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What are Gummy Bear Implants?

Technically known as form-stable implants, gummy bear implants are silicone implants made from a highly cohesive silicone. The silicone modules within them are so tightly linked that if the implant were to rupture or suffer damage, the silicone would stay where it is.

This allows the implant to hold its shape while alleviating fears that silicone will migrate into other parts of the body. If you're interested in breast implants and are 22 or older, gummy bear implants may be a good option for you.

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Benefits of Gummy Bear Implants

Gummy bear implants aren't the right match for everyone, but they do offer several benefits that make them an excellent option for the right candidates. Gummy bear implant benefits include:

  • A natural look and feel
  • Cohesive gel that keeps its shape, even if there is a rupture
  • Reduced risk of rippling
  • Durability, easily lasting 15-20 years or more

Of course, nothing in life is perfect. Gummy bear implants do have a few potential drawbacks as well. They:

  • Are more expensive than other implant options
  • Require periodic MRI scans to check for ruptures or tears
  • Require a slightly larger incision than saline
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Gummy Bear Implant Procedure

Getting gummy bear implants starts the same way as other plastic surgeries. The journey begins with a consultation. The consultation is really a conversation between you and your surgeon or a trained surgical coordinator. You'll talk about your aesthetic goals and medical history, and you'll have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the procedure. We can also guide your choices in terms of implant size and over- or under-muscle placement to help you best achieve your desired look.

Once we have all the relevant information, we'll devise a surgical plan for you. The specifics of your procedure will be tailored to you, but the general flow works as follows:

  1. Anesthesia

    Your care team will prep you and then place you under general anesthesia.

  2. The Incision

    The surgeon will make an incision to gain access to your breast. Usually, this incision is hidden underneath the breast in the crease where it meets the chest. Gummy bear implants do require slightly larger incisions than other breast implants because they're not as easily compressed.

  3. Implant Placement

    A surgical pocket is made within the breast to hold the implant. The implant is then placed within that pocket.

  4. Closing Up

    When your surgeon is happy with the implant positioning, they will close your incisions and wake you up.

We'll monitor you as you come out of anesthesia, and then send you home the same day with detailed post-op care instructions. You won't be able to drive yourself home after being under anesthesia, so make sure you bring a driver with you. The procedure itself usually takes about an hour or two, but given prep time and anesthesia recovery, you could be with us for three to four hours in total.

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Gummy Bear Implant Recovery

Gummy bear implant recovery really isn't any different from other breast implant surgeries. You will be swollen, bruised, and sore after surgery, with swelling peaking in 24 to 72 hours. Discomfort usually improves in three to five days, but you could feel a bit tender for up to three weeks.

You'll need to wear a compression garment or surgical bra, likely 24 hours a day, for about six weeks. You'll then wear it part-time for another six weeks. There may be some variability here based on your surgeon's preferences and your individual healing. You will have activity and exercise restrictions, slowly getting back to normal over the course of six to eight weeks.

You will start to see improvements in your breasts as the swelling goes down, but residual swelling can hang around for six months. Your implants also need time to heal internally and “settle in.” Your final results will be visible in about six months, so you'll need to be patient. What you see when you wake up from surgery is not what you'll ultimately get, so withhold judgement on your results until your body has had time to heal and adjust.

Gummy Bear Implant Risks

The risks associated with gummy bear breast implants are low, especially when your surgery is performed by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon. But all breast implant procedures do carry some risks, and it's important to understand them. It is possible to experience:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant malposition
  • Implant rupture
  • Need for future revision surgery

Am I a Good Candidate for Gummy Bear Implants?

If gummy bear implants sound interesting to you, you're likely wondering if you're a good surgical candidate for them. You likely are if you're:

  • Age 22 or older
  • Looking for long-lasting breast implants
  • Willing to have an MRI every few years
  • Healthy enough for surgery
  • A nonsmoker or willing to quit for surgery
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Find Out if Gummy Bear Implants are Right for You

We will, of course, review your medical history and lab work to make sure implants are right for you. At Mia Aesthetics, your safety is always our first priority!

To learn more about gummy bear implants and whether they're a good fit for you, we encourage you to schedule a free virtual consultation for personalized guidance.