Gummy bear implants are highly cohesive silicone breast implants that hold their shape better, ripple less, and may have a lower leak risk than older styles. Not all implants marketed as “gummy” truly are—Dr. Goldman considers only newer, denser gel implants (like those from Sientra) to meet the standard. These implants are especially beneficial for patients with thinner tissue or those seeking a firmer, more youthful look. Textured implants used with teardrop shapes carry additional risks (like ALCL), so smooth round gummy bear implants are now preferred in most cases.
The term “gummy bear implants” may sound playful, but it refers to one of the most significant advancements in breast implant technology over the past few decades. While not a scientific term, gummy bear implants are now widely used in breast augmentation discussions to describe a specific type of highly cohesive silicone implant.
At Beachwood | Westlake Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa near Cleveland, Dr. Steven Goldman offers patients expert insight into implant types—including what “gummy bear” really means, how these implants compare to others, and whether they might be the right choice for your goals and anatomy.
The nickname “gummy bear” refers to the consistency of the silicone inside the implant. These implants are filled with more cohesive, gel-like silicone, which sticks to itself and maintains its shape—much like a gummy bear candy.
In contrast, older silicone implants had a softer, more Jell-O-like consistency. That softer gel is more prone to shifting, rippling, or leaking if the outer shell is compromised. Gummy bear implants, by comparison:
Dr. Goldman often refers to these as form-stable implants—a more clinical term for what patients know as gummy bear implants.
Dr. Goldman’s answer: In many cases, yes. Gummy bear implants offer several advantages over older silicone and saline implants, especially for patients who prioritize long-term results and natural-looking shape.
That said, the firmer consistency can feel different than older implants—and may not be right for everyone. That’s why personalized consultation is key.
This is where things get tricky. Because “gummy bear” is not a regulated term, any manufacturer or surgeon can use it in marketing, even if the implant doesn’t contain truly cohesive silicone.
Dr. Goldman defines gummy bear implants as those made with denser, newer-generation cohesive silicone gel. In his professional opinion:
“The best way to understand the difference,” Dr. Goldman notes, “is to feel the implants in person at your surgeon’s office. Or better yet—watch a video of the implant being cut open to see the consistency of the silicone.”
Anatomic implants (also called tear-drop shaped) are often made with gummy bear gel because they must hold their shape to preserve the natural slope of the breast. These were once considered ideal for patients with underdeveloped lower breast poles or tuberous breasts.
However, anatomic implants require a textured outer shell to prevent rotation—which has become a point of concern.
All anatomic implants must be textured, and textured implants have been associated with a rare cancer called ALCL (anaplastic large cell lymphoma). While ALCL is rare—fewer than 1,000 cases worldwide—it is significant enough that some textured implants have been removed from the market. For example:
Dr. Goldman now uses smooth round implants almost exclusively. These can still contain gummy bear silicone without the added risk of surface texturing.
For those interested in the chemistry, silicone gel begins with silicon, an element found abundantly in sand and quartz. Through a process involving siloxane chains and cross-linking, manufacturers can control the thickness and firmness of the gel.
Modern implants also use multi-layered silicone shells to reduce rupture or leakage. The combination of a stronger outer shell and more cohesive inner gel makes today’s implants—especially gummy bear models—far more durable than those from previous generations.
This depends on the surgeon’s preference, patient anatomy, and desired outcome. However, Dr. Goldman prefers Sientra implants for several key reasons:
Disclosure: Dr. Goldman does own Sientra stock.
Interested in exploring gummy bear implants as part of your breast augmentation journey? Dr. Steven Goldman and the team at Beachwood Plastic Surgery are here to help you make an informed, confident decision.
They feel slightly firmer than older silicone implants but tend to look perkier and maintain their shape better. Many patients find the tradeoff worth it.
Yes. All FDA-approved implants—including gummy bear types—undergo rigorous testing. The more cohesive gel may reduce leak risk, but every implant has pros and cons that should be discussed with your surgeon.
Yes. Dr. Goldman will walk you through your options and let you handle different implant types in person to decide what feels best for you.
