POSTED UNDER Sientra Breast Implants Reviews
235 Cc Sientra Textured Round + Shoelace Cast - Seattle, WA
UPDATED FROM FuzzyD
1 year post
Possible dangers of textured implants
WORTH IT$7,700
One more thing to consider:
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/21/health/breast-implants-cancer-deaths.html?_r=0
and
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm239995.htm
"BIA-ALCL is a very rare condition; when it occurs, it has been identified most frequently in patients undergoing implant revision operations for late onset, persistent seroma. Because it has generally only been identified in patients with late onset of symptoms such as pain, lumps, swelling, or asymmetry, prophylactic breast implant removal in patients without symptoms or other abnormality is not recommended."
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/21/health/breast-implants-cancer-deaths.html?_r=0
and
https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/ucm239995.htm
"BIA-ALCL is a very rare condition; when it occurs, it has been identified most frequently in patients undergoing implant revision operations for late onset, persistent seroma. Because it has generally only been identified in patients with late onset of symptoms such as pain, lumps, swelling, or asymmetry, prophylactic breast implant removal in patients without symptoms or other abnormality is not recommended."
FuzzyD's provider
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM FuzzyD
1 year post
Opinions after being through it...
I wrote an email to a friend, and decided to paste the info here for anyone considering implants:
Choosing a doctor:
Go by their photos for sure - look at as many as you can. They often have larger binders of their work in office (way more than posted online), so you can get an even better idea. (If you interview remote doctors, see if they have more photos to send.) There is definitely an artistic aspect to it. Then check online reviews on realself and other sites. Go with your gut and go with someone who specializes in boobies.
Don't be afraid to meet with many doctors, even more than once if you have to. Come armed with a list of questions, get their opinions, and see who you trust the most.
Local is ideal because you can go in for follow-ups to address any concerns with scars, etc.
If they are pricier, in the end who cares. Go with the best. You only want to do this once, so do it right!
Sizing and projection:
You are limited by your breast width. So, if you have a narrow breast and want more boobage, you will have to go with higher projection, which looks and feels faker. the profiles are: low (rarely chosen), moderate (I have). mod+, high, and then *really* high ([RS bleep] star like).
I actually wanted a low profile (I like flatter, wide, natural boobs), but my boobs are so narrow that if I got low profile, there would have been so little implant - it basically would have been like sticking two little hockey pucks in me. So I went moderate, which look good, but note that they never really "flatten" like real breasts. Again, someone who already has boobs won't mind because they have tissue above that is squishy and flattens, but mine never do. C'est la vie!
Don't be afraid to go 25cc larger. Try on the sizers in the office, and also use the rice bag trick (see online) and wear your new boobs for a while. Then, your surgeon will select the best size (from your range) once they are in there (assuming you have faith in your surgeon, which you should!). I was open to going up to 255CC, but he had to scale down to 225CC. I still would have liked them bigger, but my boobs were so narrow and he knew I didn't want projection. Make sure you explain very clearly the final look and profile you are going for.
Don't go by other's size numbers. It's all about body and breast width. Some women who got 350CC have boobs that look smaller than mine. The Dr. will help you understand what CCs will actually "fit" in your body. And in the end, a little bigger a little smaller - not really a big deal.
Above or below the muscle: Having met a few women who developed CC years later, I wanted to go under the muscle 100%. If you don't go too big in size, your doctor will only need to detach very little muscle. The recovery is longer (no lifting kids, etc.), but in the end a better result. Above the muscle is still popular, esp in Europe, because they move around more like real boobs. But my Dr. insists that as women age and their fatty tissues start to droop, the top of the implant becomes more visible. And then there is the statistically higher risk of CC. If you decide to go over the muscle, then consider the textured shell (Sientra if you can get them, since they've done a ton of studies and include a guarantee).
Shell:
Smooth
- Pros: less chance of feeling the shell. Less chance of rippling.
- Cons: are not "stickey" so, when under the muscle, higher risk of displacement, moving to your armpit, etc. Higher risk of CC when used *above* the muscle. This is because scar tissue forms in parallel strands around the implant, creating a shell that is more likely to cintract in a single direction. Below, muscle it's debatable = equal risk.
Textured:
- Pros: Lower CC risk above muscle. Not all textured are created equal. Sientra textured is less gritty than others yet has been studied to create a nice scar matrix. So the scar tissue is forced to form stands in different directions. The theory is that because it is a more complicated matrix, in cannot "squeeze" into a contracture as easily. Also, less chance of implant displacement. But, as you know, mine dropped and I had to correct that (shoelaces) bc my tissues are so damn weak. But I'm the exception.
- Cons: Thicker shell that you can feel around the edges of your boob. I definitely feel around the bottom edges (bc my skin is so thin). Possible rippling.
Incision/scar: Infra-mammary incision i guess makes the placement easiest for the doctor. Plus you dont risk losing feeling in your nipples or strange scarring there. Even with my nothingness, I am fine with the little scars. My Dr. he had me use silicone tape 24/7 for at least 6 months (I still use it). It has been working really well, but there is still a faint scar. But I really don't care. I don't lie about them being fake :P
Feeling/seeing the implant: The more breast tissue you have and the thicker your skin, the less chances you will have of feeling the edges of the implant or having visible rippling. I had nothing, and tissue-paper thin skin, so I can feel the edges of the implant around the bottom of my breasts bc there is nothing there to cover it up. I have no rippling bc my doctor sized the implant correctly for my breast width and used cohesive silicone, which is firmer but helps to prevent rippling of the capsule (not as watery/flexible). Also, as I mentioned, textured are thicker and and more likely to be felt or ripple. Mine I can definitely feel, but fortunately they dont ripple. But hey - they're fake.
Types of fill: Cohesive silicone is safer, but I think it feels pretty damn firm. Anatomical implants for the most part use even firmer gel, FYI. If you have enough boobage, it's fine, but for someone like me, they definitely feel firm when hugging, etc. I wish my boobs were squishier (but there are issues with that, too). Some companies (esp. outside the US) offer softer silicone:
- Benefits: feels more natural/squishy.
- Risks: higher chance of visible rippling, higher chance of leaking undetected, which means you have to plan to get semi-regular MRIs to check on it throughout your life.
Shape of implant: I've heard of people being happy with both round and anatomical. Some people avoid anatomical bc of the risk of shifting angles, and over time, the round settle into the exact shape of an anatomical implant anyhow. That said, I might have benefited from anatomical bc the top of my round implants look pretty "round" when in a bra because, again, I have nothing above it besides ribs and tissuey skin. For a "normal" woman with some boobage or meat, I can see why there would be no difference.
Round: pros: if they shift around, it doesn't matter because they are round :)
cons: my situation: can look "round" if you go too big or have no layers on top.
Anatomical: they have a texture shell to help prevent shifting, but I hear that for some women they still shift, so then you have this weirdly oriented boob. The firmer gel can be even less squishy. That said, some women loves theirs, so look at online reviews if you are considering.
Healing: Very important to follow a healing protocol strictly, including sleeping positions, etc. My Dr. is anal retentive about this. The "rapid healing" method sounds a bit sketchy to me... If you choose under the muscle, it's even more imperative that you follow a strict healing regime because you do not want them to settle in the wrong position. My friend did not follow her sleeping protocol and one of her boobs is permanently displaced.
Other general thoughts:
1. In the end, THEY ARE FAKE and at times they will feel fake. It is what it is. They won't be perfect. But natural boobs aren't perfect either.
2. You are almost guaranteed to have a mental breakdown and feel regret. Just know that it will pass, you've done your research, and you will be happy. They're just boobs.
3. If you really hate them, you can get them taken out. Many woman have and they return to their original boobs in a few months. A little scar, lessen learned. Not a big deal in the end :)
Choosing a doctor:
Go by their photos for sure - look at as many as you can. They often have larger binders of their work in office (way more than posted online), so you can get an even better idea. (If you interview remote doctors, see if they have more photos to send.) There is definitely an artistic aspect to it. Then check online reviews on realself and other sites. Go with your gut and go with someone who specializes in boobies.
Don't be afraid to meet with many doctors, even more than once if you have to. Come armed with a list of questions, get their opinions, and see who you trust the most.
Local is ideal because you can go in for follow-ups to address any concerns with scars, etc.
If they are pricier, in the end who cares. Go with the best. You only want to do this once, so do it right!
Sizing and projection:
You are limited by your breast width. So, if you have a narrow breast and want more boobage, you will have to go with higher projection, which looks and feels faker. the profiles are: low (rarely chosen), moderate (I have). mod+, high, and then *really* high ([RS bleep] star like).
I actually wanted a low profile (I like flatter, wide, natural boobs), but my boobs are so narrow that if I got low profile, there would have been so little implant - it basically would have been like sticking two little hockey pucks in me. So I went moderate, which look good, but note that they never really "flatten" like real breasts. Again, someone who already has boobs won't mind because they have tissue above that is squishy and flattens, but mine never do. C'est la vie!
Don't be afraid to go 25cc larger. Try on the sizers in the office, and also use the rice bag trick (see online) and wear your new boobs for a while. Then, your surgeon will select the best size (from your range) once they are in there (assuming you have faith in your surgeon, which you should!). I was open to going up to 255CC, but he had to scale down to 225CC. I still would have liked them bigger, but my boobs were so narrow and he knew I didn't want projection. Make sure you explain very clearly the final look and profile you are going for.
Don't go by other's size numbers. It's all about body and breast width. Some women who got 350CC have boobs that look smaller than mine. The Dr. will help you understand what CCs will actually "fit" in your body. And in the end, a little bigger a little smaller - not really a big deal.
Above or below the muscle: Having met a few women who developed CC years later, I wanted to go under the muscle 100%. If you don't go too big in size, your doctor will only need to detach very little muscle. The recovery is longer (no lifting kids, etc.), but in the end a better result. Above the muscle is still popular, esp in Europe, because they move around more like real boobs. But my Dr. insists that as women age and their fatty tissues start to droop, the top of the implant becomes more visible. And then there is the statistically higher risk of CC. If you decide to go over the muscle, then consider the textured shell (Sientra if you can get them, since they've done a ton of studies and include a guarantee).
Shell:
Smooth
- Pros: less chance of feeling the shell. Less chance of rippling.
- Cons: are not "stickey" so, when under the muscle, higher risk of displacement, moving to your armpit, etc. Higher risk of CC when used *above* the muscle. This is because scar tissue forms in parallel strands around the implant, creating a shell that is more likely to cintract in a single direction. Below, muscle it's debatable = equal risk.
Textured:
- Pros: Lower CC risk above muscle. Not all textured are created equal. Sientra textured is less gritty than others yet has been studied to create a nice scar matrix. So the scar tissue is forced to form stands in different directions. The theory is that because it is a more complicated matrix, in cannot "squeeze" into a contracture as easily. Also, less chance of implant displacement. But, as you know, mine dropped and I had to correct that (shoelaces) bc my tissues are so damn weak. But I'm the exception.
- Cons: Thicker shell that you can feel around the edges of your boob. I definitely feel around the bottom edges (bc my skin is so thin). Possible rippling.
Incision/scar: Infra-mammary incision i guess makes the placement easiest for the doctor. Plus you dont risk losing feeling in your nipples or strange scarring there. Even with my nothingness, I am fine with the little scars. My Dr. he had me use silicone tape 24/7 for at least 6 months (I still use it). It has been working really well, but there is still a faint scar. But I really don't care. I don't lie about them being fake :P
Feeling/seeing the implant: The more breast tissue you have and the thicker your skin, the less chances you will have of feeling the edges of the implant or having visible rippling. I had nothing, and tissue-paper thin skin, so I can feel the edges of the implant around the bottom of my breasts bc there is nothing there to cover it up. I have no rippling bc my doctor sized the implant correctly for my breast width and used cohesive silicone, which is firmer but helps to prevent rippling of the capsule (not as watery/flexible). Also, as I mentioned, textured are thicker and and more likely to be felt or ripple. Mine I can definitely feel, but fortunately they dont ripple. But hey - they're fake.
Types of fill: Cohesive silicone is safer, but I think it feels pretty damn firm. Anatomical implants for the most part use even firmer gel, FYI. If you have enough boobage, it's fine, but for someone like me, they definitely feel firm when hugging, etc. I wish my boobs were squishier (but there are issues with that, too). Some companies (esp. outside the US) offer softer silicone:
- Benefits: feels more natural/squishy.
- Risks: higher chance of visible rippling, higher chance of leaking undetected, which means you have to plan to get semi-regular MRIs to check on it throughout your life.
Shape of implant: I've heard of people being happy with both round and anatomical. Some people avoid anatomical bc of the risk of shifting angles, and over time, the round settle into the exact shape of an anatomical implant anyhow. That said, I might have benefited from anatomical bc the top of my round implants look pretty "round" when in a bra because, again, I have nothing above it besides ribs and tissuey skin. For a "normal" woman with some boobage or meat, I can see why there would be no difference.
Round: pros: if they shift around, it doesn't matter because they are round :)
cons: my situation: can look "round" if you go too big or have no layers on top.
Anatomical: they have a texture shell to help prevent shifting, but I hear that for some women they still shift, so then you have this weirdly oriented boob. The firmer gel can be even less squishy. That said, some women loves theirs, so look at online reviews if you are considering.
Healing: Very important to follow a healing protocol strictly, including sleeping positions, etc. My Dr. is anal retentive about this. The "rapid healing" method sounds a bit sketchy to me... If you choose under the muscle, it's even more imperative that you follow a strict healing regime because you do not want them to settle in the wrong position. My friend did not follow her sleeping protocol and one of her boobs is permanently displaced.
Other general thoughts:
1. In the end, THEY ARE FAKE and at times they will feel fake. It is what it is. They won't be perfect. But natural boobs aren't perfect either.
2. You are almost guaranteed to have a mental breakdown and feel regret. Just know that it will pass, you've done your research, and you will be happy. They're just boobs.
3. If you really hate them, you can get them taken out. Many woman have and they return to their original boobs in a few months. A little scar, lessen learned. Not a big deal in the end :)
Replies (5)
B
May 14, 2017
Thanks for your very informative overview from your experience. Really useful!
F
May 14, 2017
You're welcome. I hope it is helpful. I'm sorry to hear about your frustration with the fat transfer
B
May 14, 2017
Yeah, really disappointing and expensive! I still think it probably could have worked if I had enough fat and money to two 1 or two more rounds, but that's not the case. So small implants is best option if I really do want to have a decent bosom of any description. Ha.
F
May 14, 2017
I wanted to do fat transfer initially, but my PS told me that in my case it would be a waste of time and the same situation that you ended up going through. I'm sorry :( He's generally against fat transfer because there is no way to predict how much will "stick" or if it will stick evenly. Maybe they'll perfect the procedure in the future - I love the idea of it.
2
June 16, 2017
Thank you so much for your review. I love the summary of advice above too. Very well said. I am about to have my surgery on 20 June 2017...so in less than 4 days. Eeek. No going back now! (after 3 years of pondering and too-ing and fro-ing). I am at the stage of obsessively reading reviews from others who chose smaller implants (i'm going 185-205 low or mod)...plus started off with A or AA size. I totally think it's great that women of our size choose smaller. I am happy to still wear a padded bra if I want to play them up a bit or look larger...but want to look as natural (as fake boobies can) as possible in bikinis and nude etc. How are you feeling now? Have they softened enough to your liking? Do you feel "like they are a part of you" as many here refer to? They certainly look gorgeous!
F
June 16, 2017
Hi! Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I definitely feel like they are a part of me. The funny thing is that I think about my boobs very rarely now (because I finally have the boobs I thought I was supposed to get during puberty LOL). I'm fine with the size because, like you said, I can always wear a padded bra or something to make them look bigger. Sometimes I'm surprised at how small they still are in certain clothing, but they definitely look natural so I'm grateful for that. I would just be careful not to go too small, just make sure that your doctor knows the final look you are going for. I get a little self-conscious sometimes at the idea of dating someone new, because they are quite firm, but it is what it is. I think if I had more breast tissue originally, they would feel a lot squishier...
2
June 16, 2017
I'm sure anyone new would be stoked to date someone with such a hot body like yours! Lucky them I say. Great to hear they feel like a part of you. And yes, I am looking forward to not obsessing about boobs!... Hopefully!:-)
3
January 16, 2018
Thank you for this!
F
L
February 18, 2018
I've had several revisions on my right side because of bottoming out (the fold was only lowered on that side due to symmetry). Like you i'm thin with not a lot of extra supportive tissue. I'm just shy of 6 weeks and have been shoelacing for about 8 days and wearing an underwire. Things are looking good but I will keep going to protect my investment until at least 12 weeks. I wanted to thank you for posting this helpful info and pics! The fact that you started this later and still got great results speaks to the effectiveness of this simple method.
F
February 18, 2018
I’m sorry to hear you’ve have several revisions—that is no fun! sounds like your timing on the laces will be perfect. good luck!
L
March 3, 2018
About 20 days in and the shoelacing has done the trick! Soooo relieved! Now when I remove the lace the fold is where it should be - finally! Will keep this up for 3 more weeks to ensure it sticks but wanted to thank u again. I don’t know if I would have stuck with it if it weren’t for your detailed account! This was my 4th surgery so you can imagine my relief :)
F
UPDATED FROM FuzzyD
1 year post
One Year Update
Hi ladies,
A year has passed and things are fine. Overall I'm happy with the implants, though I wish I had some natural cleavage ;) I might add one more post with advice/lessons learned from my experience.
The shoelaces seem to have done the trick. I feel like the textured implants finally "stuck" in the correct position. If anything, they are a little high (fuller top) which I don't mind because I know over time they will only fall. I'm still careful about keeping them supported.
When I'm hanging around the house, I sometimes prefer to wear only shoelaces (which support the crease) over a bra (which can sometimes push my implants up into my pocket/muscle and still feels kinda weird). But at least now I can occasionally go braless and not feel like my implants are ripping/slipping!
Here are some pics (sorry for the close shots - all boob!). Bras all fit differently.
Good luck everyone!
A year has passed and things are fine. Overall I'm happy with the implants, though I wish I had some natural cleavage ;) I might add one more post with advice/lessons learned from my experience.
The shoelaces seem to have done the trick. I feel like the textured implants finally "stuck" in the correct position. If anything, they are a little high (fuller top) which I don't mind because I know over time they will only fall. I'm still careful about keeping them supported.
When I'm hanging around the house, I sometimes prefer to wear only shoelaces (which support the crease) over a bra (which can sometimes push my implants up into my pocket/muscle and still feels kinda weird). But at least now I can occasionally go braless and not feel like my implants are ripping/slipping!
Here are some pics (sorry for the close shots - all boob!). Bras all fit differently.
Good luck everyone!
Replies (4)
BO
June 15, 2017
You look great!! I wonder if using the shoelace cast might prevent slipping? I mean, if it's not necessary, but want to use it as a precaution- what do you think?
F
June 15, 2017
As long as the implants are in the correct position, and not held up too high, I don't see how it could hurt. Laces are definitely not comfortable, but if you are worried about slipping and recently had surgery it would help create a cast for an extended period of time that is more effective than bras. You could just use leases during the day and when you exercise. Just make sure that the implants are not held to high because then they will not drop into the final position.
BO
June 15, 2017
Oh! Thank you!! I LOVE their position right now-- i am only 2 weeks postoperative, but my left has dropped perfectly into place and my right looks to be slipping EVER SO SLIGHTLY! The right has a larger implant and the fold was lightly lowered to match my left! I have REALLY good skin elasticity- I've had 3 kids and i didn't need a lift. Oh I HOPE I'm just being a worry wart and I'm not bottoming out!!
F
BO
T
January 18, 2018
Thank you very much for posting this review and journey with the shoelaces. I'm 3 mo po and have issues with my left side dropping too low below my IMF, while I'm having issues with my right side not dropping enough. I just went to my PS today for my 3 mo visit and he suggested the shoelace technique coupled with wearing an underwire bra, but taking out the wire on the right side (the side that needs to be dropped). I'm right around the time you started your process, so it's giving me hope! I'm glad to see it was successful for you, since I was very hesitant to believe it would work this far out from surgery. Hopefully it is the solution! ^_^
F
January 18, 2018
I didn't think it was going to work because I saw and felt no progress for 1.5 months, then all of a sudden they started sticking! Still now, more than a year later, they are perfectly in place. Be diligent (wear them night and day) and it will pay off!
L
September 28, 2023
Did you position the laces higher/lower on the boob that was hogh/lower to correct asymmetry? And how tight did you? I’m being ocd about the laces now since doc ordered me to do this yesterday. He says 4 weeks. Ugh!
F
September 28, 2023
Yes, I definitely used the laces to correct a symmetry. (but keep in mind that some asymmetry is natural and you can't really force it, depending on the natural positioning in your body .)
Make sure to put your boobs in the position that you want them to be long-term. Because they will definitely get stuck there. A few years out, mine are still in the same place.
Stick with it it's worth it for the long term! I did it for six weeks. I was told that you should do it for twice as long as it takes for them to hold themselves in the correct position. I noticed after about three weeks that they were starting to feel glued. So I was diligent for another three weeks. It's totally worth it!
L
September 28, 2023
Thanx so much! Really appreciate it! You’re incredibly helpful!
All the Best!
All the Best!
What is your bwd ?
I have to bwd of 10 cm with a flat chest and I m 5'6 . My dr recommended 285CC HP textured implants . I am worried that HP will look unnatural and torpedo like. However, when I told her about moderate profile , she said that I m too flat for it . Does that make sense to you ?
Unfortunately I don't know my BWD. I can write my doctor and find out, but I know that they were definitely more narrow than usual. If you have any doubts, I encourage you to get a second or third opinion. It's better to take the time and do it right then rush into something that you might regret.
Know that with the higher profile when you lie down they won't really flatten. Even my moderate profile feel a little round to me when I am lying down, so if you don't want a round look or feel then I'm not sure you will be happy with high profile - Especially if you don't have much breast tissue to start with.