Most breast augmentation patients choose between saline, silicone gel, and gummy bear implants. The best option depends on how natural you want your breasts to feel, how much shape control you prefer, and how much natural breast tissue you have to cover the implant. Below, I share a comparison of the types of breast implants available to patients today, their benefits, and who is typically the best fit for each.
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What Are the Main Types of Breast Implants?
Typically, patients have the choice between 3 types of breast implants:
- Saline implants: a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater after placement
- Silicone gel implants: a silicone shell pre-filled with silicone gel for a softer, more natural feel
- Gummy bear breast implants: a highly cohesive (form-stable) silicone gel implant designed to hold its shape more firmly
At Northwest Ohio Plastic Surgery, I primarily use Allergan® breast implants for their consistent quality and natural-looking outcomes.
Breast Implants at a Glance
| Feature | Saline Implants | Silicone Gel Implants | Gummy Bear Breast Implants |
| What it’s filled with | Sterile saltwater | Silicone gel | Form-stable, highly cohesive silicone gel |
| Look & feel | Can feel firmer; may show more rippling in some body types | Softer, more natural feel for many patients | Holds shape strongly; can feel slightly firmer than traditional silicone |
| Rippling visibility | More likely in patients with thinner tissue | Often less visible than saline | Often least visible, especially when tissue is thin |
| Shape control | Moderate | Moderate to high | High (more “form-stable” shape retention) |
| Leak/rupture detection | Usually obvious (deflation) | May be less obvious; monitoring may be recommended | May be less obvious; monitoring may be recommended |
| Incision considerations | Often filled after placement (can allow a smaller incision in some cases) | Pre-filled (incision may need to accommodate implant) | Pre-filled (incision may need to accommodate implant) |
| Best fit for patients who | Value clear leak detection; want reliable enhancement and have enough natural tissue | Prioritize a natural feel and movement | Want added shape control and reduced rippling concerns |
Silicone vs Saline Implants: What’s the Difference?
The most practical differences between silicone and saline implants are feel, rippling risk, and how a leak is noticed.
Saline implants may be a good fit if you want:
- A reliable option with straightforward implant monitoring
- The possibility of a smaller incision in some cases
- A slightly firmer, more structured feel
Silicone implants may be a good fit if you want:
- A softer, more natural feel and movement
- A smoother look for many body types
- Less visible rippling, especially if you have less natural breast tissue
What Are Gummy Bear Implants, and How Are They Different?
Gummy bear breast implants use a highly cohesive gel that’s more form-stable than traditional silicone. When discussing gummy bear implants vs regular silicone implants, I explain that the gel is firmer and more unified in the former, so the implant is designed to maintain its intended contour and projection rather than shifting as easily inside the shell.
This stability can be especially helpful for patients who want more predictable shape definition and less concern about visible rippling.
Gummy bear implants can be an excellent choice when you want:
- More shape control in your chosen size/profile
- Reduced rippling concerns
- Long-term shape stability
They may feel slightly firmer than traditional silicone, so we match the implant to your preferred look and feel.
Who Are the Best Breast Implant Candidates for Each Type?
- Best candidates for saline: patients with enough natural tissue to camouflage implant edges who like the idea of obvious leak detection
- Best candidates for silicone: patients prioritizing the most natural feel; often those with a slimmer build or less natural volume
- Best candidates for gummy bear: patients who want stronger shape retention, worry about rippling, or want a more “supported” contour
How Implant Choice Fits Into Your Breast Augmentation Procedure
The implant material you choose affects certain details in your treatment plan. Saline implants are filled after the shell is placed, allowing for a possibly smaller incision, while silicone and gummy bear implants are pre-filled, meaning that the incision needs to accommodate the implant as it’s inserted.
Breast Augmentation Incisions
For most patients, I plan an inframammary incision (in the crease beneath the breast) or a periareolar incision (along the edge of the areola) that allows precise placement while keeping scarring discreet.
Implant Placement
I offer both submuscular placement (beneath the chest muscle) and subglandular placement (above the muscle). Submuscular placement often creates a natural slope and can reduce visible implant edges, while subglandular placement may involve a shorter recovery and can appeal to very active patients.
Take the Next Step
If you’re deciding between saline, silicone, or gummy bear implants, the most helpful step is a consultation where we align your implant choice with your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. Request a consultation using the online form or call Northwest Ohio Plastic Surgery at (419) 534-6551 to get started.
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