Mentor implants – will the resulting beauty justify the risks?

Mentor implants (use in mammoplasty)

Safe and reliable, Mentor breast implants have been manufactured in the USA since 1969. Today they are produced at factories in the cities of Santa Barbara (USA) and Leiden (Netherlands), taking into account scientific research and the development of new materials and forms.

Demanded products are supplied to medical markets in 75 countries around the world. In the Russian Federation, the role of distributor is played by.

Mentor endoprostheses are chosen by plastic surgeons. In addition, they are recommended to patients due to their high level of safety and the most reliable recreation of the natural appearance of the breast.

Implants are installed if there is minimal risk of complications, they are characterized by a lifetime guarantee and quality - endoprostheses are certified in accordance with EU standards.

Mentor implants come in MemoryShape, MemoryGel and saline-filled types.

Miami plastic surgeon Ziyad Hammoudeh

Alpha Bio implants

The implant manufacturer Alpha Bio Tec (Israel) has been a leader in the dental implantology market with Alpha Bio systems for 25 years due to their excellent quality and affordable price. The products are popular in more than 50 countries around the world, fully justifying consumers’ perceptions of high-quality Israeli medicine. Since 2008, Nobel Biocare has purchased Alpha Bio from its owners, and technology is currently being exchanged.

Advantages of Alpha Bio implants (click to expand):

• Manufacturing material – Ti-6AI-4V ELI alloy, which has increased strength and excellent biocompatibility with tissues;
• Used for one- and two-stage implantation;
• Micro-roughened NanoTec™ surface, improving osseointegration;
• Combined thread with different pitches and profiles, thanks to which high primary stability of the implant is achieved;
• Hexagon socket platform switching technology;
• Implants are suitable for installation in any type of bone tissue;
• Wide range of models: there are five implant systems with an internal hexagon, two with a conical hexagon, a system of thin implants, and temporary implants. The variety of products allows you to choose individual treatment for each patient;
• Availability of surgical kits that can be used for various Alpha Bio systems;
• Patients easily tolerate the installation of implants, and the healing process proceeds without complications.

Alpha Bio are implants developed on the basis of classic Zimmer implants, and the new lines also use AstraTech conical implant-abutment connection technology and active thread as in Nobel.

#5 advantages of implants

These implants are quite popular. This is not surprising, since they have a number of obvious advantages. Namely:

1. Mentor implants are distinguished by a soft and pliable structure, so during installation they have a lower threshold for injury, which is incomparably lower than their analogues. The appearance of the bust acquired with these implants is as natural as possible. Endoprostheses contain a special barrier layer in the device. It is endowed with the property of preventing the gel from entering the tissue and limiting to a minimum the possibility of damage to the capsule.
2. The patented Siltex shell for prostheses is characterized by a moderately textured coating. This is reflected in the healing of implants, which takes a little time. At the same time, patients tolerate plastic surgery quite easily. Endoprostheses with a Siltex shell reduce the threshold for the appearance of capsular contracture, which is inevitable when a foreign body is introduced into the body during plastic surgery. This affects the aesthetics of the bust and is significant for preserving the patient’s health in the future.
3. The patented high-quality filler - cohesive Memory Gel in Mentor implants influences the reconstruction of the most natural appearance of the breast and modeling the elasticity of the bust. Memory Gel has a “memory effect”, a significant viscosity coefficient and plasticity. Its consistency closely resembles the biological tissue of the mammary glands, which makes the acquired bust look natural and aesthetically pleasing.
4. Curvature (curvature) affects the shape of the implants. There are round or anatomical (drop-shaped) endoprostheses. With Mentor implants, the curvature reproduces the natural outline of the bust. Plastic surgeons advise patients with normal constitution and excess weight to install round implants. For those with a lean and slender build, plastic surgeons recommend teardrop-shaped endoprostheses. This is due to a slight fat layer, under which the edges of the drop-shaped implants are invisible.
5. Lifetime warranty for Mentor implants is officially guaranteed by the manufacturer. But if a capsule rupture occurs during the postoperative period, patients are given the right to replace the implants free of charge. In this case, the manufacturer provides a guarantee for a period of 10 years.

Some owners of Mentor implants note that the breasts are not soft and elastic enough when touched. This is explained by the presence of a three-layer shell on the prostheses, which prevents the gel from leaking out of the implant.

The manufacturer provides a 10-year warranty on Mentor implants. And the quality of endoprostheses is confirmed by FDA, CE, ISO.

Miami plastic surgeon Ziyad Hammoudeh

Dentium implants

The South Korean company Dentium is a relatively young company; it has been present on the implantology market since 2000. In Russia, Dentium products officially appeared in 2007, during which time they managed to receive approval from both dentists and patients. During its existence, the company has managed to acquire research laboratories around the world and uses scientific and clinical data to improve its products.

It has two lines of root-shaped implants in different price categories, so patients with different incomes can afford high-quality treatment.

• SuperLine – premium anatomical root-shaped implants that allow for more aesthetic prosthetics;
• Implantium – budget class. Implants are very popular among Russian consumers; in the price lists of clinics, these implants are called Implantium, without indicating the manufacturing company.

Despite the different price categories, all Dentium implants have common characteristics: high quality, reliability, aesthetics.

Both lines use a conical implant-abutment connection and are developed based on AstraTech solutions.

The advantages of Dentium implants include (click to expand):

• Easy penetration into the bone;
• The presence of double threads, which reduces screwing time;
• High primary stability;
• The ability to evenly distribute the load;
• Good adhesion due to SLA surface;
• Aesthetic TiN coating of abutments, thanks to which there is no visibility of the abutment neck through thin gums.

The company also produces Slim Onebody mini-implants, which are used when installing removable overdentures on four or six implants.

Characteristic features (3 types)

The manufacturer produces endoprostheses with different filler cohesiveness (viscosity). There are three types of cohesive:

1. The softest gel used in filling round-shaped implants with different profile levels, be it low, medium or high;
2. A medium-density gel, endoprostheses with it are suitable for patients with moderately developed tissues in the bust area and a modest fat layer;
3. Jelly-like filling with the highest density allows prosthetics to recreate a bust with the most natural shapes and fullness.

Due to the viscosity of the gel, the shape of the breast is “memorized” and restored when squeezed.

It is important to note that Mentor breast implants (like all breast implants) may need to be removed or replaced. This is influenced by various factors.

Miami plastic surgeon Ziyad Hammoudeh

Surgical templates do not help, but distort the picture when installing implants

Some doctors try to portray the use of surgical guides as a disadvantage. Arguing this is that such a landmark cannot be fixed, because bone atrophy manifests itself unevenly, which means there is a risk of installing an implant outside the desired area. If we are talking about standard guide templates, then this is indeed the case - but this was only the first step 10-15 years ago towards minimizing doctor errors.

Today, the development of digital technologies and robotic equipment makes it possible to create individual templates for each patient. Moreover, there are intraoral navigation systems for surgical procedures (GPS for the implantologist during surgery).

MYTH

When using a surgical template, there is a risk of installing an implant in an area with insufficient bone tissue. There is also a high probability of perforation of the bottom of the maxillary sinus in the upper jaw or damage to the mandibular nerve.

IS IT TRUE

Individual surgical templates are created precisely to protect the doctor and patient from damage to important organs and nerves, as well as to ensure accurate positioning in the bone according to a detailed plan on a 3D model of the jaw before surgery.

After careful planning of the “implant-prosthesis” design, several files are exported from NobelClinician, one of which is a task for a 3D printer to print an individual surgical template according to the data of the developed plan! The template takes into account the shape of the gingival margin, fits tightly to the mucosa, repeating the bends of the alveolar ridge. The templates are fixed on the jaw during surgery, which prevents their displacement. That is, if the process is carefully worked out in 3D, the likelihood of placing implants differently than intended is minimized. Only minor adjustments are possible in cases where the affected teeth are removed simultaneously with the installation of implants.

MYTH

Correct installation of implants can only be based on the results of 3D tomography (CT) of the jaw - this way the doctor can act more flexibly in the oral cavity, selecting areas with maximum volume and density of the jaw bone.

IS IT TRUE

Here it is worth asking a reasonable question - “how then does the doctor transfer the exact parameters of CT or 3D tomography into the oral cavity during surgery?” That's right - by eye and touch, without precise calculation. The conclusion is obvious - this is already the last century, because without accurate computer modeling of the implant treatment process there is a risk of making mistakes and losing the entire result.

So, as soon as you hear a doctor say that the use of surgical templates is a clear disadvantage, you can immediately and safely question his professionalism. Such a statement means that the doctor is distant and not even familiar with the original technology. I have never encountered the development of an individual template in practice, does not work in special software for treatment planning, and does not have special equipment for printing templates. You should be wary of his approach to installing implants - it can be dangerous: first of all, the loss of your health.

From the point of view of logic and translation of such a situation into ordinary life: which tailor would you prefer - the one who will sew according to an individual pattern, checking all the measurements several times, or the one who will simply estimate it by eye? Agree that there are few such talented geniuses, and we are dealing with health and your smile.

MYTH

When using a template, the proportion of trauma from surgery is greater, since it is necessary to peel off the gum flap to work with the bone.

IS IT TRUE

Surgical templates were created precisely to reduce the level of surgical intervention. They allow the implants to be positioned using the puncture method, without massive peeling of the flap, since the operation is planned in advance.

“The use of surgical templates simultaneously with 3D modeling of the implantation process makes the implantation result predictable. We do not work blindly, but have clear data on how to install implants, without injuring the sinuses or nerve endings, with the further possibility of performing high-quality prosthetics. This is a unified system and an integrated approach, and for the patient – ​​the result that he initially expected.”

Bespalov Roman Dmitrievich, maxillofacial surgeon, implantologist, more than 25 years of experience make an appointment

We learned from the best! Our doctors were trained by the developers of “all-on-four” implantation and visited the clinic of Dr. Paulo Malo, the founder of the method, in Portugal. We know exactly how to solve your problem with a guaranteed result using the original method!

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Prohibition on installation (contraindications)

Mentor implants are safe for the health of patients. Restrictions on the use of endoprostheses during mammoplasty are dictated by contraindications to the surgical procedure of implantation.

Prostheses cannot be implanted in those diagnosed with certain diseases.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

1. any neoplasms in the chest area;
2. infectious diseases;
3. pregnancy or breastfeeding;
4. allergy to substances involved in the creation of endoprostheses.

Those with autoimmune diseases, low immunity, impaired coagulation and insufficient blood circulation in the mammary glands should be careful not to undergo breast surgery with the installation of implants.

#3 types of implants Mentor

The manufacturer offers the following types of endoprostheses:

1. Anatomical Mentor implants with cohesive III filler - they are distinguished by lines that are closer to naturalness. The models are available in different sizes and it is not difficult to select such endoprostheses for patients with any constitution.
2. Round Mentor implants are characterized by the size of the base, projections and the peak of the maximum located above the center of the base. They are filled with cohesive gel I or II. Such endoprostheses are ideal for young women planning to conceive a baby soon.
3. Mentor tissue prostheses are used in reconstructive surgery performed on women with cancer in the breast area.

The range of American implants will allow you to choose an endoprosthesis for a specific patient that will help make her breasts appetizing and seductive.

The volume of the endoprosthesis can vary between 120-850 ml.

Miami plastic surgeon Ziyad Hammoudeh

Mythical misconceptions about Mentor implants

There are such erroneous opinions:

• It is believed that mammoplasty with these and other prostheses is dangerous to the health of patients. However, every year up to 15 thousand women in the Russian Federation have their breasts enlarged. High-quality implants enable surgeons to achieve impressive results. And after a long time, the appearance of the breasts will not change. Moreover, due to “shrinkage” the bust will acquire an even better appearance.
• Mammoplasty affects breastfeeding. In fact, Mentor implants do not allow silicone molecules to pass through and do not allow them to penetrate the child’s digestive system.
• Mammoplasty performed rapidly increases the risk of breast cancer. Contrary to the claim, Mentor implants do not cause tumor-like disease of the mammary glands and do not cause side effects.
• The implant can explode during an airplane flight. The FDA conducted studies and it was proven that changes in atmospheric pressure do not affect implants; they cannot explode.
• You can die after an implant ruptures. The materials from which endoprostheses are made are safe for health. There are cases of rupture, but, for example, the saline material will be eliminated naturally through the lymph. Migration of the gel is impossible due to the high density, as well as the presence of a protective shell.

Denials of existing myths are confirmed by research conducted regularly by manufacturers.

MIS implants

MIS implants are produced by Medical Implant System, another representative of Israel in the global dental implantology market. Some doctors put MIS first in popularity and quality among implants in the economy class category. Medical Implant System has been producing implants since 1995; to date, the company has introduced many innovations that have brought its products to the ranks of leaders.

An important advantage of MIS implantation systems is their ease of use for a doctor; one of the slogans is Make It Simple.

Advantages of MIS implants (click to expand):

• Durable titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V;
• Micro-rough SLA surface, which increases the degree of osseointegration;
• A variety of models for two-stage and one-stage implantation;
• Use in bone of any density;
• The use of some models in limited space;
• The presence of a thread that improves the quality of contact between the implant and the bone;
• The implant survival rate is 97.3%;
• Affordable price.

MIS are implants developed on the basis of classic Zimmer implants; in the C1 and V3 implant lines (Nobel active thread is used), a conical connection similar to AstraTech is used.

Preparatory process for mammoplasty

Preparation begins with an examination of the patient by a mammologist. Its task is to help in choosing the type of endoprosthesis and determine the installation of the implant.

The specificity of the constitution of the chest, the volume of the natural bust, its model and symmetry, the condition of the dermal surface, the placement and diameter of the areolas, and the configuration of the inframammary fold must be taken into account.

The examination includes mammography or ultrasound, as well as tests:

• general and biochemical – blood;
• urine;
• for AIDS and hepatitis;
• establishing the Rh factor, group and speed of blood clotting;
• detection of syphilis.

During the consultation, the patient is obliged to inform the plastic surgeon about any allergic reactions. You must also report any medications you took in the 5-8 days preceding the consultation.

Stages of mammoplasty

Mammoplasty with Mentor implants is performed using general anesthesia, rarely under local anesthesia in tandem with painkillers. However, surgeons do not use the latter option when installing an endoprosthesis under the pectoral muscles.

The question of which method of pain relief to choose is discussed by the patient with the doctor during consultation. The main thing is to assess the level of health risk, and not just find out about the cost of the procedure.

The surgical procedure lasts 1.5 hours (not including anesthesia). Devices are attached to the torso of the patient on the surgical table - they monitor the basic parameters of the body’s vital functions during the surgical procedure.

A needle connected to an infusion system is inserted into a vein in the arm. With the onset of anesthesia, the plastic surgeon prepares the skin by wiping the skin surface with an antiseptic substance.

Then the doctor applies sterile dressings that limit the surgical area.

Once the preparatory process is complete, the surgeon makes the incisions. The places of excision are the following areas:

• under the chest fold;
• in the area of ​​the areola;
• in the armpit.

The plastic surgeon creates a “pocket” for the Mentor implant and installs the endoprosthesis with medical instruments.

The implant is placed either under the mammary gland, or under the pectoral muscle, or incompletely under both types of tissue. When choosing, the specialist focuses on the physiological characteristics of the patient and the type of prosthesis.

After placement of the implant, the edges of the excision are sutured, and the wounds are treated with disinfectants. A fresh bandage is applied to the operated area, after which the patient is transported to the ward, where she will regain consciousness after the anesthesia wears off.

Question answer

This displacement may be caused by the pocket disintegrating and stretching over time.
This can be corrected by capsulorchaphy or internal suturing of the pocket that contains the implant. But this situation will not harm you if you leave everything as it is. To make sure of this, go to the doctor for an examination. Advantages of saline solution: less, adjustable, shorter scar, can be used in women under 22 years of age. Benefits of silicone: More natural feel, less risk. Typically, silicone implants are ideal for very thin patients with small breasts.

If you had volume asymmetry before surgery and the same size implants were used, you will still have volume asymmetry. This won't change over time. But it's best to talk to your operating surgeon and get answers.

Is all-on-4 implantation really not for everyone?

The fact that this solution is not suitable for everyone is only partly true: the all-on-4 protocol is used for resorption (resorption) or atrophy of mild or moderate bone tissue. That is, if the jawbone is severely atrophied, then four implants will actually not be enough.

There are many issues associated with this limitation: in particular, there are clinics that implement only the all-on-4 protocol and do not offer the patient alternatives, which means the solution is doomed to failure immediately. If there is little bone tissue or its quality is low (loose bone) or if there is acute inflammation of periodontal tissue, then the implant solution should be different. And the doctor must understand this if he wants his patient’s restored teeth to last as long as possible.

For example, adding NobelZygoma zygomatic implants to the upper jaw, or the all-on-6 protocol (the number of supports increases and with more pronounced atrophy the system will be more reliable). It is worth noting that sometimes six implants are not enough: in case of extreme resorption or inflammation, basal implantation is the best solution.

Indications for tooth restoration on four implants

That is, a personalized approach and thorough 3D diagnostics are important, which will allow you to assess the condition of tissues in volume from all sides and choose a truly suitable, individual solution.

Advice! Be sure to undergo 3D computer diagnostics before dental implantation. And visit several clinics - compare the proposed options, evaluate the doctors’ arguments in favor of one or another solution.

MYTH

The use of a clearly dictated All-on-4 protocol limits the possibilities - it is impossible to select places in the jaw bone tissue with the most suitable bone tissue in size and density.

IS IT TRUE

Those who say this have absolutely no understanding of what protocol is and certainly do not follow it. The All-on-4 protocol is a set of rules and methods combined into a sequence of actions for effective dental restoration in various clinical cases. And an integral part of its execution is 3D modeling of a specific clinical case to plan the placement of implants, taking into account the quality of the patient’s bone and the parameters of the formed bite. All this allows you to avoid mistakes and risks.

Risk of complications

As usual, unpleasant manifestations after the installation of endoprostheses of this brand occur in rare cases.

Yes, and this happens due to violation of hygiene rules or due to the personal characteristics of the body.

General surgical complications occur if:

1. Suture infection;
2. Scars, keloids, or hematomas;
3. Lowering the sensitivity threshold;
4. Increased body temperature.

Distinctive complications are the formation of fibrous contracture, disintegration or curvature of the endoprosthesis, the appearance of a double fold in the mammary glands or calcification.

Rehabilitation period

After mammoplasty with Mentor implants, swelling appears in the breast area in the first 7 days. The trouble will disappear faster if you wear corrective underwear and take medications recommended by your doctor.

During the restoration process, the prosthesis is sometimes located slightly higher than it was intended for the procedure. The defect disappears after 2-3 weeks.

Tension may be felt in the breast area after surgery, and the mammary glands may be hard for 2-3 weeks after mammoplasty.

Miami plastic surgeon Ziyad Hammoudeh

Sometimes the surgeon maintains a drainage groove to remove biological fluid for 2-3 days (as a rule, the drainage is removed 24 hours after the end of the operation).

During rehabilitation, you need to wear T-shirts with a slimming effect or corsets for 1.5-2 months.

For the same period of time, it is worth reducing the weight of the weights you lift and eliminating running from sports activities.

Prices of Mentor implants and operations with them

The cost of Mentor endoprostheses ranges from 50-80 thousand rubles . The type of implants and the size of the product, as well as the pricing policy of the plastic surgery clinic where the patient goes for the procedure are reflected in the numbers.

The price of mammoplasty is 80 thousand - 120 thousand rubles , which also depends on the rating of the medical institution and the region where the clinic is located. To this amount must be added the costs of anesthesia and medications for rehabilitation.

The total cost of breast surgery using Mentor implants reaches 180 thousand - 220 thousand rubles.

BioHorizons implants

BioHorizons implants from the American company of the same name have been on the market since 1997. The high quality of implants and a wide range of dental problems that can be solved have made BioHorizons products popular in more than 80 countries around the world.

The company has its own research center and has now accumulated extensive experience and a clinical base for implantation. BioHorizons specialists regularly conduct seminars and conferences on implantology.

Advantages of BioHorizons implants (click to expand):

• Laser-Lok technology – special microtubules on the neck of the implant that improve the attachment of bone and soft tissue to the surface of the implant;
• RBT surface – the surface of the implant is processed in a special way, after treatment the area of ​​​​contact of the artificial root with bone tissue increases, osseointegration is accelerated;
• Tissue biocompatible and high strength Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
• Anatomical root-like shape providing high primary stability;
• Buttress thread, thanks to which the load is evenly distributed, the implant is firmly held in the bone.
• Platform switching technology;
• Ability to withstand heavy chewing loads;
• Suitable for one- and two-stage implantation.

Bio Horizons are implants developed based on the classic Zimmer implants. But during its existence, the company has made many innovative developments in the aesthetic characteristics of prosthetics, in particular, during the transition - implant - gums.

Reviews

Patients who have had Mentor implants speak mostly positively about the prostheses.

SVETALANA, 39 YEARS OLD, IVANOVO:

“I installed Mentor and am pleased. On the doctor’s advice, I chose a teardrop shape with a medium profile. Breasts are no different from natural ones. Even in a lying position, silicone is not detected.”

ELENA, 39 YEARS OLD, NORILSK:

“The first unsuccessful mammoplasty did not stop me.
When I came for a new operation, the surgeon suggested Mentor implants during the consultation. I agreed. A year after the operation, the breasts have not moved or become wrinkled. People around me notice my bust, focusing their attention on it. I'm happy."

ZHANNA, 30 YEARS OLD, TYUMEN:

“I was craving new breasts with Mentor implants. They are so soft and bouncy! I collected money for the operation for several months. And now the dream has come true: I am the owner of a seductive bust of size 4.

“I wore, as the surgeon said, a special bra, protected my breasts for 2 months from shocks, and took prescribed medications.”

Expert opinion

• Surgeon
• Cosmetologist

Katrin Hecher

plastic surgeon

Mentor breast implants are safe and proven. They come in various shapes, sizes, profiles, and differ in texture. The manufacturer has taken care of a wide selection to provide each woman with an individual shape. In addition, there is a whole collection of Mentor products. These include expanders, dermal tissue for breast reconstruction, etc. Mentor has a full product warranty on its full line of implants.

Anna Avaliani

practicing cosmetologist

Saline implants are great for patients with mild breast asymmetries because they can be corrected with varying amounts of saline injected into the implants.
Silicone implants have a closer resemblance to the natural chest, this also applies to sensations. You should discuss all types of implants with your surgeon and make a decision. Practical applications of Mentor implants prove that the survival rate of these prostheses is high.

With an acceptable risk of complications after mammoplasty of 1.1%, the frequency of unpleasant manifestations does not reach this figure. And side effects occur in rare cases.

IMPRO implants

IMPRO implants from the German company Helmut Klingel GmbH are a very popular implantation system in Russia with high quality, safety, durability and functionality.

Advantages of IMPRO implants (click to expand):

• Carefully developed surgical and orthopedic protocols;
• Anatomical shape;
• Made from highly purified Grade 4 titanium alloy;
• The SuperH surface improves the degree of osseointegration;
• Unique “biological” carving;
• Availability of a wide range of sizes;
• Used in difficult clinical cases: with minimal bone volume, immediately after tooth extraction, simultaneously with sinus lifting;
• Possibility of individual production of abutments;
• Long service life;
• High aesthetics and functionality.

IMPRO belong to the implants developed on the basis of AstraTech.