Choosing the right breast implant involves more than selecting a size. Implant material, structure, and behavior all influence how breasts look, feel, and age over time. Patients researching breast augmentation often ask one important question: What’s the difference between silicone and gummy bear implants?
Understanding how these implant types perform helps patients make confident, long-term decisions. Dr. Gabriel Chiu approaches implant selection as a customized process that balances anatomy, aesthetics, and durability.
What Are Silicone Breast Implants?
Silicone breast implants contain a soft silicone gel housed inside a silicone shell. Modern silicone implants differ significantly from earlier generations. Manufacturers refined gel consistency, shell strength, and safety standards over time.
Traditional silicone implants contain a cohesive gel that feels soft and natural. The gel moves slightly within the shell, which allows the implant to adapt to body position and movement.
Key Characteristics of Silicone Implants
- Soft, natural feel
- Smooth contouring
- Flexible movement
- Widely used in cosmetic breast augmentation
Silicone implants remain one of the most popular options for patients who prioritize softness and natural breast movement.
What Are Gummy Bear Implants?
Gummy bear implants, also called form-stable silicone gel implants, use a more highly cohesive silicone gel. This gel holds its shape even if the shell sustains damage. Its structural integrity gives gummy bear implants their name.
Unlike traditional silicone implants, gummy bear implants maintain their form at all times. They resist folding and collapsing, which helps preserve shape consistency over many years.
Key Characteristics of Gummy Bear Implants
- Firm, shape-retaining structure
- Reduced rippling
- Predictable contour
- Enhanced stability
These implants work especially well for patients seeking structure, upper pole control, and long-term shape retention.
Silicone vs. Gummy Bear Implants: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Silicone Implants | Gummy Bear Implants |
| Gel consistency | Soft, cohesive | Highly cohesive, form-stable |
| Shape retention | Flexible | Maintains shape at all times |
| Feel | Softer | Slightly firmer |
| Rippling risk | Low to moderate | Lower |
| Ideal for | Natural movement | Structured contour |
| Rupture behavior | Gel stays localized | Gel remains contained |
| Popular use | General breast augmentation | Shape-focused augmentation |
Both implant types meet FDA safety standards and deliver excellent results when properly selected and placed.
How Implant Choice Affects Breast Shape
Implant structure influences how the breast looks at rest and in motion.
Silicone Implants and Natural Movement
Silicone implants adapt more easily to gravity and posture changes. They work well for patients who want a softer slope and subtle transitions. This option often appeals to patients who want breasts that feel less structured.
Gummy Bear Implants and Shape Control
Gummy bear implants maintain their shape regardless of position. They resist bottoming out and upper pole collapse over time. Patients seeking consistent contour and support often prefer this option.
Dr. Chiu evaluates tissue elasticity and chest anatomy to determine which implant will age more gracefully for each patient.
Does Implant Type Affect Size Selection?
Yes, the implant material affects how volume appears visually.
- Silicone implants may appear slightly larger due to softness and spread.
- Gummy bear implants often appear more compact at the same volume due to their structural integrity.
This difference matters when patients use a breast augmentation size guide to select implant volume. Dr. Chiu adjusts size recommendations based on implant type to maintain proportion.
Implant Profile and Its Role
Both silicone and gummy bear implants come in multiple profiles: low, moderate, high, and ultra-high.
- Silicone implants with higher profiles that emphasize fullness and projection.
- Gummy bear implants with moderate profiles often create a balanced, athletic look.
The implant profile, along with the implant type, shapes the final results.
Safety Considerations: Silicone vs. Gummy Bear Implants
Both implant types offer strong safety profiles.
Rupture Behavior
- Silicone implants may rupture silently, with gel remaining localized.
- Gummy bear implants retain gel shape even if the shell breaks.
Capsular Contracture
Proper surgical technique and implant placement reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Some studies suggest that form-stable implants may reduce the risk of capsular contracture in certain patients.
Cancer Risk
Extensive research shows no link between breast implants and breast cancer. A rare condition known as BIA-ALCL is associated primarily with certain textured implants. Dr. Chiu will discuss surface options and associated risk during your consultation.
How Breast Implant Placement Influences Results
Breast implant placement affects appearance and longevity.
Under the Muscle (Submuscular)
- Softens upper contour
- Reduces visible edges
- Improves mammogram imaging
Over the Muscle (Subglandular)
- Creates immediate fullness
- Requires adequate tissue coverage
Dr. Chiu often pairs implant type with placement strategy to support safety and aesthetics.
Who Is a Candidate for Silicone Implants?
Silicone implants often suit patients who:
- Want the softest possible feel
- Prefer natural movement
- Have adequate tissue coverage
- Choose moderate enhancement
Who Is a Candidate for Gummy Bear Implants?
Gummy bear implants often suit patients who:
- Want strong shape retention
- Prefer controlled upper pole fullness
- Have thinner tissue
- Seek long-term structural stability
Longevity and Long-Term Satisfaction
Neither implant type lasts forever, but both can last 10–20 years or longer with proper monitoring. Patients who choose implants based on anatomy rather than trends often experience fewer revisions and higher satisfaction.
How Dr. Chiu Helps Patients Decide
Dr. Chiu uses a structured consultation approach:
- Anatomical evaluation
- Tissue and skin analysis
- Lifestyle assessment
- Size and profile planning
- Long-term outcome discussion
This method ensures implant choice aligns with both aesthetic goals and long-term health.
Schedule Your Breast Augmentation Consultation in Beverly Hills, CA
Choosing between silicone and gummy bear implants requires expertise, planning, and personalization. Dr. Gabriel Chiu designs implant plans that support natural proportions, durability, and patient confidence.
To schedule your breast augmentation consultation, call (310) 888-8087 or complete our online consultation form at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery. Our team will help you select implants that align with your goals and stand the test of time.