Before undergoing a breast augmentation, most women research several aspects of the procedure including the implant options that are offered. Most women realize that breast implants may not be lifetime devices and that they may need to be replaced at some point during their lives. However, many would be surprised to learn that both saline and silicone gel implants come with a lifetime warranty. In fact, the leading breast implant manufacturers, Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra, offer limited lifetime warranties on all their implants.
Reasons for Implant Replacement
The exact reason why implants may not last forever can be caused by a of variety of factors, including:
Rupture or Discomfort
Trauma to the chest can cause pain to the breast area and damage to the implants. Discomfort can also be caused by capsular contracture, which happens when scar tissue hardens around breast implants. When either of these conditions occurs, breast implant revision is needed to restore an attractive appearance to the breasts.
Manufacturing Developments
Breast implants have been around for a number of years with improvements being made to increase their safety and longevity. These advancements include not only the shell of the implants, but also the material that exists inside of them.
For instance, the substance inside silicone implants was once entirely made of a runny silicone. As years passed and further advancements were discovered, the material in the implants was replaced with a safer cohesive silicone gel. The new silicone gel that exists now makes it possible for the implants to last a lifetime, while still providing women with the same fabulous results.
By Choice
Sometimes implants are removed for personal reasons. In some cases, women choose to remove their implants because they are unhappy with their appearance or simply want to change the size of them.
Breast Implant Warranties
Allergan
Allergan provides lifetime product replacement for all its implants due to deflation or rupture caused by the loss of the integrity of the implant’s shell. In addition, Allergan provides a ConfidencePlus® Warranty for certain Natrelle® saline and silicone filled breast implants, which includes up to $1,200 in out-of pocket expenses for surgical fees, operating room expenses, and anesthesia not covered by insurance. Allergan also offers its ConfidencePlus® Premier Warranty for certain Natrelle® silicone or saline implants, which covers out-of-pocket expenses for surgical fees, operating room expenses, and anesthesia not covered by insurance up to $2,400 for saline filled implants and up to $3,500 for silicone filled implants. Click here to read more about Allergan’s warranty for its breast implants.
Mentor
Mentor is committed to supporting you throughout your journey and providing you with educational resources for each step of the way. In addition, Mentor provides long-term commitment of its implants with the Mentor Advantage Limited Warranty programs. All Mentor breast implants come with a free limited warranty. In addition, in the event of a qualifying deflation of a saline-filled breast implant or rupture of a MemoryGel® breast implant, Mentor will replace the implant, free of charge, for the lifetime of the patient. Click here to read more about Mentor’s warranty for its breast implants.
Sientra
Sientra provides its implants only to board-certified plastic surgeons, and it claims to have the best and most comprehensive warranty available. Sientra’s Limited Warranty and Lifetime Product Replacement Programs include lifetime product replacement if their implant ruptures and up to $3,600 toward surgery due to rupture within 10 years after your breast implant surgery. Click here to read more about Sientra’s warranty for its breast implants.
If you are undecided about undergoing breast augmentation because you are concerned about the longevity of the implants, just remember that your implants come with a lifetime warranty.
For any of your breast enhancement needs, feel free to contact the Diamond Face Institute today. Our Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Jason Diamond, will personally hand select a board-certified plastic surgeon for your breast augmentation to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. Call (310) 859-9816 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation.