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The Pros and Cons of Gummy Bear Breast Implants

Recent breakthroughs in the cosmetic surgery industry mean you have more than one choice if you’re interested in having bigger breasts through a process called breast implant surgery. At one time, a boob job meant getting saline implants to make your breasts larger, but now that’s not your only option.

Gummy bear breast implants are a unique type of ultra-cohesive silicone breast implant that has a more natural shape: it’s narrow at the top and fuller at the bottom. Another name for gummy bear breast implants is form-stable breast implants. Shaped like a teardrop, many women feel these implants have a much more natural look than traditional round breast implants.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to any type of breast implant. The best way to find out if gummy bear breast implants are right for you is by meeting with one of the expert breast surgeons at Rowe Plastic Surgery. With state-of-the-art facilities in Manhattan, Long Island, New Jersey and the Hamptons, these surgeons have experience with gummy bear implants.

What Exactly Are Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

Silicone breast implants have been around since 1962, although they’ve gone through several improvements since then. Gummy bear breast implants were used in other countries before being approved in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration in 2012. Some characteristics of gummy bear implants include:

  • Having a teardrop shape, meaning they’re tapered at the top with more projection on the bottom
  • Being much more pliable than other implants
  • Bouncing back from touch
  • Ensuring a thick and cohesive consistency

There’s no question that combining the term “gummy bear” with “breast enhancement” in the same sentence may sound a bit odd. One California plastic surgeon came up with this term because when these implants are cut in half, they retain their shape, which reminded him of gummy bear candies. Since then, the name has stuck.

What Are Some Advantages of Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

Gummy bear implants have a solid foundation and greater durability than other types of implants. The pros of form-stable implants include:

  • A natural look and feel
  • Reduced risk of implant rupture or leakage
  • Textured outer shell makes them less likely to ripple or fold
  • Less likely to result in capsular contracture, which is when a stiff layer of scar tissue forms around the implant

Breast augmentation using gummy bear implants leads to a more predictable breast shape. They provide a thin tip at the top and fullness at the bottom, closely mimicking the shape of a natural breast.

What Are Some Drawbacks of Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

Gummy bear breast implants have some drawbacks too, which make some women decide to choose traditional breast implants. Your cosmetic surgeon can help you decide which is best for you to achieve the goals you desire. Some of the drawbacks of gummy bear implants include:

  • They cost more than either silicone or saline implants.
  • They require a longer incision during the implantation procedure.
  • They move and shift differently than your natural breast tissue.
  • They feel too firm, according to some women.

Gummy bear breast implants are only available in anatomical shapes. If you prefer a rounder look with more fullness on top, opt for a round implant. If you’re looking to have much larger breasts, traditional implants may be a better choice for you.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

Not everyone is a good candidate for gummy bear breast implants. Some factors that affect whether you’re a good candidate include:

  • You must be over the age of 22.
  • You can’t have any major asymmetries between your right and left breast.
  • You can be undergoing breast reconstruction after a cancer treatment.

Thin women with naturally small breasts often make especially good candidates for gummy bear implants. Other good candidates have tight skin envelopes and are well-proportioned. If your nipples are too low or if you have extra skin around your breast, gummy bear implants may not be your best choice.

Are There Risks to Breast Implants?

Any type of cosmetic surgery carries some risk, which you must consider before deciding to go forward with the procedure. One thing to keep in mind is that this type of implant is relatively new, which means there hasn’t been as many years of testing as with other types of implants. Risks of form-stable implants include:

  • Infection
  • Interference with mammogram readings
  • A longer incision that may create a greater risk of scarring

There’s some risk that the implants may rotate, and if that happens, you’ll need a second surgery to replace and reposition them. Any of these risks are greatly minimized, however, when you choose a highly skilled, board certified surgeon like those at Rowe Plastic Surgery.

How Long Do Gummy Bear Breast Implants Last?

Breast implants, including gummy bear implants, aren’t meant to last a lifetime. At some point, you may need to have them removed or replaced. Things to watch for that may indicate it’s time to give them a second look include:

  • The implant has rotated or become displaced.
  • You’ve experienced some hardening or discomfort, which may be a sign of capsular contracture or infection.
  • You’ve changed your mind about your desired breast size.

Typically, gummy bear breast implants last 10 years or longer. Rupture of a gummy bear implant may not be obvious, so MRI scans are recommended every few years to make sure there hasn’t been a rupture. Regular follow-up with your top plastic surgeon is also recommended.

What Are Some Alternatives to Form-Stable Breast Implants?

If you’re considering breast augmentation to enhance the appearance of your bustline, you can choose between saline or silicone implants, fat transfer breast augmentation and gummy bear implants. Other factors to consider include your desired:

  • Size
  • Shape
  • Cost
  • Placement
  • Incision site

The best way to make a choice is to set up a consultation with an expert breast surgeon at Rowe Plastic Surgery, a top plastic surgery practice in Manhattan, New Jersey, Long Island and the Hamptons. Your doctor reviews the pros and cons of each type of implant and answers any questions you may have. These experienced plastic surgeons are all board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Your surgeon listens to your goals before recommending a plan to help you create the appearance you’re looking for. Get in touch with Rowe Plastic Surgery today.

Page Updated on Oct 9, 2023 by Rowe Plastic Surgery
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