Gummy bear implants are a specific type of breast implant known for their ability to maintain a consistent shape. These devices, technically known as highly cohesive or form-stable silicone implants, represent an advancement in augmentation technology. For patients researching augmentation, the weight of the implant is a common concern, as the added mass is carried by the body long-term. Understanding the weight of these implants requires looking closely at their composition and the relationship between volume and weight.
What Makes a “Gummy Bear” Implant Unique?
The unique characteristics of a gummy bear implant stem from the advanced material science of its filling. The term “gummy bear” is a nickname because the implant’s filling is a highly cohesive silicone gel that is firm and dense, similar to the candy. This cohesive property is achieved through increased molecular cross-linking within the silicone, creating a semi-solid material.
This strong internal bonding makes the implant “form-stable,” meaning it retains its shape even if the outer shell is compromised. Unlike traditional silicone, which contains a softer gel that can flow, the cohesive gel remains intact, holding the anatomical or teardrop shape. This difference in gel consistency relates directly to the implant’s overall firmness and density, which influences its mass.
The Direct Relationship Between Volume and Weight
The weight of any gummy bear implant is directly proportional to its volume, governed by the density of the highly cohesive silicone gel. Implant volume is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), which links directly to the mass when multiplied by the material’s density. Medical-grade silicone gel, including the highly cohesive type, has a density of approximately 1.04 to 1.05 grams per cubic centimeter.
This density means that a 100cc implant weighs roughly 104 to 105 grams, or about 0.23 pounds. Applying this formula across common implant sizes provides a clear weight range. For instance, a medium-sized 300cc implant weighs approximately 313 grams (0.69 pounds).
Larger implants carry a proportionally greater mass. A 500cc implant weighs around 520 grams (1.15 pounds), while an 800cc implant approaches 834 grams (1.84 pounds). Therefore, a patient receiving a pair of 500cc implants adds approximately 2.3 pounds of permanent mass to their chest. The volume in cubic centimeters is the primary determinant of the final weight, with the specific gravity of the silicone material serving as the constant.
Comparing Implant Weight and Physical Considerations
While gummy bear implants are a type of silicone implant, their weight is only marginally different from materials like saline. Saline implants, filled with sterile saltwater, are slightly less dense, weighing about 0.21 pounds per 100cc volume. A pair of 300cc silicone implants weighs approximately 1.38 pounds combined, compared to 1.26 pounds for the same volume in saline.
This small difference in density is generally not a deciding factor in the selection process. The long-term physical consideration is the total mass added to the upper body, not the material difference. Carrying this additional weight over many years can introduce new biomechanical forces on the body’s structure.
The added mass, even if only a few pounds, may alter posture and contribute to shoulder, neck, or back discomfort. The physical perception of this weight is also influenced by the surgical placement of the implant. Submuscular placement, where the implant is positioned partially beneath the chest muscle, may distribute the load differently than subglandular placement (over the muscle). Ultimately, the total volume selected is the greatest influence on the physical experience of the implant’s weight.