Sientra is a privately held company founded in 2007 that specializes in plastic surgery implants, including those for the face, legs, and buttocks.
On March 09, 2012, Sientra became the third company in the United States to offer FDA approved breast implants. Prior to this announcement, Allergan and Mentor were the two companies offering breast implants for both reconstructive and cosmetic indications.
But what is the difference and what does Sientra offer that is different? There are many questions that need to be answered. Even though these implants are FDA approved, more information is needed in regard to the size, projection, and base to size ratio that is very important when choosing the right implant for you.
One interesting thing that I have noticed is that the saline implants are offered with an anterior valve and also a posterior valve. A posterior valve might be beneficial in those patients that have limited soft tissue coverage and palpation of the valve might be an issue for the patient.
The most important thing at the moment is that the safety of these new implants has been confirmed with strict longitudinal studies. I will keep you posted and updated on the benefits and disadvantages of using this company’s implants.
Sientra will be subject to the same FDA-mandated requirements to track patients and report safety information back to the agency like Allergan and Mentor.