Why Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna Prefers Mentor Breast Implants
The complexity of breast implant options is often underestimated. The process of getting breast implants is layered with various factors – from understanding the safety and quality of the implants to aligning them with your lifestyle and future goals. It’s a decision that requires thorough understanding and careful contemplation. In this blog, Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna will explore the various aspects associated with Mentor Breast Implants.
Download Anca’s Guide to Breast Augmentation Surgery
Who Makes Mentor Implants?
Mentor Worldwide LLC, a subsidiary of the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies, stands as a prominent provider of breast implants in the international aesthetic industry. This company is dedicated to the development, production, and marketing of science-driven products for both surgical and non-surgical medical treatments. Mentor Worldwide LLC places its emphasis on two key areas: breast augmentation and breast reconstruction.
MENTOR® Breast Implant Options
Mentor’s range of breast implants is diverse, offering different options to cater to a variety of needs and preferences: MENTOR® MemoryGel® Xtra, MENTOR® CPG, and MENTOR® Saline Breast Implants. Each type has unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different requirements and desired outcomes.
MENTOR® MemoryGel® Xtra Breast Implants
This implants are a popular choice for those seeking a balance between shape stability and a natural feel. Here’s why they stand out:
- Advanced Gel Consistency: The key feature of MemoryGel® Xtra is its gel composition. It’s designed to be more highly cross-linked, which means the gel holds its shape better. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining the implant’s integrity and aesthetic over time
- Natural Feel: Despite the increased stability, these implants do not compromise on softness. They mimic the natural feel of breast tissue, which is a significant factor for many
- Aesthetic Versatility: With MemoryGel® Xtra, you have a range of options in terms of size and profile. This versatility allows you and your surgeon to choose an implant that complements your body shape and meets your aesthetic goals
MENTOR® CPG Breast Implants
MENTOR® CPG Gel Breast Implants are tailored for those who prioritise a natural breast silhouette. They offer:
- Natural Shape and Feel: The design of CPG implants focuses on achieving a look and feel that’s close to natural breast tissue. This makes them an excellent choice for both reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgeries
- Teardrop Shape: These implants are known for their teardrop shape, which closely resembles the natural slope and curve of the breast, contributing to a more authentic and subtle enhancement
- Gel Consistency: The gel used in CPG implants is cohesive, meaning it holds together uniformly, further contributing to the natural feel and appearance
MENTOR® Saline Breast Implants
For those who prefer a customisable solution, MENTOR® Saline Breast Implants are an ideal choice:
- Adjustable Volume: Saline implants allow for adjustments in volume. This means Anca can fine-tune the size of the implant during the surgery, offering a tailored fit to your body
- Variety in Profiles: These implants come in various profiles, allowing you to choose the degree of forward projection from the chest wall. This choice is essential in achieving the desired breast contour
- Safety Factor: If a saline implant leaks, the body safely absorbs the saline solution. This safety aspect is a comforting factor for many people
Each type of MENTOR® Breast Implant offers distinct advantages. MemoryGel® is excellent for shape stability and a natural feel, CPG implants for a natural shape and silhouette, and Saline implants for their flexibility and safety. Your choice will depend on your personal needs, body type, and the specific outcomes you’re hoping to achieve.
MENTOR® Options for Breast Tissue Expanders
When considering reconstructive breast surgery, particularly after a mastectomy, you might come across the term ‘Breast Tissue Expander.’ It’s an important component in the reconstruction process. Let’s look at what breast tissue expanders are and explore specific products like the MENTOR® CPX4 Expander and MENTOR® BECKER Expander/Implants.
What is a Breast Tissue Expander?
A Breast Tissue Expander is a temporary device used in breast reconstruction. Its primary function is to stretch the skin and chest muscle to make room for a permanent breast implant. Here’s how it works:
- Placement: The expander is placed under the skin and chest muscle after a mastectomy
- Gradual Expansion: Over time, the expander is slowly filled with saline. This gradual process stretches the skin and muscle, creating enough space for the final implant
- Preparation for Implants: Once the area is sufficiently expanded, a second surgery is performed to replace the expander with a permanent breast implant
This process is crucial for many women undergoing breast reconstruction, as it helps in achieving a natural-looking breast shape post-mastectomy.
MENTOR® CPX4 Tissue Expander
The MENTOR® CPX4 Tissue Expander is designed for patient comfort and ease of use during the expansion process. Important features include:
- Contoured Shape: It’s designed to mimic the natural shape of the breast, offering a more aesthetic temporary result during the expansion phase
- INTEGRATED SUTURE TABS: These tabs help in the precise placement and stability of the expander, reducing the chance of rotation or displacement
- Atraumatic Expander: The CPXTM4 is built to minimise the discomfort associated with tissue expansion, making the process more tolerable for patients
MENTOR® BECKER Expander/Implants
The MENTOR® BECKER Expander/Implant is a unique product that combines the expander and the implant into one device. This offers several advantages:
- Single-Stage Reconstruction: In some cases, the BECKER Expander/Implant allows for breast reconstruction to be completed in a single stage, as it can serve as both the expander and the final implant
- Adjustable Volume: The volume of the BECKER Expander/Implant can be adjusted post-surgery. This provides flexibility in achieving the desired breast size and contour
- Reduced Number of Surgeries: Since it can potentially eliminate the need for a second surgery to place a permanent implant, patients might have a shorter overall treatment and recovery timeline
Breast Tissue Expanders play a critical role in breast reconstruction, preparing the body for a permanent implant. Products like the MENTOR® CPX4 and MENTOR® BECKER offer innovative solutions, making the process more efficient and comfortable for patients. Each product has unique features tailored to different needs and situations, ensuring that patients have access to the best possible options for their reconstructive process. As with any medical device or procedure, it’s essential to discuss these options with your plastic surgeon to determine the best course of action for your individual case.
Safety Measures and Certifications of Mentor Implants in the UK
When it comes to getting Mentor Breast Implants in the UK, it’s really important to know about the safety measures and certifications in place. You’re making a big decision for your body, so it makes sense to want all the details about how safe these implants are. Let’s go through what makes Mentor Implants a safe choice in the UK:
MHRA Approval and Regulations
In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is the body that looks after the safety of medical devices, like breast implants. Mentor Breast Implants have the MHRA’s approval, which means they’ve been thoroughly checked and are considered safe for use. This approval is your assurance that these implants meet high safety standards.
Compliance with EU and UK Safety Standards
Even with Brexit changing things, safety standards for medical devices in the UK are still closely aligned with the European Union’s standards. Mentor Implants comply with these high standards. They’re regularly checked to make sure they keep meeting these requirements. This compliance is not just a one-off; it’s ongoing, which is good news for your peace of mind.
Quality Assurance Processes
Mentor takes quality seriously. They have several processes to make sure every implant is up to scratch. This includes:
- Regular Inspections: The manufacturing facilities where Mentor Implants are made get inspected regularly. This is to make sure everything is being done right and to the highest standards
- Strict Manufacturing Standards: The implants are made in facilities that meet stringent standards. This means every part of the process, from design to making the implants, is carefully controlled and monitored
- Testing for Safety and Durability: Before the implants are sent out, they go through tough testing. This is to check that they’re strong, durable, and safe
Certifications and Warranties
Mentor Implants come with certain certifications and warranties. This is the company’s way of standing behind their product. For example, they often offer a warranty program that covers you in case there’s an issue with the implant, like a rare defect.
Keeping Up with Research and Development
The world of medical devices is always advancing, and Mentor stays on top of this. They’re involved in ongoing research and development to keep improving their implants. This means that the implants you’re considering are backed by the latest science and technology.
When you’re considering Mentor Breast Implants in the UK, you can be reassured by the thorough safety measures and certifications in place. From MHRA approval to strict quality controls and ongoing research, a lot goes into ensuring these implants are a safe choice for you.
FAQs about Mentor Breast Implants
How long do mentor breast implants last?
- While Mentor Breast Implants are designed for durability, they are not considered lifetime devices. The general lifespan of these implants can vary, but on average, they may last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. However, this duration can be influenced by factors such as individual health, lifestyle, and any complications that may arise.
Can I breastfeed with Mentor breast implants?
- Many women with breast implants, including those with Mentor implants, are able to breastfeed successfully. The ability to breastfeed after getting implants depends on the type of surgery, the placement of the implants, and individual factors. It’s important to discuss your plans for future pregnancies and breastfeeding with Anca before the procedure.
Are there any lifestyle restrictions after getting Mentor implants?
- Post-surgery, once you have fully recovered, there are typically no permanent lifestyle restrictions with Mentor Breast Implants. However, during the recovery phase, your surgeon will likely advise you to avoid certain physical activities to ensure proper healing. It’s always good practice to consult with Anca about your specific lifestyle and any activities you’re involved in for personalised advice.
How do I know if my Mentor implants need to be replaced?
- Signs that your Mentor Breast Implants might need replacement can include changes in breast shape, size, or feel, discomfort, or complications such as a rupture. Regular check-ups with your plastic surgeon are essential to monitor the condition of your implants and address any concerns.
Will Mentor breast implants affect mammograms or other breast examinations?
- Breast implants can affect the way mammograms are performed. It’s important to inform your radiologist about your implants before the examination. Special techniques and additional views might be used to get a clearer image of the breast tissue. Mentor Breast Implants should not hinder the effectiveness of a mammogram when performed correctly.
Further Reading about Breast Implants Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna
- Read more about Glamorous Breasts with Large Breast Implants
- Read more about Types of Breast Implants
- Read more about Benefits of Motiva Breast Implants
- Read more about Breast Implants under the Muscle – Breast Implant Placement
- Read more about How Safe Are Breast Implants?
- Read more about When Can I Exercise after Breast Augmentation Surgery?
- Read more about Removal and Replacement of PIP Breast Implants
Medical References about Mentor Implants
- Shaped Silicone Gel Implants: Mentor Memoryshape Breast Implant – PubMed
- Mentor Contour Profile Gel Implants: Clinical Outcomes at 10 Years – PubMed
- Clinical Results of Mentor MemoryGel Xtra Breast Implants – Oxford Academic
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of breast, body and face surgery and minor skin procedures.
