Your Journey, Your Options
Whether you’ve made the choice to begin breast reconstruction, or you’re still deciding what’s best for you—it’s all about your journey. We understand your journey is uniquely personal and want you to feel confident along the way with tools and resources to help you in the decision-making process.
We’re in this together
Every breast cancer journey is different, but your support team is there to empower you every step of the way. Guidance from your care team, friends, family and advocates can help you find confidence during this time.
Mentor is humbled to be alongside you throughout your journey and part of your support team.
Your Procedure
Whether embarking on your breast reconstruction journey at the time of your mastectomy (immediate) or sometime after (delayed), you and your surgeon will discuss the best options for you.
Breast Reconstruction Pathways
There are multiple pathways for breast reconstruction and your timing to undergo this procedure plays an important role in understanding your options.
Immediate or Delayed
Two-stage reconstruction begins with the placement of tissue expanders. You will meet with your plastic surgeon on a regular basis to fill the expander with sterile saline solution to gradually create your breast pocket. The expander is then replaced by a breast implant. This procedure allows for the most flexibility in shaping the breast.
Immediate
Single-stage reconstruction, or direct to implant, is when your surgeon places a breast implant immediately after your mastectomy. Sometimes, a direct to implant patient may decide to have a revision procedure sometime later to obtain the size breast she wants.
The autologous pathway involves using tissue from another place on your body to create the shape of a breast.
Additional Considerations
Incision
Your type of mastectomy and tumor location will determine your reconstruction incision.
Learn morePlacement of Devices in Breast Reconstruction
Expanders and implants can be placed either under the chest muscle (submuscular) or on top of the chest muscle (pre-pec).
Learn moreBreast Symmetry
In the case of a unilateral diagnosis, a surgeon may recommend breast implantation of the opposite, uninvolved breast in order to make them more alike.
Nipple Reconstruction
Nipple reconstruction is normally a separate outpatient procedure after your reconstruction is complete.
Why Tissue Expansion May Be Necessary
Tissue expansion plays an important role in creating the aesthetic outcome of your reconstructed breasts.
A breast tissue expander is a temporary device that is designed to stretch the skin tissue as it shapes and creates a breast pocket for the final implant to be placed to restore volume.
What To Expect With Tissue Expanders
Your Procedure
Whether embarking on your breast reconstruction journey at the time of your mastectomy (immediate) or sometime after (delayed), you and your surgeon will discuss the best options for you.
Breast Reconstruction Pathways
There are multiple pathways for breast reconstruction and your timing to undergo this procedure plays an important role in understanding your options.
Immediate or Delayed
Two-stage reconstruction begins with the placement of tissue expanders. You will meet with your plastic surgeon on a regular basis to fill the expander with sterile saline solution to gradually create your breast pocket. The expander is then replaced by a breast implant. This procedure allows for the most flexibility in shaping the breast.
Immediate
Single-stage reconstruction, or direct to implant, is when your surgeon places a breast implant immediately after your mastectomy. Sometimes, a direct to implant patient may decide to have a revision procedure sometime later to obtain the size breast she wants.
The autologous pathway involves using tissue from another place on your body to create the shape of a breast.
Additional Considerations
Incision
Your type of mastectomy and tumor location will determine your reconstruction incision.
Learn morePlacement of Devices in Breast Reconstruction
Expanders and implants can be placed either under the chest muscle (submuscular) or on top of the chest muscle (pre-pec).
Learn moreBreast Symmetry
In the case of a unilateral diagnosis, a surgeon may recommend breast implantation of the opposite, uninvolved breast in order to make them more alike.
Nipple Reconstruction
Nipple reconstruction is normally a separate outpatient procedure after your reconstruction is complete.
Why Tissue Expansion May Be Necessary
Tissue expansion plays an important role in creating the aesthetic outcome of your reconstructed breasts.
A breast tissue expander is a temporary device that is designed to stretch the skin tissue as it shapes and creates a breast pocket for the final implant to be placed to restore volume.
What To Expect With Tissue Expanders
Your Choice
Your breast reconstruction journey is unique to you. Mentor offers various tissue expanders and breast implants to help ensure you achieve your desired aesthetic outcome. Discussing these options with your plastic surgeon will help you feel confident with your implant choice.
Choosing the Right Implant for You
As a reconstruction patient, you have aesthetic options and can consider outcomes different from your native breasts. Only you know what looks and feels right for you.
Implant Basics
An implant is not classified like breast sizes - they don’t come in “Size A”, “Size B”, etc - but rather dimensions that provide the result you are looking for.
Dimensions that help your surgeon determine the best implant for you:
BAse Width
Determined by your body type & build.
Projection
How far the breast implant extends from your chest wall. The implant’s projection in relation to base width is more commonly referred to as the Implant Profile.
Volume
Measured in cubic centimeters, or “cc’s”. This is how a breast implant is sized.
Symmetry
No two breasts are the same – there are subtle differences and when reconstructed, those subtle differences may become more noticeable.
Keep in MInd:
Your base width remains the same. It is the flexibility in options for varying dimensions of projection & volume that determine which implant will best suit your desired aesthetic outcome.
MENTOR® MemoryGel® Breast Implants
Soft, Natural, Feel
With a variety of options for projection, fullness and firmness, the uniquely formulated cohesive gel found within MENTOR® MemoryGel® Breast Implants creates a soft, more natural feel chosen by millions of women.*
MENTOR® MemoryShape® Breast Implants
Long-Lasting Results
MemoryShape® Implants help create your desired breast shape with youthful firmness; it’s the most projecting shaped implant on the market.†
MENTOR® Saline Breast Implants
Flexible Volume
MENTOR® Saline Implants are filled with a saltwater solution, much like what’s in the human body. Saline has the firmest feel compared to the other Mentor silicone gel implants.
As compared to saline-filled breast implants.
As compared to silicone gel shaped breast implants commercially available in the U.S.
MENTOR® ARTOURA® Breast Tissue Expanders
Designed to expand primarily in the lower portion of the breast through internal components that are designed to be predictable, safe and stable during breast reconstruction procedures, while offering unsurpassed tissue expansion control.3, 4, 11, ‡
MENTOR® CPX®4 Breast Tissue Expanders
Offers a soft, comfortable expander for patients. Maximizes lower pole projection and provides a natural breast shape.
2012 ARTOURA(tm) Breast Tissue Expander compared to Allergan 133MV-13 and 133MX-13 in a benchtop study under simulated compression
Proprietary BufferZone® Self-Sealing Patch. The third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners. Compared to Mentor's previous Family of Breast Tissue Expanders.
Your Choice
Your breast reconstruction journey is unique to you. Mentor offers various tissue expanders and breast implants to help ensure you achieve your desired aesthetic outcome. Discussing these options with your plastic surgeon will help you feel confident with your implant choice.
Choosing the Right Implant for You
As a reconstruction patient, you have aesthetic options and can consider outcomes different from your native breasts. Only you know what looks and feels right for you.
Implant Basics
An implant is not classified like breast sizes - they don’t come in “Size A”, “Size B”, etc - but rather dimensions that provide the result you are looking for.
Dimensions that help your surgeon determine the best implant for you:
BAse Width
Determined by your body type & build.
Projection
How far the breast implant extends from your chest wall. The implant’s projection in relation to base width is more commonly referred to as the Implant Profile.
Volume
Measured in cubic centimeters, or “cc’s”. This is how a breast implant is sized.
Symmetry
No two breasts are the same – there are subtle differences and when reconstructed, those subtle differences may become more noticeable.
Keep in MInd:
Your base width remains the same. It is the flexibility in options for varying dimensions of projection & volume that determine which implant will best suit your desired aesthetic outcome.
Breast Implant Options
MENTOR® Breast Implants are designed to meet your aesthetic and lifestyle goals. You and your surgeon can choose from a variety of shapes and sizes to find the best implant for you.
- Proprietary cohesive “gummy” gel designed to hold together uniformly to look and feel like breast tissue*
- Innovative shell designed to maintain a natural feel while delivering exceptional strength
- Dynamic fill ratios for varying degrees of implant firmness to best suit your needs
- Covered by comprehensive implant warranties2
MENTOR® MemoryGel® Breast Implants
Soft, Natural, Feel
With a variety of options for projection, fullness and firmness, the uniquely formulated cohesive gel found within MENTOR® MemoryGel® Breast Implants creates a soft, more natural feel chosen by millions of women.*
MENTOR® MemoryShape® Breast Implants
Long-Lasting Results
MemoryShape® Implants help create your desired breast shape with youthful firmness; it’s the most projecting shaped implant on the market.†
MENTOR® Saline Breast Implants
Flexible Volume
MENTOR® Saline Implants are filled with a saltwater solution, much like what’s in the human body. Saline has the firmest feel compared to the other Mentor silicone gel implants.
As compared to saline-filled breast implants.
As compared to silicone gel shaped breast implants commercially available in the U.S.
Breast Tissue Expander Options
Mentor offers choices in tissue expanders so you and your surgeon can decide what is right for you. MENTOR® Breast Tissue Expanders include:
- Proprietary BufferZone® Self-Sealing Patch surrounds the magnetic injection dome to help protect at least 50% more of the expander surface area (than the injection dome alone) from accidental needle punctures during fill sessions.
- Various profiles and sizes to align with your chest base width and desired implant choice
- Available in Smooth and Siltex® Imprinted Texture
MENTOR® ARTOURA® Breast Tissue Expanders
Designed to expand primarily in the lower portion of the breast through internal components that are designed to be predictable, safe and stable during breast reconstruction procedures, while offering unsurpassed tissue expansion control.3, 4, 11, ‡
MENTOR® CPX®4 Breast Tissue Expanders
Offers a soft, comfortable expander for patients. Maximizes lower pole projection and provides a natural breast shape.
2012 ARTOURA(tm) Breast Tissue Expander compared to Allergan 133MV-13 and 133MX-13 in a benchtop study under simulated compression
Proprietary BufferZone® Self-Sealing Patch. The third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners. Compared to Mentor's previous Family of Breast Tissue Expanders.
The difference is inside.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
Mentor is committed to providing objective and clinical information about breast implant safety so that patients feel empowered to make an informed choice.
MENTOR® Silicone Gel Implants are Supported by Robust Patient Data
You Use Products with Silicone Everyday
Soap, Lotion, and Chewing Gum
Recyclable and Considered Environmentally Friendly
Medical Devices and Compatiple With Human Tissue
Baby Products Such as Bottles and Pacifiers
Own Your Decision
Our Commitment To Safety
Nothing is more important to Mentor than the health and satisfaction of the patients who choose our breast implants. MENTOR® Breast Implants are backed by 10-year, prospective clinical trials that demonstrate their safety and effectiveness in primary and revision augmentation and reconstruction patients.6
We are proud to offer comprehensive warranties for all our implant devices.2
Our Manufacturing Process
Each Mentor product undergoes a stringent inspection and rigorous testing to ensure quality and performance. We closely monitor MENTOR® Breast Implants through clinical studies, registries and post- market surveillance activities. We’re constantly evaluating materials and implementing manufacturing innovation based on the latest research and feedback.
Follow Up
Following your breast surgery, it’s important that you have regular follow up exams and follow your doctor’s instructions to monitor your breast implants as there are risks involved with breast implant surgery. If you notice any changes to your breast implants or experience any unusual signs or symptoms of health issues, contact your health care provider promptly to schedule an appointment.
Complications
Common Complications
MENTOR® Breast Implants are backed by substantial clinical data demonstrating safety and effectiveness in primary and revision augmentation and reconstruction patients.6 However, as with any medical procedure, there are complications that may arise. There are risks associated with breast implant surgery. You should be aware that breast implants are not lifetime devices and breast implantation may not be a one-time surgery. The chance of developing complications increases over time. The most common are capsular contracture, reoperation, implant removal, and rupture or deflation of the implant.
Learn more about common complications here
Breast-Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
BIA-ALCL is an uncommon type of lymphoma found in women with breast implants.7 It most commonly appears as a swelling of the breast caused by fluid around the implant, usually at least 1 year after surgery.8 It can also cause pain, lumps, swelling, or asymmetry.9 The recommendation is the removal of the breast implant and surrounding tissue. Treatment has been successful when found early.10
Learn more about BIA-ALCL here
Always be sure to discuss all of your concerns about any of these risks with your plastic surgeon.
Pre and Post-Op Checklist
There are many details that go into surgery planning. Often times, it‘s easy to forget the small stuff. The following pre- and post-op tips are meant to provide the details that can make life easier before and after surgery.
Talk to Your Surgeon and Their Staff
- Mixing medications: Medications you’re already taking may interact with surgery or with medications that your surgeon prescribes before and after your procedure. Be sure to telI your surgeon about any medications you are taking or plan to take throughout recovery. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs can also interact with medications.
- Receive directions to the facility where you plan to have the procedure.
- Request a list or your surgeon’s pre-operative and post-operative instructions, which can include:
a) showering recommendations
b) medications that need to be taken or stopped prior to the procedure
c) supplies that you will need after surgery
d) policies on smoking cessation, if applicable - After hours contact information for your surgeon.
The Days Before Surgery
- Purchase any supplies that you will need for recovery.
- Follow instructions provided by your surgeon regarding medication.
- Fill any post-operative prescriptions necessary after the procedure.
- Coordinate with a friend or family member who can drive you home after the procedure and possibly stay with you for the first few days after surgery.
The Night Before Surgery
- Pack your bag the night before surgery. Bring any personal items that you might need.
- Bring a container to hold your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Bring comfortable clothes to wear after the procedure.
- Bring your insurance card.
- Follow instructions regarding food and drink.
The Day of the Procedure
- You will receive a list of discharge instructions and medication instructions.
- You will receive emergency contact information
- Be certain to have someone stay with you for the amount of time recommended by your surgeon.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
Mentor is committed to providing objective and clinical information about breast implant safety so that patients feel empowered to make an informed choice.
MENTOR® Silicone Gel Implants are Supported by Robust Patient Data
You Use Products with Silicone Everyday
Soap, Lotion, and Chewing Gum
Recyclable and Considered Environmentally Friendly
Medical Devices and Compatiple With Human Tissue
Baby Products Such as Bottles and Pacifiers
Pre and Post-Op Checklist
There are many details that go into surgery planning. Often times, it‘s easy to forget the small stuff. The following pre- and post-op tips are meant to provide the details that can make life easier before and after surgery.
Talk to Your Surgeon and Their Staff
- Mixing medications: Medications you’re already taking may interact with surgery or with medications that your surgeon prescribes before and after your procedure. Be sure to telI your surgeon about any medications you are taking or plan to take throughout recovery. Vitamins, minerals, and herbs can also interact with medications.
- Receive directions to the facility where you plan to have the procedure.
- Request a list or your surgeon’s pre-operative and post-operative instructions, which can include:
a) showering recommendations
b) medications that need to be taken or stopped prior to the procedure
c) supplies that you will need after surgery
d) policies on smoking cessation, if applicable - After hours contact information for your surgeon.
The Days Before Surgery
- Purchase any supplies that you will need for recovery.
- Follow instructions provided by your surgeon regarding medication.
- Fill any post-operative prescriptions necessary after the procedure.
- Coordinate with a friend or family member who can drive you home after the procedure and possibly stay with you for the first few days after surgery.
The Night Before Surgery
- Pack your bag the night before surgery. Bring any personal items that you might need.
- Bring a container to hold your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Bring comfortable clothes to wear after the procedure.
- Bring your insurance card.
- Follow instructions regarding food and drink.
The Day of the Procedure
- You will receive a list of discharge instructions and medication instructions.
- You will receive emergency contact information
- Be certain to have someone stay with you for the amount of time recommended by your surgeon.
Own Your Recovery
Relax, Heal, and Recharge
You’ll probably feel tired and sore after your surgery. Your breasts may be swollen and sensitive to touch. You might feel tightness in your breasts because your skin needs to adjust to your new size. Talk to your surgeon about any concerns you may have after your surgery.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
Your surgery is unique to your journey, so your recovery will be unique too. It’s important to follow the instructions given by your surgeon.
Your Lifestyle and Activities
Talk to your surgeon about your lifestyle and typical activities—you might need to take a break from some things while your body heals.
References
- 1.1 Spear S, Jespersen, MR. Breast Implants: Saline or Silicone? Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2010; 30:557. 1.2 Bondurant, S., Ernster, V., and Herdman, R. . “Safety of Silicone Implants.” Washington, DC: National Academy Press(1999) Page 58.
- MentorPromise & MentorPromise Enhanced Protection Plan
- Martin, A, Mentor Internal Memo, Ratio of the bladder and dome to shell, 11/06/12, Surface area memo
- 100316549 3D Benchtop Imaging of Artoura and Allergan Completion Report
- 5.1 Summary of the Safety and Effectiveness of Mentor’s MemoryGel® Silicone Gel-Filled Implants in Patients who are Undergoing Primary Breast Augmentation, Primary Breast Reconstruction, or Revision. 10-Year Core Gel Final Clinical Study Report. April 2013. 5.2 MemoryGel® Post Approval Study Seventh Annual Report, November 5, 2013. 5.3. Adjunct Study Final Report for Mentor’s MemoryGel® Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants, 02 November 2012. 5.4. Mentor Worldwide, LLC. MemoryShapeTM Post-Approval Cohort Study (formerly Contour Profile Gel Core Study) Final Clinical Study Report. 02 June 2015. 5.5. Mentor Becker Expander/Breast Implant Clinical Trial 2013 Annual Report. 5.6. Adjunct Study Annual Report for Mentor’s Becker Adjustable Breast Implants: Year 18 (September 1992-November 2010) October 3, 2011. 5.7. CPG Styles Study: A Study of the Safety of the Contour Profile Gel Breast Implants in Subjects who are Undergoing Primary Breast Augmentation, Primary Breast Reconstruction, or Revision. 2015. 5.8. MemoryShapeTM Post-Approval Continued Access Study (formerly Contour Profile Gel Continued Access Study). 2014. 5.9. Athena Study annual report (Sept 2018): A Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of the Mentor® Smooth and Textured Larger Size MemoryGel® Ultra High Profile (UHP-L) Breast Implants in Subjects who are Undergoing Primary Breast Reconstruction or Revision Reconstruction. 5.10. Glow Study annual report (Feb 2018): Memory Gel and Shape Combined Cohort Post Approval Study.
- 6.1 MemoryShape Post-Approval Cohort Study (formerly Contour Profile Gel Core Study) Final Clinical Study Report. Mentor Worldwide, LLC; 02 June 2015. 6.2 MemoryGel Core Gel Clinical Study Final Report. Mentor Worldwide, LLC; April 2013. 6.3 Mentor MemoryShape Post-Approval Continued Access Study (formerly Contour Profile Gel Continued Access Study), Final Report. October 2014. 6.4 Mentor MemoryGel Breast Implant Large Post Approval Study Re-Op Phase Annual Report. 17 June 2016. 6.5 Adjunct Study Final Report for Mentor’s MemoryGel Silicone Gel-filled Breast Implants. 02 November 2012. 6.6 Mentor MemoryShape CPG Styles Study: A Study of the Safety of the Contour Profile Gel Breast Implants in Subjects who are Undergoing Primary Breast Augmentation, Primary Breast Reconstruction, or Revision, Final Clinical Study Report. 20 October 2015.
- 7.1 Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) In Women with Breast Implants: Preliminary FDA Findings and Analyses: Center for Devices and Radiological Health, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; January 2011 [cited 2017 26 February]. 7.2 Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). US Food and Drug Administration; 20 January 2016 [cited 2017 26 February]. 7.3 Lymphome Anaplasique à Grandes Cellules associé aux implants mammaries (LAGC-AIM): Point sur les investigations en cours- Point d’Information.: L’Agence nationale de sécruité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM). 06 July 2016 [cited 2016 06 July]. 7.4. Breast Implants: Expert Advisory Panel Advice on Association with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.: Austraian Government Department of Health Therapeutic Goods Administration.; 20 December 2016 [cited 2017 26 February]. 7.5. Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): US Food and Drug Administration; 22 March 2017 [cited 2017 22 March]. 7.6 Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). US Food & Drug Administration. March 2018 [accessed 12DEC2018]. URL Reference
- Clemens MW, Medeiros LJ, Butler CE, Hunt KK, Fanale MA, Horwitz S, et al. Complete Surgical Excision Is Essential for the Management of Patients With Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large- Cell Lymphoma. J Clin Oncol. 2016;34(2):160-8. Epub 2015/12/03.doi: 10.1200/jco.2015.63.3412. PubMed PMID: 26628470; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC4872006 online at http:// www.jco. org. Author contributions are found at the end of this article.
- Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): US Food and Drug Administration; 22 March 2017 [cited 2017 22 March]
- 10.1 Taylor CR, Siddiqi IN, Brody GS. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma occurring in association with breast implants: review of pathologic and immunohistochemical features in 103 cases. Applied immunohistochemistry & molecular morphology : AIMM. 2013;21(1):13-20. Epub 2012/12/14. doi: 10.1097/PAI.0b013e318266476c. PubMed PMID: 23235342. 10.2 Thompson PA, Prince HM. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a systematic review of the literature and mini-meta analysis. Current hematologic malignancy reports. 2013;8(3):196-210. Epub 2013/06/15. doi: 10.1007/s11899-013-0164-3. PubMed PMID: 23765424. 10.3 Miranda RN, Aladily TN, Prince HM, Kanagal-Shamanna R, de Jong D, Fayad LE, et al. Breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma: long-term follow-up of 60 patients. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(2):114-20. Epub 2013/12/11. doi: 10.1200/jco.2013.52.7911. PubMed PMID: 24323027; PubMed Central PMCID: PMCPMC4062709. 10.4 Clemens MW, Collins MS, Butler CE, Hunt KK, Medeiros LJ, Fanale MA, et al. Characteristics and Treatment of Patients with Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Presenting with Aggressive Features. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;136(4 Suppl):119-20. Epub 2015/09/24. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000472428.27422.0d. PubMed PMID: 26397638.
- MENTOR® Breast Tissue Expander design change of CPX®4 Breast Tissue Expander, Smooth and SILTEX® and ARTOURA® Breast Tissue Expander, Smooth and SILTEX® includes addition of suture tabs. ARTOURA® Breast Tissue Expander Smooth tab addition 2015. CPX4® Breast Tissue Expander Smooth tab addition 2018.
