We re here to help you make a confident, informed decision. For over 20 years, Mentor Corporation has been recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of the highest quality breast implants. This brochure contains the latest information about breast implants for augmentation or revision surgery to help you prepare for your process ahead. Inside you will find basic information about breast augmentation and about Mentor MemoryGel and saline-filled breast implant options. Clarifying your own appearance goals and identifying the questions you ll want to ask along the way are important steps in considering breast augmentation. Ready to get started? For over 20 years, Mentor Corporation has been recognized worldwide as a leading manufacturer of the highest quality breast implants. We offer two basic types: MemoryGel and saline-filled breast implants. Our rich history is filled with industry firsts, innovative product designs and groundbreaking research. While other manufacturers have come and gone, Mentor has a record of continually producing leading-edge, FDA-approved breast augmentation products. And, all of our implants sold in the U.S. are manufactured right here in the U.S.
Table of Contents 1. It All Begins With You 3. Breast Anatomy 101 5. Which type of Mentor breast implant is right for you? Silicone gel or saline? 11. What about an implant s size and shape? 15. Incision and Placement Options 19. Selecting the Right Surgeon for You 23. Surgery: The Details 25. Important Things to Consider 27. Mentor Product Replacement Policy and Limited Warranties 31. Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implants
It all begins with you Your reasons are as unique as you are. How a woman feels about her body has a lot to do with her overall self-confidence that s no secret. When breast size or shape is an issue, many women turn to breast augmentation to increase their confidence, look better in their clothes, and bottom line present the image they want to the world. What is your reason for exploring breast surgery? Do you want to enlarge your breasts to make your body more proportional or your breasts more balanced in size? Is your goal to reshape and enlarge your breasts because they have lost their shape due to pregnancy and breastfeeding? Your reasons are as unique as you are. That s why it s important to have a good understanding about your personal needs and expectations and be able to express them to your surgeon. Together you can then discuss the options available to you and choose just the right implants for your body and desired outcome. In addition to shape, size, and texture, you also have a choice between Mentor MemoryGel and saline-filled breast implants. { 1 }
BREAST ANATOMY 101 Pectoralis Major Muscle Pectoralis Minor Muscle Fatty Tissue Milk Lobes, Glands Milk Ducts Nipple and Areola Soft Tissue Ribs The breast consists of milk ducts and glands, surrounded by fatty tissue that provides its shape and feel. The chest muscle (pectoralis major muscle) is located beneath the breast. Factors such as pregnancy (when milk glands are temporarily enlarged), rapid weight loss and the effects of gravity as you age can combine to cause changes in your breasts over time. Implants are used to make breasts larger; however, implants alone may not adequately lift the breast. Additional procedures may be recommended to achieve your goals. Procedures such as a mastopexy may be suggested at the time of your breast augmentation to lift the breast. { 2 } { 3 }
the technical definition of a breast implant: A breast implant is a sac (implant shell) made of silicone elastomer filled with either silicone gel or saline, which is surgically implanted under your breast tissue or under your chest muscle. Which type of Mentor breast implant is right for you? Silicone Gel or saline? MemoryGel Breast Implants A trusted choice MemoryGel implants have been successfully used and trusted for 20 years by millions of women worldwide. Why? Because our implants feel more like natural breast tissue without compromising reliability or safety. After decades of research and testing, MemoryGel breast implants are now FDA approved for women in the U.S. MemoryGel implants come in either a textured or smooth surface shell and are available in a wide range of sizes and profiles to fit your body. Why this picture matters to you: We have cut a MemoryGel breast implant in half to demonstrate how the gel material can hold together uniformly. It does this because of a cohesive, gelatin-like substance that acts as a solid rather than a liquid maintaining its shape. { 4 } { 5 }
The safety of silicone breast implants After reviewing years of research concerning Smooth Round Moderate Profile Smooth Round Moderate Plus Profile Smooth Round High Profile silicone gel-filled breast implants, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found that Evidence suggests diseases or conditions such as connective tissue diseases, cancer, neurological diseases or other systemic complaints or conditions are no more common in women with breast Siltex Round Moderate Profile Siltex Round Moderate Plus Profile Siltex Round High Profile implants than in women without implants. In November of 2006, the FDA approved MemoryGel silicone breast implants for breast augmentation and reconstruction. Mentor Corporation is committed to conducting long-term, far-reaching clinical studies. beautiful Benefits: MemoryGel breast implants are FDA approved Each implant is filled with Mentor s proprietary cohesive gel The gel filler holds together uniformly and looks and feels like natural breast tissue The implants have a set fill volume for predictable results MemoryGel breast implants come in three projection options: Moderate, Moderate Plus and High Profile to give you the look you want They come in two shell surface options: smooth and textured (Siltex ) MemoryGel implants are covered by Mentor s Standard or Enhanced Limited Warranty and Lifetime Replacement Policy Over the years, Mentor has conducted rigorous safety evaluations of both gel-filled and salinefilled breast implants. Mentor currently has three 10-year studies of silicone gel breast implants in progress to provide even more clinical information to patients and surgeons. As we have for many years, Mentor will remain committed to providing objective information about breast implant safety. { 6 } { 7 }
saline implants: FDA approved These implants are filled with a saltwater solution similar to the fluid that makes up most of the human body Our saline implants have a slightly firmer feel than gel They have a flexible fill volume that can be adjusted during surgery Three projection options: Moderate, Moderate Plus and High Profile They come in two shell surface options: smooth and textured (Siltex ) Our saline implants are covered by Mentor s Standard or Enhanced Limited Warranty and Lifetime Replacement Policy Mentor Spectrum Adjustable Saline Implants An innovative line of adjustable implants Often, the most difficult decision for most women regarding breast augmentation is choosing the breast size. Mentor s innovative line of Spectrum Breast Implants makes the decision-making process easier because the size can be adjusted after surgery. In fact, Spectrum implants are the only post-operatively adjustable saline-filled breast implants that allow your surgeon to adjust the size of your implant for up to six months after your procedure. Mentor Saline Breast Implants Another Option Mentor s saline-filled breast implants also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, profiles and surface textures. Saline implants are inserted into the body without fluid. Once placed, the implant is filled to the predetermined size. When the fill-tube is removed, the implant will automatically seal itself. Smooth Round Moderate Profile Siltex Round Moderate Profile Smooth Round Moderate Plus Profile Siltex Contour Profile Moderate Smooth Round High Profile Siltex Contour Profile High Smooth Round Spectrum Siltex Round Spectrum Siltex Contour Profile Spectrum How do Mentor s silicone and saline implants compare? MemoryGel Breast Implants Feel more like natural breast tissue Moderate, Moderate Plus and High profiles Smooth and textured surfaces available in a range of sizes Saline Breast Implants Various profiles Intra-operative sizing flexibility Self-sealing valve Post-operative adjustability with the Spectrum Implant { 8 } { 9 }
What about an Implant s size and shape? Breast implants are not measured in bra cup sizes Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters, or cc s, not in cup sizes. This is because the size of the implant used depends on the size and shape of the individual woman s chest. Your surgeon will evaluate your existing breast and skin tissue He or she needs to determine if you have enough breast and skin tissue to cover the breast implant you are considering, or in some cases such as after pregnancy, too much extra skin. If you want a breast implant size that is too large for your tissue, your surgeon may warn you that the breast implant edges may become visible following your surgery. Your surgeon may use a system such as BodyLogic. Mentor s BodyLogic system is designed to assist surgeons and their staff to make more informed product selection decisions for their patients. Deciding on implant profile is as important as size. Round or Contoured? In addition to size and shape, breast implants are available in different profiles. Profile refers to the amount of forward projection of the implant off the chest wall. Round implants are the most popular choice, and are available as MemoryGel or saline-filled breast implants. Both types of implants come in a variety of profiles: Moderate, { 10 } { 11 }
Moderate Plus and High. High profile implants provide the greatest forward projection for a more prominent silhouette, and are designed for a narrower chest area. Our saline-filled contoured implants provide a more mature, sloped breast shape, and come in Moderate and High Profile styles. However, it s important to know that when contoured implants are placed beneath the chest muscle, they may assume a round shape. The most popular choice Currently, smooth-surfaced breast implants are the most popular choice among women and surgeons. A textured implant may require a larger incision because the rougher textured surface makes it harder to place into the pocket without undue stress, which might damage the implant or decrease its durability. What else determines if the implant can be detected by feel? Implant placement, size and the amount of skin and tissue coverage over an implant also determine how easily an implant can be felt. For example, implants placed sub-glandularly (above the chest muscle) tend to be more conspicuous than implants placed sub-muscularly (below the chest muscle). Siltex Smooth Product Implanted: Round Moderate Profile Gel Before After Photos courtesy of Dr. Ram Kalus (Columbia, South Carolina) Product Implanted: Round High Profile Saline Some studies suggest that surface texturing may reduce the chance of severe capsular contracture 1 Mentor s Core study did not show a difference in the likelihood of developing capsular contracture with textured implants compared to smooth-surfaced implants. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue or capsule that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. Before After Photos courtesy of Dr. Louis L. Strock (Fort Worth, Texas) 1 Seify, H., et al. 2005. Preliminary (3 years) experience with smooth wall silicone gel implants for primary breast augmentation. { 12 } { 13 }
Incision and placement options Your surgeon will be your best guide when it comes to the pros and cons of the incision site specifically recommended for you. A few facts: Your surgeon will be your best guide when it comes to the pros and cons of the incision site specifically recommended for you. Size of incision The incision size for a gel breast augmentation will be larger than the incision size of a saline breast augmentation. Location of incision There are three common incision sites: Around the nipple (periareolar) Within the breast fold (inframammary) Under the arm (axillary) Axillary Incision Periareolar Incision Inframammary Incision Types of incisions Periareolar This incision is typically more concealed, but since it also involves cutting through the breast tissue, it is associated with a higher likelihood of breastfeeding difficulties, as compared to the other incision sites. 2 Cutting through the tissue may increase the chance that there will be a change in breast or nipple sensation. 2 Hurst, N.M. 1996. Lactation after augmentation mammoplasty. Obstet. Gynecol. 87(1):30-4. { 14 } { 15 }
Inframammary This is the most commonly used incision site at the present time. This incision is generally less concealed than the periareolar and may cause fewer breastfeeding difficulties than the periareolar incision site. Axillary This incision is less concealed than the periareolar and may cause fewer breastfeeding difficulties than the periareolar incision site. When the incision is made under the arm, the surgeon may use a probe fitted with a miniature camera, along with minimally invasive, very small instruments, to create a pocket for the breast implant. Another consideration: Implant placement The breast implant can be placed either partially under the pectoralis major muscle (sub-muscular) or on top of the muscle and under the breast glands (sub-glandular). It is important to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of the implant s placement. Take a look at the benefits and negative features of each implant placement option on the next page. Your surgeon will recommend the approach best-suited to your body type and goals. sub-muscular and sub-glandular placement Sub-muscular placement Surgery and recovery may be longer Recovery may be more painful Re-operation may be more difficult Less visible and palpable implants Easier imaging during mammography exam May be preferable if you have thin or weakened breast tissue Sub-glandular placement Surgery and recovery may be shorter Recovery may be less painful May provide easier access for re-operation More visible and palpable implants More difficult imaging during mammography exam May not be recommended if you have thin or weakened breast tissue Sub-muscular Placement Sub-glandular Placement { 16 } { 17 }
selecting the right surgeon for you The surgeon will expect you to ask questions even sensitive ones. What could be more important? Gather names; do your research into each surgeon s training, experience and results; schedule consultations with surgeons; ask questions; see before and after photos; and then use your own best judgment to make your choice. Do you relate to the surgeon? Do you feel at ease? In addition to medical experience, a surgeon s communication skills can be an important factor in choosing the right surgeon for you. After the consultation, ask yourself: Did he or she take the time to answer your questions or did you feel rushed? Was the staff courteous, helpful and genuinely caring? Your questions and considerations are valid. You may want to meet with more than one surgeon. The surgeon will expect you to ask questions even sensitive ones. A tip bring your questions in writing so you don t forget anything important. { 18 } { 19 }
Here are some questions you may want to ask: How many breast augmentation procedures do you perform each year? How many years have you been doing these procedures? Have you obtained training certification from Mentor to use MemoryGel breast implants? Are you board certified, and if so, with which board? In which state(s) are you licensed to practice surgery? (Note that some states provide information on disciplinary action and malpractice claims/settlements to prospective patients, either by request or on the internet.) What is the most common complication you encounter with breast augmentation? What is your re-operation rate with breast augmentation, and what is the most common type of re-operation you perform? Do you perform this surgery in a hospital or at an independent surgery center? (Note that hospitals require the demonstration of evidence of appropriate training in specific procedures before allowing surgeons to operate in their facilities.) You ll also want to ask questions about the procedure itself during your initial consultation: What are the risks and complications associated with having breast implants? (Highlight any risks and complications in this brochure and bring a copy with you.) How many operations can I expect over my lifetime on my implanted breasts? What shape, size, surface texturing, incision site and placement site do you recommend for me? How will my ability to breastfeed be affected? How can I expect my implanted breasts to look over time? How can I expect my implanted breasts to look after pregnancy or after breastfeeding? What are my options if I m dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my implanted breasts? What alternate procedures or products are available if I choose not to have breast implants? Do you have before and after photos I can look at for each procedure? I d like to be a size B (or C or D) cup size. Do you think that s appropriate for my body type? What results are reasonable for me to expect? Turn to Mentor www.loveyourlook.com provides a list of qualified surgeons in your area. Just click on find a surgeon and in minutes you ll have several surgeons to contact. You can also find a list of surgeons by contacting a number of respected professional organizations, such as: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons (AACS) Your local medical society If I choose to have the implants removed at a later date, how will my breasts look? { 20 } { 21 }
Surgery: The Details The surgical setting and anesthesia Most often, augmentation surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in a specialized operating room located in a hospital, a surgery center or a surgical suite in the surgeon s office. General anesthesia is commonly used but local anesthesia with sedation is also an option. Important: Your surgeon should give you specific instructions before surgery Ask about any tests or pre-surgical examinations that you ll need prior to surgery. Also ask how long you need to be without food or your routine medications prior to surgery, and for any other directions you should follow. Post-operative care Give yourself time to relax and heal take care of yourself after surgery Most women feel a bit tired and sore for several days following surgery. Your breasts may remain swollen and sensitive to physical contact for a month or longer. You may also experience a feeling of tightness in the breast area as your skin adjusts to your new breast size. The feeling in the breasts and nipple area also may be diminished during this time of swelling and immediate postsurgery recovery. You should talk to your surgeon about potential complications that may follow your breast augmentation surgery. Post-operative care can vary You may be told to use a specific post-operative bra, compression bandage, or jog bra for extra support and positioning while you heal. Some surgeons may not want you to wear a bra at all for a period of time following your surgery. { 22 } { 23 }
When can you resume your normal activities? Talk to your surgeon about your lifestyle and what activities you may want to refrain from while your body heals. You can probably return to work within a few days. Your surgeon will probably want you to avoid strenuous activities for a couple of weeks that could raise your pulse or blood pressure, or require strenuous use of your arms and chest. Your surgeon may also recommend breast massage exercises. IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER There are some age restrictions on who can and can t use breast implants Mentor s saline-filled breast implants for breast augmentation surgery are intended for women who are at least 18 years old. Women having breast augmentation surgery with MemoryGel breast implants must be at least 22 years old. If you are considering augmentation surgery with saline implants, please read Mentor s brochure entitled, Saline-Filled Implant Surgery: Making An Informed Decision. When considering MemoryGel implants be sure to read: Important Information for Augmentation Patients about Mentor MemoryGel Silicone Gel- Filled Breast Implants. Both brochures contain current information about breast implants. After reading and signing the Acknowledgment of Informed Decision page in each brochure, your surgeon will help you decide which implant type is the right choice for you. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and breast implantation is likely not a one-time surgery. You may need additional unplanned surgeries on your breasts because of complications or unacceptable cosmetic outcomes. These additional surgeries can include implant removal with or without replacement, or they can include other surgical procedures. When you have your implants replaced (revision-augmentation), your risk of future complications may increases compared to first time (primary) augmentation surgery. { 24 } { 25 }
Many of the changes to your breasts following implantation are irreversible (cannot be undone). If you later choose to have your implant(s) removed and not replaced, you may experience dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, or other cosmetic changes of the breast which can be permanent. Breast implants may affect your ability to breastfeed, either by reducing or eliminating milk production. Breast Augmentation Resources Mentor (or your surgeon) will be happy to provide you with a copy of the package insert (directions for use). For more detailed information on the pre-clinical and clinical studies conducted by Mentor, please refer to the summary of safety and effectiveness data (SSED) for this product at www.fda.gov/cdrh/ breastimplants/. Keep your breast implant ID card for later reference When you have breast augmentation, you will be given a device identification card with the style and serial number of your breast implant(s). This will be given to you right after your surgery. It is important that you keep a copy of this card because you may need to refer to the information at a later date. MENTOR PRODUCT REPLACEMENT POLICY AND LIMITED WARRANTIES Mentor proudly stands behind the products we manufacture with a product replacement policy and two limited warranty programs. It s important to understand that when undergoing breast augmentation, breast implantation may not be a one-time surgery. Mentor s Lifetime Product Replacement Policy provides for the free lifetime product replacement of its MemoryGel and saline-filled breast implants, worldwide. When implant replacement is required, and the Mentor Product Replacement Policy applies, Mentor will provide, throughout the patient s lifetime, the same or similar Mentor breast implant at no cost. If a more expensive product is requested, Mentor will invoice your surgeon for the price difference. The Mentor Standard Advantage Limited Warranty is free of charge to all patients who are implanted with Mentor MemoryGel and saline-filled breast implants in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Mentor Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty is available for women who are implanted with Mentor MemoryGel and saline-filled breast implants in the United { 26 } { 27 }
States and Puerto Rico. You must pay a $100.00 enrollment fee within 45 days of your breast implantation. Your surgeon will provide you with a copy of Mentor s Product Replacement and Limited Warranty program for breast implants. However, it is not intended to replace any discussion between you and your surgeon. Prior to your surgery, your surgeon should advise you about possible risks and complications associated with breast implant surgery, including deflation or rupture. Please retain your records With both the Mentor Standard Advantage and Mentor Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranties, it s important for you to also maintain your own records to ensure validation of your enrollment. This is necessary because it s possible your surgeon may only be required to retain your records for a limited period of time depending upon the laws of your state. Study results Mentor s saline-filled breast implants have been demonstrated to be effective for augmentation patients in a prospective 36-month study of 1,264 patients. In addition to an increase in bra cup size reported by 6% of patients, other statistically significant implant surgery benefits were demonstrated, as described below. Increased satisfaction with breast size, shape and firmness 3 Increased comfort with appearance 3 Increased satisfaction with physical appearance 4 Important Information For additional information or questions about Mentor breast implants, please call 1-800-MENTOR-8. Here are additional resources that can provide more information: Mentor Brochures Important Information for Augmentation Patients about Mentor MemoryGel Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants Saline-Filled Implant Surgery: Making An Informed Decision Mentor Corporation 1-800-Mentor-8 www.mentorcorp.com www.loveyourlook.com Institute of Medicine Report on the Safety of Silicone Implants www.nap.edu/catalog/9602.html Food and Drug Administration 1-888-INFO-FDA or 301-8230 www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/ You can find important information in the FDA breast implant consumer handbook, which is available through the phone number or web site provided above. American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org/ Improved self-esteem 5 3 As assessed by the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire. 4 As assessed by the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire. 5 As assessed by the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale. { 28 } { 29 }
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS For the most comprehensive information about breast implant surgery, we invite you to visit Mentor s aesthetic website: www.loveyourlook.com What is a breast implant? When someone says breast implant, they are describing a silicone shell that is filled with either silicone gel or saline solution. Breast augmentation and reconstruction surgeons insert these implants under breast tissue or under the chest muscle to create a fuller looking and feeling bust line. MemoryGel breast implants MemoryGel breast implants are the next generation of silicone implants. They are prefilled with Mentor s propriety cohesive silicone gel. MemoryGel breast implants hold safely and uniformly together to deliver a natural feel that closely resembles natural breast tissue. Saline-filled breast implants Saline-filled breast implants are silicone shells filled with saline (a saltwater solution) that is very similar to the bodies natural fluid which makes up most of the human body. Saline implants are inserted into the body without fluid and then filled with the saline fluid through a fill-tube during the surgery to adjust and achieve optimal volume. Certain Mentor saline-filled breast implants also allow for adjustments after surgery. What is silicone? Silicone is derived from silicon, a semi-metallic or metal-like element that in nature combines with oxygen to form silicon dioxide, or silica. { 30 } { 31 }
Beach sand, crystals and quartz are silica. Silica is the most common substance on earth. Heating silica with carbon at a high temperature can produce silicon. Further processing can convert the silicon into silicone, which can be a liquid, a gel or a rubbery substance. Various silicones are used in lubricants and oils, as well as in silicone elastomers. Silicone can be found in many common consumer items, such as chewing gum, nail polishes, suntan and hand lotions, antiperspirants, bath soaps and processed foods. Are silicone gel-filled implants safe? The FDA has determined that Mentor s breast implants are safe and effective. To ensure ongoing quality, the FDA has required that we continue to monitor our gel-filled implants by conducting a postapproval study of approximately 42,000 women over the course of 10 years. Mentor welcomes the opportunity to conduct this study to continue to further the science and information regarding silicone safety and efficacy. Good news from the scientific community The Institute of Medicine, in a highly respected study, concluded that, There is no evidence that silicone implants are responsible for any major diseases of the whole body. Women are exposed to silicone constantly in their daily lives. Do Mentor breast implants include latex? No. Because latex allergies are so common, Mentor never uses latex in the manufacturing of any of its breast implants. Is there active platinum in breast implants? The manufacture of silicone breast implant shells and gel-filling materials uses platinum as a catalyst. Because very small amounts of platinum remain in the product following its manufacture, concerns have been raised that platinum may enter the body and cause adverse effects either by diffusing through the intact shell, or through an implant rupture. However, in 2006, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the following conclusion about platinum: Based on the existing literature, FDA believes that the platinum contained in breast implants is in the zero oxidation state, which would pose the lowest risk, and thus that the small amounts of platinum that leak through the shell do not represent a significant risk to women with silicone breast implants. * How much do breast implants weigh? You can use this formula to estimate the weight of your MemoryGel and saline-filled breast implants: 1 ounce = 30 cc s. Example: A 300 cc implant = 10 ounces Implant weight will vary with implant size. How do cc s compare to cup size? cc volumes do not accurately translate to bra cup sizes. How do breast implants affect mammography? With breast implants, routine mammography screening may be more difficult. The implant may interfere with finding breast cancer during mammography and generally requires additional x-rays and more potential exposure to radiation. If you are of the proper age for mammography screening, you should continue to undergo routine mammography screenings as recommended by your primary care surgeon. When you do, be sure to inform the mammography technician that you have implants. *source: www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/platinum.html { 32 } { 33 }
What is the average life expectancy of a breast implant? It s important to know that breast implants don t last a lifetime. While implant duration varies from woman to woman, implants need to be replaced at some time. Replacement is often prompted by choice, such as a desired size change, or implant style change. Some women undergo breast implant replacement because of a complication, such as saline deflation or gel rupture. Do implants influence the occurrence of breast cancer? Patients with breast implants have not been found to be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer than those without breast implants. Should I be at my ideal weight before I have a breast implant procedure? You should be close to your ideal weight when you have breast implant surgery. Why? Because women who lose or gain a significant amount of weight after receiving breast implants sometimes alter the results in unpredictable and/or undesirable ways. Will my breasts still move like normal breasts? The goal is to create soft and natural moving breasts. Achieving this depends upon multiple factors. For some women, implants are firmer and more fixed in their position than their natural breasts. I m over 50 years of age. Am I too old to get breast implants? Your general health is far more important than your age. Women over the age of 50 can and do get implants. You are never too old to look your best. Will getting breast implants cause stretch marks on my breasts? Rarely, but it can happen. If you want to take every precaution to avoid stretch marks you have a few options that can reduce their likelihood. You can choose a smaller size breast implant to minimize the stretching of your skin or choose a Spectrum adjustable implant so you can slowly stretch your skin over time. Will I lose nipple sensation? There can be an increase or decrease in nipple sensation after your breast implant surgery. A small number of women experience intense sensitivity and others, no feeling. These effects can be temporary or permanent. What will happen during pregnancy? Every woman has different results with breast implants before or after a pregnancy. If you become pregnant after receiving breast implants, your breasts will grow and go through all the usual changes associated with pregnancy. The amount of enlargement will vary from woman to woman, and the size of your implants will be a factor. Will I be able to breastfeed? Many women with breast implants successfully breastfeed their babies. Some breastfeeding difficulties have been reported following breast surgery particularly when a surgeon uses a periareolar (around the nipple) incision. It is important that you let your surgeon know if you are planning or considering getting pregnant post-surgery. { 34 } { 35 }
How long should I wait to resume exercise and other strenuous activities after breast implant surgery? Because recovery periods vary from woman to woman, your surgeon will determine how much recovery time you may need and when to resume normal activities. As a rule of thumb, the first few days are the most uncomfortable. Most women return fully to their regular lives after four to six weeks. Be careful about resuming strenuous activities that could raise your pulse and blood pressure, or require strenuous use of your arms and chest through the entire recovery process. Be sure to check with your surgeon before returning to your workouts. What affect does smoking have on the healing process following surgery? Smoking can compromise recovery by causing blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow and the oxygen it carries to the surgical area. Your tissues need this blood and oxygen supply to heal properly. When your blood supply is reduced, tissues heal more slowly and irregularly. That s why many surgeons ask patients to refrain from smoking for one to five weeks prior to and after surgery. It is important that you ask your surgeon what his or her specific recommendation for you would be. When can I wear an underwire bra again? Most surgeons ask women to wait three months before wearing underwire bras after breast implant surgery because the body continues to form scar tissue around the implant for that time. Be sure to ask your surgeon for a recommendation. Can I go to tanning salons, infrared saunas or sunbathe if I have breast implants? These activities will not hurt the breast implants in any way, however, they may make scar tissue more visible. { 36 } When can I fly and/or scuba dive? Once fully recovered, you can feel free to scuba dive and fly in airplanes with some minor considerations since there may be slight expansion and contraction of the shell with changes in pressure. With saline-filled implants, this may result in a minimal amount of air bubbles in the implant, and you may feel or hear fluid sounds (gurgling). This should correct itself within 24 to 48 hours. Are Mentor breast implants covered by a warranty? Your peace of mind is important to us. All Mentor products come with Mentor s Lifetime Product Replacement Policy which provides for the free lifetime product replacement of our gel-filled and saline-filled breast implants, worldwide. When implant replacement is required, and the Mentor Product Replacement Policy applies, Mentor will provide, throughout the patient s lifetime, the same or similar Mentor breast implant at no cost. If a more expensive product is requested, Mentor will invoice your surgeon for the price difference. In addition, the Mentor Standard Advantage Limited Warranty is free of charge to all patients who are implanted with Mentor gel-filled or saline-filled breast implants in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Mentor Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty is an optional limited warranty available for women who are implanted with Mentor gel-filled or saline-filled breast implants in the United States and Puerto Rico. { 37 }
Please visit www.mentorcorp.com/ breastsurgery/augmentation/cs_ba_warranty. html to learn more about the terms of our Limited Warranty and Product Replacement Policy. You can enroll in the Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty by visiting www.mentorcorp.com/enhancedadvantage. Please review the complete limited warranties for details and limitations of coverage. You may receive a copy of the complete Mentor Advantage and Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranties for MemoryGel and saline-filled breast implants by writing or calling: It is very important that you take time to read and fully understand your brochure, and ask your surgeon any questions you may have. If you receive MemoryGel breast implants, you will be asked to sign the Acknowledgement of Informed Decision form in the brochure. After you read and sign the Informed Decision form in your brochure, your surgeon will help you decide which breast implant is the right choice for you. Consumer Affairs Department Mentor 201 Mentor Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93111 (866) 250-5115 Option 3 You may also obtain a copy of Mentor s Breast Augmentation Owner s Manual from your surgeon, or by visiting www.mentorcorp.com. To receive a detailed explanation about the benefits and risks associated with breast implants, please read the following patient brochure that applies to your procedure: Important Information for Augmentation Patients About Mentor MemoryGel Silicone Gel-filled Breast Implants Important Information for Reconstruction Patients About Mentor MemoryGel Silicone Gel-filled Breast Implants Saline-filled Breast Implant Surgery: Making an Informed Decision Implant Safety Information: There are risks associated with Breast Implant Surgery. Please read the appropriate patient brochure entitled Important Information for Augmentation Patients about Mentor MemoryGel Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants or Important Information for Reconstruction Patients about Mentor MemoryGel Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants. These educational brochures provide you with information about the risks and benefits of silicone breast implants. It is very important that you take the time to read and fully understand the brochure; ask any questions you may have; and then wait at least one to two weeks prior to scheduling surgery with MemoryGel silicone gel breast implants. After reading and signing the Acknowledgement of Informed Decision Form in your brochure, and after the consultation, your surgeon will help you decide which implant is the right choice for you. { 38 } { 39 }
www.loveyourlook.com Learn MORE about Cosmetic Procedures Online! Before & After Pictures Blogs & Videos A Wealth of Information
201 Mentor Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93111 USA (805) 879-6000 Customer Service: (800) 235-5731 Fax: (805) 967-7108 www.mentorcorp.com December 2008 Mentor 0809008