Fast facts

Breast Augmentation

What it is: a plastic surgery procedure to enlarge breast size by inserting breast implants

What it addresses:

- Dissatisfaction with small breast size- Changes in breasts post-pregnancy- Breast asymmetry- Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction

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Question

Are Mentor breast implants the best?

The only brand of breast implants I've heard of are Mentor.  Are these the best kind of breast implants to get and do lots of surgeons recommend them?


Asked by: Tina from Newark, NJ

Answers (4)

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1
July 18, 2008

Mentor and Allergan are both excellent

Kris M. Reddy, MD
Kris M. Reddy, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

Both Mentor and Allergan are excellent companies with quality products. Their implants are extremely comparable in quality and profile.

The real decision and discussion with your selected surgeon is between saline and gel implants.

2
April 27, 2008

Breast implant manufacturers

Jennifer Walden, MD
Jennifer Walden, MD
Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon

There are two different manufacturers in the United States whose silicone breast implants have been approved for use with conditions by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. These are Mentor and Allergan.

Silicone implants were approved with conditions in November of 2006. The FDA stated that plastic surgeons could place silicone breast implants in women over 22 for aesthetic breast augmentation, and in women of any age for breast reconstruction. That being said, the FDA mandates device tracking for all silicone implants, MRI follow up at regular intervals to assess for shell integrity, and an informed consent process that includes the patient in risk/benefit/tradeoff evaluation and decision-making. These are all positive things, and both companies strive to abide by the FDA guidelines.

I have used both Mentor and Allergan breast implants quite extensively and have experienced top notch customer service and outcomes with silicone breast implants regardless of which of the two manufacturers it was purchased from.

I think the main issue a BA patient should focus on is doing their research and going to a well-qualified, board certified plastic surgeon who does a large volume of quality breast augmentation surgeries in order to optimize their outcome and final result.

3
April 7, 2008

Mentor or Allergan breast implants?

Hi Tina -

Mentor and Allergan are the makers of silicone breast implants in North America. They both have similar warranties, safety profiles etc.

It would be very difficult to say which implant is better - it usually comes down to surgeon preference. It's like asking whether Coke or Pepsi is the better drink - it depends on who you ask.

I personally use Mentor implants - they are the ones that I learned to use during my residency and I have continued to use them in my own practice. The company has great customer support.

You are getting a great quality product if you go with either Mentor or Allergan.

4
April 3, 2008

Best breast implant brands

Dear Tina,

In the U.S. there 2 best known Breast implant companies:

  • Mentor
  • Inamed

The Inamed company used to be known as Mc Ghan, and now was bought by Allergan (maker of Botox).

Both companies have excellent quality breast implants, similar warranties, durability and prices. Most plastic surgeons use either or both. I used to use Mentor, now I use Allergan (aka Inamed). But both have excellent products.

Other implants are available in Europe. If your Plastic surgeon uses one of these, you are OK.

Good luck with your surgery.

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