Understanding Breast Implant Warranties (and Why They’re a Good Thing)
Many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn that all major silicone breast implant manufacturers (Sientra; Allergan; Mentor; Motiva) offer warranties. These warranties exist to support patients in the event of a complication, including assistance with potential out-of-pocket costs.
If you’ve Google-searched:
- Can breast implants be replaced for free?
- What does a breast implant warranty cover?
- Which breast implant has the best warranty?
- What happens if my implant ruptures?
- Can I get breast implants replaced after capsular contracture?
Be sure to read to the end to learn about the newest and most comprehensive warranty launched to date by Sientra, and why many patients find it especially reassuring when thinking long-term.
First, the good news: breast implants do come with warranties
Breast implant warranties are designed to protect you if certain medical complications occur, such as a rupture or a severe capsular contracture. While warranties don’t usually cover every aspect of surgery (such as the surgeon’s professional fee), they do provide real value and can significantly lower costs if an implant needs to be replaced.
In many cases, a warranty may include:
- A free set of replacement implants.
- Financial assistance toward surgical costs, such as anesthesia fees and/or surgical center fees.
In most cases, a breast implant warranty typically does not include:
- Plastic surgeon’s professional fee.
- Galoflex (or ADM) matrix for pocket support.
- Other ancillary items such as post-operative support bras.
What medical issues are covered by a breast implant warranty?
Warranties apply to unanticipated medical events, not cosmetic preference changes. That means that if you want to upgrade to a larger size implant, the warranty will not be useful unless you have a qualifying medical event.
However, common covered situations include:
- Implant rupture (silicone).
- Severe capsular contracture (usually Baker Grade III or IV).
- Late seroma.
- Certain rare implant-associated conditions.
All major manufacturers (Sientra; Allergan; Mentor; Motiva) offer warranty protection. The difference is how long coverage lasts and how much financial support is available.
Breast Implant Warranty Comparison Chart (Silicone Implants)
Brand
Rupture Coverage
Capsular Contracture & Additional Complications
Sientra
Replacement: Free devices (Lifetime)
Financial Aid: Up to $5,000 within 20 years
Replacement (Baker III/IV): Free devices within 10 years
Financial Aid: Up to $2,000 within 2 years
Other Covered: Double capsule, late seroma within 10 years
Motiva
Replacement: Free devices (10 years)
Financial Aid: None
Replacement (Baker III/IV): Free devices within 10 years
Financial Aid: None
Other Covered: None
Mentor
Replacement: Free devices (Lifetime)
Financial Aid: Up to $3,500 within 10 years
Replacement (Baker III/IV): Free devices within 10 years
Financial Aid: Up to $2,000 within 2 years
Other Covered: Double capsule, late seroma within 10 years
Allergan
Replacement: Free devices (Lifetime)
Financial Aid: Up to $3,500 within 10 years
Replacement (Baker III/IV): Free devices within 10 years
Financial Aid: Up to $2,500 within 2 years
Other Covered: Double capsule, late seroma within 10 years
Sientra Breast Implant Warranty (Platinum20)
This is where things really stand out.
Sientra offers one of the most comprehensive warranties available today, and many patients appreciate the added peace of mind it provides.1
If you are considering silicone breast implants, you may want to seriously consider Sientra because of their extensive warranty relative to other breast implant manufacturers.
What makes Sientra’s warranty exceptional:
- Lifetime implant replacement for rupture. Covers ruptured implant and contralateral side.
- Replacement within 10 years of implantation if Baker Grade III/IV capsular contracture, late forming seroma, and double capsule. Covers ruptured implant and contralateral side.
- Up to $5,000 in financial assistance for rupture within 20 years (!) of implantation.
- Up to $2000 in financial assistance for Baker Grade III/IV capsular contraction, late forming seroma, and double capsule within 2 years of implantation.
Mentor Breast Implant Warranty
If you already have Mentor implants, don’t worry, Mentor has been a trusted implant manufacturer for decades and offers a solid, reliable warranty.
- Mentor will send your physician a free set of implants for you if your implant ever ruptures.
- Mentor will send your physician a free replacement implant for you if you develop a Baker grade III/IV capsular contraction, double capsule, or late seroma within 10 years of implantation.
- Up to $3500 in financial assistance for rupture within 10 years of implantation
- Up to $2500 in financial assistance for Baker grade III/IV capsular contraction within 2 years of implantation.
Allergan / Natrelle Breast Implant Warranty
Highlights:
- Allergan will send your physician a free set of implants for you if your implant ever ruptures.
- Allergan will send your physician a free replacement implant for you if you develop a Baker grade III/IV capsular contraction within 10 years of implantation.
- Up to $3500 in financial assistance for rupture within 10 years of implantation
- Up to $2000 in financial assistance for capsular within 2 years of implantation.
Motiva Breast Implant Warranty
Highlights:
- For rupture within 10 years, Motiva will send your physician a free set of implants for you.
- Notably, financial assistance for rupture is not included. This means that you will be fully responsible for operating room costs and anesthesia fees.
- For development of Baker grade III/IV capsular contraction within 10 years of implantation, Motiva will send your physician a free set of implants for you.
- Again, Financial assistance for capsular contracture is not included. This means that you will be fully responsible for operating room costs and anesthesia fees.
- Motiva also doesn’t cover you if a double capsule forms or there is a late seroma.
Summary
All major manufacturers of silicone breast implants in the USA have good warranties. At present, Sientra’s stands out as the best and most comprehensive, with the longest duration in the implant arena.
[1] Link to Sientra Platinum20
[2] Link to The MENTOR™ Promise Protection Plan
[3] Link to The Natrelle® ConfidencePlus® PDF
[4] Link to Motiva® Warranty Information
Contact Us To Schedule Your Consultation
Our Latest Posts