Cohesive gel implants are the newest type of silicone implant for breast augmentation. These implants are filled with a thicker type of silicone. When you cut into a cohesive gel implant, nothing oozes out. It is similar to cutting into a gummy-bear or jello. In contrast, when you cut into a regular silicone implant, the liquid silicone gel leaks out.See why the new silicone implants are safe and do not leak if punctured in this breast implant video:
Cohesive gel implants have been used in Europe since 1995, and have been available in Canada since 2000. In 2007, plastic surgeons in the United States began using them as well. Breast implant shapes are either round or anatomically (tear-drop) shaped and have a textured or smooth surface.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of cohesive gel implants ?
One of the biggest advantages when comparing saline vs silicone implants is that silicone implants feel more natural. They feel much more like a real breast
Compared to saline breast implants, rippling is much less common with cohesive gels because they are semi-solid. Deflation, which occurs with saline implants, does not occur with cohesive gels. If a cohesive gel implant ruptures, it maintains both its shape and integrity.
The filling of a silicone cohesive gel implant remains intact upon rupture.
As well, there are multiple models of cohesive gel implants that vary with respect to projection, height, and width. This provides flexibility in determining the appropriate implant size to balance body proportions and breast aesthetics. Cohesive gels generally produce less unnatural upper breast fullness as compared to saline implants. As a result, they are more natural looking breast implants.
See why the new silicone implants are safe and do not leak if puncturedA disadvantage of cohesive implants is that they require a slightly larger incision for insertion, because they are semi-solid. Due to this, these implants are often placed through an incision in the fold under the breast (“infra-mammary”). If the nipple-areola is large enough, a nipple incision could possibly be used instead. Dr. Edelstein is one of a handful of Plastic Surgeons in Canada that can place smooth, round cohesive gel implants through an armpit incision in carefully selected patients.
Cohesive implants are more expensive than saline implants.
Who should consider cohesive gel implants?Cohesive gel implants are indicated for women who are looking for a natural-shaped and proportionate-sized breast augmentation. They are especially suited to thin women who want to avoid the “feelability” of saline implants. In thin women, saline implants can often be felt, particularly over the outer-lower aspect of the breast. This is the main concern when deciding on silicone vs saline breast implants.
What should I do if I’m interested in cohesive gel implants ?The first step is to arrange a consultation with one of our Plastic Surgeons. At the consultation, your surgeon will discuss all aspects of the surgery with you, including the various breast implant Toronto options available. They will also review choices for incisions, whether to place the implant under the breast alone, or under the breast and chest muscle, and the best size for you depending on your personal goals and expectations.
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