What are the differences and pros & cons of mentor vs sientra? Does anyone have any experience with these implants?

Question

The surgeon I have chosen is currently using mentor but has just informed me that he might start using sientra implants. What are the differences and pros & cons of mentor vs sientra? Does anyone have any experience with these implants that could give me more info about them?

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Work!I use both Mentor and Sientra.  Both lines have great implants.  You may have some special anatomy that your surgeon wants to specifically treat with the Sientra, so discuss this.  Sientra will only sell product to a board certified plastic surgeon.  So in general either is fine.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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. Silimed. Competition is always great for patients. Patients can choose an implant from Sientra (Silimed) a world leader in breast implant (and other silicone implants). Prospective breast augmentation patients should now be aware that the FDA has approved a new silicone gel-filled breast implant made by Sientra, Inc. Being FDA approved means it is a safe product equal to the standard for Natrelle and Mentor. The Biggest Difference which was just announced by Sientra at the American Aesthetic Meeting in Vancouver May 2012, is that they will only be sold to Board Eligible or Board Certified Plastic Surgery.This is not true for Allergan or Mentor who sell their products to anyone, whether trained or not. This is a great safety factor for patients and for that reason I have switched to Sientra implants for the majority of my patients. Sientra is also the only implant company to have a replacement warranty against capsular contracture if their textured implants are used.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Tinykay,   Both companies are known for their breasts implants products, however Mentor has been in that business longer. I have been using exclusively Mentor implants for over 26 years and both me and my patients are very happy with the implants. I do not know why your doctor decided to change the implants. The best thing for you to do is ask him directly. If the answer does not make sense to you , you can always get another consultation. Always, consult with board certified plastic surgeons and check their before and after pictures to make sure that you like the results, Also, make sure that the pictures are numerous and consistent and the doctors ave good reviews.               Best of luck,                                   Dr Widder

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

A final decision on which implant to use is a combination of your chest dimensions, your wishes, and your surgeon's input.  Both Sientra and Mentor can give you an excellent result.  Sientra is only available to Board-certified plastic surgeons.  Best of luck.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

I perform a lot of b rest augmentation surgery and I do not use one brand exclusively. One reason is that no single brand has every single size. A plastic surgeon who is very particular may want a specific size with specific base diameter and projection that is not available in other brands. Although I do not use Sientra breast implants exclusively, I like their approach to plastic surgery. They seek their breast implants only to board-certified and board eligible plastic surgeons. This means, consumers can have the confidence that their surgeon has completed plastic surgery training. As some people may know, any kind of physician can legally perform any surgery. Some family practice physicians, dermatologists and ENT physicians can and do perform breast augmentation surgery.The best breast implant is in the hands of the best surgeon. Take a lot of time looking at the training, experience and expertise of a plastic surgeon you are trusting with your health and well being. remember this is a permanent change in your body. take your time and choose wisely.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Both companies are reliable and have fine customer service, I use Mentor for almost all my cases because I have a comfort level and longstanding relationship with them. That said, it could be based on a new product, sizing options, etc. Best to discuss with your surgeon.

David M. Kahn, MD · Answer

In general all breast implants are the same with minor differences that manufacturers use to distinguish their product. The major area they try to distinguish themselves are in areas like their warranty, sientra will only sell to plastic surgeons and not other specialties, etc. otherwise there are subtle differences but I would venture a guess that if I showed you any number of post op photos you or anyone could reliably tell me from the pictures what company's implant was used. in general this is best directed at your surgeon who can tell you why they prefer a particular implant as many have surgeons have strong opinions.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Tiny Kay,Since you have already chosen a plastic surgeon this question would best be directed to him/her.  They must have some reason for starting to use Sientra implants that can answer the question for you.  The differences between the two are very subtle in my opinion.  Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that in general there are few very subtle differences with the implants. Most people would not notice the difference.  Good luck.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

I use Sientra devices exclusively for breast augmentation.  The manufacturer is Silimed which has decades of manufacturing experience.  Sientra devices are used exclusively by Board Certified or Board eligible Plastic Surgeons.

What are the differences and pros & cons of mentor vs sientra? Does anyone have any experience with these implants?

Answers (12)

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