It was only a little more than 10 years ago that the choice of breast implants at our Toledo, Ohio practice — and throughout the U.S. — was limited to round, saline implants. That’s all changed, and women getting breast augmentation have more choices than ever when it comes to implants, including both saline and silicone gel.
Styles of Breast Implants
Allergan, one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of breast implants, has 5 different styles. The traditional implants I used for years were the Style 10, 15, 20, and 45 that are filled with silicone gel to about 85% capacity of the outer shell. I have also been using the Natrelle® 410 for many years, the anatomically shaped implants often called “gummy” implants because of the consistency of the gel.
Watch this video for an overview of implant shape, texture, and filling consistency:
Natrelle INSPIRA® Implants
Starting in September 2015, however, I began using the Natrelle INSPIRA implants. These implants now come in 3 different versions:
- Natrelle INSPIRA Responsive or Inspira 1
- Natrelle INSPIRA SoftTouch or Inspira 2
- Natrelle INSPIRA Cohesive or Inspira 3
With these different options, I’m able to customize breast augmentation procedures to meet the goals and physical requirements of each patient. You can learn more about these and other breast augmentation choices in Your Complete Guide to Breast Augmentation.
How Do the Natrelle Implants Differ?
Among the INSPIRA Responsive, SoftTouch, and Cohesive implants, there are some notable differences.
Natrelle INSPIRA Responsive: These implants are named SRL, SRLP, SRM, SRF, and SRX, which designate the projection of the implant. They have a cohesive level that Allergan rates at a 1. They are a cohesive gel implant that looks and feels a little fuller, yet soft to the touch compared to the traditional implants mentioned above (styles 10-45).
Natrelle INSPIRA SoftTouch: SoftTouch implants are more cohesive (level 2) than the Responsive but still have a “soft touch” feel. Like the Responsive, they are a smooth, round gel implant, yet technically more cohesive and softer than other cohesive implants. Cohesive refers to the ability of the implant to retain shape and not ripple or wrinkle. SoftTouch implants cost more than the Responsive.
Natrelle INSPIRA Cohesive: The INSPIRA Cohesive or “Gummy” implants are the most cohesive of the three styles with a level 3 rating. These are a smooth, round, and more of a form-stable implant; they are technically the same feel and cohesiveness of the 410-shaped implant. The Cohesive implant is used mostly for breast reconstruction, in a redo breast augmentation where tissue and/or skin coverage is thin or inadequate, or if there has been an issue with extremely visible rippling.
What Is the Significance of Cohesiveness in Breast Implants?
The more cohesive the implant, the more the fullness will “hold” in the upper portion of the breast. In other words, there is less gel migration to the bottom portion of the breast with Cohesive and SoftTouch implants than with the Responsive. This means there is less risk of visible rippling in thinner patients. Visible rippling or wrinkling is not an issue for the majority of patients having cosmetic breast augmentation.
If you’re exploring breast augmentation in the Toledo, Sandusky, or Ann Arbor area, we’re happy to talk with you about the breast implants that might be right for you. You can request a consultation online or call our office a (419) 534-6551 to schedule an appointment.