Textured implants are believed to be more resistant to implant rotation post surgery. Because of this fact, all cohesive gel implants have a textured surface.
Cohesive gel implants have been used in breast augmentation surgeries outside the United States for almost twenty years. There are plenty of customer testimonials and data that support the general belief that these new implants might be the greatest implant developed so far. But until the FDA approves these implants for unrestricted use in the U.S., American women will have to settle for either silicone gel or saline breast implants for their breast augmentation procedures.
If you're wondering what the difference is between cohesive gel implants and traditional silicone gel implants, it has to do with the gel itself and the way it is manufactured. Silicone gel implants use a silicone gel as their filler. This gel is a very thick liquid. Cohesive gel implants are not made of liquid: their filler is a solid mass of gel that has very similar consistency and feel to the ever popular Gummy Bear candy.
When a cohesive gel implant is created, the manufacturer adds what is called a cross-linker to the gel. This cross linker causes the gel to bind together into a solid mass of gel.
Both silicone and saline breast implants come in two basic design styles: anatomical and round.
Round implants are exactly that: round and perfectly symmetrical. When a woman with round implants lies on her back, her implants will flatten out like a giant M&M. Although this makes these implants impervious to rotation issues, a lot of women don't like the "high profile" look created by these implants.
Anatomical implants are implants that are designed to resemble a real breast. They have more filler near the bottom of the implant than at the top, and they contain a more natural slope to the implant that is very similar to how a real breast slopes from its top to its bottom.
Implant rotation is more of a threat to anatomical implants because if they rotate, they will obviously appear out of place (and usually in a very unsightly fashion). Any woman who has experienced a rotated anatomical implant will attest to the fact that it is very upsetting to say the least.
Cohesive gel implants, due to the way they are designed as a solid mass of gel, are only available in anatomical design. Because they are only available as an anatomically shaped implant, they are also only available with a textured surface and not a smooth surface. A textured implant will be less likely to rotate, and in the case of anatomically shaped implants, this is a very important feature to help thwart implant rotation.
If you are interested in the latest implant to hit the U.S. market, the cohesive gel implant, you will need to speak with a surgeon who has been approved by the FDA for the cohesive gel clinical trial. Once you find a surgeon, give him or her a call and schedule an initial consultation.
If you prefer traditional silicone gel or saline implants, then you can contact any licensed, board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation. Ask for a free initial consultation, and then meet with the surgeon and ask your questions.
Please do not interpret the content of this article as medical advice. Only a licensed, practicing physician should answer your questions regarding health or plastic surgery related topics. Good luck!
Breast Implants - Rupture And Leakage
The FDA once banned silicone gel implants for use in breast augmentation surgery. This ban lasted fourteen years. They were primarily concerned with two things: rupture and leakage.
Saline Breast Implants - The Good And The Very Bad!
Saline implants were once the most popular requested implant in the United States. The primary reason for their current popularity decline is because the more controversial implant, silicone gel, is now available for unrestricted use in breast augmentation surgery.
The Three Types Of Breast Implants That Are Currently Available In The United States
The FDA has approved two breast implants for public use: silicone gel and saline. There is now a third implant available to a small percentage of augmentation patients: cohesive gel implants.
