Breast implant types explained: Saline, silicone, and gummy bear implants

Breast implants are medical prosthetics used in breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures to enhance the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts. Depending on the desired look and individual anatomy, they are placed either under the chest muscles or directly behind the breast tissue.

There are three primary breast implant types:

Saline implants: Filled with sterile salt water, these implants offer a uniform shape and feel. If they rupture, the body naturally absorbs the saline.

Silicone Implants: These are filled with silicone gel, which feels more like natural breast tissue. They require regular checkups to ensure the implant is intact.

Gummy bear implants: Known for their cohesive gel, these implants maintain their shape even if the shell breaks. They are firmer and more anatomically shaped, offering a natural-looking result.

Each type has its own set of benefits and considerations. Consulting with Dr Adnan Tahir can help determine the best option based on your body type, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.

Saline breast implants are essentially silicone shells filled with sterile saline (saltwater) solution. They are often chosen because they can be filled during the surgical procedure, sometimes allowing for smaller incisions.

Key characteristics of saline breast implants:

Composition: An outer silicone shell filled with sterile saline solution.

Feel: They generally feel firmer than silicone implants, but the degree of firmness can depend on how full the implant is.

Appearance: The implant shell may sometimes appear more “round,” especially if filled very tightly. In thinner individuals, rippling or folding of the implant shell may be more noticeable under the skin.

Incision size: This can be inserted through smaller incisions as they can be filled once in place.

Rupture: If the saline breast implant ruptures, the saline fluid is safely absorbed by the body and eliminated naturally. This often leads to a noticeable deflation of the implant.

Detection of rupture: Rupture is usually evident due to the rapid decrease in breast size and change in shape.

Cost: Generally, saline breast implants may have a slightly lower initial cost than silicone options.

Longevity: The lifespan of saline breast implants varies, and they are not considered permanent devices. 

They may need replacement over time due to wear and tear or complications. The question of how long saline implants last is common, and while there’s no definitive answer, many last for 10-20 years or more.

Results: Saline implant results can provide a noticeable increase in breast volume and improved shape. However, the feel and appearance may not always be as natural as with silicone or gummy bear implants.

Breast reconstruction: Saline breast implants can be used in breast reconstruction, often in a two-stage process where a tissue expander is initially placed and later exchanged for a saline implant.

Silicone breast implants feature a silicone shell filled with silicone gel. Many women prefer them for their softer and more natural feel, which closely mimics the texture of natural breast tissue.

Key characteristics of silicone breast implants:

Composition: An outer silicone shell filled with silicone gel. The consistency of the gel can vary.

Feel: Generally, it feels softer and more natural to the touch than saline implants.

Appearance: Rippling often provides a more natural-looking breast shape and contour. Compared to saline implants, it is less likely to be noticeable, especially with cohesive gel options.

Incision size: Typically requires slightly longer incisions for insertion as they are pre-filled.

Rupture: When a conventional silicone breast implant ruptures, the silicone gel can stay inside the implant shell or ooze into the surrounding tissue. This is often called a “silent rupture” as it may not be immediately apparent.

Detection of rupture: Regular MRI scans are often recommended to detect silent ruptures in silicone implants.

Cost: Silicone breast implants are comparatively more expensive than saline implants because of the material and the production process.

Longevity: Just like saline implants, silicone breast implants are not permanent devices and will need replacement after a while.

Results: Silicone implant results are often praised for their natural look and feel, providing enhanced volume and shape that closely resembles natural breasts.

Breast reconstruction: Breast reconstruction with silicone implants is a common and effective option, offering a natural-feeling and aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Silicone vs saline implants: The choice between silicone vs saline implants often comes down to the desired feel and appearance versus the safety profile in case of rupture.

Yes, silicone breast implants are often preferred for their soft and natural feel, closely mimicking natural breast tissue.

Yes, silicone implants are considered safe by regulatory bodies like the FDA. However, similar to any other medical device, they pose some possible risks, which will be addressed at the time of your consultation.

Gummy bear implants, or cohesive gel silicone implants, represent an advancement in silicone implant technology. Their silicone gel is thicker and more cohesive, consistent with a gummy bear candy.

Key characteristics of gummy bear implants:

Composition: A textured or smooth silicone shell with a highly cohesive gel.

Feel: They feel firm yet natural, holding their shape exceptionally well. Although they may not feel as soft as traditional silicone gel implants, they offer a more substantial and natural breast feel.

Appearance: Gummy bear implants are known for maintaining their shape and providing a more defined and often more natural upper pole fullness. They come in various shapes, including round and teardrop, allowing for customised aesthetic outcomes. 

The gummy bear implants teardrop vs. round option allows surgeons to tailor the shape to the patient’s anatomy and the desired look.

Incision size: Typically requires longer incisions than saline implants due to their cohesive nature and pre-filled form.

Rupture: Like all implants, gummy bear implants can rupture, but their highly cohesive gel is designed to hold its shape even if the shell breaks. This minimises the risk of the gel migrating outside the implant shell.

Detection of rupture: Due to the gel’s cohesiveness, rupture may be more difficult to detect visually or through palpation. MRI scans are the most reliable method for detecting rupture.

Cost: Gummy bear breast implants are generally the most expensive type due to the advanced technology and materials used in their manufacturing.

Longevity: Like the other types of implants, the gummy bear implant is not permanent and might need replacing at some point.

Results: Gummy bear breast implants are often favoured for their ability to provide a natural-looking shape with good upper pole fullness and maintain their form over time. The before-and-after photos of gummy bear implants often showcase a more defined and youthful breast contour.

Gummy bear implants vs. regular silicone implants: It’s important to note that while both are made of silicone, gummy bear implants for the breasts have different shapes and gel consistencies compared to regular silicone butt implants, which are designed for a different anatomical area and aesthetic goal.

There’s no single “better” option. Whether silicone or saline breast implants are better depends entirely on the individual’s goals, preferences, and anatomical considerations. Gummy bear implants offer a specific set of benefits within the silicone category.

To help you further understand the differences, here’s a comparative overview:

During your consultation with Dr Adnan Tahir, we will discuss several factors to help you determine the most suitable implant type for you:

Aesthetic goals: What is your desired breast shape and size? Do you prefer a very soft feel or something more substantial?

Body type and tissue: Your natural breast tissue and body frame can influence how different implants look and feel.

Personal preferences: Do you strongly prefer a particular feel or concerned about the filling material in case of a rupture?

Risk tolerance: Understanding the potential risks and the detection methods for rupture is crucial.

Budget: The cost of different implant types can vary, which is an important consideration for many patients.

Surgeon’s recommendation: Dr Adnan Tahir will provide expert opinions based on your anatomy and goals.

Dr Adnan prefers Motiva Ergonomix implants, which are silicone implants that adapt naturally to gravitational changes, providing the most natural look and feel. We ensure you feel informed, comfortable, and empowered, whether you’re considering implants used for breast augmentation.
Ready to take the next step toward the look you’ve always wanted? Schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr Adnan Tahir and explore the best breast implant options tailored just for you. 

 Contact us now to begin your transformation!

What are silicone implants?

They are medical devices used to increase breast size or reconstruct breast tissue. They are made of a silicone shell containing silicone gel.

How much do silicone breast implants cost?

The cost of a silicone breast implant varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s fees, facility fees, anaesthesia costs, and the specific type of silicone implant chosen.

What do silicone implants look like before and after surgery?

Silicone implants before and after surgery typically show a significant increase in breast volume and an improved shape and contour that often appears very natural.

What is the difference between teardrop and round gummy bear implants?

Gummy bear implants’ teardrop vs. round shape refers to their anatomical shape. Teardrop implants are fuller at the base, whereas round implants offer fuller symmetry.

How long does saline solution stay in saline implants?

Saline implants’ lifespans vary, but the saline solution is contained within the silicone shell until a rupture occurs. The integrity of the shell determines the implant’s lifespan.

Can gummy bear implants rupture?

Like all breast implants, gummy bear implants can rupture due to trauma, capsular contracture, or wear and tear over time. However, their cohesive gel minimises migration.

What happens if silicone implants rupture? 

A saline implant will deflate visibly as the body absorbs the salt water. A traditional silicone implant rupture may be “silent,” with the gel staying within the capsule or leaking locally. This is why regular monitoring is recommended.