What is the difference between gummy bear implants and fat transfer augmentation?

Thank you for your question. The term “Gummy bear” is referred to as cohesive gel silicone implants. When cut in half they are form-stable so they keep their shape, much like the gummy bear candy. A fat transfer breast augmentation requires ones own fat. In order to do a fat transfer, a patient will need to undergo liposuction as well. Without photos it is difficult to give feedback on size. I advise consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon for individualized advice.

The definition of "natural" needs to be addressed.  Fat transfer is your own tissue, while "gummy bears" are silicone breast implants.  The size of the implant, implant volume and shape may all play are role in achieving "natural looking" breasts.  Fat grafting for breast augmentation depends on the amount of donor site fat one has available.  This is determined during consultation.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Fat grafting and breast implants are both possible options for breast augmentation.  The best option for you will depend on your goals and breast anatomy.  This decision will be based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality, with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Personally, I use fat transfer for medium fill- not for very large (over 400cc range) augmentation. Fat will fill in upper pole and address areas nicely provided you have adequate fat to use. I use Vaser ultrasound liposuction and specially process the fat for best results.Properly sized gel implants can give large and natural appearance and hold volume reliably.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Gummy bear implants are a variant of silicone implants. The difference being a form stable gel fill which imparts the anatomic shape. The gummy bear gel is the most cohesive/firm available. It is form stable and will hold a shape thus the shaped/gummy bear.
In my practice most patients will choose a smooth round device. When placed in the submuscular plane, the aesthetic differences are minimal. The downward pressure by the muscle across the upper pole of the round device forces it to assume a more tear drop appearance. Recent studies have shown that both patients and surgeons have difficulty distinguishing between the 2 implant types post-operatively. Additionally, shaped implants are more costly and have an increased risk of rotation.
Finally, although very rare, the few documented cases of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) have all been in cases of textured devices. Until more data is available many are shifting their practice back to smooth round devices.
Studies have shown most cannot tell the difference between the shaped and round devices when placed submuscular. In light of the added cost, larger incision, and BIA-ALCL risk...most will opt for round devices placed beneath the muscle.
Fat transfer is a more limiting and less consistent. Due to the variability of fat graft take/viability, what you see is not always what you get (6 months later). When considering fat transfer, less is more. Patients should not expect to achieve more than a 1/2-1 cup size increase (without multiple procedures).
In summary, implants can deliver a natural result (when appropriately sized). Fat transfer is less consistent but remains an option, especially if you are not seeking significant volume.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hello, and thank you for this question.  Gummy bear implants and fat transfer are two different procedures for breast augmentation.  A gummy bear implant — also called a cohesive gel silicone implant — can add significant fullness and a higher profile when surgically inserted into the breast.  However, if you need only a small to moderate enhancement, a fat transfer will still increase your fullness and profile but to a lesser degree.  A fat transfer augmentation can have a more natural feel since it uses your own body fat instead of synthetic materials, although gummy bear implants can feel quite natural.  An additional advantage of fat transfer procedures is that they draw fat from other areas of your body, enhancing them as well.  How much augmentation you need and whether or not you have other areas of concern will in part determine which procedure will work best for you.  Schedule an in-person consultation with a local, board-certified cosmetic practitioner in your area for for a personalized recommendation.  Good luck!
- Carl N. Williams, Jr., MD

This is a great question and one which in on many patient's minds.  For starters, I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss these options in person.  Breast implants and fat transfer are both effective ways at enlarging your breasts.  Each technique had advantages and disadvantages depending on your body type, existing breast size, and goals for surgery.  Fat transfer involved harvesting fat cells from your abdomen and thighs using liposuction, processing the fat, and injecting the fat cells directly into your breasts.  The results are permanent and accomplish your goals with your own living tissue. However, there is a limit to how much fat that can be safely transferred at one time, especially with a tight skin envelope in youthful breasts.  The limit is usually 300-400cc and the volume of fat that ultimately survives can be variable. Depending on your size goals, it may take 2 operations to achieve your desired size.  Gummy bear implants or form-stable implants are shaped with firm, viscous silicone gel that maintains its shape in the body. In general, implants give a more immediate and predicable result.  Modern breasts implants all contain cohesive gel which protects against leakage in the event of an implant rupture, decreases the incidence of rippling, and maintains shape better than older generation implants.  Its best to discuss these options in person to decide what is best for you.  Good luck!

I prefer using breast implants to enhance the appearance of the breasts.  I find that they are more reliable than injecting fat.  

Fat transfer takes fat from other parts of your body and injects it into your breasts. The change in size may be minimal. Implants are silicone, gummy bear are a certain type. Have the surgeon discuss what is possible with you before and answer all of your questions. Some of us think gummy bear implants are too hard. Regular popular silicone feels the most natural. 

Thanks for your question. The silicone used in “gummy bear” implants is stabilized internally so as to feel less liquid. The result is a firmer feel as well compared to fat augmentation. They are able to lift and provide bigger volume than augmentation with your own fat. Fat is more natural but the size you can achieve Is more limited  even if performed more than once. For specific numbers you would need to be seen because volume is determined on biodimensional measurements which you can only measure directly. Hope this helps.