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Gummy Bear Implants in New York City

Gummy Bear Implants with Dr. Nina Naidu

Breast Augmentation with cohesive gel implants – also known as gummy bear implants – can help to make your breasts look more youthful and feminine. Whether you wish to return to your pre-pregnancy breasts or require reconstruction following a mastectomy, gummy bear implants can help you regain your feminine aesthetic.

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure which uses implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation is particularly popular among women whose breasts have lost volume secondary to pregnancy and breastfeeding. Breast implants are also used to enhance body proportion and correct breast asymmetry caused by genetics, injury or illness.

For many of Dr. Nina Naidu’s patients, the decision to have breast augmentation is as much about their breasts as it is about their self-confidence. These women desire implants that look natural and will retain their shape.

Cohesive gel implants have a soft, pliable texture that does not leak or change shape. For women whose breasts have changed as a result of aging, pregnancy or illness, gummy bear implants are an excellent way to attain natural-looking, feminine breasts that will retain a youthful silhouette.

Breast Augmentation Before & After Photos

Gummy Bear Breast Implants Before & After Photo – Nina S. Naidu, MD FACS

What are gummy bear implants?

Cohesive gel, or gummy bear, implants were approved by the FDA in 2013. The silicone gel within these implants is cross-linked, stabilizing their form. As a result, gummy bear implants do not lose their shape and do not leak. They also feel very much like natural breast tissue.

What are the advantages of gummy bear implants?

There are several advantages to gummy bear implants. First of all, although they may rupture, they do not leak secondary to their cohesive gel.

Second, the structure of the gummy bear implants makes them less likely to wrinkle or ripple than traditional implants.

Third, gummy bear implants have an anatomic, or teardrop shape, and are therefore ideal in patients with less native breast tissue. This is especially true for women have undergone mastectomy.

Finally, the textured outer shell of the gummy bear implant helps to hold the implant in position so that it is less likely to rotate.

Are there any disadvantages of gummy bear implants?

Gummy bear implants are currently only available in a limited number of shapes and sizes. They are more anatomical, natural looking implants which may not be ideal if you seek a more obvious, augmented look. Gummy bear implants also require a slightly larger incision than traditional silicone implants and are more expensive than traditional implants.

Although most women like the feel of gummy bear implants, some find that they are too firm. Dr. Naidu has samples of all types of implants, and will help you decide if gummy bear implants are the right choice for your augmentation.

Am I a good candidate for gummy bear implants?

You are a good candidate for gummy bear implants if you are looking for a natural, anatomical-looking result from your augmentation. Gummy bear implants are particularly beneficial for women who do not have a lot of breast tissue – either because you are slim and small-breasted or because you require reconstruction. You must be in good health and over the age of 22.

Your First Consultation with Dr. Naidu in NYC

The first part of breast augmentation with gummy bear implants is a comprehensive consultation in our NYC office. Dr. Naidu will get to know you, the reason for your augmentation, and your aesthetic goals. For many women, breast augmentation enhances femininity by repairing a congenital defect, returning to their pre-pregnancy bodies, or by reconstructing their breasts following a mastectomy.

If you plan to become pregnant or breastfeed in the future, Dr. Naidu will explain the impact that motherhood will have on your breasts, so that you can make an informed decision about augmentation with gummy bear implants.

During your consultation, you will need to tell Dr. Naidu about your medical history and your use of medications, nicotine and/or alcohol. Dr. Naidu will conduct a physical examination of your skin and the soft tissue of your breasts. She will measure the base width of your breasts and the amount of existing breast tissue. These measurements will determine the optimal size and location of your implants.

Pre-operative photographs are taken at this visit. These photographs are an important part of your surgical planning and are considered part of your medical record. They will never be shown to other patients without your written permission.

At the end of the consultation, Dr. Naidu let you know if you are a good candidate for gummy bear implants. She will educate you about your augmentation options and answer your questions. Dr. Naidu wants you to make an informed decision about gummy bear breast implants and she will not pressure you to schedule the procedure.

Your Second Consultation with Dr. Naidu

If you decide to proceed with gummy bear breast implant surgery, you will have a second consultation with Dr. Naidu in our NYC office. At this appointment, any additional questions will be answered and your photos will be reviewed. Your operative plan will be discussed in greater detail. She will let you know the length of your surgery, the location of your incisions, and what to expect during your recovery. You will also complete the necessary paperwork for the surgery at this visit.

Dr. Naidu will help you choose the best shape and volume of gummy bear implants to achieve your goals. This decision is based on the measurements of your breasts, the amount of existing breast tissue, and your body frame. Dr. Naidu has a large variety of sizers available so that you can see how you will look following the augmentation.

Depending on your medical history, Dr. Naidu may advise you to discontinue certain medications prior to surgery. If you are a smoker, you must not smoke for eight weeks before or after the surgery. If you are over the age of 35 or have a family history of breast cancer, you will need to have a screening mammogram prior to your breast augmentation surgery. For your safety, Dr. Naidu may also order additional screening tests.

Gummy Bear Breast Implant Surgery

Your breast augmentation surgery with cohesive gel implants will take approximately 45-60 minutes, and is performed in a NYC ambulatory surgery center. Dr. Naidu prefers using general anesthesia so that you will be completely safe and comfortable during the surgery. The evening prior to surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This ensures that you have an empty stomach prior to surgery, which is very important for your safety.

You will meet with Dr. Naidu immediately before your breast augmentation. She will make several marks on your breasts for use during surgery, as well as answer any additional questions that you may have.

Dr. Naidu uses an infra-mammary incision to place gummy bear implants. Implants are inserted into a pocket created behind the pectoralis muscle. Incisions are brought together using layers of sutures and small dressings are applied.

Recovering from Gummy Bear Breast Implant Surgery in NYC

After being carefully monitored following surgery, you will be allowed to return home the same day. You must have someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight. During this time you will be permitted to perform light activities around the house, but you should avoid strenuous activity for two weeks. Many of Dr. Naidu’s patients are very independent and are reluctant to ask for help. However, some degree of post-surgical assistance will be required. We strongly recommend that you create a plan to take care of yourself and your family, so that you can focus on your recovery.

Immediately following surgery, your chest and arms will feel tight. However, you will be able to return to normal activity sooner if you follow Dr. Naidu’s specific instructions about arm exercises which should begin the evening after your surgery.

Dr. Naidu will give you specific instructions to follow after your surgery. She will give you a prescription for pain management, as well as instructions about how to take care of your incisions. Swelling may persist for up to three weeks following your augmentation.

Many of our patients report very little pain, although the experience of pain varies widely. You may also experience bruising, swelling, and tenderness in your breasts which should resolve in several days.

Complications of Gummy Bear Implants in NYC

During your consultation, Dr. Naidu will explain the risks of breast augmentation so that you can make an informed decision about this surgery. As with other surgeries, the risks of breast augmentation include bleeding, infection and scarring. Specific risks of breast augmentation include capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant) and implant rupture.

Complications from breast augmentation can be reduced by carefully following your pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

Cost of Gummy Bear Implants in NYC

Breast augmentation is considered to be a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. Please call our NYC office at 212-452-1230 and we will be happy to provide information about the cost of breast augmentation.

Gummy bear implants are often used for breast reconstruction. The Women’s Health Act of 1998 requires group and individual health insurance plans that cover mastectomy to also cover breast reconstruction surgery. This includes reconstruction of the breast on which mastectomy has been performed; surgery and reconstruction on the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance; and implants. If you are considering gummy bear implants for reconstruction, our office is happy to work with you and your health insurance company.

You will be provided with the exact cost of your procedure following your consultation with Dr. Naidu.

Choosing Dr. Naidu for Gummy Bear Implants in NYC

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast comprise a large part of Dr. Naidu’s NYC surgical practice. She has a special interest in breast augmentation and in reconstruction of the tuberous breast. Since 2006, Dr. Naidu has served as a clinical investigator in the Breast Implant Follow-Up Studies (BIFS) trials. She offers her patients the full range of breast implants.

Dr. Naidu completed her undergraduate studies at The Johns Hopkins University and obtained her medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. After completing her general surgery and plastic surgery training at New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell Medical Center, she performed an additional year of fellowship training at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Naidu is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Schedule a Gummy Bear Implant Consultation in NYC

Our office is located at 1021 Park Avenue in NYC. If you’d like to learn more about gummy bear implants – and whether they are right for you – please call our office at 212-452-1230 and schedule an appointment.

Breast Augmentation Before & After Photos

Gummy Bear Breast Implants Before & After Photo – Nina S. Naidu, MD FACS

Breast Augmentation FAQs

Will my Gummy Bear Implants Fall into Place?

Gummy bear implants generally do not "fall" into place, as they have a textured surface which adheres to the surrounding tissue. They generally will stay in their location after 6 weeks.

Are "Gummy Bear" Implants Approved by the FDA?

There are three manufacturers of gummy bear implants in the US – Sientra, Mentor, and Allergan. Sientra and Mentor's gummy bear implants are FDA-approved, while Allergan's gummy bear implants were removed from the market in July 2019.

Are gummy bear implants possible with a Transaxillary incision?

Gummy bear implants can be placed through a transaxillary incision, but it can be more difficult to ensure that they've been placed in the correct orientation. There is also a higher risk of damaging the implant, which is less pliable, when it is placed through this incision.

What are "gummy bear" implants?

"Gummy bear" implants refer to an anatomic textured silicone gel implant, which when cut demonstrates a thick silicone gel, similar to the texture of a gummy bear candy.

Are Gummy Bear Silicone Gel Implants Supposed to Look Natural?

Gummy bear implants have an anatomic, or teardrop, shape, which is designed to provide a gentle slope to the upper pole of the breast, and more volume to the lower portion of the breast. They typically look more natural than round implants immediately after surgery, although round implants look just as natural by one year after surgery.

Are Gummy Bear Breast Implants in Round Shape? if So, After Years the Shape of Breast Would Be Firm and Perky?

Gummy bear implants have an anatomic, or teardrop, shape. They have a textured surface which holds this shape in the correct orientation, as the surface adheres to the surrounding tissue.

Placing Gummy Bear Implants Through the Areola?

Gummy bear implants can be placed through a peri-areolar incision, but there is also a higher risk of damaging the implant, which is less pliable, when it is placed through this incision. The preferred incision for gummy bear implants is the infra-mammary incision, located in the crease below the breast.

Gummy bear implants rotating?

Gummy bear implants have an anatomic, or teardrop, shape. If they rotate, the shape of the breast will change, with protrusion to the inner or outside aspect of the breast. The only treatment is surgical correction.

Detachment of Gummy Bear Breast Implants and Fluid Buildup?

Gummy bear implants have a textured surface, which allows the implant to adhere to the surrounding tissue. If you notice that the implant has rotated, it is possible that there is fluid around the implant which has allowed it to rotate. You should see your implanting surgeon if this has occurred.

Do silicone/gummy bear implants make the breasts generally feel hard to the touch the majority of the time?

Gummy bear implants have a more cohesive silicone gel, which makes them feel firmer to touch. The firmness tends to soften with time, especially after one year.

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Rating: 5

Dr. Nina S. Naidu Reviewed by Nicole Lazar

“Amazing person and exceptional doctor is how I would describe Dr. Nina Naidu. From Pre-Op to Post-Op care, Dr. Naidu and her staff made the process easy and comfortable. Dr. Naidu’s demeanor, talent, and work is phenomenal. I have never had surgery before this and thought I would be nervous, but I wasn’t, because of her! She is so knowledgeable and confident that she made me feel at ease. We had discussions on different sizes that I wanted to be reduced to but I trusted her implicitly to make the final decision to get me to a size that was appropriately proportioned for my build. The results were exactly what I wanted! She far exceeded my expectations, they are perfect!”