“Gummy bear implant” is the common nickname for highly cohesive, form-stable silicone breast implants. The term comes from the consistency of the silicone gel filler, which is thick and semi-solid, maintaining its shape much like a gummy candy. These implants represent a significant advancement in silicone technology. They are specifically engineered to hold their form, a property known as form-stability, regardless of the implant’s position or pressure.
Defining the Highly Cohesive Silicone Gel
The material science behind the gummy bear implant centers on cohesivity, which refers to how tightly the silicone molecules are chemically bonded together. This bonding is achieved through cross-linking, creating a highly viscous, semi-solid gel that is denser than the liquid-like silicone found in older implants. This increased cross-linking elevates the gel’s internal friction, moving its consistency closer to a soft solid.
This high degree of cohesion is a protective feature. Should the implant shell rupture, the gel’s semi-solid state prevents it from migrating into the surrounding breast tissue or capsule. Instead of leaking, the gel tends to remain contained within its shell or the immediate scar tissue capsule. The firmness of the gel also contributes to a lower incidence of visible rippling or folding under the skin.
Understanding Form-Stability and Shape
The highly cohesive gel provides the benefit of form-stability, meaning the implant holds a predetermined shape rather than conforming completely to the breast pocket. While round gummy bear implants exist, the form-stable technology is most frequently associated with the anatomical or “teardrop” shape. This shape is designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast, featuring less volume in the upper pole and fuller projection in the lower pole.
Because the anatomical implant has a specific orientation, its precise placement is necessary to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. If a teardrop-shaped implant rotates within the tissue pocket, it can distort the breast’s appearance, potentially requiring revision surgery. To mitigate this risk, anatomical gummy bear implants almost always feature a textured outer shell, which encourages surrounding tissue to adhere to the surface, essentially anchoring the implant in place.
Surgical Placement and Incision Requirements
The unique composition of the highly cohesive implant dictates specific requirements during the surgical procedure. Because the gel is firmer and less malleable than standard silicone or saline, the implant cannot be folded tightly for insertion. Consequently, the incisions needed for gummy bear implants are often slightly longer than those used for other types of implants. This accommodates the insertion of the pre-filled, semi-solid device.
Surgeons may choose various incision locations, such as the inframammary fold (under the breast crease) or the periareolar margin (around the nipple). Due to the potential risk of rotation with teardrop implants, the surgeon must create an implant pocket that precisely matches the size and shape of the device. This precision is paramount, as an overly large pocket increases the likelihood of the implant shifting. Placement options include subpectoral (under the muscle) or subglandular (over the muscle) positions, depending on the patient’s anatomy and the desired aesthetic result.
Long-Term Durability and Follow-Up Care
Gummy bear implants are engineered for enhanced durability and shape retention, often lasting 10 to 15 years. However, they are not considered lifetime devices and may require eventual replacement. While the cohesive gel minimizes the risk of migration, the possibility of a shell rupture still exists. Due to the gel’s thickness, a rupture is often “silent,” meaning it may not produce noticeable symptoms or changes detectable through physical examination alone.
To monitor for silent ruptures, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends routine imaging surveillance for all silicone gel-filled implants. Patients should have their first screening, typically using an MRI or ultrasound, five to six years after the initial surgery. Following that, the FDA recommends follow-up screenings every two to three years thereafter to ensure the integrity of the implant.