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

Question

Andres Taleisnik, MD · Answer

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.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

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.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

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

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Answer: #BreastAugmentation

Answer: #BreastAugmentation

Answer: Gummy bear implants

Answer: Gummy bear implants

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

Answers (8)

Answer: #BreastAugmentation

Answer: #BreastAugmentation

Answer: Gummy bear implants

Answer: Gummy bear implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.