The main option for breast enhancement from Mentor Corp. is a saline-filled sac. A silicone shell filled with saltwater, the breast implant will be surgically placed beneath your chest tissue.

These silicone enhancements can be used in either of two procedures typically performed on a woman's breasts: augmentation and restoration.

Augmentation refers to the surgical procedure meant to enhance the proportion and increase the size of the breast. It can only be performed on a person age 18 or older.

Restoration or reconstruction is when surgery aims to bring back the breast shape after the person has lost a part of or the entire breast due to birth defect, injury, or mastectomy.

Types of Breast Enhancement from Mentor

Breast augmentation is not just about enlargement. It is also about enhancing the breast's shape to suit a certain body type or preference.

There are two families of breast enhancement from Mentor Corp. that use saline solution. One is called Saline-filled and has a self sealing valve in front from which the implant is filled. It is classified as a fixed-volume implant.

The other is called Spectrum™ and has a valve in back through which saline is added to the implant after surgery. This allows postoperative volume adjustment.

Both families of breast enhancement from Mentor are available in smooth-surface shell or a textured shell, called Siltex™ and both come in either round or contour style.

Drawbacks to Expect

The first thing you should know before undergoing restoration or augmentation is that either procedure may not be a one-time thing. An implant is not regarded as a lifetime device.

So you will probably need to visit your surgeon throughout your life for maintenance or more surgery. And, eventually, you will probably need to have the implant removed or replaced.

You also must know that any changes to your breasts after implants are placed may be irreversible. In time, if you want your implants removed, you will likely notice unacceptable cosmetic changes, such as wrinkles, dimples, and dents.

Implants may also hinder your breast's ability to produce milk and cannot stop postnatal sagging.

Another drawback is that routine mammography will be harder to perform. More views will be needed leading to more time and exposure to radiation.

If you plan to use your insurance to cover restoration or cosmetic implant surgery, check if your premiums will increase – and if succeeding surgeon visits and procedures will be covered. Also, your insurance may not pay for treatments and medication for complications.

Complications

Following are some examples of complications from breast implant surgery.

• Dissatisfaction
• Pain/sensations
• Capsular contracture (scar tissue, called capsules, form around the implant, which tightens and squeezes it and leads to hardness, discomfort, pain, distortion, movement, etc.)
• Deflation or rupture
• More surgery
• Infection
• Hematoma (blood collection)
• Seroma (water lagging)
• Calcium deposits
• Necrosis (dead tissue forms around implant)

Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery? Consider This Before Making a Decision

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Breast Implants Gone Bad

A Primer on the Various Types of Silicone Breast Implants

A Brief Look into the History of Breast Enhancement