Types of Implants in Raleigh & Cary, NC

The main difference between saline, silicone, and \u201cgummy bear\u201d implants is what they are filled with and how they feel. Saline implants are made of a strong silicone shell that is filled with a sterile saline solution. Silicone implants are filled with a liquid-like, silicone gel that feels like natural breast tissue. \u201cGummy bear\u201d implants are simply a type of silicone implants. They are more cohesive than traditional silicone implants. Oftentimes, \u201cgummy bear\u201d implants can also refer to teardrop or anatomically shaped implants. Dr. Coan offers silicone implants of different cohesivities to achieve various patient aesthetic goals.

Silicone implants provide an overall more natural appearance, less chance of visible rippling, and a lower leak/rupture rate. A rupture in saline implants leads to an abrupt deflation, resulting in a noticeable change in appearance and need for implant replacement. Choosing the right breast implants can seem daunting, but Dr. Coan and our team are here for you every step of the way. Implant selection can be dependent on your lifestyle, volume goals, and desired shape. Dr. Coan has extensive experience with a variety of breast implants, and he considers silicone implants to be the industry gold standard. During a consultation, Dr. Coan will discuss your preferences and concerns while helping you select the best option.

With any surgery, there are risks and benefits to consider. Safety is a top priority, and this is why it is important to select a board-certified plastic surgeon. Our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Coan, does everything possible to minimize risks before, during, and after surgery. Specifically, he abides by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons guidelines for optimal safety standards. Some common and uncommon complications include swelling, bruising, bleeding, sensation changes, and capsular contracture. Most of these are typically mild and temporary. Capsular contracture is the thickening or hardening of scar tissue surrounding the implant. After surgery, a thin layer of internal scar tissue forms around the implant. With capsular contracture, the scar tissue may thicken and harden, leading to pain, soreness, and shape changes. Dr. Coan uses all the best practices to minimize the risk of capsular contracture. Silicone implants are associated with a lower rate of capsular contracture. At CARE, we recommend Allergans Natrelle silicone gel implants. The Natrelle breast implants are considered to be the gold standard for many reasons, including a lifetime replacement warranty and a two-year implant replacement warranty on capsular contracture.

Highly cohesive silicone gel implants, sometimes called \u201cgummy bear\u201d implants, are unlike traditional silicone or saline implants. They are form-stable and will maintain their shape if cut into.

No matter the type of implant chosen, breast implants are not lifetime devices; however, with today’s technology, many patients can enjoy their implants for 10, 15, and 20+ years. When compared to saline implants, silicone implants are less likely to rupture or leak due to their gel like composition. \u201cGummy bear\u201d implants are also less likely to leak or rupture when compared to saline implants. The only way to detect and confirm a leak or rupture in a silicone implant is through an MRI of the breasts. Natrelle breast implants have a 10-year implant replacement warranty on implant leaks or ruptures.