The Gummy Bear Breast Implant

has evolved dramatically since its early beginnings in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first procedure using what we now recognize as a silicone breast implant was performed in 1962. While these early implants offered new possibilities for cosmetic enhancement, both the surgery and the implants themselves were considered controversial for many years due to real and perceived safety concerns.

Although silicone gel implants had been used for decades, they were initially approved by the FDA only for limited applications, such as breast reconstruction. It wasn’t until an extensive 10-year FDA-mandated clinical trial in the early 2000s that a new generation of form-stable silicone implants—commonly known as gummy bear implants—earned approval for unrestricted cosmetic use.

Types of breast implants

FDA-approved breast implants fall into two primary categories based on their internal filling. Both feature a durable silicone outer shell that helps maintain shape, but they differ in feel, behavior, and structure.

Saline Breast Implants

These implants are filled with sterile salt water, which is absorbed and naturally expelled by the body in the event of a rupture. If the implants do rupture, the outer shell collapses, a warning sign that something a leak has occurred. They are FDA-approved for women 18 years or older.

Silicone Breast Implants

These devices are filled with a silicone gel. Unlike a saline implant, a leaking silicone gel implant will not collapse, and the gel may either remain in the implant shell or seep into the breast implant pocket. Because of this risk, women who receive silicone implants may be required to receive regular ultrasounds or MRI screenings to ensure they remain intact. Silicone implants are FDA-approved for women 22 years of age or older.

Cohesive Gel, or “Gummy Bear”. Gummy bear implants are also filled with silicone gel, but the gel is thicker and more form-stable than traditional silicone implants, giving them a more natural feel and look.

The Gummy Bear implant

Unlike traditional round implants, gummy bear implants are anatomically shaped and available in a wide range of profiles. With 12 dimensional options—combining four projection levels and three height variations—these implants allow for highly personalized breast contouring.

Their form-stable design helps prevent rippling, folding, and malposition, while their textured surface improves stability within the breast pocket. Although they may require slightly larger incisions due to their structured shape, gummy bear implants have demonstrated lower rates of rupture, wrinkling, and displacement compared to traditional round implants.

The gummy bear implant study

To ensure the long-term safety and effectiveness of cohesive gel implants, the FDA required Allergan to conduct a comprehensive 10-year clinical trial known as the CORE Study. Initiated in 2001, the study followed 715 women who voluntarily received the implants.

The study’s low complication rates and high patient satisfaction led to FDA approval for unrestricted cosmetic use in 2013.

Dr. Tim R. Love was one of only 20 US plastic surgeons selected to participate in this historic study. His successful implantation of the very first U.S. patient played a pivotal role in the reintroduction of silicone gel implants nationwide.

Dr. Love has remained at the forefront of breast augmentation for more than three decades and has sponsored multiple additional FDA studies. Today, he works alongside Dr. Kenny Quang, whose extensive national training and patient-centered philosophy further enhance the practice’s reputation for excellence and innovation.

Is breast augmentation right for you?

Breast augmentation is a deeply personal decision that should never be rushed. While the procedure can significantly improve self-confidence, body image, and overall satisfaction, it is still a surgical procedure with inherent risks.

Potential risks include implant rupture, leakage, malposition, capsular contracture, infection, scarring, and changes in breast or nipple sensation. That’s why choosing the right surgeon is just as important as choosing the right implant.

At H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery in Oklahoma City, Dr. Tim R. Love and Dr. Kenny Quang believe that no two bodies are alike—and no two surgical plans should be either. Every procedure is customized to your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle to ensure the most natural-looking, flattering results possible.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re considering breast augmentation, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Love or Dr. Quang. You’ll receive expert guidance, transparent education, and a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.

Call 405-751-5683 today to learn more about gummy bear implants and discover whether they’re right for you.

Don’t wait another day to feel confident in your body—contact us today and take the first step toward beautifully natural results.