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Does Breast Implant Manufacturer Matter?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by David E. Kim, MD
Question viewed 2,966 times
Tags: comparison, Mentor, Natrelle

One breast augmentation consultation had a surgeon talking up mentor implants. Another was suggesting Natrelle implants. I read both mentor and Natrelle websites and can't tell a difference. Can a plastic surgeon help me understand the differences, if any?

16 answers to Does Breast Implant Manufacturer Matter?

Pick your surgeon, not your implant manufacturer.

Both the leading implant manufacturers, Mentor and Allergan (Natrelle), make quality products. Good results can be achieved with either. What is important, is not the implant itself, but the surgeon performing the operation. In the past I have used both products, and now use one almost exclusively. The reason for this is the relationship I have with the manufacturer and its representative who I deal with on a very frequent basis. In turn, this relationship will benefit my patients,... more

David B. Reath, MD
Knoxville Plastic Surgeon

plasticsurgeryknoxville.com

Both Mentor and Allergan breast implants are fine.

Hi. 1) In New York City, we personally prefer Mentor cohesive silicone gel breast implants. In the latest study, there was only a 1.1% rupture rate after 6 years, which is very low. 2) But the surgeon is much more important than the implant.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Much more difference between surgeons than implants

I personally prefer Mentor implants but believe that the other products are probable equally well manufactured. The difference in your final result will be far more impacted by whom you choose to do your surgery and by whether you have gel or saline than by which manufacturer your doctor prefers.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants

The most important thing is who is putting the implants in. There are some differences between the two companies but in the end that is not very high on the list of important things to look for in breast augmentation

David E. Kim, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Manufacturer

In my opinion both Natrellle breast implants and Mentor breast implants are very similar in profile, performance and durability. Both products historically have been satisfying to both surgeons and patients. I strongly recommend selecting your surgeon based on training, experience and aesthetic sensibility rather than on the basis of which brand of breast implant they typically use.

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Breast Implant Companies

Thank you for the question. Both companies are reputable with good products (similar characteristics and warranties). On May 10, 2000, the FDA granted approval of saline-filled breast implants manufactured by Mentor Corporation and McGhan Medical. To date, all other manufacturers’ saline-filled breast implants are considered investigational. As of 2006, the FDA has approved the use of silicone gel implants manufactured by the Mentor Corporation and Allergan (formerly McGhan) for... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Does silicone breast implant manufacturer matter?

The short answer is no. They are both FDA approved. Both have good warranties. Both are good implants. your plastic surgeon may have a preference based on his experience. There is more variability between surgeons and technique than with the implants themselves. Speak with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to see what is the best pathway for you.

Jeffrey Roth, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant companies

I personally do not think that there is a significant difference between implants from the two major US manufacturers. I have been happy with both of them.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant manufacturer doesn't matter

NO, I use both implants and only find small differences. You cannot use the issue of the implant company in making a decision to have breast implants.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Either Mentor (Johnson and Johnson) or Allergan (Natrelle,Latisse, Botox etc) make great implants

Like most of my colleagues, I have used most of the implants on the American market and have my preferences. Moreover, you will not be surprised to learn that just as tastes in clothing, greeting cards and foods vary from one geographic area to another, so do tastes in the size and shape of breasts. On the whole, larger implants are more acceptable and even desired in the South than in the Northeast or Northwest. Both current breast implant manufacturers Mentor (owned by Johnson and... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Both Allergan and Mentor (J&J) make excellent implants

Both Allergan and Mentor make quality implants today, whether it is silicone or saline. There are slight differences in the dimensions of each profile. They both have low deflation and rupture rates with slight differences. You can discuss this with your surgeon. Both companies stick behind their products and offer excellent warranties.

Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Make Sure Your Surgeon has a Relationship with the Manufacturer

I would agree with the above posters that there probably isn't a big difference between the two companies. I prefer to exclusively use one, because it allows me an opportunity to develop a strong relationship with that company. This can give me better pricing (and this lower pricing can be passed to the patient), a greater sense of comfort with their products, and the ability to interact with the manufacturer in the best interests of my patients. If the surgeon uses a bit of both (and... more

Anthony Youn, MD
Detroit Plastic Surgeon

The implants are a bit different in shape and feel.

Hello, Each manufacturer has a bit different shape for implants on a given "line." I let patient dimensions help me choose the implant for that lady. Every surgeon will have his or her own forumla.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

The manufacturer doesn't matter, your doctor does.

Both currently approved manufacturers(Mentor and Allergan) provide excellent products. Each doctor has their own preference based upon results, leakage and customer service. As long as you choose a reliable, board certified Plastic Surgeon, you should be fine. Make sure you see many pre and post of photos. You may also request to speak with some patients. Remember, they will not direct you to speak with an unhappy patient. Make sure you fill out your warranty information after surgery. ... more

David A. Dreyfuss, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Not in the eyes of the FDA

Both current implant manufacturers in the United States have received FDA approval (with restrictions) to market and sell their implants. This essentially means that both types of implant are safe and effective. Let your board certified plastic surgeon make the decision for you. If he/she obtains good, safe results with either brand of implant, that should be your only concern. Good luck.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

The brand differences in breast implant devices are minimal

For the current generation of silicone breast implants on the US market, both the Mentor and Allergan products are similar. In large population studies that were used in the November 2006 FDA approval of both silicone devices, there were small differerences in the rate of capsular contracture, implant infection, implant failure and revisional surgery. I don't think either of devices differs strongly enough from its competitor to make a specific recommendation one way or the other. I... more