Allergan or Mentor Implants?

Question

Trying to decide what brand to use, for a 500cc silicone high profile implant? Is one brand better than the other? Does one have more benefits than the other? And is it true that the Allergan is just a little bit wider and projects a little bit less than the Mentor? (not by much but it does?)

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

i tend to use Mentor based on my experience, service and familiarity. However the implants are relatively comparable and presented remarlably similar data to the FDA for approval

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

The brand of implant is not as important as the volume and profile of the implant. Both Mentor and Allergan make basically equivalent implants. In your consultation with your surgeon, you and discuss which range of volumes and profiles would be appropriate for your anatomy. With this information, you and your surgeon can make an informed decision about which implants are best for you. Good luck.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are some subtle differences in the dimensions of Allergan vs. Mentor implants, but otherwise they are pretty much the same. Many plastic surgeons who do a lot of implant surgery favor one or the other brand because they have a contract with that company for maintianing inventory and other conveniences. Utlimately, the choice will come down to either selecting a surgeon you trust and going with their recommendation, or fine-tuning the implant choice based on your own measurements and the size (volume) you want. This would be done in close cooperation with your surgeon, who will take base diameter and other factors into consideration.

Paul Fortes, MD · Answer

All of the American implant manufacturers
make high quality products.  They are all
FDA approved and are good devices.  So,
really it is a matter of personal preference as to which brand the surgeon (and
his patient) prefers.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.Both companies are reputable with good products (similar characteristics and warranties).  Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes.

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

Both companies are FDA approved and both are used by plastic surgeons in this country. To me, the shell of the Mentor saline implant is slightly thinner than Allergan and may affect the feel after surgery. I have not done any formal studies to confirm this, but the shell of Allergan implants definitely feel thicker to touch.

	Other than that, I think they are both equivalent.  I think more importantly is to choose an implant which fits your body dimensions and skin thickness.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

It is a personal preference of the surgeon. Really no difference. Like A Mercedes or a BMW, both are great cars but which do you like?

	From MIAMI DR. B

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Coke or Pepsi?  I think they  are really very similar products with in my mind no signficant difference.  Surgeons usually choose the company they use for implant based upon reliability and service.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't think it matters as I have worked with them both for over 16 years. Allergan has a better warranty

	sek

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Both companies produce very similar breast silicone gel implants with lifetime warranties. Getting the breast implant once means you will get a free pair when your implant(s) leak(s). Every surgeon has his or hers preferred look and may prefer one type of an implant over another especially for certain individuals.

Allergan or Mentor Implants?

Answers (13)