Gummy bear implants are the new generation of silicone implants that are composed of a very cohesive gel. This implant is softer, more pliant, prettier, and longer lasting than other silicone breast implants. Invented in the early 1990s, this implant has been used around the world for ten years. They are not yet approved in the United States because of the rigorous testing guidelines that are required by the FDA.  They are currently under clinical trials here; doctors who are participating in these trials in the U.S. may use them.    

The gummy bear implant, also known as the cohesive breast implant, was designed to retain a predictable shape and be longer lasting. The interior of the implant is a cohesive gel, more like a soft solid than a liquid. It can be cut and still retain its shape. It is anatomical or teardrop shaped. The round ones do not settle when the woman is standing but instead retain their round shape.  All gummy bear implants are not the same. Three companies that make them provide different degrees of hardness. Both Mentor and Allergen produce a more cohesive implant than Silimed.  This variety will allow women more options when choosing the gummy bear implant once they have FDA approval.

Advantages found from the European usage of gummy bear implants include maintaining their shape, which allows the implant to impart its shape on the breast, lack of folding and rippling, no leakage of the gel, and less chance of capsular contracture (scar tissue formation). Disadvantages include cost, a large incision to accommodate the non-folding implant, possibility of rotation which would require removal, a fracture of the gel, a firmer feel and shape. Shape is included here because both the saline and regular silicone implants are subject to gravity and change shape when a woman stands up. With the gummy bear implant, the shape of the implant will be the shape of the breast. When inserted into the breast, it must be placed in exactly the right position, and a perfectly shaped pocket in the breast must be made to hold the gummy bear implant. This implant cannot be inserted through the belly button (TUBA or transumbilical breast augmentation).

Dr. M.R. Khalifeh typically uses either a breast fold (inframammary) or around the nipple (periareolar) incision, depending on patient preference.  On occasion, patients prefer an underarm incision which can also be used. If the patient does not have any droopiness of the nipples, than the implant is usually placed below the muscle, also known as the submuscular position. If the patient has some droopiness of the breasts, then Dr. Khalifeh will perform either a partial submuscular or a subglandular augmentation. All of these options will be fully discussed with you at the time of consultation.  There is no single "best way" to put in the implants. The surgery will be tailored to suit your breast shape, breast size, and cosmetic goals.

Augmentation surgery takes place in Dr. Khalifeh’s accredited surgical center in Chevy Chase, Maryland under general or twilight sedation.  If the Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. is more convenient, Dr. Khalifeh holds privileges there as well.  Breast augmentation surgery lasts one to one and a half hours and an overnight stay is not necessary. It is best to take at least three days off from work. The recovery time is one week and stitches are removed at that time. Another two weeks are necessary before strenuous activity may be resumed. Possible but rare complications include bleeding, infection, implant rupture, capsular contracture and risks associated with anesthesia.

Call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Khalifeh: (301) 244-0148.