Gummy Bear Breast Implants: Pros and Cons, Cost, Safety, and Before/After Results
As a cosmetic plastic surgeon, at least one conversation with every patient seeking breast augmentation revolves around achieving results that are both beautiful and remarkably natural looking and feeling. In the evolving world of breast augmentation, the form-stable, highly cohesive silicone gel implant, more popularly known as the “gummy bear implant,” is the gold standard.
Introduction
This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about gummy bear breast implants. We'll explore the pros and cons, how they compare to other implant materials, and what you can expect in terms of cost, safety, and results. My goal is to empower you with clear, data-driven information to make an informed and confident decision on your journey to self-enhancement.
What Are Gummy Bear Implants?
“Gummy bear implant” is a nickname for a specific type of silicone breast implant known formally as a 5th generation, highly cohesive, form-stable silicone gel implant. The name comes from their unique consistency; if you were to cut one in half, the thick silicone gel inside would hold its shape, much like a gummy bear candy, rather than leaking or running out.
This cohesivity is the key innovation. The silicone molecules are tightly cross-linked, creating a gel that is both soft to the touch and stable enough to maintain a defined shape. This form-stable nature is what sets them apart from traditional silicone implants with a more liquid-like gel.
These implants represent the fifth generation of silicone implant technology. First approved by the FDA in 2012, they have undergone rigorous testing and have been used in Europe for even longer, establishing a strong track record of safety and patient satisfaction.
Why Most People Prefer Form-Stable, Silicone-Gel Implants
The reason surgeons and patients prefer the highly-cohesive material of gummy bear implants include:
Look & Feel
They feel remarkably natural while holding their shape, which prevents sagging and provides a consistent, youthful contour.
Safety
Their cohesive nature means that even in the rare event of a shell rupture, the gel remains contained, making them exceptionally safe.
Longevity
They are designed for durability and have a very low rate of rupture, often lasting 20-25 years or longer.
Pros and Cons of Gummy Bear Implants
Every medical device has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these is crucial for determining if gummy bear implants are the right choice for your body and your aesthetic goals.
Pros
Maintains Shape
The form-stable design means the implant won't lose its shape or collapse over time, providing a lasting, predictable result.
Lower Rupture Risk
The highly cohesive gel and durable shell make these implants incredibly resilient and far less likely to rupture compared to older implants.
Reduced Rippling
Because the gel is thicker and holds its shape, visible or palpable rippling is much less common, especially in thinner patients or those with less natural breast tissue.
Natural Appearance
Anatomical (teardrop) shaped gummy bear implants mimic the natural slope of a breast, offering an exceptionally natural-looking outcome. Round options also provide beautiful, proportionate results.
Enhanced Safety Profile
In the unlikely event of a “silent rupture,” the gel stays together, preventing migration into surrounding tissue.
Long-Lasting Results
Gummy bear implants are engineered for exceptional durability, with many studies showing they can last 20-25+ years, longer than previous generations.
Cons
Higher Cost
As a premium product, the initial investment is greater than for other implant types, typically adding $1,000-$2,000 to the procedure.
Firmer Feel
While still soft, some patients find them slightly firmer than traditional, less cohesive silicone gel implants. They do soften over the first year.
Larger Incision
The form-stable nature means the implant cannot be compressed as much, sometimes requiring a slightly longer incision for placement.
Risk of Rotation (Teardrop Shape)
If an anatomically shaped implant rotates, it can distort the breast's appearance. This is rare with modern surgical techniques and textured shells designed to minimize this risk. Round implants do not carry this risk.
“Silent Rupture”
Because the gel doesn't leak, a rupture may not cause visible symptoms. The FDA recommends periodic MRI or ultrasound screening to monitor implant integrity.
Limited Surgeon Experience
Placing form-stable implants, especially teardrop shapes, requires specialized training and technique. It's vital to choose a surgeon experienced with these devices.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants vs. Regular Silicone
A common point of confusion for patients is the difference between “gummy bear” and “regular” silicone implants. It's important to understand that gummy bear implants are silicone implants, they simply use a more advanced, highly cohesive form of silicone gel.
Here's a direct comparison between gummy bear and traditional silicone implants:
| Feature | Gummy Bear Implants (Highly Cohesive) | Regular Silicone Implants (Less Cohesive) |
|---|---|---|
| Material/Feel | Form-stable, cohesive silicone gel. Feels natural but holds its shape firmly. Often described as feeling like dense, youthful breast tissue. | Softer, less-cohesive silicone gel. Can feel very soft and “squishy” but may not hold its shape as well over time. |
| Shape Options | Available in both Round and Anatomical (Teardrop) shapes for customized results. | Primarily available in a Round shape. |
| Look & Contour | Provides a consistent, defined shape. Teardrop options offer a very natural slope from top to bottom. Excellent shape retention with very low risk of wrinkling. | Provides fullness, especially in the upper pole. Can sometimes look less natural if rippling occurs or may “bottom out” over many years. |
| Shell Texture | Available in smooth or micro-textured surfaces. Often textured (especially teardrop shapes) to help the implant adhere to surrounding tissue and prevent rotation. | Available in both smooth and textured surfaces. |
| Safety (Rupture) | Extremely low rupture rate. If the shell is compromised, the gel remains in place (“silent rupture”). Can gummy bear implants rupture? Yes, but it's very rare. | Higher rupture rate than gummy bears. If the shell is compromised, the less cohesive gel may slowly seep into the implant pocket. |
| Longevity | Considered a “lifetime” device, though replacement may eventually be desired. Excellent long-term durability, often 20-25+ years. | Very durable, but may have a slightly shorter functional lifespan due to higher risks of rupture or capsular contracture. Typically 10-15 years before replacement may be considered. |
Saline Implants vs Gummy Bear Implants
The alternative to silicone-based implants like the Gummy Bears are saline implants, which are not generally recommended in our practice due to a less natural feel and higher risk of rippling.
Read our detailed Saline vs. Silicone Breast Implants GuideHow Do Gummy Bear Implants Look After Surgery? (Before & After Photos)
The best way to understand the potential results is to see them. As a top-rated breast augmentation surgeon in the Houston area, our gallery is a great place to find before and after results of gummy bear implants near you.
The following before and after photos are real patients from our practice who chose gummy bear implants as part of their aesthetic goals. Notice the natural contours and beautiful, proportionate results.
320cc/300cc Gummy Bear Implants (24 yr old)
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330cc Gummy Bear Implants (32 yr old)
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360cc Gummy Bear Implants (24 yr old)
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360cc Gummy Bear Implants (25 yr old)
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Note: Final results are typically visible around 3-6 months post-surgery, once the implants have settled and residual swelling has subsided.
What Do Gummy Bear Implants Cost?
The total cost of gummy bear implant surgery is not just for the implants themselves; it's an all-inclusive figure that typically covers:
- Surgeon's fee
- Anesthesia costs
- Operating facility fees
- The implants themselves
Nationally, the total cost for a breast implant procedure ranges from $5,000 - $10,000 or more depending on the location, surgeon, and full-scope of procedures you combine with your implants.
The actual gummy bear implants may cost about $1,000 to $2,500 more than other types of implant material according to recent data (Dr. Parson, 2024; Athena Plastic Surgery, n.d.).
It's important to view the material and style of your breast implants as an investment in a premium, long-lasting medical device.
Cost Estimates by Major Metropolitan Area:
| City / Region | Estimated Cost Range (All-Inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $8,000 - $12,000 |
| New York City, NY | $12,000 - $20,000+ |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $7,500 - $11,000 |
| Miami, FL | $7,000 - $13,000 |
| Southern California (e.g., Los Angeles, Orange County) | $10,000 - $18,000+ |
These are estimates only. A personalized quote can only be provided after a consultation.
What Do Gummy Bear Implants Cost in Houston, TX?
Gummy bear implant procedures may start as low as $8,500 in Houston, but the final price depends on your specific vision and on the surgeon's expertise. At our Houston clinic, it is common to mix an implant procedure with a breast lift, tummy tuck, and/or a butt lift.
Your body and your vision for it are unique to you. Schedule a breast implant consultation to learn more and receive customized pricing.
Best Brands of Gummy Bear Implants
When it comes to choosing an implant, the brand matters. It reflects a company's commitment to research, innovation, and patient safety. In our practice, we prioritize brands that are on the cutting edge of technology and backed by extensive clinical data.
Natrelle® by Allergan Aesthetics (AbbVie)
For this reason, we most often recommend the Natrelle® INSPIRA line of implants. Natrelle, by Allergan Aesthetics (an AbbVie company), has been a leader in the field for decades. Their INSPIRA® line of gummy bear implants offers a comprehensive range of cohesivity levels, profiles, and sizes.
What sets Natrelle apart is the sheer breadth of their catalog, offering over 500 unique combinations of shape, size, projection, and gel cohesivity. This allows me, as a surgeon, to tailor the implant choice precisely to a patient's anatomy and desired outcome. Their commitment to post-market studies and long-term data tracking provides an extra layer of confidence for both surgeon and patient.
Other Leading Brands
Other world-class, FDA-approved brands include Mentor® (by Johnson & Johnson), which also offers a highly respected line of cohesive gel implants. Internationally, brands like Motiva gummy bear implants are popular.
My choice of implant is always based on a combination of proven safety data, versatility, and the specific anatomical needs of my patient.
How Safe Are Gummy Bear Implants?
This is the most important question, and I'm happy to report that the safety profile of modern, FDA-approved gummy bear implants is outstanding. Decades of research and clinical data support their use. The primary safety advantage lies in their cohesive gel.
To put it another way, you are far more likely to get a flat tire on your car this year than to experience a rupture with a modern gummy bear implant. This level of reliability provides immense peace of mind for my patients.
Extremely Low Rupture Rates
The durability of gummy bear implants is one of their strongest safety features. A large, multi-center European study on Allergan's Style 410 shaped implants (a type of gummy bear implant) found a rupture prevalence of just 1.7% at a median of 8 years post-implantation.
In extensive clinical trials conducted by manufacturers for FDA approval, the rate of rupture for highly cohesive implants is exceptionally low, often showing a rupture risk of less than 1-2% over a 10-year period.
Over a 10-year period, more than 99 out of 100 patients will not experience a rupture. Even in that rare event, the cohesive gel is designed to stay in place, preventing leakage and simplifying revision surgery.
The Truth About BIA-ALCL and Textured Implants
You may have heard about Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It's important to understand what this is and what it isn't. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer; it is a very rare and typically treatable type of T-cell lymphoma that can develop in the scar tissue surrounding an implant (SPRSI, 2020).
Crucially, research has established a strong link between BIA-ALCL and a specific type of textured implant surface, not the implant filling itself. The risk is virtually non-existent for smooth-surfaced implants. In fact, studies show that smooth implants are not associated with BIA-ALCL. Because of this, most top surgeons now exclusively use smooth round or smooth teardrop gummy bear implants to eliminate this risk for their patients.
Long-Term Safety Monitoring
Because a rupture in a gummy bear implant is typically “silent” (without symptoms), the FDA recommends periodic monitoring. The current guidelines suggest an initial ultrasound or MRI screening 5-6 years after surgery, and then every 2-3 years thereafter to ensure the implant's integrity (FDA, 2019).
Has There Ever Been a Recall on Gummy Bear Implants?
In July 2019, Allergan issued a voluntary worldwide recall of its BIOCELL® textured breast implants and tissue expanders. This was after the FDA requested the recall due to a link between this specific macro-textured surface and BIA-ALCL. At the time of the recall, the FDA stated that the risk of BIA-ALCL with Allergan BIOCELL textured implants was approximately 6 times the risk from textured implants made by other manufacturers.
It is crucial to understand:
This was not a recall of all textured implants, nor was it related to gummy bear/cohesive gel.
The risk was associated with a specific manufacturing process for creating a macro-textured surface.
The recall did not affect smooth-surfaced implants or micro-textured implants from Allergan or any other manufacturer.
Reputable brands used in our practice today, like Natrelle's current offerings and others, use different micro-texturing or smooth surfaces that have not been associated with the same level of risk.
For patients who already have these specific textured implants and have no symptoms, the FDA does not recommend removal. As surgeons, we are more vigilant and informed than ever. We exclusively use implants with a proven, long-term safety record and discuss all risk factors transparently during your consultation.
What Are the Best Types of Breast Augmentation Besides Gummy Bear Implants?
While gummy bear implants are an exceptional choice for many, they are not the only option for enhancing the breasts. Depending on your goals, other procedures may be more suitable or could be combined with an augmentation.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
If your primary concern is sagging or drooping (ptosis) rather than a lack of volume, a breast lift may be the ideal procedure. It repositions the breast tissue and nipple to a more youthful, elevated position. It can also be combined with implants for a comprehensive breast lift with augmentation.
Fat Transfer to the Breasts
For patients seeking a modest increase in size (typically about one cup size) and who have donor fat available elsewhere on their body, a fat transfer to breasts is a completely natural option. It involves harvesting fat via liposuction from another area (like the abdomen or thighs), which is then purified and injected into the breasts.
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See What Gummy Bear Implants Would Look Like on You
Making the decision to have breast implant surgery is a significant one, and the most important step is a personal consultation where we can discuss your specific goals and anatomy, and even show you realistic visuals of what your post-op results will look like. During a consultation, we use sizers to help you visualize how different implant shapes and sizes will look on your body. If you are ready to explore your options further, please schedule a consultation with us today.
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The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.