In aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery, innovation has historically been driven by one central tension: how to achieve shape stability without sacrificing natural feel. Surgeons have long had to choose between implants that hold their form well (but may feel firm), and those that feel soft (but may lack structural integrity over time such as the development of folds and ripplings).
For my aesthetic practice here in Toronto, the introduction of Mentor® MemoryGel® BOOST™ breast implants represents a meaningful step forward in resolving this trade-off. Designed as the latest addition to the Mentor MemoryGel family, BOOST implants aim to combine structural integrity, aesthetic predictability, and tactile naturalness into a single device. For me as an aesthetic plastic surgeon—and increasingly informed patients—this hybrid performance profile is what makes BOOST particularly compelling.
Disclaimer: I want to clarify that I am writing this blog because the Mentor BOOST implants are new. But I also use the Natrelle Allergan family of breast implants. I only use smooth implants in my practice.
What Are Mentor® MemoryGel® BOOST™ Implants?
Mentor MemoryGel BOOST implants are silicone gel-filled breast implants that utilize a highly cohesive gel, an advanced shell design, and a precise fill ratio to create a device with enhanced form stability while maintaining softness.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022, this was soon followed by Health Canada
What differentiates BOOST from earlier generations is not a single feature, but rather the synergy of multiple design elements:
- Highly cohesive (more cross-linked) silicone gel
- Thin yet strong implant shell
- Optimized gel fill ratio for projection and stability
Together, these features produce an implant that is both form-stable and soft to the touch—a combination historically difficult to achieve.
The Science Behind BOOST: “Softness Meets Shape”
The defining concept behind BOOST implants is often summarized as “softness meets shape.”
1. Highly Cohesive Gel
BOOST implants use a more cross-linked silicone gel compared to earlier MemoryGel iterations. This increased cohesivity allows the implant to:
- Maintain its shape under gravitational forces
- Reduce visible rippling, especially in thin patients
- Provide better upper pole support
At the same time, the gel remains sufficiently elastic to preserve a natural feel.
2. Form Stability Without Rigidity
Traditional “gummy bear” implants achieve form stability but can feel firm. BOOST attempts to soften that experience without losing structural control, resulting in:
- Improved tactile realism
- Predictable long-term contour
- Resistance to deformation
3. Precision Fill Ratio
The implant is engineered with a specific gel-to-shell relationship, optimizing projection while minimizing collapse or wrinkling. ()
4. Advanced Shell Technology
A thin but durable shell contributes to:
- Natural movement
- Reduced palpability
- Structural integrity
Key Advantages of BOOST Implants
1. Enhanced Upper Pole Fullness
BOOST implants are particularly effective at maintaining upper pole projection, making them ideal for:
- Patients desiring a fuller, more “augmented” look
- Post-mastopexy augmentation
- Revision cases with volume loss
The implant’s structural support helps resist early settling or bottoming-out.
2. Reduced Rippling—Especially in Thin Patients
One of the most clinically relevant advantages is reduced rippling visibility, particularly in:
- Thin tissue envelopes
- Revision patients
- Subglandular placements
The higher cohesivity and fill reduce fold formation, making BOOST a strong option in challenging soft-tissue scenarios.
3. Improved Shape Retention Over Time
BOOST implants are engineered to maintain breast contour long-term, resisting:
- Implant collapse
- Shape distortion
- Loss of projection
This is especially valuable in patients with weaker tissue support or those prone to early descent.
4. Natural Feel Compared to Other Form-Stable Implants
A major limitation of highly cohesive implants has historically been firmness. BOOST addresses this by offering:
- A softer tactile profile
- High patient and surgeon preference for “natural feel” in comparative studies
5. Versatility Across Indications
BOOST implants are not limited to primary augmentation. They are particularly useful in:
Primary Augmentation
- Patients seeking upper pole fullness
- Those wanting a balance between natural and augmented aesthetics
Revision Surgery
- Capsular contracture cases
- Implant malposition
- Patients with thin soft tissue coverage
Reconstruction
- Post-mastectomy patients
- Cases requiring shape stability and predictable projection
The “Why”: Addressing an Unmet Need
Prior to BOOST, surgeons often had to choose between:
- Soft implants (e.g., traditional MemoryGel) → natural feel, less structural support
- Highly cohesive implants (e.g., Xtra or anatomical) → better shape, firmer feel
BOOST bridges this gap by delivering both:
- Form stability for aesthetic control
- Softness for patient satisfaction
This dual performance addresses a long-standing unmet need in breast implant design—particularly in thin patients, revision cases, and high-demand aesthetic outcomes.
Where BOOST Fits in the Mentor Portfolio
Within the Mentor ecosystem, I have the following choices:
- MemoryGel → softer, more traditional feel
- MemoryGel Xtra → increased fill and projection
- MemoryGel BOOST → optimized balance of softness + shape stability
BOOST can be thought of as the “hybrid implant”—occupying the space between softness and structural performance.
Clinical Considerations and Patient Selection
Despite its advantages, BOOST is not universally ideal. Appropriate selection remains critical.
Ideal Candidates
- Thin patients at risk of rippling
- Revision patients with compromised soft tissue
- Patients seeking upper pole fullness
- Individuals prioritizing shape longevity
Situations Where Caution Is Warranted
- Patients desiring extremely natural, subtle slope (may prefer softer implants)
- Cases where minimal projection is desired
As with all implants, it is essential to emphasize that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require future revision.
The Future of Breast Implant Design
The introduction of BOOST implants reflects a broader shift in aesthetic surgery toward:
- Customization over standardization
- Material science innovation
- Balancing biomechanics with aesthetics
Rather than choosing between competing priorities, modern implants aim to integrate multiple performance characteristics into a single device.
Final Thoughts
Mentor® MemoryGel® BOOST™ implants represent a thoughtful evolution rather than a radical departure. Their value lies in refinement—specifically, the ability to offer shape control without sacrificing softness.
For surgeons, this translates into:
- Greater predictability
- Expanded indications
- Improved outcomes in complex cases
For patients, it means:
- A more natural feel
- Better long-term shape
- Reduced visible complications such as rippling
In a field where subtle differences can significantly impact outcomes, BOOST implants provide a meaningful new tool—particularly for those cases where traditional options fall short. Request a Consultation with Dr. DuPéré.
