Breast Implants Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers
that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not.
See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings
or Add Your Review
View Before and Afters
Average Breast Implants Cost: $6,000
Learn about Breast Implants
4,905 people and 831 doctors are talking about Breast Implants
Get Free Email Updates
Mentor vs. Natrelle Breast Implants
asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Douglas J. Raskin, MD
Question viewed 30,976 times
Tags: comparison, Mentor, Natrelle
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?
58 answers to Mentor vs. Natrelle Breast Implants
+1
I agree with Dr Walden
Dr Walden has written a nice explanation of the state of implants at this time. Hopefully Silimed- Sientra will be approved shortly also. I have written a paper on 1012 consecutive Mentor Memory Gel implants in the Aesthetis Surgery Journal in Dec 2009. Recently I wrote a paper on the 5 the generation cohesive form stable Sientra-Silimed implants that showed a lower capsuar contraction rate and improved performance overall. This was also in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. I presently use mor...
more
+7
Mentor vs. Natrelle Breast Implants. Should I prefer one over the other?
Both of these companies produce well-tested, highly respected products with long track records in the United States. As competitors they like to emphasize different statistics with regard to their longevity, failure rates and degree to which gel can microscopically migrate across the shell. From a practical standpoint I have never been able to find a difference between them that matters, so I use both. It is helpful to have both as options because the sizes differ slightly. For...
more
+6
Mentor and Allergan are both excellent
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.
+5
Naturelle or Mentor
I use both of these manufactures implants in my practice. They are both excellent products carefully evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness and longevity.
So which one should you use? The one that fits you and your goals best.
Each company has a low, moderate,and high profile version. Each has shaped implants and each offers Silicone or saline.
We keep sizers from both brands for patients to try on in my offices. The dimensions are slightly different...
more
+5
Breast Implants Natrelle vs Mentor
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.
+5
Natrelle and Mentor are essentially the same
Natrelle and Mentor are both high quality manufacturers of breast implants. We can discuss the subtle differences in the shell but I feel that they are essentially the same. Once implanted no surgeon could tell which implant you have. The reason surgeons use one over the other is because of familiarity of the product, which one they used in thier training, and service provided by the company rep. You won't go wrong with either implant. The important thing is the surgeons skill at breast...
more
Irvin M. Wiesman, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+5
Are Mentor or Natrelle implants better?
Hi there-
It is my opinion that both implant manufacturers produce a consistently high quality product, evidenced by the outstanding warranty programs both offer.
Most often the choice of manufacturer for a surgeon comes down to what they are comfortable and familiar with... I have been using Mentor implants for years, and am extremely comfortable and familiar with the dimensions of the implants, so using them allows me to achieve predictably good results for my patients. I know and respect...
more
+5
Breast implant manufacturers
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...
more
Jennifer Walden, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
Austin Plastic Surgeon
+4
Both companies make great implants
Mentor is one of two companies that make implants in the United States. The other company is Allergan and they are marketed as "Natrelle." The implants are similar in every way. Touching both implants side by side means you cannot tell which is which. Some surgeons favor one company over the other and may steer you towards one rather than the other.
I use both company's implants and feel my patients get the best result with either company. ...
more
+4
Which brand of implants is best
Allergan and Mentor are the two manufacturers of impalnts approved by the FDA for use in this country. I have used both and have no issues with either. Both are excellent and well made. You can't go wrong with either. My suggestion si to select the PS yo ufeel most comfortable with, then use whatever brand implant he is most comfortable.
+4
Mentor Breast Implants
SEE VIDEO ABOVE:There are essentially only 2 breast impant manufacturers left in the United States. Mentor and Allergan.
Both companies have relatively similar products with comparable safety and quality profiles.
Mentor is the brand I tend to use most commonly at this point in time although I do on occasion use Allergan. Each surgeon has their own preference. I prefer Mentor for their customer service as well as their stability in the Marketplace.
Allergan used to be Inamed which used to...
more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+4
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...
more
Kim Meathrel, MD
Ontario Plastic Surgeon
Ontario Plastic Surgeon
+3
Different Breast Implant Manufacturers
Currently in the U.S. there are only two breast implant manufacturers that offer FDA-approved breast implants for sale. While they both understandably tout their benefits and have their plastic surgeon devotees, they both offer high-quality and safe breast implants of either saline and silicone gel fills. One manufacturer is not better than the other, they simply offer choices for plastic surgeons and patients. That competition makes for better implant products and keeps their costs to...
more
+3
Mentor or Natrelle Implants
Mentor and Allergan both offer good Breast implants. Having been in practice many years I have used both. the main difference is the service that the reps offer the surgeon. That is what makes us switch from one company to the other. The products are other wise the same for smooth implants. For texture implants, there is a difference in the texturing process which make a difference in tissue adherence.
Farhad Rafizadeh, MD
Morristown Plastic Surgeon
Morristown Plastic Surgeon
+2
Mentor or Allergan breast implants?
The two manufactures of breast implants available in the US are Mentor and Allergan. As a consumer there is no real difference between them that you should worry about. Both companies offer silicone and saline implants and both have a long track record of proven products. Usually a physician uses one or the other for all the cases they perform since the companies generally give better deals to higher volume customers. So depending on the surgeon you choose the implant...
more
+2
Natrelle or Mentor implants?
Both Mentor and Allergan( Natrelle implants) are excellent implants You should feel very comfortable that both manufacturers for these two implant brands have passed extremely vigorous and exhaustive standards to be approved by the FDA in 2005. From this point forward you should look to find a highly qualified Plastic Surgeon in your community with whom you are comfortable to do the best operation for you. Compare techniques, years in practice and local opinions from...
more
+2
Mentor vs. Allergan for breast implants
Mentor, (makers of Memory-Gel) and Allergan, (makers of Natrelle) both make an excellent product. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. They are very similar in many ways so you will occasionally will get the "Coke vs. Pepsi" argument. The main thing to stress is the choice of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He/She may have a preference based on the your exam and his/her experience. Bring photos to the consultation. Together you...
more
Jeffrey Roth, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+2
Mentor and Allergan make good implants
There are currently two breast implant manufacturers in the U.S. whose implants have been approved by the FDA. Mentor and Allergan are the two. Both make good implants and you can feel secure if your surgeon uses either one of these manufacturers. Both offer lifetime warranties on their implants against leakage. They also make both saline and silicone implants. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes with textured or smooth surfaces. Your surgeon can...
more
+2
Are Mentor implants the best?
Mentor and Natrelle are the largest and most important breast implant manufacturers in the US. They both make saline and silicone type of implants of very high quality. Most surgeons have all brands available to them and they might have a preference of one over the other related to personal experience, costs, area of the country, etc. I feel they are all excellent!!
Arturo Guiloff, MD
Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+2
Breast Implant Brand: Allergan or Mentor
Breast implant brand is very surgeon specific depending on size needs and familiarity. Both brands are excellent and safe, with really few differences. I would focus more on what type and size of implant is best for you and your plastic surgeon.
I hope this helps.
+2
Mentor and Natrelle
Mentor and Allergan (who make Natrelle implants) are the two companies that manufacture silicone breast implants in the US. Both are approved by the FDA for breast augmentation and reconstruction.
The choice between the two is usually determined by which company your surgeon works with more. For myself, I find that Mentor provides more patient education materials and therefore I tend to use their implants more often. However, there is very little difference between the two implants and...
more
+2
WHICH Breast Implant MANUFACTURER to choose
There used to be a time when over 10 different breast implant manufacturers sold implants in the US. Today only 2 major companies do so MENTOR and Natrelle (formerly Allergan / Inamed / McGhan).
Both companies produce round and anatomic shaped implants, smooth and textured surface implants and saline and gel filled implants. Their implants come in 3 major configurations LP (low profile), MP (moderate) and HP (High).
For the most part the quality of these implants has been great and BOTH...
more
+2
Breast implant brands
The two most used brands of breast implants are Mentor and Allergan. I personally use Mentor. To be honest, most plastic surgeons will say that there is not much difference between the two brands, and most surgeons will use the brand that they are most used to, or the company who provides them with the best service. This should not really affect your breast augmentation decision- you really can't go wrong either way.
Adam David Lowenstein, MD
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+2
Mentor and Nattrelle breast implants are FDA approved
Mentor and Natrelle (or Allergan) breast implants are the only implants which are FDA approved. I believe Natrelle was previously called Inamed.
In my opinion, the Mentor implants may feel more natural, since the shell covering is thinner than Natrelle. I have used both implants and the Natrelle shell is much thicker than Mentor. The difference may be more noticeable with saline filled implants than silicone implants.
My recommendation is to consult with surgeons who use either one or both....
more
Michael A. Jazayeri, MD
Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon
Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon
+2
I use MENTOR implants
I have used MENTOR implants exclusively since I began my practice and have been extremely pleased with both the quality of their implants as well as their customer service.
That being said, while there probably are slight differences between the implants, the real difference is in who is actually placing the implants. My recommendation is to rely less on the implant manufacturer and focus on a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with expertise in breast enhancement and someone with whom you...
more
Gregory A. Buford, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon
Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1
Established reputable implant manufacturers.
Both Mentor and Natrelle have manufactured high quality implants for your breast augmentations for many decades. Both these established companies offer comparable warranties and stand by their breast implants (and my patients) in the infrequent case of a device problem. Sometimes, one of these manufacturer's implants match our patient's measurements more closely than their competitor's implants. You would be well served by the implants of either company.
more
Douglas J. Raskin, MD
Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon
Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1
Not just Mentor and Natrelle -New Silicone Breast Implant Available from Sientra
My experience is that both Mentor (made by J&J) and Natrelle implants (made by Allergan) are excellent implants with ethical back up from their parent companies. That is all that has been available in the USA until now. Starting in 2012, patients will have another option for silicone breast implants from another solid company. Competition is always great for patients. Patients can choose an implant from Sientra (Silimed) a world leader in breast implant (and other silicone...
more
+1
Brands of Implants
Currently there are only 2 commercially available Breast implants in the US, soon to be three. There is very little difference between the two companies, they do carry different sizes (cc's) and one company has a higher profile, but the substance they are made of is almost identical. The soon to be released third company will offer a completely different implant, it will be interesting to see how this implant does compared to the others.
+1
Mentor vs Natrelle
Mentor and Natrelle are both excellent implants. These are the only 2 implants companies which are available in North America. They are both approved by the FDA and Health and Welfare Canada. We use both of these implants in our practice. These two companies have almost identical warranties. The implants have no significant differences in performance and longevity. However the implants have other differences which in some cases make them significantly different from each other. This...
more
+1
Mentor vs Natrelle implants.
Mentor and Allergan are the two manufacturers in the U.S for breast implants. Both are excellent companies. They have quality products, similar form of warranty and both have been approved for use by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. We use both products in my office. As far as cost they are same in price as well.
+1
Allergan vs Mentor implants
Most agree that there is essentially no difference between these two manufacturers when it comes to smooth saline or silicone gel implants. Individual surgeons may elect to use one over the other based on familiarity with the product range. The tissue expanders offered by Mentor and Allergan are very different however.
Glynn Bolitho, PhD, MD, FACS
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1
Choice of Implants:Allergan or Mentor? Focud on the surgeon and implant size and shape, not the manufacturer
Aside from mild differences in shape (Allergan Natrelle products are slightly higher profile) the two manufactures make comperable products with comperable service, quality and warranty. I have used both and currently use mostly Allergan products based only on superior local service. I have not noted any significant differences in product quality. I think about using Mentor products whien the patient would benefit from particularly low profile implants. I would not spend any time...
more
+1
Mentor or Allergan breast implants are so simular
Our office primarily uses Mentor Implants because of the great customer service. The company that your board certified plastic surgeon uses is a non-issue. The quality of the implants is very good, no matter which implant is used.
Don't worry and enjoy your new body
Robert B. Winslow, MD
Folsom Plastic Surgeon
Folsom Plastic Surgeon
+1
Inamed and Mentor Breast Implants
At present there are only two manufacturers of breast implants that are able to sell them in the United States. Both companies make very fine products, offer good service and are highly reliable in their warranty. I use both brands and have confidence in both companies. I do not want one company to go out of business and leave the other one with a monopoly. That would be bad for women, as it would make the price sky rocket.
+1
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
+1
There are two breast implant manufacturers, and using either is fine
There are basically two breast implant manufacturers: Mentor and Allergan (Natrelle). Their implants are both FDA approved, and they have product lines that are more or less identical. In terms of choosing one over the other, there is not much difference.
Bottom line: The implant manufacturer is NOT an important factor in attaining a good result. Much more important is selecting the right plastic surgeon who will be able to guide you through the process of choosing an appropriate...
more
Lawrence Tong, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
+1
Mentor vs Natrelle
Basically in this consumer-oriented environment, and a mass of public relations from both of these companies each extols the virtue of its implants. The harsh reality is that there is almost no difference between a mentor implants and a natural implant. Most surgeons choose the implant on the service that is afforded to them by the local representative, and his or her reliability. Of course, there is one significant difference, natrelle offers a 410 implant that is a highly cohesive...
more
+1
Mentor or Natrelle implants for breast augmentation.
Both companies offer similar products which are safe and durable. Their guarantees are also very similar. The most important factor in your breast augmentation is that you have good communication with your board certified plastic surgeon.
+1
Mentor vs. Natrelle - Allergan Breast implants
Both companies have well respected, excellent products. Discuss with your physician his or her preferences.
Craig Mezrow, MS, MD
Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon
Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon
+1
Mentor vs. Allergan
Both implant manufacturers provide excellent implant choices for patients. We offer patients both. If you have concerns over one vs the offer, feel free to address those with a board certified plastic surgeon.
Edward J. Bednar, MD
Charlotte Plastic Surgeon
Charlotte Plastic Surgeon
+1
Implant Brands Less IMportant Than The Right Surgeon
We are fortunate to have two reputable large manufacturers of breast implants in the U.S.: Mentor and Allergan.
Both brands are of comparable, if not equal quality: as a patient, you are fortunate to not have to add the concern of manufacturer into your choices for breast augmentation.
Most important is to find the right well-qualified and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon (and staff) with whom you can place your trust; let them advise you which implant they think best...
more
+1
Implant Brands
Mentor and Natrelle (Allergan ) are both FDA approved and very comparable with a variety of implant sizes and types. The most important aspect of your potential breast augmentation procedure is choosing a Board Certified surgeon that you trust. Your surgeon will assist you in choosing the implant style and size to best address your concerns. Best wishes!
Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1
Pick your surgeon, not the implant
Both products are FDA approved and have similar warranties. I use more Mentor MemoryGels because they are manufactured here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It is more important you connect with the surgeon and he/she use the device he most comfortable with.
+1
Mentor vs. allergan implants
I've used both brands. The quality, shapes, sizes and warranties are very comparable. As they say, six of one, half-dozen of the other! The choice of your surgeon is a far more important factor...
All the best,
+1
Both Mentor and Natrelle are dependable products
Both manufacturers have a variety of implant sizes and shapes depending on the patient's need. Many times a board certified plastic surgeon will tend to use one brand over another because of service by the sales rep. The cost of the implants is pretty much the same. The warranties are slightly different so speak with your plastic surgeon before hand so that you know the difference.
+1
Mentor Breast Implants versus Natrelle or Allergan Breast Implants
Both companies make excellent breast implants that suite various body shapes and sizes. Both make saline and cohesive gel silicone implants. In addition, both have similar warranties. You should consult with a qualified plastic surgeon and discuss your goals and desires and have a discussion on which breast implants is right for you and your breast augmentation surgery.
Ankit Desai, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1
Natrelle and mentor breast implants
Both companies offer a wide range of breast implant options. Both implant companies make round and shaped devices. Both companies offer saline and silicone gel filled options. Both companies produce smooth and textured surfaced options. Different plastic surgeons tend to choose one or the other company for a number of reasons including experience with a particular brand, the company's customer service, and marketing opportunities.
+1
Breast Implant Makers
The only two manufacturers in the US approved by the FDA are Mentor and Allergan (Natrelle). Both offer a wide range of implant types and sizes. In reality, they are both pretty close to one another, so neither is truly better than the other with regards to their products.
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD
Barrington Plastic Surgeon
Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1
Mentor and Allergan both make FDA-approved implants
Spend your time carefully choosing a surgeon. As long as your surgeon uses one of the two FDA-approved brands (Mentor and Allergan), I wouldn't worry about the specific implant brand. They're both good.
Ronald Friedman, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1
Mentor vs. Natrelle (Allergan Implants)
I will concur with my colleagues here. As stated both Mentor and Natrelle (Allergan) implants are FDA approved for use for breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures. Both are good options. Rather than focusing on the implant manufacturer, I would concentrate on selecting a board certified plastic surgeon with whom you feel most comfortable. Best wishes.
+1
Better breast implant manufacturer
Mentor and Allergan are the manufacturers of the breast implants currently available in the United States. There are other manufacturers whose implants are not available in the US. Both manufacturers offer both saline and silicone filled implants. All the implants are FDA approved and both manufacturers have FDA trials underway, developing new generations of silicone implants. There are slight differences in the sizes and dimensions available and the texturing is different on the imlants...
more
+1
Allergan and Mentor are comparable
Allergan and Mentor are the two breast implant companies in the US. I agree with the other surgeons that their products are comparable. Often, the choice of one company over the other comes down to how well the rep treats that particular surgeon.
As it has been said, concern yourself with finding the right surgeon and trust him or her to use the products that are best for you.
Good Luck!
Jeffrey Horowitz, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1
Breast Implant Manufacturers in the US
We have two manufacturers in the U.S. Mentor and allergan (MCGHAN)
Both have proven track of safety, Both are nearly the same in quality and risks.
Both companies have Saline and Silicone Implants.
Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1
Focus on plastic surgeon instead of brand
The Natrelle implants and the Mentor implants are incredibly similar. Since these are the only two types you can get in the US, they are very similar in most ways. Spend your time focusing on WHO is going to do your operation and let them figure out which product is best for you.
Best wishes,
DoctorMeade
+1
Mentor vs Allergan breast implants
There are two breast implant companies in the US, Mentor and Allergan. In my opinion they are about the same. The implant companies will argue that one is better than the other but I really do not appreciate a difference.
+1
You can't go wrong with either Mentor or Natrelle breast implants
Both are made in the USA to very high standards. I have used both in my practice and while I personally prefer the Natrelle (made by Allergan) implants both are excellent. I would avoid any other brand of implants as they just don't have the proven track record and the companies may not be around in another 5 years. Ask your doctor if he uses either one of these and be assured you will be satisfied with either one.
Robert B. Pollack, MD
La Jolla Plastic Surgeon
La Jolla Plastic Surgeon
+1
Which breast implants are better
Natrelle is the brand name for the Allergan (Botox) Companies implants. These and Mentor are both excellent with good safety profiles and similar in many ways. Some surgeons have a preference but both are good.
+1
Allergan and Mentor Implants in Atlanta
There are two different manufacturers in the United States Mentor and Allergan. Both companies are excellent companies. Both have quality products, both companies have the same form of warranty, both have been approved for use by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. The cost is the same with either company. We use both. Allergan is also known for their other products such as Botox, Restylane, Perlane and Juvederm.
Doctors Nearby
Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS
5 recommendations
and
348 answers
View Website
Daniel J. Casper, MD
1 recommendation
and
17 answers
View Website
Grant Stevens, MD
45 recommendations
and
968 answers
View Website
RealSelf Sponsors
ADVERTISEMENT