What Are The Advantages Of The Gummy Bear Implants For Breast Augmentation?

Q: I am 23 years old and am interested in breast augmentation. I know that there are different types of implants but I am most intrigued by the gummy bear implants that I have read about. They sound like the best type of breast implant to get but are there any real downsides to them? What do you think of them?

A: The term, gummy bear breast implant, is a layman’s term and not an actual name of a breast implant. I am not sure of the history of this name but I have heard the term was coined by a plastic surgeon. It is a new generationand innovation of a silicone breast implant, technically a third-generation gel filler material. Think of the original silicone filler material as a Type I which is more runny like thinner molasses syrup and existed up until 1991 when it was removed from the market, A type II gel implant filler is in newer and current breast implants, released commercially again in 2006, and is more cohesive like very thick molasses syrup. A gummy bear implant would be a Type III gel filler and is much more cohesive or stiffer like the gummy bear candy. (hence the name)

From a manufacturer’s standpoint, they have been known as the 410 implant (Allergan) and the CPG implant (Mentor) and have been in clinical trials for years. All manufacturer’s clinical trials with these implants are now closed and under FDA evaluation. It is possible that they may be commercially released by the FDA in 2011 but that is not a certainty.

The biggest advantage to the gummy bear implant is that the gel filler material is more cohesive and has no risk of leaking. It does feel more firm which some patients may feel is an advantage. It will be introduced initially as an anatomically-shaped (tear drop) shape with a textured surface. Because of these features, it must be placed through a lower breast fold incision to ensure proper positioning of the shaped breast implant.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana