What is a Gummy Bear Implant?

Posted November 17, 2023 in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implant Replacement, Breast Implants

By Plastic Surgeon Dr. Chris Patronella

The silicone breast implant manufacturer I prefer breast augmentation surgery is Allergan. I think they have the overall best silicone gel implant on the market with the lowest rupture rate. The rupture rate of Allergan’s silicone gel implants is less than one percent, measured at eight years. I think it’s very important to have reliability.

Silicone Implant Types

There are three types of silicone gel implants that Allergan offers. In a demonstration of these 3 implants, the following characteristics are noted:

1. Responsive Gel (cohesive)
   This is the softest of the three. It’s easily squeezed, and the fingers can easily meet in the middle.
2. Soft Touch (more cohesive)
   The Soft Touch implant is slightly firmer than the Responsive Gel and less firm than the Cohesive “Gummy Bear” implant, so it falls in the middle. It’s a little harder to get your fingers to meet in the middle—more force has to be applied to do so.
3. Cohesive “Gummy Bear Implant” (most cohesive)
   The cohesive implant, commonly known as the gummy bear implant, is the firmest of the three and the most difficult to get your fingers to meet in the middle when pressure is applied.

How to Choose the Best Silicone Implant Type

As we go to a higher gel density, the less rippling and palpability of the implant’s edge is noted in the cohesive gel implant. So if someone is really, really thin and has very little fatty tissue to camouflage the implant, I steer that patient toward the Cohesive “Gummy Bear” implant. If a patient has a moderate amount of breast tissue and is not quite as thin, the Responsive Gel implant works just fine. And in between, we have the Soft Touch for someone who is looking for not quite as firm but also protection from rippling and palpability of the implant edge.

Additional Links
Video: Breast Implant Revision and Replacement Surgery
Video: Dr. Patronella Cuts Open a Gummy Bear Implant
Video: Saline vs. Silicone Implants: Dr. Patronella Describes the Differences

Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Patronella. For our out-of-town patients, we also offer the option of a preliminary video conference with Dr. Patronella.