Do "Gummy Bear" implants get softer through the healing and settling process? (photos)

Question

Would I be a good candidate for them? And would 400cc get me to a full C/small D (even though I know bra size is subjective)? Stats: 5'8" Roughly 130 lbs 29" under bust Roughly 12cm bwd Thank you!

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

The implant is is more firm then traditional implants but does soften with time. I would suggest going in for a consultation to have an examine to see if you are a candidate for those implants and the size you are wanting. But looking at your pictures rest assured you should get a great result with which ever implant is used. Just make sure to go to a board certified plastic surgeon. Have a great day.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your pictures. Only examination would determine if you are a good candidate for gummy bear implants. Gummy bear implants tend to be firmer than traditional silicone gel implants.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

If "gummy bear" implants mean teardrop-shaped textured-surface highly cohesive silicone gel implants to you, then the answer is "No, the implants don't get softer through the healing and settling process." Your breasts, however, DO heal and soften. The difference is important as these are inherently firmer implants than smooth, round, cohesive implants. These (textured shaped high-strength cohesive) implants don't settle either, as they are textured to stay adherent to the tissues in the position they are placed, making them position-sensitive (they would look pretty silly if they were upside-down for instance, or if they don't adhere and rotate around in their pockets).Plus, they cost more, require a larger incision for placement, and are more difficult to achieve symmetry.What part of those things do you like?To be fair, there is nothing wrong with these implants, but there is a reason that the vast majority of surgeons worldwide use smooth round cohesive silicone gel implants--they do not "leak," rarely rupture (would take a huge force to damage them), do NOT require periodic MRI scans (IMHO) since they cannot "leak," are less costly, softer, not position-sensitive (since they are round), and yet look teardrop-shaped when standing and flatten and round out (like normal breasts) when reclining. And, they require a smaller incision to place.What part of those things did you not like?I understand the idea of "natural" shape (but how about when reclining--isn't teardrop shaped UNNATURAL when on your back?), and like the idea of reduced capsular contracture and "insurance" for re-operation. But it's not the implant, it's the surgeon. Who may be influencing you into what I personally feel is an unnecessary "gummy bear implants are 'better'" point of view. I would not claim they are "bad," just a combination of things that are not required for someone with your excellent anatomy. For more information about implant choices, click on the web reference link below for my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Appears as a yes. But best is IN PERSON opinions from boarded Plastic Surgeons vs over the internet guesses....

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

High cohesive gel implants are firmer and have texture surface. The indications for these implants are few but the risk of rotation and firmer breasts does not make it best option for all patients. The results of augmentation will depend on the patients breast tissue, implants size ,shape and surgeon's skills.

Leonard T. Yu, MD · Answer

It looks like you have the anatomy to get an excellent result with almost any type of implant.  Each type has its pros and cons.  Ask your surgeon to show you each so you can feel them before deciding.   You will find that the gummy bear implants feel firmer than round (generation 4) implants, but after they are in place, the added firmness is generally imperceptible.  There are other issues...cost, incision size, precise pocket placement....discuss these with your plastic surgeon.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

In general gummy bear breast implants are somewhat firmer than others. You should consult with an experience board-certified plastic surgeon first before deciding what kind of implants you want, as the choices are many.  Go to someone who can offer you all options , including Sientra gummy bear implants.  After a thorough consultation you will feel like you can make an informed choice.Remember that cup size will vary greatly depending on where you buy a bra.  Below is a healed breast augmentation patient.  Good luck in the process.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photographs.   Based on your pictures, I think you are starting at a great place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. Frankly, I think you should do well with any type of breast implant; more important than the selection of specific type of breast implant will be selection of your plastic surgeon and careful communication of your goals. You are absolutely correct in that discussing goals in terms of bra size is too subjective.  
 Unfortunately, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice (in regards to the best breast implant type/size/profile) to be truly helpful.
Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully.  Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals  with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining  breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as  "natural” or "full C/small D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Again, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.
3.  Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly,  allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals.  Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery ( after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers).
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps.  Best wishes.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

You must have been doing your research as this is a very perceptive question.  Because the textured Sientra breast implants are designed to Velcro to you through the scarring or encapsulation process that occurs in the weeks after your breast augmentation, the scar changes.  It actually matures like any scar, meaning that the scar will soften over time.  This means that your breasts will get softer and more natural feeling over time.  I have had patients tell me that their breast felt great at 6 to 12 months but that they felt even more natural in the 2nd year.I hope that helps.Best regards.

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

I have started using teardrop Model410 Allergan implants for selected patients, and I must say the paTients love the results.  They maintain a natural shape, feel slightly firmer in the first month or so but seem to be wonderfully equal to the other silicone implants in a short period of time.Always ask your Plastic Surgeon about the benefits and challenges of using these implants before choosing a technique or appearance to an implant.Good luck to you.FrNk Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Do "Gummy Bear" implants get softer through the healing and settling process? (photos)

Answers (11)