Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States. In 2021, a total of 365,000 breast augmentations were performed (while almost 150,000 women had implants removed and replaced). This is a 44% increase from 2020 when 250,000 surgeries were performed.

There are many different reasons a woman may choose to have breast augmentation surgery, including enhancing their physical appearance and boosting self-esteem and confidence. When it comes to getting breast implants, there are two main options: silicone gel and saline.

In this blog post, we will focus on gummy bear breast implants (another term for cohesive silicone gel breast implants). We will highlight exactly what they are, the pros and cons, what the surgery and recovery look like, how they compare to saline implants, and much more.

If you are interested in gummy bear breast implants, your premier choice in California is the Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery. Let’s get started.

What Are Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

As noted above, gummy bear breast implants are also known as “cohesive” silicone gel breast implants. They are one of the options available to women for breast augmentation surgery. The reason they are nicknamed “gummy bear” is because of their inner consistency.

Imagine that you have two balloons. You fill one balloon with maple syrup and the other balloon with jello. The maple syrup is runnier. The older silicone implants had a consistency more like the maple syrup. If you cut it open an older implant, the silicone, like the maple syrup, runs out.

In contrast, the newest generation implants are filled with a thicker-consistency silicone (called more “cohesive”), more like jello, so it feels more solid. If you cut open a gummy bear, the insides don’t run out, right? Likewise, if you cut open a new generation gummy bear implant, the silicone will tend to stay in place and not run out all over the place.

This is a good thing because, in case of a leak in the implant shell, you don’t want the silicone to stay put.      

Gummy bear breast implants have been available for more than a decade. They are popular for the reason above but there is also another benefit. Gummy bear implants are better at retaining their shape in comparison to other types of implants.

For example, it’s very common that after you’ve breast fed, your breasts lose their “oomph”, especially at the top part of the breast, they look flat, The gummy bear implant is more solid, so they are better at giving you more fullness at the top of the breast. 

If you are looking to add more volume to your breast while getting a pretty, round shape, you may be a good candidate for gummy bear implants. Note that these implants are not approved for women under the age of 22 years and for women who are pregnant or nursing.

Are Gummy Bear Implants Safe?

Breast implants as we know them have been around for decades. In that time, they have become increasingly safe and effective. In the past, there was a greater risk of breast implants rupturing, which can result in the inner gel leaking out of the shell and into nearby tissues.

However, today’s gummy bear implants are considerably safer. Compared to other types of breast implants, they are less likely to rupture and leak. With silicone implants like gummy bear implants, it is recommended by the FDA that a surveillance MRI or ultrasound is performed every 3-5 years after the procedure, to detect any issues that might exist.

What Are the Benefits of Gummy Bear Implants?

As with all types of breast implants, the objective is to improve the size and shape of the breasts. Here, we will highlight some of the main benefits of gummy bear breast implants.

They Retain Their Shape

As highlighted above, gummy bear breast implants, compared to other types of breast implants, hold their shape better. This is accomplished while still leaving the breast naturally soft to the touch. This is thanks to the consistency of the gel that is used (similar to gummy bears).

Gummy bear implants are denser, which makes them a great option for women who want more fullness in the upper part or their breast.

Capsular Contracture Is Less Likely

Capsular contracture develops when the internal scar tissue forms a constricting capsule around a breast implant. This scar tissue contracts until the implant becomes misshapen and hard, which can cause stiffness and discomfort, while also affecting the appearance of the breast. Capsular contracture is often triggered by leaking silicone.

In breast implant cases, capsular contracture is a relatively common reason for reoperation. Because gummy bear implants have less leakage, it is hoped that they will have a lower rate of capsular contracture than other types of breast implants.

They Are Less Likely to Leak

Gummy bear implants are less likely to leak than other types of implants. This is due to their added strength. However, the reality is that all types of breast implants can rupture.

As highlighted above, regular screenings are recommended to detect any problems. This is because, in the unlikely case of a rupture, it is more difficult to detect a leak than with saline implants.

What Are the Cons of Gummy Bear Implants?

It’s true that gummy bear implants are a wonderful option for women looking to enhance the appearance of their breasts and realize a natural shape. However, there are a number of potential cons to be aware of. Let’s highlight two of these here.

They Require a Slightly Longer Incision

One downside to gummy bear breast implants is that a slightly longer incision is required. This may increase the risk of visible scarring. Typically, they require a minimum incision length of 4.5 to 5 cm. Saline implants require the smallest incision.

They Are More Expensive

Compared to traditional silicone gel implants and saline implants, gummy bear breast implants are more expensive. This is because they are more costly to manufacture.

However, given that they retain their shape better than other implants and offer a natural look along with a reduced risk of leaking, the higher cost comes with its own undeniable benefits.

Gummy Bear Vs Saline Implants

Whereas gummy bear implants refer to cohesive silicone gel breast implants, saline implants are composed of sterile salt water. Saline implants have been around since the 1960s.

Though saline implants are more affordable than gummy bear implants and traditional silicone, there are a number of drawbacks. For example, they may be more easily seen under the skin and may feel more firm and unnatural than natural breast tissue. They often show up as “rippling” on the sides of the breast. 

Click here to learn more about gummy bear implants versus saline implants.

What Is Involved in the Surgical Procedure?

Breast augmentation surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. A breast augmentation surgery typically takes only one to two hours. Patients will be provided with a list of instructions to follow in the 24 hours leading up to their procedure.

There are different ways to place breast implants. One option is to make an incision on the underside of the breast, through which the implant is placed. Other options include the implant being placed through the arm and around the edge of the areola.

A pocket of space is created in order to place the implants. This is done by separating the breast tissue from the chest muscles and tissue. 

Once the implants have been placed, they are centered inside the breasts. To finish, the incisions are expertly closed with stitches and bandaged with surgical tape. At the Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery our surgeons take special care to create and close incisions in a way that will leave minimal scarring.

Reasons to Get Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Breast implants are one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. Enhancing appearance is one of the most commonly-cited reasons for this procedure, given that it adds something extra and helps women to feel more attractive.

Breast dissatisfaction is high in the United States and around the world. Research shows that more than 70% of women are dissatisfied with their breasts. 48% of women say that they want to have larger breasts, considerably higher than those who wish their breasts were smaller. Fewer than a third of women (29%) say they are happy with their breast size.

Other benefits of breast implant surgery include:

• Create better body proportions
• Improve clothing fit
• Achieve breast symmetry
• Improve self-esteem and confidence
• Improve body shape after weight loss
• Looks more youthful

For all the reasons listed above, gummy bear breast implants are a highly recommended option for women interested in improving the appearance of their breasts.

Understanding Gummy Bear Breast Implants

The bottom line is that gummy bear breast implants are “cohesive” silicone gel breast implants, popular among women looking to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence.

The Advanced Institute for Plastic Surgery is the trusted choice for high-quality gummy bear implants. We have world-class plastic surgery centers in Temecula/Murrieta and Redlands.

To learn more about gummy implants, request a consultation with one of our professional board-certified plastic surgeons today. We look forward to speaking with you.