Breast Implant Maker Reports $11.9 Million Loss after Safety Scare

Goleta-based breast implant manufacturer Sientra posted an $11.9 million first quarter loss after a safety scare last year. A quality control inspection in September at one of the company’s manufacturing plants in Brazil revealed the surfaces of some products — including silicone breast, pectoral, calf, and facial implants — were “contaminated with particles.” Testicular and penile implants were also affected.

But, Sientra CEO Jeffrey M. Nugent said in a prepared statement this week, “After several months of hard work and dedication confirming the excellent safety record of our products, we are extremely pleased to have returned to the U.S. market on March 1, 2016.” Demand for Sientra’s portfolio is “robust,” Nugent said, “which we believe reflects the market’s confidence in the quality and safety of our products.”

The company’s total net sales for the first quarter this year — which ended March 31 — were $1.5 million, compared to total net sales of $12.4 million for the same period in 2015. Breast implant products accounted for 79 percent of sales this quarter, during which Sientra acquired bioCorneum, an advanced silicone scar treatment; scar management products account for 17 percent of sales. Gross profit for the first quarter of 2016 was $0.7 million, compared to gross profit of $9.2 million for the same period in 2015. Sientra reported a current sales staff of 35 representatives, eight fewer than last year.