How much better are Sientra implants (than Allergan or Mentor)? Is it worth switching doctors?

Question

How much better are Sientra implants (than Allergan or Mentor)? Is it worth switching doctors? I have a board-cert PS, very reputable, very much on the same page as me regarding my goals... BUT no Sientra, which is clearly the superior product (right?) in terms of complication rates, 5th gen silicone, and softer feel. Thanks in advance!

Adam J. Oppenheimer, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultimately, the doctor's technique is waaaaaayyyyy more important than the implants. That said, I only use Sientra implants because, well, they're just better. Sometimes when a doctor finds something that works, they figure: why change. I get that, but I'm always looking for the very best thing for my patients. The lowest rupture rates, the most advanced silicone gel, the best shell-gel relationships, the highest fill ratio, the strongest silicone, the best surface texturing, the best warranty... shall i go on?

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is most important to find a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in breast augmentation.  Ask to see a lot of before and after photos of women similar to you. Mentor, Allergan, and Sientra all make excellent implants, but offer some variation in size,shape, and projection. The single most important factor in your outcome is the surgeon, not the device used. The ASPS website is a useful resource to locate properly trained plastic surgeons in your area. Hope this helps and good luck!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

All breast implants in the U.S. today are high quality and your choice of surgeon should not be based primarily on what brand they use. Sientra led the way by introducing the capsular contracture warranty (Allergan then followed); they were the first to get approval for form-stable ("gummy bear") implants, but now Allergan has the 410's available; they were the first to introduce high fill ratio implants for less rippling, but now Allergan has the Inspira line.

Pramit Malhotra, MD · Answer

We use both implants in our office.  I was part of the Post approval study for Sientra implants.The  main differences between the two implants are1. Sientra implants have more aggressive texturing2. Sientra implants tend to lock in position better3. Sientra implants are firmer feeling4. Sientra implants can be trickier to use in revision breast surgery because of their more aggressive texturing.The best approach is not manage the type of implant, but choose a surgeon who has used all types of implants.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You are asking very personal MD opinions. I prefer MENTOR, I did not like the results from the Sientra.

Melinda Haws, MD, FACS · Answer

I would agree that the choice of your surgeon should not be based on the type of implants they offer.  All three companies have outstanding products, and depending on your tissues and goals, any or all of those companies may have a product that is right for you. Sientra has outstanding implants, but an outstanding implant cannot compensate for surgeon judgement, skill and expertise.  I currently use implants from all three of the manufacturers available in the US.  And if one company is not available I can usually find a like or suitable substitute from one of the other companies.  All that being said,  I do love the Sientra implants, and if I saw you in consultation, I could tell you if I felt one implant company could offer you a superior result over another.  Without that in person exam, I can only tell you the number one priority is your surgeon, their skill and board certification and your comfort with them. I hope this helps.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

The choice of surgeon is far more important than the choice of implants.  Implant choice is determined by the volume desired and the dimension of the patient's chest. Each of the three implant manufacturers has FDA approval for gel silicone implants, and the FDA considers all the gels to be the same.  Differences between implants come down to which company has which sizes and shapes and profiles.  Each of the companies strives to differentiate themselves from the others, but the take home message is to find a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons who has a great deal of experience with breast augmentation.  In my practice, for example, we have access to all three manufacturer's implants so I can fit each patient as precisely as possible.Be sure to review a comprehensive portfolio of pre- and post-op pictures so you can see the types of results that are reasonable to expect.

How much better are Sientra implants (than Allergan or Mentor)? Is it worth switching doctors?

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