What Are Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Elliot Heller, MD – Board-Certified Surgeon | 25+ Years Experience | Last Updated: March 2026

Gummy bear breast implants are form stable silicone implants made with a thick, cohesive gel that holds its shape even if the outer shell is compromised. They get their nickname because the silicone inside has a consistency similar to gummy bear candy. If you were to cut a gummy bear implant in half, the gel would stay in place rather than spreading or leaking like traditional silicone.

These implants are known for maintaining their shape over time, providing natural looking results, and offering a lower risk of gel migration if rupture occurs. “We offer the saline implants as well as the gummy bear implants,” says Dr. Elliot Heller, a board-certified surgeon with over 25 years of experience performing breast augmentation in NYC.

How Are Gummy Bear Implants Different from Regular Silicone Implants?

The key difference between gummy bear implants and traditional silicone implants is the consistency of the gel inside.

Traditional silicone implants contain a liquid-like gel that moves and flows freely within the shell. This creates a soft, natural feel but means the gel can migrate outside the shell if a rupture occurs. Traditional silicone provides excellent softness but less shape retention over time.

Gummy bear implants use highly cohesive silicone gel that is thicker and firmer. The gel molecules are more tightly cross-linked, creating a form stable structure. This means the implant holds a specific shape rather than conforming entirely to your body. If the shell is compromised, the gel stays in place.

Think of the difference like this: traditional silicone is similar to honey, while gummy bear silicone is similar to a gummy candy. Both are silicone, but they behave very differently.

Gummy bear implants are sometimes called form stable implants, highly cohesive implants, or cohesive gel implants. These terms all refer to the same type of implant.

What Do Gummy Bear Implants Look and Feel Like?

Understanding the look and feel of gummy bear implants helps you decide if they match your aesthetic goals.

Gummy bear implants feel firmer than traditional silicone implants. The cohesive gel creates a more structured feel rather than the softer, more fluid feel of traditional silicone. Some patients prefer this firmer feel, while others prefer the softer feel of traditional silicone. Neither is right or wrong; it depends on personal preference.

The shape of gummy bear implants tends to be more defined and consistent. Many gummy bear implants come in a teardrop or anatomical shape, which mimics the natural slope of the breast with more fullness at the bottom and a gentle taper at the top. Round gummy bear implants are also available.

Results with gummy bear implants often look very natural because the form stable nature prevents the upper pole from looking overly round or “stuck on.” The implant maintains its anatomical shape rather than settling into a rounder appearance over time.

“When you put them behind the muscle, they move a lot more naturally,” explains Dr. Heller. This applies to all silicone implants, including gummy bear implants.

Pros of Gummy Bear Breast Implants

• Shape retention over time. The form stable gel holds its shape better than traditional silicone. This means less risk of rippling, wrinkling, or distortion over the years.
• Lower risk of gel migration. If a rupture occurs, the cohesive gel stays in place rather than spreading into surrounding tissue.
• Natural anatomical appearance. Teardrop shaped gummy bear implants create a natural breast slope that many patients find appealing.
• Potentially lower capsular contracture rates. Some studies suggest lower rates compared to traditional silicone, though research is ongoing.
• Durable construction. The thicker shell and cohesive gel make gummy bear implants structurally robust.
• Less rippling and wrinkling. The firm gel is less prone to visible rippling, especially beneficial for thin patients with less natural breast tissue.

Cons of Gummy Bear Breast Implants

• Firmer feel. Gummy bear implants do not feel as soft as traditional silicone. If you prioritize the softest possible feel, traditional silicone may be a better choice.
• Longer incision required. Because gummy bear implants cannot be compressed as much during insertion, they typically require a slightly longer incision.
• Rotation risk with shaped implants. Teardrop shaped gummy bear implants can rotate inside the breast pocket. If rotation occurs, revision surgery may be needed to correct it.
• Higher cost. Gummy bear implants generally cost more than saline and traditional silicone due to advanced manufacturing.
• Silent rupture still possible. The FDA recommends regular MRI or ultrasound screening for all silicone implants, including gummy bear implants.
• May not be ideal for everyone. The firmer feel and specific shape characteristics are not the right fit for every patient’s goals.

Gummy Bear Implants vs Saline vs Traditional Silicone

Understanding how gummy bear implants compare to other options helps you make an informed decision.

Are Gummy Bear Implants Safer Than Other Implants?

All FDA approved breast implants, including saline, traditional silicone, and gummy bear implants, are considered safe when placed by a qualified surgeon.

Gummy bear implants offer some specific safety advantages. The cohesive gel stays in place if the shell ruptures, eliminating concerns about silicone migration into surrounding tissues. Some research suggests lower rates of capsular contracture with form stable implants.

However, gummy bear implants are not risk free. They still carry the same general risks as other breast implants including infection, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, capsular contracture, implant malposition, and the need for future revision surgery.

The FDA recommends MRI or ultrasound screening for all silicone implants starting at 5 to 6 years after surgery, then every 2 to 3 years thereafter. This applies to gummy bear implants as well as traditional silicone.

The most important factor in implant safety is choosing a board-certified surgeon with extensive breast augmentation experience. Dr. Heller has performed over 10,000 procedures in his 25+ year career and prioritizes patient safety in every surgery.

How Much Do Gummy Bear Breast Implants Cost?

The price difference compared to other implant types is usually $1,000 to $2,000 more for gummy bear implants. Whether this additional cost is worth it depends on how much you value the specific benefits gummy bear implants offer.

At Allure Plastic Surgery, we offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry with monthly payments as low as $150. During your free consultation, you will receive a detailed quote based on your specific goals.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Gummy Bear Implants?

Gummy bear implants work well for certain patients. Consider whether these characteristics apply to you:

• You want long lasting shape retention. If maintaining consistent breast shape over many years is important to you, gummy bear implants excel in this area.
• You are concerned about rippling. Thin patients with less natural breast tissue are more prone to visible rippling. The firm gummy bear gel reduces this risk.
• You prefer a natural breast slope. Anatomically shaped gummy bear implants achieve the teardrop look with more fullness at the bottom and a gentle upper slope.
• You prioritize the safety of form stable gel. If the idea of gel migration concerns you, the cohesive nature provides peace of mind.
• You are comfortable with a slightly firmer feel. If you understand and accept that gummy bear implants feel firmer than traditional silicone, this option may work well for you.

FDA Approved Gummy Bear Implant Brands

• Allergan Natrelle Inspira – both round and shaped cohesive gel implants with various projection options
• Mentor MemoryGel Xtra and MemoryShape – cohesive gel options in round and anatomical shapes
• Sientra – shaped and round cohesive gel implants exclusively through board-certified plastic surgeons

During your consultation, Dr. Heller will discuss which implant brand and style best suits your anatomy and goals. All FDA approved implants meet rigorous safety standards, so the choice often comes down to specific shape, projection, and size options.

Gummy Bear Implants at Allure Plastic Surgery

At Allure Plastic Surgery, Dr. Elliot Heller has extensive experience with gummy bear implants and all other implant types. With over 25 years in practice and more than 10,000 procedures performed, he can help you determine if gummy bear implants are the right choice for your goals.

Dr. Heller trained at NYU Medical Center and Mount Sinai and holds hospital privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. He is a founding member of the American Academy of Aesthetic and Restorative Surgery and the New Jersey Cosmetic Surgery Society.

During your consultation, Dr. Heller takes time to understand your goals and explain your options. “We discuss with the patient during the examination about their goals, and we determine the amount of projection and height that the patient wishes to have,” he explains.

Our patients appreciate this personalized approach:

“Dr. Elliot and his staff is the most amazing and wonderful, they make you feel safe, happy and comfortable. I’m so happy with my results. Dr. Heller did amazing job. I also referred some of my friends and family which all of them had surgery with Dr. Heller.”

“The front desk staff, nurses and doc were very kind, compassionate and thorough during all of my visits. I’m loving the before and after! Highly recommend Dr. Heller and the rest of his staff here at Allure.”

All procedures are performed in accredited surgical facilities with board-certified anesthesia providers. Dr. Heller provides his personal cell phone number to patients, ensuring you have access to him throughout your journey.

With offices in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, Staten Island, and Edison, New Jersey, we serve patients throughout the New York metropolitan area.

View our breast augmentation before and after gallery to see real patient results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do gummy bear implants feel harder than regular implants?

Yes, gummy bear implants feel firmer than traditional silicone implants due to the cohesive gel. However, they still feel softer than saline implants. The firmness provides better shape retention but is a trade-off compared to the softer feel of traditional silicone. Many patients find the feel natural and appealing once healed.

How long do gummy bear breast implants last?

Gummy bear implants typically last 10 to 20 years, similar to other breast implants. Some surgeons believe the durable construction may contribute to longer lifespan, but long-term data is still being collected. “Breast implants usually last many years, and often they last for a lifetime,” says Dr. Heller. “If you experience a rupture, it can be replaced very easily.”

Can gummy bear implants rupture?

Yes, all breast implants can eventually rupture. However, if a gummy bear implant ruptures, the cohesive gel stays in place rather than spreading into surrounding tissue. Rupture may be “silent” with no obvious symptoms, which is why the FDA recommends regular imaging for all silicone implants.

Are gummy bear implants better for small framed women?

Gummy bear implants can be a good choice for thin patients because the firm gel is less prone to visible rippling. Patients with less natural breast tissue to cover the implant often see smoother results with gummy bear implants compared to traditional silicone or saline.

What brands of gummy bear implants are FDA approved?

The major FDA approved gummy bear implant brands in the United States include Allergan Natrelle, Mentor MemoryGel and MemoryShape, and Sientra. All meet rigorous FDA safety standards. Your surgeon will recommend the best brand and style based on your anatomy and goals.

Can gummy bear implants rotate?

Teardrop shaped gummy bear implants can rotate inside the breast pocket, which may cause the breast to look misshapen. Textured surfaces help anchor the implant and prevent rotation. Round gummy bear implants do not have this concern since they look the same from any angle.