October 2024
Breast Implant Brands: Deciphering the Differences
Choosing the right breast implant brand can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available today. While all implants serve the same fundamental purpose, each brand brings its own unique qualities to the table. In this post, we’ll delve into the three major breast implant manufacturers—Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra—and help you understand their key differences.
We'll also discuss important factors like saline implants, textured implants, size, projection, cohesivity, and warranties to help you make an informed decision around some of the particulars concerning your breast augmentation.
Major Breast Implant Manufacturers
Allergan
Allergan is one of the most well-known names in the implant industry, offering a wide range of options for patients. They manufacture both saline and silicone gel implants, giving patients plenty of flexibility in terms of material choice.
- Allergan is the largest manufacturer and remains very popular with both patients and surgeons through its Alle program where patients are rewarded with complimentary products and services through the Allergan brand: Botox, Juvederm, SkinMedica skin care, and other services.
- Known for BioCell textured implants: Allergan gained attention in recent years after the FDA recall of their BioCell textured implants due to their association with Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This form of cancer has made textured implants less popular overall, though other brands still offer textured options.
Learn More: Rapid Recovery Breast Augmentation
Mentor
Mentor is a trusted name in the breast augmentation world, with decades of experience in the market. They offer both saline and silicone implants and have a reputation for high-quality and long-lasting products.
- Microtextured implants: Mentor continues to offer microtextured implants, which are especially useful in breast reconstruction cases, as textured implants tend to move less within the implant pocket, offering greater stability for patients.
- Mentor is owned by Johnson and Johnson and is manufactured in the US.
Sientra
Sientra is a relatively newer company but has made its mark in the industry. Their focus is entirely on silicone gel implants, meaning they do not offer saline implants. Sientra is well-known for its focus on patient satisfaction and offers a range of implant styles, including round and teardrop shapes.
- Recent bankruptcy: While Sientra has built a solid reputation, the company’s recent bankruptcy and acquisition by Tiger Aesthetics raises concerns about future stability, especially regarding warranties.
- Sientra made a name for itself by selling only to Board Certified Plastic Surgeons thereby linking its brand to only qualified surgeons.
Saline Implants: Less Popular, But Still An Option
Saline implants are the original breast implant type, but they have become a less popular option in recent years. Saline implants are filled with sterile IV fluid, and while they have their advantages, they also have significant downsides:
- Rippling: Saline implants are more prone to visible rippling under the skin, especially in patients with thinner breast tissue.
- Less natural feel: Compared to silicone implants, saline tends to feel firmer and less natural.
- Only option for patients under 22: The FDA restricts silicone implants to patients over 22, making saline the only choice for younger individuals.
It’s also important to note that Sientra does not offer saline implants, focusing exclusively on silicone gel.
Teardrop Breast Augmentation
Textured Implants: A Decreasing Trend
Textured implants, once widely used, have become less common after the FDA recall of Allergan’s BioCell textured implants due to their link to BIA-ALCL, a rare form of cancer. While the recall has caused many surgeons to favor smooth implants, Mentor and Sientra still offer microtextured implants.
- Movement in the pocket: Textured implants are designed to adhere to the surrounding tissue, preventing movement and rotation. This makes them particularly beneficial in breast reconstruction cases, where stability is a priority.
Size and the High Five System
Breast implant size is one of the most important factors in achieving the desired aesthetic outcome. When determining size, several key factors come into play:
- Base width: The width of the implant should match the patient’s natural breast base width.
- Profile or projection: How far the implant will project from the body.
- Dr. John Tebbetts' High Five System: This popular system helps surgeons and patients determine the best implant size by focusing on five key aspects—patient preferences, base width, tissue characteristics, and more.
Read More: 10 Breast Augmentation Myths
Projection: How Far Will Your Implants Project?
Implant projection refers to how much the implant will project outward from the chest. Different manufacturers may have anywhere from 3 to 6 projection categories, which generally fall into these broad categories:
- Low
- Moderate
- Full or High
Higher projecting implants tend to create a more noticeable result, with enhanced upper pole fill and cleavage. However, they may also appear less natural, especially for patients seeking a subtle look.
Read More: How To Pick The Perfect Pair of Breast Implants From Home with This 3D Imaging App
Before and After Breast Implants in Dallas, Texas- Dr. John Burns MD, FACS
Warranty Coverage: Capsular Contracture and More
All three manufacturers offer competitive warranties that cover complications like capsular contracture—a rare condition where scar tissue forms tightly around the implant, causing discomfort and distortion. Warranty coverage is an important factor when choosing an implant brand, especially considering Sientra’s uncertain future after its bankruptcy.
Read More: 4 Tips For Planning Your Breast Augmentation
Brand Stability: Allergan and Mentor Lead the Way
When considering long-term reliability, Allergan and Mentor have strong track records of brand stability and patient satisfaction. Sientra, however, has faced challenges, including bankruptcy and a recent acquisition by Tiger Aesthetics. While this hasn’t yet impacted implant availability, it does create uncertainty about Sientra's future warranty and support.
Research More Here: 5 Tips For Choosing The Perfect Breast Implants
Part 1: Saline vs. Silicone Implants
Part 2: Smooth vs. Textured Implants
Part 3: Round vs. Anatomic Implants
Part 4: Breast Implant Profiles
Part 5: Implant Manufacturers
Price: Competitive Across All Brands
Prices for breast implants are generally competitive, with volume discounts available to surgeons who use a specific brand frequently. While pricing varies based on the surgeon and geographic region, there’s little difference in cost between Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra implants. Surgeons may pass these discounts along to their patients, making the choice more about quality and surgeon preference than price.
Surgeon Preference: The Final Say
Ultimately, many surgeons have their own brand preferences, often based on their familiarity with a particular manufacturer and the discounts they receive from volume purchases. From a patient’s perspective, there’s very little noticeable difference once the implants are placed, as all three brands offer high-quality results.
Conclusion
Choosing the right breast implant brand involves more than just picking a name. Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra all offer unique features and benefits, from saline vs. silicone options to textured vs. smooth surfaces. Factors like implant size, projection, cohesivity, and even warranty all play a role in helping patients achieve their desired results. With the right guidance from a skilled surgeon, you can feel confident in your breast augmentation journey, regardless of the brand you choose.
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