What is the difference between Natrelle and Sientra? Is one more preferred and why?

Thank you for your question. More important than the implant manufacturer, is your choice in plastic surgeon. Make sure that you are having consultations with board certified plastic surgeons. Consider several consultations, so that you can find which surgeon you are most comfortable with. Choosing the right surgeon will have much more of an impact on the results, than the specific implant that is used.

The manufacturer doesn't matter, since the implants are offered in similar shapes, sizes, and textures.  The surgeon and their credentials and referrals are what is important. 

are essentially the same in my opinion... and your surgeons are just expressing their preference for one band over another and towards what company provides better service to their practice and patients.  It is more important to have a well trained surgeon with good judgment rather than a certain brand of implant as the warranties are all about the same.  I'm a Sientra and Mentor person... and they help cover contractures as well.

Thank you for the question.  Personally, I think that careful selection of plastic surgeon and careful communication goals are  the two most important "factors" when it comes to achieving the desired outcome with breast augmentation surgery.   The specific breast implant manufacturer and even type of breast implant are far less important factors, in my opinion.  All of the FDA approved breast implant manufacturers provide good products, with similar characteristics and warranties.









Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:











1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. ***Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.











2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 



In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, 



I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.



Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.











3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.



I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes. 

personally, I use Sientra. They both offer over-filled implants. Both are great products, but I'm partial to Sientra because the gel is a little more cohesive. Warranties are the same. Company ethics are different! Sientra only sells to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. Allergan will sell to anyone (gynecologists, general surgeons, ER docs)! That really bothers me, so I support the company that supports me. If someone came to my office and asked that I use a different company, I would probably refuse. Pick your surgeon first, but I respect the guy you saw that uses Sientra! I am the only one in Columbus that uses them out of 40 surgeons. Good luck! 

Do NOT select the surgeon based on the implant company they use. All implants are fine. The difference is in the results you see from each doctor and what you feel about them, their staff, and the safety details each offer. That's where you make your choice!