Whats the Big Difference Between Silicone and Memory Gel? is It Just a Brand Name?

Each implant company uses different names to describe their own brand of implants, and Mentor Corporation uses "Memory Gel." Allergan Corporation calls their silicone gel implants "Natrelle" and describe the filler as a "soft, cohesive silicone gel."

If you had already decided on silicone, Memory gel just means Mentor silicone implants, Natrelle means Allergan silicone implants, and Silimed means Sientra silicone implants. Sort of like deciding between a cola and a non-cola and then being told Coke is in the options list. Sure it is, but so is Pepsi and RC Cola, just different company names for their brand of cola products.

All of the commercially-available silicone gel implants in the US are FDA approved, and all are cohesive gel products with slight variations in size, dimensions, and actual degree of cohesiveness (though on this aspect they are quite close--none of these companies' gel implants "spill out" if the shell is cut). Each company has its own type of textured or smooth surface technology, and some surgeons utilize only one company's products; other use mostly one and a few of the others; and some may use a few from each company. Ultimately, a busy breast augmentation practice tends to steer towards one company, not because it is superior to the other two companies, but because of certain individual factors, including responsiveness to product needs, sales rep personality, and of course cost. From your standpoint, all are safe and effective and you should feel absolutely comfortable with whichever product your surgeon recommends. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

The two most popular US implants are brand names Natrelle or Memory Gel. They are really the same thing.