Is there higher odds of rippling with Sientra implants?

Hi there, this is a great question. I exclusively use Sientra breast implants. The less cohesivity, the more rippling you will have. Any implant has the potential to ripple, but for me and my practice, HSC Sientra implant seems to minimize it extensively.

Correctly placed implants should not have much rippling. This is more likely if they are placed under very thin tissue. All the most recent implants have cohesive gel meaning they are form stable and don't ooze around if ruptured.

Rippling is defined as seeing folds of the implant that are noticeable on the skin. Most commonly this is in the lower outer part of the breast but can also be on the upper part of the breast when implants are placed above the muscle. Palpability means that one can feel the wall of the implant with one's fingers. In general, it is rare for sub muscular gel filled implants to cause rippling, either with Sientra implants or other gel implants. If implants are placed properly in the sub muscular area, they should not be seen. If implants are placed more to the outside part of the breasts, there is a possibility especially in lean patients. There should not be in increased risk of silicone migration with Sientra implants also.

Dear Jubilant2138,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Thanks for your question. The Sientra implants do have a very nice feel to them. You might want to ask your surgeon about the HSC+ 107 Style that they offer. These implants are the "highly cohesive" silicone type, so much less risk of spread of the silicone gel in the event of a rupture. Plus, they have a 20 year warranty which is pretty impressive. Best wishes

The most important factor about whether you will feel or see ripples is your own tissue. The thinner your tissue, the less camouflage of the implant. Each different implant will also play a role. Saline obviously has more ripple potential than silicone. Implants from different companies also have a different feel. Mentor has one option, Sientra two, and Allergan three. I agree that I personally prefer the feel of Sientra implants as well.

Greetings,We tell our patients that the thinner the breast covering the implant the more our patient would be at risk for rippling.  Also, the larger the implant and the more the breast is asked to stretch to hold the implant, the greater the risk of rippling.  Using similar sized, shaped smooth gel implants from the three major manufacturers probably would have a less significant effect upon rippling than the above factors.Best Regards,

I have used all of the manufacturers' implants. I believe the Sientra implants have the least rippling for silicone gel. Rippling is common with saline, much less common with silicone. The current silicone implants on the market are all cohesive gel- they generally maintain their shape even if ruptured. Because of this, gel migration is rarely a problem although it could happen with a high speed injury such as a car accident.Thomas C. Wiener, MDHoustonthis information is not a substitute for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon