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. There is now also a warranty for capsular contracture for both Sientra and Mentor implants. This was initially announced as the capsular contracture care (C3) program by Sientra which has been extended to 3 years. As of October 6, 2014 Mentor responded with a very comprehensive warranty extension.
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; infection, rippling or unhappiness with the size of the implants.
The three major manufacturers of breast implants are Sientra, Mentor and Allergan (Natrelle). All have an excellent lifetime warranty of their implants that comes standard. Patients are automatically enrolled for the standard warranty. The standard warranty for silicone implants includes $3,500 (Mentor and Allergan) or $3600 (Sientra) towards operating expenses in the event of a rupture. For Mentor and Allergan’s saline implants, the additional benefits are from $1,200 to $2,400.
It is very exciting (and generous) that the implant manufacturers stand behind their implants in the event of capsular contracture. Sientra offers replacement implants free of charge for 5 years and Mentor for 3 years. Mentor additionally offers implant replacement for late seroma or double capsule for 3 years.
The Mentor Enhanced Warranty extends implant replacement coverage for capsular contracture, double capsule, and late seroma to 10 years and offers financial assistance for surgical fees up to $3,500 for 10 years. Enrollment in the Mentor Enhanced Warranty costs $200 and in my opinion is a very good deal for the patient.
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. For Sientra the contact information is (888) 708-0808 or [email protected].