How to Choose The Right Breast Implant Brand For You

Like any other service or product, breast augmentation comes with a myriad of options and customization. From size and shape to brand and technique, deciding which unique procedure is best for your body type and aesthetic preferences can be a daunting task. In a world where everything seems to have a standard option and a VIP upgrade, it’s natural to assume breast implants follow the same pattern, and no one wants the Honda Civic of boob jobs. In fact, people often ask Dr. Barrett what he considers to be the “Rolls-Royce” of implants. While this is a valid inquiry, the truth is that any qualified and reputable plastic surgeon will deliver a luxury experience. It’s less a matter of a Rolls-Royce versus a Honda Civic and more of picking what specific luxury vehicle best suits your lifestyle. 

Decades of research and technological advancements guarantee that all FDA-approved breast implant manufacturers create safe and high-quality options for every procedure. However, that doesn’t mean there’s a one-size-fits-all decision — every brand has its pros and cons, so it’s imperative to understand what to look for and what questions to ask during your consultation with your surgeon. Whether you prefer the reliability of Sientra or the softness of Mentor, here’s a guide to choosing the best brand for you.

What should I expect during my consultation?

Before even venturing into the different manufacturers, having a general understanding of what will happen during the consultation will make the final selection easier. Your consultation is the best opportunity for you to get to know your surgeon (here’s a great video of Dr. B breaking down the process, including how to use sizing charts), as they learn about your goals and aesthetic preferences, and can then narrow down the best brand options to align with your vision. Here, you’ll provide inspo-photographs while detailing precisely what you want from the procedure.

Your doctor will also perform a breast and overall health examination, reviewing your medical history, including any underlying conditions or previous procedures. During the breast examination, you can expect the surgeon to document measurements to ensure proportionality based on your body silhouette. All of this helps the doctor create a personalized surgical plan, including picking a specific size, shape, and texture for the implant. 

What should I ask my surgeon about different brands?

If you’re the type of person who does their own research before the initial consultation, you know that there are tons of breast implant brands out there, each touting to be the best. Without having the same point of reference as industry professionals, the sheer amount of manufacturer options can easily overwhelm. The good news is that FDA research shows that, out of the three most trusted manufacturers, each has low complication rates and high patient and surgeon satisfaction rates. Since patients know their board-certified surgeon is using a safe product, selecting a brand depends entirely on preference and the desired outcome. Therefore, asking the right questions and providing clear surgical goals will help determine the right implant.

In addition to bringing inspiration pics, here are things the patient can anticipate talking about:

• Upper-pole fulness 
• Amount of projection
• Implant profile
• Implant placement (above or below the muscle)

What are the major breast implant manufacturers?

While there are many reputable manufacturers, three in particular dominate the market: Sientra, Mentor, and Motiva. Mentor implants are renowned for their exceptionally soft texture, thanks to their optimized silicone gel. Sientra, which has been FDA-approved since 2012, has a strong history and reputation with surgeons. Motiva, on the other hand, is a newer company that gained FDA approval in September 2024. Motiva utilizes special technology to bind its silicone gel to the implant, resulting in a reduced risk of rupture. 

What are the pros and cons?

Each brand is safe and clinically tested, but there are still benefits unique to each respective manufacturer. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of Sientra, Motiva, and Mentor:

Sientra:

• Pros: Sientra is a favorite with established doctors (they only supply their product to highly-qualified board-certified surgeons), including Dr. Barrett. Dr. Barrett finds them to be the most reliable and cohesive, which is particularly beneficial for achieving upper pole fullness. They’re also incredibly durable. 

• Cons: Sientra has a slightly higher complication rate than Mentor. 

Mentor:

• Pros: Mentor offers a unique implant for patients with larger breast sizes undergoing reconstruction, but who want to maintain their size. They also have a trademark memory gel formula that produces a distinctly natural look and feel. 

• Cons: Mentor has a slightly higher rupture rate than the Sientra.

Motiva:

• Pros: In addition to their special silicone binding technology, Motiva implants have a blue hue, allowing surgeons to confirm that the barrier layer is intact. Motiva’s microscopic textured surface (the texture is so subtle that the FDA still classifies the implants as “smooth”) increases the natural feel.  

• Cons: Since the data for Motiva is still new, long-term effects require further study. 

How do I make a choice?

Picking a brand is easiest when working with a trusted, board-certified surgeon. By selecting a reputable doctor, patients can have confidence in being led to the right choice for their body type and surgery goals. If you’re interested in a comprehensive consultation, Barrett Beverly Hills offers in-person and virtual consultations for potential breast augmentation patients. Barrett Beverly Hills sets the standard for achieving natural-looking results through a holistic approach, which effectively minimizes post-surgical downtime and reduces scarring. For more information about us, call (310) 598-2648 or complete a virtual consultation form. Follow us on social media via TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Realself, and YouTube, and subscribe to our blog for updates.

We look forward to guiding you on your journey!

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