I have textured Sientra tear drop implants. Should I be concerned due to the recent recall? Do I need to take them out?

No one is calling for removal of all textured implants and I don’t think they will.  At the same time it is important for you to feel confident and safe.  If that means taking out the implants that is perfectly reasonable.  But then there  is the question of what else to do such as replace or don’t replace the implants and what kind.  Talk it over with your surgeon and consider the options.  Overall your risk with the implants is extremely low but you will be better able to make a decision by collecting as much information as you can.

In general, the risk of ALCL is exceedingly low, and almost all presentations occur with a noticeable change in the breast (most commonly a delayed fluid collection). Currently, the recommendation for textured implants is not to remove the implants unless you are currently having issues with them. You should perform yearly follow ups with your board certified plastic surgeon to ensure that you are not having any issues with your implants or other breast issues that can be a sign of ALCL. Make sure you are following up with a board certified plastic surgeon to ensure that you are receiving care from a properly trained and educated provider.

Dear peretta555,
If you have textured Sientra implants, then you should consider replacing them in order to reduce the chance of ALCL. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thanks for your question. As long as you are happy with your results, the implants are feeling soft & comfortable, and you monitor them every couple of years with breast imaging (mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI) to be sure there is no rupture (because you will not feel it otherwise), you do not need to have them removed. Only the Allergan Style 410 implants were placed on a recall -- and even those implants do not necessarily need to be removed if there are no problems (require more monitoring). I hope that helps!

Most of the cases  of ALCL cases came from ALLERGAN textured silicone implants  ( style 410).  They use a salting process to create the texturing that may have been the issue.   Most American surgeons knew the issues since 2000 and avoided using them.   Most of the cases were found in Canada, Austria and New Zealand and  have recently banned them in those countries.   

Greetings,
There is No recall on Sientra textured implants at this time.  The FDA has not removed Sientra breast implants from the US market.  As of probably are aware, there are current ongoing evaluations of the safety of ALL breast implants.  ONLY Allergan has had their textured implants removed from the US , European, and Canadian markets for ALCL safety concerns. 
The FDA does not advise textured breast implant removal in asymptomatic patients.  The risk of breast cancer is around 1 in 8 patients and the risk of  ALCL related to implants is very small in comparison. See the recent link attached. This link does not separate out risk by manufacturer.  Sientra's risk for ALCL still remains, by far, the lowest of all the textured implant manufacturers.
 IF you are fearful of your breast implants, you have many options among which are:
                  1) They can be removed (with or without removal of the capsule depending upon your                                                       plastic surgeon and the nature of the capsule).
                  2) They can be removed and replaced with smooth implants. 
                  3) You can conservatively await (leaving your implants in place) ongoing safety studies.
Best Regards,