It has been nearly 2 1/2 years since a new company, Sientra, was permitted to produce and sell breast implants in the U.S. with FDA approval. Sientra joined two other major U.S. manufacturers of breast implants to make a total of three product lines from which to choose for their patients. While there are numerous unique features about Sientra breast implants, the one major difference is that they will only sell their implants to board-certified plastic surgeons. This company position acknowledges that even the best medical device will not perform well if it is placed by inadequately trained or inexperienced surgeons.
Gummy Bear Sientra Breast Implants Dr Barry Eppley IndianapolisCurrently Sientra only offers silicone gel breast implants. Their gel is a proprietary formulation, known as high-strength cohesive (HSC) silicone gel, that is uniquely formulated for each implant shape. The HSC gel implants are often called by theire urban name, gummy bear breast implants, although this is not sanctioned terminology by Sientra. As this urban term implies the gel is highly cohesive or stuck together so that it functions physically more like gummy bear candy rather than just a thick liquid. It keeps its form (and hence is often called form stable) outside of its surrounding shell containment envelope. Thus if the implant should develop a hole or tear in the shell (bag) the silicone gel maintains its form and does not ‘coming running out’. It remains within the shell and only temporarily bulges through the tear when pressure is applied.
Sientra offers both round and shaped (teardrop) implant options. The round implant contains HSC gel with the strongest cohesive gel on the market yet feels very soft to the touch. It create a fuller more dramatic appearance in the upper portion of the breast. The round implant comes in either a smooth or textured surface. The shaped or tear drop implant is the first FDA-approved shaped breast implant. It feels more firm than a smooth round implants but not too firm. It contains a proprietary HSC+ silicone gel allows the implant to hold its shape without feeling too firm. All shaped implants have a textured surface designed to maintain the position of the implant so the breast maintains a good shape.
Since one breast implant shape is not right for every women, Sientra provides two basic options. Round breast implants are optimal for creating a fuller breast with more dramatic cleavage. Shaped implants, with a more cohesive gel fill, are designed to create a less round and more ‘natural’ profile appearance. Each implant style contains the dual combination of the proprietary HSC gel with an outer durable silicone shell which creates a soft natural feel with a very low risk of implant failure.
Since I have switched to Sientra breast implants I have yet to see an implant failure and it is the best feeling breast implant that I have ever handled and placed.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana