What are gummy bear implants? Gummy bear implants are form-stable, anatomically shaped silicone implants filled with a thicker, more cross-linked gel than traditional silicone. They’re nicknamed for their gummy-bear-like texture, and their firmer gel and teardrop shape help hold fuller, more stable cleavage over time.
If you’re comparing implant types for a breast augmentation, they’re one of the most talked-about options. Here’s what they are, what they’re made of, and their pros and cons.
Why They’re Called Gummy Bear Implants
The name comes from the feel. Because the gel inside is firmer and more solid than standard silicone, the texture basically feels like a gummy bear, holding its shape rather than flowing freely. That firmness is the whole point: it helps the implant keep its form.
What They’re Made Of
They’re made of highly cross-linked silicone gel. Over the years, scientists cross-linked the silicone to make it more solid, and form-stable gummy bear implants have even more cross-linking than regular silicone.
It helps to understand the history. The first generation of silicone implants in the 1960s had a very liquidy gel, almost like honey. Later generations behaved more like a solid, but the silicone could still flow within the implant, so over many years it often settled toward the bottom when a patient was standing, creating less fullness at the top of the breast. The form-stable design fixes that.
The Advantages
Because of the stiffer gel and an anatomic shape that’s fuller at the bottom, these implants create more stable cleavage over time. Standard smooth, round implants have a gel that, even as it’s gotten thicker, still flows within the shell, which can lead to loss of upper-pole fullness and even visible rippling in some patients.
Because these implants are textured, mainly to prevent rotation, they may also carry a slightly lower risk of capsular contracture, and they tend to be slightly less likely to rupture than regular silicone implants.
The Disadvantages to Consider
There are trade-offs. Because these implants are anatomically shaped, if the implant rotates, the fuller part could end up at the top. They’re also stiffer devices, so they often require a slightly larger incision, and because the gel behaves more like a solid than a liquid, it’s possible to fracture the gel if the incision is too small.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A good candidate for these implants is someone who wants a very natural-looking result. The sizes available in the US so far won’t give you a D cup, but they can create a very nice, natural, full B or small C. If a natural shape is your priority, they may be an excellent fit.
The Bottom Line
So, what makes them different? They’re form-stable silicone implants with a firmer gel and teardrop shape that hold their form for natural, stable cleavage, with trade-offs around rotation and incision size. Whether they’re right for you depends on your goals and anatomy, which a consultation can help you sort out.
Curious whether gummy bear implants suit your goals? Contact Dr. Dana to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are gummy bear implants?
Gummy bear implants are form-stable, anatomically shaped silicone implants with a thicker, more cross-linked gel that holds its shape. They’re named for their gummy-bear-like texture, and their firmer gel and teardrop form help create fuller, more stable cleavage over time than standard round implants.
What are gummy bear implants made of?
They’re made of highly cross-linked silicone gel. Cross-linking makes the silicone more solid than the liquidy gel used in early implants, and form-stable versions have even more cross-linking than regular silicone, which is what lets them hold their shape.
Why are they called gummy bear implants?
They’re nicknamed for their texture. The firmer, more cross-linked gel feels much like a gummy bear, holding its shape rather than flowing freely. That firmness is what helps the implant maintain fullness and a consistent shape over time.
What are the advantages of gummy bear implants?
Their firmer gel and anatomic, fuller-at-the-bottom shape create more stable cleavage and better upper-pole fullness over time. Because they’re textured, they may also have a slightly lower risk of capsular contracture and are slightly less likely to rupture than regular silicone implants.
Are gummy bear implants a good choice for me?
They may be ideal if you want a very natural-looking result. Current US sizes create a natural, full B or small C rather than a D cup. The trade-offs, such as possible rotation and a slightly larger incision, are worth discussing with your surgeon based on your goals.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult a qualified surgeon about your specific situation.