Sientra implants recalled! Breast surgery in 1 week! Wait for Sientra or get Mentor brand?

Question

Scheduled for Sientra Gummy Shaped implant but no longer avail due to the recall (storage facility issue). He wants to use Mentor. Comparing- Sientra comes out as the winner- 2yr warranty on capsular contracture, a larger variety of sizes,shapes&projections, lower capsular contracture rate, less rippling , most cohesive. DO I wait for Sientra to sort out issue or move forward w/ Mentor? (Not in rush; I'd rather wait than take 2nd best or have a less desired final product).

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons would agree that Sientra is a great brand of great quality.  The implants were not "recalled" but rather voluntarily taken off the market by the company (which speaks volumes of the company's interest in patient concern).  If you are not in a hurry, I would recommend that you wait a couple of months (at least until after the first of the year) to see if the implants come back on the market (as most plastic surgeons believe they will).  Sientra makes a great implant and has a great warranty program.  Best of luck!

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.At this point the information regarding the availability of Sientra implants is quite fluid. Best case is probably early 2016, however, it may be much longer (if ever). Mentor makes an excellent implant, and there is no clear evidence that one company has significantly lower capsular contracture rates. I would in no way consider Mentor (or Allergan) as "2nd best" implants. I recommend that you discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The FDA did not ask Sientra to stop selling breast implants. Despite this Sientra voluntary stopped selling implants. The FDA has not asked for a recall. You should discuss this matter with your plastic surgeon. I hope you find this information useful.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.The remainder of the FDA approved (Mentor and Allergan) breast implant manufacturers are reputable and provide us with  excellent products (with similar characteristics and warranties).   Much more important than the manufacturer of breast implants is careful selection of plastic surgeon.  Personally I would suggest that you move ahead with surgery.  Make sure that you communicate your goals carefully.   Best wishes.

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

I would trust your surgeon to choose an implant that will meet your aesthetic goals, no matter which brand it is.  Your surgeon knows your skin, your breast tissue, your chest wall shape, and your goals.  All the implants have a warranty (Allergan implants also have a warranty for capsular contracture, like Sientra does).  All the implant brands can give you a beautiful result.

Melinda Haws, MD, FACS · Answer

At this time there is a voluntary hold on the sale of Sientra breast implants pending inspections at their manufacturing facility.  There is no recall, there has been no problem identified with the implants themselves that would represent any sort of threat to the safety of patients.  That being said, you are correct, because of the voluntary hold we cannot currently use Sientra implants.  In regards to your specific question, I would sit down with your surgeon and go over the pros and cons of using another manufacturer for your implant versus waiting.  Depending on your body, your desires for size and shape and your surgeons experience, she or he should be able to honestly tell you whether they feel they can get as good a result from another brand of implant.  I personally use implants from each of the three manufacturers for different patients, but like you I do love the Sientra implants.   Sientra is a great company and I believe they will be back, the problem is no one knows when.   So speak with your doctor about the differences in the implants as they specifically pertain to your body type and desires and then think about whether you want to wait.  I hope this helps.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Mentor makes a high quality implant with a good warrenty.  We are unsure on the future of Sientra.  I do not think I would wait for them.

Sientra implants recalled! Breast surgery in 1 week! Wait for Sientra or get Mentor brand?

Answers (7)

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