Answer: There are some inconsistencies in what people within and outside of the industry refer to as “gummy bear” implants, probably because this is a layman’s term that is not used by the actual manufacturers of the implants. The type of silicone implants that are currently FDA approved in the U.S. and manufactured and distributed by both Allergan and Mentor are properly described as “cohesive gel” implants. I use these implants routinely for breast augmentation and for reconstruction after mastectomy. These are excellent implants and probably will be the best silicone implants available in the U.S. for breast augmentation for many years to come.

The next generation of silicone implants that have been in clinical trials for several years are properly named “form stable” implants. The term “gummy bear” became popularized when these implants were first introduced. They are more firm and rigid than the cohesive gel implants and they are anatomical (tear drop) in shape. These implants will likely be a better option than the currently available cohesive gel implants for most reconstruction patients, but will probably be preferable for a much smaller percentage of augmentation patients. Currently, form stable implants are available only to surgeons and patients involved with clinical trials.

The inframammary incision is the preferred incision for both cohesive gel and form stable implants. Both of these types of silicone implants require larger incisions for insertion than saline implants, with larger incisions required for the form stable type than for the cohesive gel type.