Cohesive silicone gel breast implants, better known as "gummy bear" implants, are one of the biggest breakthroughs in cosmetic surgery since silicone breast implants were introduced decades ago. Since the FDA approved them in 2012, they've generated plenty of buzz in both medical and mainstream circles. Some experts predict they'll completely revolutionize the industry by making implants a far more appealing option for women who once worried about safety and an unnatural look. But what do gummy bear implants really bring to the table?
The silicone implants used today are largely unchanged from the fifth-generation versions introduced in the mid-1990s. Made from a semi-solid gel inside a plastic shell, they eliminated many of the leakage problems that plagued the earlier liquid-filled designs, yet they're far from perfect. 
Does "Newer" Equate with "Better"?
Gummy bear implants work differently, and that difference is what may set them apart. Instead of a gel that can leak, they're made from a cohesive gel that is form-stable. Cut one in half and it holds its shape, much like a gummy bear candy, which dramatically reduces the risk of leakage-related complications. They can also be shaped to each woman's individual breasts, a clear plus for anyone concerned about the unnatural look of surgically enhanced breasts. On top of that, gummy bears tend to look, feel, and move more like natural breasts, and many patients report that their partners have no idea they had breast implants at all.
Before 2012, the only way to get gummy bear implants was to participate in clinical trials. In March 2012, after years of testing, the FDA approved Sientra's Silicone Gel Breast Implants for regular consumer use. It's worth noting that neither the manufacturer nor the FDA condones the term "gummy bear" for these implants, though some critics argue the name diminishes the seriousness of implants and the surgical process as a whole.
Popularity Ahead of the Evidence
More and more women are seeking out this new implant design, assuming it can improve the feel and texture of their breasts better than the implants commonly available today. Because it's the latest innovation in breast enhancement surgery, many people take for granted that it's an improvement over other types of implants. That isn't always the case, and plenty of assumptions about its relative safety and reliability remain unproven.
If you're considering these implants, it's wise to weigh their pros and cons carefully, especially since new innovations almost always carry a hidden risk that may have been overlooked. For one, gummy bear implants can feel less natural because they're considerably firmer than a natural breast. They also tend to require larger incisions, since their firmer, harder-to-mold form doesn't pass easily through small incision lines. That's all the more reason to review every available option before chasing the newest development.
Alternatives to Gummy Bear Implants
Taken together, these points suggest that the safest and least expensive option for breast enhancement is still natural breast enhancement pills or creams. As an established, proven alternative to cosmetic surgery, natural breast enhancement has produced lasting results without breaking the bank, and it sidesteps the lengthy recovery times and significant expense that invasive surgery involves.
To get started, take a look at our product comparison chart and see for yourself how different the natural way is. For larger, firmer breasts without spending a fortune or resorting to invasive measures, consider natural breast enhancement pills or creams, and you may be amazed by the results.
