Yes, they’re firmer and hold shape better.
In the field of breast augmentation, “Gummy Bear” refers to implants that are considered sharps and safe naturally. Some online videos display Gummy Bear implants cut in half without releasing any substance, or influencers superbly rating their robust nature. But the reality is often confused by the marketing. That is why many patients come to us asking, “Are gummy bear implants better than gel?” not understanding that gummy bears implants are gel implants of one particular type or the other.
At Lin Europe Clinic, we think that “better” is not the right word – we are talking about “different” here. It’s more a matter of whether you want a Gummy Bear (form-stable) implant or a traditional (responsive) gel implant for your breast shape. Would you like a fixed, uplifted shape or that very soft, natural movement? We present to you the science of cohesivity and give you a choice of the material you want in your body.
What Does “Gummy Bear” Mean?
“Gummy Bear” is a slang name referring to the texture of the silicone gel inside the shell. Regular silicone implants include a gel that somewhat resembles thick syrup or jelly; if the shell is cut, the gel will slowly seep out. Gummy Bear implants, on the other hand, are filled with highly cohesive gel. Molecules in the gel are more tightly cross-linked, resulting in a solid mass the texture of gummy candy.
The gel of a Gummy Bear implant will keep the exact form when you cut it in half and will not run or bleed. Its primary appeal is its structural integrity. They are manufactured to be form-stable, thus, they maintain their projection and curvature regardless of the force of gravity or pressure. This characteristic is different from traditional implants designed to slump and move like natural breast tissue.
Firmness vs. Softness: The Trade-Off
The most significant difference you will notice is the feel. The gel is thicker; hence, the Gummy Bear implants feel firmer when pressed. They give a perky, youthful resistance that many patients adore, especially those who want to avoid the “water balloon” sensation from old implants. Breasts sitting high and feeling athletic are going to be your option in this case.
However, if your main desire is that your breast feels just like human fat and gland, then a standard cohesive gel (called one “responsive” gel) might be “better” for you. Standard gel implants are more natural feeling, and people generally describe them as being softer and more squishy. They compress more naturally when you hug someone or lie on your stomach. We often recommend standard gel to patients who want a “softer” look, while Gummy Bear implants are excellent for patients with very little natural tissue who need the implant to provide the entire structure.
Rupture Profile and Safety
Compared to Gummy Bear implants, gel implants are less safe in terms of accidental shell rupture whether deliberate or not, without leaking the silicone gel to other parts of the body. This is because the gel of Gummy Bear implants is solid and still will not move even if the shell is broken. The silicone remains inside the pocket without spreading to lymph nodes or the surrounding tissues; thus, the risk of the “silicone bleed” complication is eliminated (although it should be noted that silicone bleed is a rare complication even with modern standard gels).
Thanks to this safety mechanism, the patient’s mind is more at ease, but ironically, it also makes rupture detection more difficult. Since the implant does not deflate or change shape when it ruptures, a “silent rupture” can stay unnoticed for a very long time unless you get an MRI. Consistency with the standard gels is enough for the gel to be retained, nonetheless, Gummy Bear implants rule the Nest in terms of shell integrity and shape retention.
Shape Retention and Rippling
Many attribute the effectiveness of Gummy Bear implants to rippling prevention. Rippling is the term used when the edge of an implant forms wrinkles, which can be seen or felt through the skin. This happens to the less stiff gels of implants that allow the shells to fold or buckle. For patients with minimal breast tissue, a thin layer, and thin skin, this is a great solution to cover the edges.
Even more so, being form-stable is an attribute that makes them the only choice if you want to go with anatomical (teardrop) implants. A gel that perfectly matches the requirement of a teardrop shape needs to be stiff, and keep the bottom heavy and the top tapered. A standard soft gel would eventually just form a round puddle. So if your goal is a specific non-round shape, using Gummy Bear implants is not just a great idea—it is a necessity.
Incision Length
It is a fairly small downside and the length is probably a couple of centimeters, but it is something to take into consideration. Since Gummy Bear implants are solid, it is not possible to fold them up as small as soft gel implants during insertion. Hence, the surgeon generally makes a slightly larger incision (possibly 4 to 5 centimeters instead of 3) in order to accommodate the insertion device. While the difference is minimal, it is a fact that the use of a solid-state device necessitates such a difference.
Breast Augmentation in Turkey
No doubt, the reason you turn to Lin Europe Clinic for your breast surgery in Turkey is that we bring you a wide range of implant options, including the latest 5th-generation Gummy Bear implants of Mentor and Motiva. You will never be forced on any single type of implant. When you come for a consultation in Istanbul, we bring implant “sizers” and real sample implants so that you can make a difference by varying between Gummy Bear and standard gels.
We are honest with you about how those implants will behave in your case. The choice is ours to make together after assessing your skin thickness and lifestyle for a gel that combines good safety and a natural feel. At Lin Europe Clinic, with our VIP transfer services and comprehensive aftercare, you always get the highest quality, whether you choose firm or soft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gummy Bear Implants
Yes, to some extent they are more firm to the touch as the gel inside is thicker and more cross-linked. This gives them the ability to keep their shape but on the other hand, they may not feel quite like natural fatty tissue.
Not necessarily. Although they are a bit perky, they are often used in “teardrop” shapes that resemble the natural slope of the breast and thus avoid the “round ball” look of some soft implants.
There is no way for the gel to leak or run, even if the shell is broken, since the gel is one solid cohesive mass.
Yes, an incision will usually be a bit longer because the implant is harder and during insertion it cannot be rolled up as tightly as a standard soft gel implant.
They usually boast great durability and retain their shape better over the years. However, similar to any implants, they are not considered lifetime devices and may still require replacement down the road.
Maxwell, G. P., & Gabriel, A. (2012). The evolution of the “gummy bear” implant. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Hammond, D. C. (2013). Textured breast implants and the anatomic shape. Clinics in Plastic Surgery.
Brown, M. H., et al. (2005). Cohesive silicone gel breast implants in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
