Do Sientra implants warranty against capsular contracture?

First of all, it must be made absolutely clear that no implant can prevent, warranty against, or eliminate all chance of capsular contracture (CC). Furthermore, capsular contracture is caused by whatever causes a woman's body to form a tighter, thicker, contracted scar around her implants, usually bacterial biofilm or blood.Thus, sloppy surgical technique, or a break in sterile technique, or even contamination from normal intraductal bacteria can induce CC, and no implant can prevent that. What Sientra has decided is that they will sell their implants only to properly and fully trained and American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeons, not just any Dermatologist, "cosmetic surgeon," or doctor who is a "wannabee" surgeon doing cosmetic surgery without plastic surgery training. So Sientra has a built-in safety, training, and experience factor in whom they have using their implants, plus well-made implants. They also cost more, so that allows them a bit of leeway in offering free replacement implant coverage for 2 years..BTW, the other two implant manufacturers also offer free lifetime implant replacement policies, plus surgical fee coverage for 10 years if there is an implant defect, like leak or rupture. But not capsular contracture.I believe that Sientra's coverage for capsular contracture is certainly a bold marketing move to differentiate them as a manufacturer from the other implant companies. So is selling them only to board-certified plastic surgeons. If you believe that makes Sientra a better implant company, you are certainly entitled to that opinion. But just as Sientra selling only to "real" plastic surgeons makes them different (?better), then you must certainly realize that choice of surgeon is infinitely MORE critical in determining whether or not you develop capsular contracture, NOT choice of implant, surface texture, or replacement "warranties."Because, if you get capsular contracture with Sientra implants, it still takes another operation to deal with it, just as it does with the other implant companies. But who pays for that repeat operation becomes a secondary issue of no small importance, so to many it may well be worth the use of Sientra implants, even if they do cost more up front. (Sort of like buying an insurance policy--you hope you don't have to collect.) CC occurs in about 3% of our patients undergoing breast augmentation. If 97% pay more for that CC "warranty" and never have to collect, then each individual has to decide if it's "worth it." No right and no wrong answer here. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

The only company that will provide new implants and funds toward correction of capsular contraction is Mentor.  No other company does this and this is significant.  No company warrants that their implant prevents CC; this is impossible.  Mentor has stepped up to say if it does happen, we understand, and will assist in trying to improve the situation.  Good luck. Sientra parent company has been in the news recently for negative reason. You may want to look this up for general information.

Inaddition to offering an extensive warranty against rupture, Sientra® offers theindustry’s only capsular contracture replacement plan (CapCon Care Program).Despite being relatively new in the UnitedStates, Sientra® implants have been used for years in other countries and comewith an excellent safety record.Consisting of a high-strength cohesive silicone gel interior and durableouter shell, these implants offer innovations in shape retention, leakresistance, and provide a natural look and feel to the breasts.In the event of a capsular contracture within2 years of your breast augmentation, Sientra’s CapCon Care program offers aNo-Charge Replacement Implant.Asalways, when researching your options for breast augmentation, be sure tochoose a board-certified plastic surgeon.To be eligible for the CapCon Care Program’s No-Charge ReplacementImplant, both the original implantation and revision surgery must be performedby a board-certified plastic surgeon who fully complies with Sientra’sdirections for use.

Sientra's data supports a decreased rate of capsular contracture with their textured implants, so they have backed up their data with a warranty.  If you have a Sientra textured implant and develop a Baker III/IV capsular contracture (where the implant looks and/or feels hard or distorted or you have pain) within the first 2 years following primary breast augmentation, Sientra will cover the cost of implant replacement.  At this time, Sientra is the only one of the three breast implant manufacturers in the US with this type of warranty for capsular contracture.

Hi,Yes they do, and they are the only company in the business to offer this.  The answers below cover the terms really well.  Find a local PS and ask them for a copy of the warrantee, or call Sientra directly.  I am sure they would be happy to share this with you.  All the best, "Dr. Joe