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Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants
What are Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants?Cohesive gel implants are made from silicone. However, the silicone in the implant shell is not a liquid or thin gel material. Rather, it is viscous jelly solid form of silicone which will not leak or migrate from the implant shell. The material is often compared to gummy bears since the texture and characteristics are indeed similar. The implant shells are often formed to resemble actual anatomical breast tissue, commonly in the shape of a flattened teardrop. Cohesive gel implants were created to prevent many of the problems associated with earlier silicone gel and saline breast implants, including folding, wrinkling, leaking, rupturing and the need for replacement.Advantages of Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast ImplantsThe cohesive gel will not leak into the body even if the shell is somehow pierced or cut. The viscosity of the material will prevent it from moving about the body in the event of an implant shell rupture. Cohesive gel implants are safer, since the gel is contained securely within the shell. The material is very lifelike and creates an incredibly natural appearance. This is ideal for women desiring to look fuller without having the obviously enhanced look commonly associated with other types of breast implants. Studies show reduced risk for the development of capsular contracture in women who have cohesive gel implants. Cohesive silicone implants also have a longer life expectancy and will not have to be replaced as soon, or as often, as saline or traditional silicone implants. Cohesive implants are especially suited for breast reconstruction operations in which a large primary surgical incision has already been made and the patient seeks to maintain a predictable size and shape postoperatively.Disadvantages of Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast ImplantsThe cohesive gel shells cannot bend or collapse like other types of implants. This creates the need for larger surgical incisions. The most common implantation method is through the breast fold (inframammary augmentation), although through the nipple (periareolar augmentation) or armpit (transaxillary augmentation) is possible, depending upon the patient’s particular anatomy. Anatomically shaped cohesive gel implants can potentially rotate in the body causing unnatural deformities, including uneven side to side appearance or inverted breast profile. This occurrence is rare, but it does happen in some patients. Utilizing a textured implant shell will dramatically reduce the potential for prosthesis rotation. A round cohesive gel prosthesis will not be subject to this potential complication. Cohesive gel implants are the most costly of all implant types. However, some implant manufacturers offer financial incentives for patients willing to participate in long term follow up studies.The Bottom Line on Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast ImplantsNot all cohesive gel silicones are created equal. Some are firmer and more cohesive than others. A firmer gel will also make breasts feel firmer and less natural. A less viscous gel might display a slightly higher incidence of gel migration and shape variation. It is important to research the best implant for your particular needs before undergoing plastic surgery. All in all, the cohesive gel implant is a great innovation in the field of cosmetic breast surgery. Cohesive gel implants are a well rounded product which combines safety, predictability and natural aesthetics. As surgical techniques continue to develop, the future versions of cohesive gel implants have the potential to become the finest breast implants ever designed.Breast Plastic Surgery Interactive Forum Cohesive Silicone Gel Breast Implants to Breast Enlargement & Breast Lift 12/11/07 Revised 2/27/08
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