Breast implants are a significant investment and one that can last for a very long time, hopefully a lifetime.  Breast implants can fail for a number of reasons and many have to be replaced.  The manufacturers of breast implants have provided excellent “warranties” for their implants so that in the event a replacement is necessary because of failure of the implant due to rupture or deflation the patient is covered financially.  It is important that patients understand that there are other potential problems that may require implants to be replaced for which these warranties do not apply including; capsular contracture, infection, rippling or unhappiness with the size of the implants.    

The two major manufacturers of breast implants are Mentor and Inamed (Allergan).  Both have an excellent lifetime warranty of their implants that comes standard.  Patients are automatically enrolled for the standard warranty.  Both also provide an additional “extended warranty” for an additional fee.  Mentor has an excellent new promotional program for their MemoryGel™ implants

Allergan Medical

Allergan’s standard program is called ConfidencePlus™

• Applies to all implants placed after April 1, 2002
• Automatic enrollment free of charge
• Lifetime product replacement
• Saline and silicone implants covered
• 10 years of financial assistance of up to $1,200 if replacement is necessary (for surgeon, anesthesia or facility fees)

Allergan’s extended program is called ConfidencePlus™ Platinum

• $100 enrollment fee
• Up to $2,400 financial assistance if replacement is necessary
• Replacement of the other implant at the surgeons’ request

Mentor Corporation

Mentor’s standard program for saline implants is called the Mentor Advantage Limited Warranty 

• Applies to all implants placed after May 1, 2005
• Automatic enrollment free of charge
• Lifetime product replacement
• Replacement of the other side at the surgeons’ request
• 10 years of financial assistance of up to $1,200 if replacement is necessary (for surgeon, anesthesia or facility fees)

Mentor’s extended warranty for saline implant is called the Mentor Enhanced Advantage Limited Warranty

• $100 enrollment fee within 45 days of surgery
• Up to $2,400 financial assistance if replacement is necessary

Mentor has a new program called the Mentor Premier Advantage Limited Warranty for MemoryGel™ silicone breast implants.

• Limited time offer May 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009
• Free of charge
• Lifetime product replacement
• Replacement of the other side at the surgeons’ request
• 10 years of financial assistance of up to $3,500 if replacement is necessary (for surgeon, anesthesia or facility fees)

If you have breast implants that have ruptured or deflated, they may be covered by the manufacturer.  You may file a claim by contacting the product evaluation department to see if they are covered.  The number for Allergan Medical to submit a claim is 800-624-4261.  For Mentor the number is 866-250-5115.