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

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

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.