What are the pros & cons of gummy bear implants versus silicone implants?

Yours is a common question, one that is not easily answered. First, you should understand that gummy bear implants are filled with a "cohesive silicone gel," just like standard silicone gel implants are. The gel in the gummy bear implants is firmer, however. For some patients, this can be a negative factor, since one of the reasons for choosing silicone is the softness and natural feel of the silicone implants as compared to saline implants. The gummy bear implants have a "teardrop" shape which can sometimes produce a more natural appearance to the upper portion of the breast, especially in patients with very tight tissues. For most patients, however, the difference is negligible and difficult to detect even for plastic surgeons. Even plastic surgeons who are considered to be the leaders in the use of form-stable shaped gummy bear implants use them in a small percentage of their cosmetic surgery patients. All of this means that you truly require examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon who can advise you as to whether gummy bear implants would provide any improvement in appearance as compared to standard round silicone implants. One point to consider is that gummy bear implants seem to have a lower rate of capsular contracture (formation of thicker scar tissue around the implants which can make them hard or negatively affect the appearance). This may actually be the most important reason to select a gummy bear implant, since the appearance differences are usually minor.

It's a good question which will help clarify things.  Gummy bear implants is a fancy name used to describe the new cohesive silicone gel implants.  The term is loosely used, but really applies to all silicone implants on the market today.  The term gummy ear was originally coined by a plastic surgeon and widely used now.

For a straightforward breast augmentation the additional cost of the new were "form" or "shape" implants is probably not worth it. These new implants are used more commonly in reconstruction and problems with earlier breast augmentation patients.