The Difference Between Cohesive Gel and Highly Cohesive Gel Silicone Implants

All silicone breast implants approved in the United States are cohesive – a property that makes the material stick to itself. A highly cohesive gel implant’s viscosity is more toward the solid end of the spectrum, whereas lesser cohesive gels are more fluid.

Since silicone gel is cohesive, it resists gel migration in case of an implant shell disruption.

Cohesive vs. Highly Cohesive Gel Implants

Cohesive and highly cohesive silicone breast implants have two components:

  • A soft, malleable, solid silicone exterior shell
  • A soft silicone gel interior filling

So, what’s the difference between these similar but contrasting breast implants?

Cohesive gel implants are softer.  They tend to teardrop more when held upright because the silicone is more fluid-like but still stays together fairly well.  These implants tend to look the most natural if there is not a significant amount of breast tissue.

Highly cohesive gel implants are soft, but somewhat firmer than cohesive gel.  They have more density and less viscosity, which means that the hold their shape better.  In the body, they tend to have a perkier, more round appearance because the gel is more dense and is affected by gravity less.  If the outer shell of a highly cohesive implant is damaged, the silicone tends to stay in place better than cohesive gel.  Highly cohesive implants also wrinkle less in the body than cohesive gel, which is especially helpful for thin patients.

The filling is the most significant difference between cohesive gel implants and highly cohesive gel implants. Though both have a medical-grade silicone filling, the gel viscosity is different. Cohesive gel implants’ consistency sits between a liquid and a solid. Highly cohesive gel implants are more firm and a bit more dense.   Both are very nice.

While each resists flow, a highly cohesive gel implant is a soft solid with memory. It returns to its original shape after compression. Even when cut in half, the semi-domes will maintain their shape. When pressed, they will flatten, but their contour will return when the pressure releases, making them form-stable.

Learn More About Your Encino Breast Augmentation

For more information about your breast implants and breast augmentation, call (818) 981-3333 to schedule your consultation with Encino plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Bresnick, MD.

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