A "gummy bear" implant is a specialized type of silicone breast implant known for its ability to maintain its shape, even if the implant shell is broken. This distinctive characteristic comes from the highly cohesive and thick silicone gel contained within, which has a consistency similar to that of a gummy bear candy.
Understanding "Gummy Bear" Implants
The term "gummy bear" is a non-scientific, informal name used to describe form-stable or highly cohesive silicone gel implants. Unlike older generations of silicone implants that might contain a more liquid gel, the gel inside a gummy bear implant is thick and semi-solid. This allows the implant to hold its specific shape and projection.
Key Characteristics:
- Form-Stable: Designed to retain their intended shape and resist wrinkling or folding.
- Highly Cohesive Silicone Gel: The silicone gel within is thick and viscous, preventing it from leaking or migrating even if the implant shell ruptures.
- Shape Retention: They are engineered to hold their shape, much like a gummy bear candy does, maintaining their form even under pressure or if the outer shell is compromised.
- Thick Consistency: The internal gel is thick, not liquid, contributing to their durability and shape-holding properties.
Key Features and Benefits
Gummy bear implants are often preferred for their reliable shape retention and their ability to provide a more consistent aesthetic outcome. Their unique construction means they offer distinct advantages:
- Maintained Shape and Projection: The implant's form-stable nature ensures it retains its pre-defined shape, which can be beneficial for specific aesthetic goals, such as achieving a fuller upper pole or maintaining a certain profile.
- Reduced Risk of Rippling: Due to their thicker gel and form-stability, these implants may be less prone to visible rippling or wrinkling under the skin, especially in individuals with less natural breast tissue.
- Enhanced Safety Profile: In the rare event of a shell rupture, the highly cohesive gel tends to stay contained within the implant's capsule, reducing the risk of silicone migration into surrounding tissues.
- Natural Feel (for some): While firm, many find their consistency to feel natural, particularly after the breast tissue settles around them.
Gummy Bear Implant Characteristics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Highly cohesive silicone gel |
| Consistency | Thick, semi-solid, "gummy bear-like" |
| Shape | Available in round or anatomically shaped (teardrop) |
| Shape Retention | Excellent (form-stable) |
| Primary Use | Breast augmentation, breast reconstruction |
These implants are widely used in both cosmetic breast augmentation and reconstructive procedures. For more information on breast implant types, you can consult reputable sources like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the FDA.
Why the Name "Gummy Bear"?
The popular nickname "gummy bear" perfectly illustrates the core property of these implants: their impressive ability to maintain their form. Just as a gummy bear candy holds its distinct shape regardless of how it's handled, these implants are designed to hold their anatomical or round shape. This is especially significant because, even if the implant's outer shell were to break, the thick, cohesive silicone gel would largely remain in place, preventing it from spreading into the surrounding breast tissue.
