My Favorites

Sign In or create a Mentor Profile and:

Save Your Favorite Patient Results

Save Your Favorite Surgeons

Save Your Mentor Visualizer

Access Your Consultation Portfolio

Is Breast Augmentation Right for Me?

Augmentation is more than a physical enhancement. Your body can affect and reflect how you feel. Let's learn more about the procedure and the choices you have with Mentor.
Are breast implants safe?

Yes. Breast implants are safe and FDA approved. In fact, hundreds of thousands of women have successful breast augmentations every year. But as with any medical device, breast implants carry a risk of complications. In rare cases, they've been associated with a highly treatable lymphoma or autoimmune symptoms. In the event any complication develops, don't wait to consult your plastic surgeon. With decades of research behind our products, Mentor is committed to your safety.

You can find more information on considerations and possible complications in our online brochure .

What should I expect during the procedure?

You'll talk about your anesthesia and incision options with your doctor before your surgery.

On surgery day, once your anesthesia takes effect, your plastic surgeon will make an incision to create a space within your breast tissues for each implant.

Your surgeon will place and position the implants depending on the type of implant, degree of enlargement and your body type – either under the pectoral muscle or directly behind the breast tissue.

He/She will close the incisions – usually with layered sutures in the breast tissue, and sutures, skin adhesive or surgical tape to close the skin.

After your procedure, you’ll see instant results in your breast size, and the incision(s) will heal and fade with time.

Where is the surgery performed?

Your surgeon will likely perform an outpatient procedure in a hospital operating room, surgery center or surgical suite. For certain cases, your plastic surgeon may recommend an overnight hospital stay.

How long does the procedure take?

On average, breast augmentation surgery lasts one to two hours, but each case is different based on the patient and preferences.

Which kind of anesthesia should I expect?

Your doctor may recommend intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Ask ahead of time what's right for you.

When can I get back to my routine?

Each patient's post-op instructions are different, but some women are able to return to work within a few days. It's important that the few weeks following surgery, you avoid strenuous or stressful activities that could raise your pulse or blood pressure.

Implant Look & Feel

You probably have a preference of how you want your breasts to look and feel. Explore the three characteristics that will help you choose the right Mentor implant for you.
breast implant projection
Projection
Projection is the distance between the chest side and the outer-facing side of the implant. “High profile” indicates more projection from the chest, while “low profile” indicates less projection.
breast implant fullness
Fullness
Fullness varies depending on implant type. Round implants show more fullness above the nipple while teardrop implants have a gradual increase in fullness and projection from top to bottom.
breast implant firmness
Firmness
Firmness determines how natural the breast feels to the touch. Saline delivers the firmest feel while gel implants feel like natural breast tissue.

Your Incision Site

Explore three common incision site options for breast implant surgery. Your choices depend on the type of implant, degree of enlargement, your particular body and your surgeon's preference.
Inframammary Fold Incision
Most common, below the breast fold
Peri-areolar Incision
Most concealed, around the nipple or areolar edge
Transaxillary Incision
Primarily for saline, under the arm
Inframammary Fold Incision
Most common, below the breast fold
The inframammary incision is made under your breast at the crease, where the breast meets the body. While less concealed, some surgeons find outcomes to be more successful for breastfeeding.
Peri-areolar Incision
Made around the nipple to conceal the incision
The peri-areolar incision is made around the nipple to help conceal the incision site. It involves cutting through the breast tissue and may be associated with the risk of a change in nipple sensation compared to other options.
Transaxillary Incision
Primarily for saline, under the arm
The transaxillary incision involves using a lighted camera (endoscope) to help tunnel through the area under the arm and create a pocket behind the breast. It's primarily used to place saline breast implants before they're filled.

Your Implant Placement

You'll choose from two common placement options for your breast augmentation.
breast implant submammary/subglandular placement

Submammary/Subglandular Placement

The implant is placed above the pectoral muscle and behind the breast tissue.

Considerations:
  • Surgery and recovery may be shorter
  • Recovery may be less painful
  • May provide easier access for reoperation
breast implant submuscular placement

Submuscular Placement

The implant is placed partially or wholly below the pectoral muscle.

Considerations:
  • Surgery and recovery may be longer
  • Recovery may be more painful
  • Reoperation may be more difficult

The Cost of Breast Augmentation

Prices for breast augmentation can vary quite a bit based on the type of implant you choose, your location, surgery-related expenses and surgeon's fees. Ask your surgeon directly if all costs are included in your estimate. There are no set costs for things like facility, anesthesia or prescriptions, so make sure you meet with several surgeons to compare estimates for surgeon fees and additional surgical-related expenses.
Warranties are also an important consideration to protect you from additional costs down the road. That's why all MENTOR® Breast Implants come with a Lifetime Product Replacement Policy free of charge.
cost breast augmentation

Start Shaping Your Future Now: MENTOR Lookbook & Personalized Portfolio

Discover what’s possible by starting your journey with Mentor. You’ll view real results, virtually try on different looks, explore product choices, and find local surgeons. At the end, you’ll have a personalized portfolio to show your doctor.

Start Shaping Your Future Now: MENTOR Lookbook & Personalized Portfolio

Discover what’s possible by starting your journey with Mentor. You’ll view real results, virtually try on different looks, explore product choices, and find local surgeons. At the end, you’ll have a personalized portfolio to show your doctor.