How long can it take for Sientra textured cohesive gel implants to soften?

Question

Had these implants 5 months ago . When I lay down they become super firm . When standing they're more normal

Hampton A. Howell, MD · Answer

Form stable cohesive silicone gel breast implants are firmer than earlier generation silicone gel implants. The implants don't change in firmness with positional changes, however. Typically, when a woman lies on her back, her breast tissue shifts off to the side.  In some women, there is enough looseness of the breast that when it shifts toward the outside there is very little tissue left covering the front of the chest, while she is in that position.  If she had a breast augmentation with a more firm breast implant, then while she was standing and the implant was more covered by the breast, the breast may overall feel fairly soft. But when she lies flat, the breast itself may shift over, while the implant may stay in more of a central position, and thus not be covered by as much breast tissue. This could give the perception that the breast or rather the implant feels more firm, even though the implant hasn't actually changed.

Steven Sigalove, MD FACS · Answer

These breast implants are highly cohesive gel implants, they are a little more firm. They will ripple less, and give it about 2-3 months for them to feel softer. If you are feeling like they are very firm, please see your surgeon to rule out capsular contracture. Wishing you the best of luck!

David L. Kaufman, MD FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.
New implants have a tendency to feel firmer than expected, especially
immediately after surgery. Typically, Sientra implants tend to soften after
about two months, continuing to soften slightly as they heal and settle, but
they're made to be firmer than some other implant types. Sientra's "gummy
bear" implants are more cohesive than traditional silicone gel implants,
which results in additional firmness along with a few other benefits (reduced
risk of gel leakage, less rippling and reduced risk of capsule formation). Keep
in mind that some patients take longer to see their final results. However, you
may wish to follow up with your plastic surgeon if you feel that your implants
are too firm at 5 months post-op.

Alan N. Larsen, MD · Answer

We don't recommend post-op massage for textured implants though even without massage implants are typically soft around 2 months and continue to soften with time.  It is a rare occurrence for textured implants to contract though can happen.  Be sure to follow up with your plastic surgeon to make sure your implants had not contracted and for further recommendation.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Sounds like you need to see your plastic surgeon again.  They should be soft by this point.  Best of luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Silicone gel breast implants do not “soften” with time;  their  firmness does not change over the course of time. What you are likely experiencing is related to the characteristics of your own tissue such as breast tissue, pectoralis major muscle, and/or the breast implant capsule surrounding the breast implant. You will be best off communicating your concerns to your plastic surgeon, who after physical examination, can rule out the presence of thickening of the breast implant capsule (capsular contraction). I hope this helps.

How long can it take for Sientra textured cohesive gel implants to soften?

Answers (11)

Answer: Soft implants

Answer: Soft implants

Answer: Softening implants

Answer: Softening implants

Answer: Silicone Gel Breast Implants “Soften”?

Answer: Silicone Gel Breast Implants “Soften”?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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How long can it take for Sientra textured cohesive gel implants to soften?

Answers (11)

Answer: Soft implants

Answer: Soft implants

Answer: Softening implants

Answer: Softening implants

Answer: Silicone Gel Breast Implants “Soften”?

Answer: Silicone Gel Breast Implants “Soften”?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.