Patient Stories
Charlie: My Life with Gummy Bears
Having the advantage of working in the plastic surgery industry, my interest is always piqued when I hear of "new, improved" products or procedures. Our office is inundated with samples and services to try, with the hopes that we too may endorse, or better yet, implement some new technology. Much does not excite me, as I spend more time deciding to pass on such offers, even though I get the opportunity for my bathroom to resemble a pharmacy or at times, a clinic. It's just that there are too many promises without the delivery.
Having said this however, I was unusually excited when I heard about the new cohesive gel breast implants. You see, I had saline breast implants for some time. While they served me well, I knew how silicone gel felt by contrast, and that 'natural look and feel' was certainly what I was after. For those unfamiliar with the term cohesive gels, here goes a visual: think gummy bears. Yes, the inside of the implant resembles the texture of a gummy bear - soft, squishy, pliable, yet it springs back to its original shape.
Regular silicone gel implants are filled with silicone gel, and we are all aware of the issues with the FDA. Not that I am buying into the fact that there is - or ever was - a problem, but, if I can have the look and feel of silicone, without the worry of leakage, I'll take it. Furthermore, I loved the idea that these things had "memory." For those of us who have had children, you know what I mean. We want that extra support, while maintaining soft, supple, natural looking breasts.
Needless to say, I almost bee-lined for the surgery table once Dr. Grant Stevens became one of only 15 surgeons in the U.S. appointed to the Silimed cohesive gel clinical studies. Within a few days of getting these new implants in stock, I was sporting a pair of bears! I am so pleased, far beyond my expectations. I would recommend these devices to anyone considering breast augmentation. The best news of all, they are even available for primary cases, assuming you meet the clinical study criteria.
If you are considering breast enhancement, I suggest you make an appointment with Dr. Stevens and discuss your options to determine if you are a candidate. But I'm sold. Unless these implants head for the woods, I'm keeping them for life.
Charlie Sheridan
Director, Marina Plastic Surgery Associates
