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.

Trish,Form stable implants tend to hold their tear drop shape which can provide a more natural looking result in some women. However, women that already have normal breast shape may not be appropriate candidates for gummy bear implants. I typically use them in women who have had mastectomy or very little breast tissue to begin with.Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.I hope this was helpful,Dr. Daniel BarrettPlastic SurgeryBeverly Hills, CA

Both implants are made of silicone.  The differences are related to shape and cohesiveness of the silicone gel.Gummy bear implants are pre-shaped to variously shapes to imitate a natural breast and are made of silicone gel that holds its shape more. Slightly firmer hence the nickname "Gummy bear".Regular silicone implants are round and less cohesive gel which feels softer and more fluid and this allows it to change shape with movement and gravity.

Hi and thanks for your question. Gummy bear implants are silicone implants, but the silicone inside is firmer which allows them to hold their shape. These implants are also referred to as form-stable, and each of the three implant manufacturers has a version of it. The main benefit these implants provide is a natural, tapered shape to the upper part of the breast. This is a great choice for patients who don't want to have an augmented look. Not as good of a choice if you like the full, round look that is common in Orange County. The downside is that they are more expensive, and in a small percentage of cases they can turn or rotate. If this happens you will need to have the implant moved back into it's position. Patients with tighter breasts tend to be better candidates for these implants. In my practice I use them every week for breast cancer patients, but not as commonly in cosmetic cases. That being said they can be a great choice for patients with a certain set of goals and the right anatomy. Set yourself up with some consultations with board certified plastic surgeons to share your goals and to be evaluated. Consider a practice like ours which uses the Vectra 3D imaging system. We can show you what you would look like with round vs shaped (gummy bear implants) to help you make your decision. Good luck.Dr J

Thank you for your question but the best way to find out what implant might be right for you is to go on some consults with experts in your areaDr Corbin

Gummy bear implants: advantage:1)firmer which means they are less likely to show rippling if your skin is thin2)if ruptured, will not leak silicone out like traditional silicone implantsdisadvantage:1)are contoured, so if they rotate even a small amount, you will have asymmetry and requirea redo.Thus, in order to decide if this implant is a good choice for you, consider how thick/thin your breast skin is. A consultation would be very helpful to work these details out.