When it comes to breast implant options, Mentor is a well – known and widely used brand in the field of plastic surgery. Mentor offers a variety of implant types, each with its own characteristics. In this article, we will take a detailed look at what Mentor breast implants are, and explore their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision if you are considering breast augmentation.
What Are Mentor Breast Implants
Mentor is a company that manufactures high – quality breast implants. They offer two main types of implants: saline and silicone – gel.
Saline Implants
Saline implants by Mentor are filled with sterile saltwater. The shell of the implant is made of silicone. These implants are available in different shapes, such as round and anatomical (teardrop – shaped). One advantage of saline implants is that they can be filled after they are inserted into the body. This means that the surgeon can adjust the volume precisely during the surgery to achieve the desired look.
Silicone – Gel Implants
Mentor’s silicone – gel implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel. The gel is designed to hold its shape well, giving a more natural look and feel. There are also different generations of silicone – gel implants. The newer generations, like the high – cohesive gel implants, are known as “gummy bear” implants because of their firm consistency and ability to maintain their shape even if the shell is ruptured.
Pros of Mentor Breast Implants
Natural Look and Feel
One of the biggest advantages of Mentor breast implants, especially the silicone – gel ones, is their ability to provide a very natural look and feel. The cohesive silicone gel in the implants mimics the texture of natural breast tissue quite well. When a woman moves, the implants move and bounce in a way that is similar to natural breasts. This is particularly true for the anatomical – shaped silicone implants. They are designed to follow the natural contour of the breast, resulting in a more realistic appearance.
For example, a woman who has had Mentor silicone – gel implants may find that her breasts look and feel so natural that she can forget she even has implants. This is a major benefit for those who want to enhance their breast size without looking or feeling artificial.
Durability
Mentor implants are known for their durability. The shells of both saline and silicone – gel implants are made of high – quality materials. The silicone shells are thick and resistant to rupture. In fact, Mentor has conducted extensive research and testing to ensure the long – term integrity of their implants.
Many women who have had Mentor implants report that they last for a long time without any major issues. The company also offers warranties on their implants, which gives patients some peace of mind. For instance, if an implant were to rupture within a certain period, Mentor may cover part or all of the cost of replacement.
Variety of Sizes and Shapes
Mentor offers a wide range of sizes and shapes of breast implants. This means that whether a woman wants a subtle increase in breast size or a more dramatic change, there is likely an implant option for her.
For those who prefer a more natural, lifted look, the anatomical – shaped implants can be a great choice. They are designed to mimic the shape of a natural breast, with a narrower top and a fuller bottom. On the other hand, if a woman wants a more rounded, voluptuous look, the round implants are available in various sizes, from small to large. This variety allows surgeons to customize the procedure according to each patient’s body type, aesthetic goals, and personal preferences.
Safety Record
Mentor has a long – standing reputation for safety. The company adheres to strict manufacturing standards and undergoes regular regulatory scrutiny. Their implants are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, which means that they have met certain safety and effectiveness criteria.
The materials used in Mentor implants are biocompatible, which means that they are less likely to cause an adverse reaction in the body. The company also conducts post – market surveillance to monitor the performance of their implants over time. This ongoing commitment to safety gives patients confidence in choosing Mentor for their breast augmentation needs.
Established Brand
Mentor is an established and well – respected brand in the field of breast implants. Surgeons who have been in practice for many years are likely to be familiar with Mentor products. This familiarity can be an advantage for patients because it means that their surgeons are more experienced in working with these implants.
Surgeons who are accustomed to using Mentor implants know how to handle them during surgery, how to place them for the best results, and how to deal with any potential issues that may arise. This experience can translate into a smoother surgical process and better outcomes for the patient.
Cons of Mentor Breast Implants
Cost
One of the drawbacks of Mentor breast implants is that they can be relatively expensive. The cost of Mentor implants is influenced by several factors, such as the type of implant (saline or silicone – gel), the size, and the specific features of the implant. Silicone – gel implants, in general, tend to be more expensive than saline implants.
The overall cost of a breast augmentation procedure with Mentor implants includes not only the cost of the implants themselves but also the surgeon’s fee, facility fees, and anesthesia fees. For some women, the high cost may be a barrier to getting the procedure they want. However, it’s important to note that the cost can vary depending on the region and the surgeon, so it’s always a good idea to shop around and get multiple quotes.
Risk of Rupture
Although Mentor implants are designed to be durable, there is still a risk of rupture, especially over time. With saline implants, a rupture is usually easy to detect because the saltwater will leak out, causing the breast to deflate. However, with silicone – gel implants, a rupture may not be as obvious. This is known as a “silent rupture.”
A silent rupture can occur when the silicone gel leaks from the implant shell but remains contained within the fibrous capsule that forms around the implant in the body. In such cases, a woman may not notice any immediate symptoms. However, a silent rupture may still require surgical intervention to remove or replace the implant. The risk of rupture increases with the age of the implant, and it’s important for patients to be aware of this potential complication.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a condition where the fibrous capsule that forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. This can cause the breast to feel hard, look misshapen, and may also be painful. Mentor implants, like all breast implants, are at risk of capsular contracture.
The exact cause of capsular contracture is not fully understood, but factors such as infection, bleeding around the implant during surgery, and the type of implant can play a role. Although the incidence of capsular contracture has decreased over the years with improvements in implant technology and surgical techniques, it is still a potential complication that patients need to consider.
Scarring
Breast implant surgery involves incisions, and these incisions can leave scars. The location and visibility of the scars depend on the type of incision used by the surgeon. Common incision locations include the inframammary fold (under the breast), periareolar (around the areola), and transaxillary (in the armpit).
With Mentor implants, as with any breast implant procedure, scarring is a possibility. Some women may be more prone to developing thick, raised scars, known as keloid scars. Although surgeons take steps to minimize scarring, such as using techniques to close the incisions carefully and providing post – operative wound care instructions, scars are an inevitable part of the surgical process.
Revision Surgery
There may be a need for revision surgery with Mentor implants. Reasons for revision surgery can include implant rupture, capsular contracture, a change in the patient’s aesthetic goals over time, or dissatisfaction with the initial results. Revision surgery is more complex than the initial breast augmentation surgery and may involve additional costs.
The need for revision surgery can be a concern for patients, as it means going through another surgical procedure, with its associated risks and recovery time. It’s important for patients to discuss the possibility of revision surgery with their surgeons before undergoing the initial breast implant procedure.
Making a Decision
When considering Mentor breast implants, it’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with a board – certified plastic surgeon. The surgeon can assess your individual situation, including your body type, medical history, and aesthetic goals, and provide personalized advice.
You should also take the time to weigh the pros and cons carefully. If the natural look and feel, durability, and variety of options offered by Mentor implants are important to you, and you are willing to accept the potential risks such as rupture, capsular contracture, and the need for possible revision surgery, then Mentor implants may be a good choice for you.
However, if cost is a major concern, or if you are particularly worried about the risks associated with breast implant surgery, you may want to explore other options or have further discussions with your surgeon to see if there are ways to mitigate these concerns.
Conclusion
Mentor breast implants offer many advantages, but like any medical device, they also come with some potential drawbacks. By being well – informed and working closely with a qualified surgeon, you can make the best decision for your breast augmentation journey.
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