‘Gummy bear’ implants are a type of silicone implant that contains a highly cohesive silicone gel. These implants are also referred to as ‘form-stable’ implants because the silicone gel inside is thick (not liquid) and they tend to maintain their shape even if the implant shell is broken. Gummy bear implants come in either a round or tear-drop shape (tapering at the bottom and projected at the bottom). They are a popular choice with women who are looking to augment their breasts while maintaining a natural shape that is soft to the touch.
Ideal candidates for gummy bear implants
Gummy bear implants are a special type of silicone implants and thus are recommended for use by the FDA on women who are 22 years or older. These breast implants are ideal for women who prefer to add volume to their breasts but without the extreme shape associated with other implants. Plastic surgeons require that you are mentally and physically healthy before performing a breast enlargement procedure with gummy bear implants. These implants are not approved for women who are pregnant or nursing.
Pros of gummy bear implants
Gummy bear breast implants offer unique advantages compared to their traditional counterparts:
- They retain their shape, thanks to the ultra-cohesive silicone gel that is used to fill the implant.
- The cohesive silicone gel will never leak out even if the implant shell breaks.
- Gummy bear implants are less likely to result in a capsular contracture, which is a common complication associated with silicone implants.
- Gummy bear implants are less prone to folding and rippling.
Cons of gummy bear implants
Despite their advantages, gummy bear implants are not without their drawbacks.
- These implants tend to retain their shape and thus do not move like natural breast tissue.
- Gummy bear implants are more expensive than traditional silicone implants.
- Gummy bear implants require a longer incision compared to both saline implants and conventional silicone implants.
- These implants are often only available in ‘teardrop’ shapes.
Maintenance of gummy bear implants
In case of a rupture, gummy bear implants do not leak out to the surrounding tissue. Plastic surgeons usually do consider these implants to be more solid (in terms of their design) than other implant options. It is important to note though that the implant material will eventually fatigue with time. Thus, periodic MRI scans are required in order to ensure that they are working correctly.