercare guidelines to reduce this risk. Antibiotics are used to treat infections that occur.
- Unfavorable Scarring: Rarely, patients may experience unfavorable scarring at the incision sites. Proper scar care can minimize this risk. Many modalities are available to improve scar appearance if needed.
- Capsular Contracture: This refers to the hardening of tissue around the implant, which can affect the shape and feel of the breast. This may require surgical correction.
- Breast Implant Rupture: While rare, there’s a potential for the implant to rupture or leak. We will review how to monitor for this complication at the time of your appointment.
During your initial meeting, Dr. Smith will walk you through these potential risks associated with gummy bear breast augmentation. Your initial consultation is necessary to make an informed decision, keeping both the benefits and risks in mind.
Remember, adhering to both preoperative and post-operative instructions can significantly minimize these risks and promote a smooth recovery.
How Much Does Breast Augmentation Cost on Average in NYC?
New York City is known for being one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., and this phenomenon extends to cosmetic and medical procedures as well.
Here’s a ballpark figure of the average costs for breast surgery in Manhattan, New York. Do keep in mind that prices can vary significantly within the city based on the surgeon’s reputation, the facility, and other factors:
| Procedure Type | Average Cost (USD) | Notable Points |
| Gummy Bear Implants | $10,000 – $20,000 | Form-stable, less likely to wrinkle or ripple; a type of silicone implant |
| Saline Breast Implants | $7,000 – $15,000 | Filled with salt water, volume can be fine tuned |
| Silicone Gel Implants | $7,500 – $20,000 | More natural feel than saline, most popular choice |
| Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation | $12,000 – $15,000 | Uses patient’s own fat, no foreign material |
Here are some factors to consider:
- Additional Costs: The prices above mainly reflect the cost of the implants and the surgical procedure. They don’t necessarily include additional costs such as anesthesia, operating room facilities, medical tests, post-surgery garments, and follow-up appointments. Therefore, the total cost can be higher.
- Revision Surgery: If complications occur or if the patient is not satisfied with the results, additional surgeries might be required, which will add to the total cost.
- Maintenance: Over time, breast implants may need to be replaced. This is true for both saline and silicone implants.This should be factored into the long-term costs.
- Surgeon’s Fees: A surgeon’s fee is often based on their experience and the geographic location of their office. For example, breast augmentation cost tends to be higher in metropolitan areas.
- Insurance: Cosmetic breast augmentation is typically not covered by health insurance. However, in cases where breast surgery is deemed medically necessary, for instance after a mastectomy, some or all of the costs may be covered.
- Financing: Many surgeons offer financing options for their patients, which can spread out the cost of the procedure over time.
Redefining NYC Chic: Gummy Bear Implants at the Ritz Tower
Experience the gold standard of cosmetic surgery with Dr. Darren M. Smith, right at the heart of Manhattan in the Ritz Tower. Why choose Dr. Smith for your gummy bear breast implants?
- Board-Certified Expertise: Entrust your journey to one of New York’s leading plastic surgeons.
- Exceptional Training: Dr. Smith isn’t just any plastic surgeon; he’s among the few to have specialized in both craniofacial and aesthetic surgery fellowships.
- Tailored Results: Every procedure is personalized, ensuring results that resonate with your aesthetic vision.
Don’t settle for the ordinary. Choose excellence with Dr. Darren M. Smith.
Reach out now: +1 (212) 633-0627
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does plastic surgery with gummy bear implants differ from other types of breast augmentation?
Gummy bear implants are made from a cohesive gel that mimics the texture of gummy candy offering a unique feel and sustained upper pole support..
Are gummy bear implants recommended for patients with a history of breast cancer?
If you have a history of breast cancer, it’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in reconstructive surgery. Gummy bear implants may or may not be the best option depending on your individual medical history and needs.
Can gummy bear implants help with breast reduction or lifting (mastopexy)?
Gummy bear implants are primarily designed for breast augmentation, not breast reduction. They can, however, be used in conjunction with a mastopexy to enhance the volume of the breasts while they are lifted with the mastopexy.
Is your clinic located on Park Avenue?
Yes, our state-of-the-art facility is conveniently located on Park Avenue in the Ritz Tower, offering a comfortable and private setting for all your plastic surgery needs.
What kind of implant do patients usually choose?
We find that silicone gel implants are more common than saline implants. About half of our patients that choose silicone will select one that is filled with gel cohesive enough to be considered a gummy bear.
