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A Cheat Sheet to Natrelle® Silicone Breast Implants by St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons

Perhaps the most complicated decision for breast augmentation, reconstruction, or revision patients is choosing an appropriate pair of breast implants. St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons looks to simplify the process and educate patients about the best choices available to them from Allergan’s Natrelle® breast implant brand.

While Natrelle® makes both silicone and saline implants, the vast majority of breast augmentation patients chose silicone, as noted in a recent blog post. There are three main lines of silicone implants Allergan makes: Natrelle® Classic, Natrelle® 410, and Natrelle INSPIRA®.

The Classic line is the original round-shaped model of the Natrelle® brand. The style numbers are based on the ratio of implant base diameter to its projection: 10 = low projection, 15 = medium, 20 = high, 45 = very high. Patients can choose between smooth or textured shells (denoted by S or T in a style code) in the Classic line.

The Natrelle® 410 line was initially designed for breast reconstruction patients who wanted to re-create natural-looking breasts that resembled their own. Keeping this in mind, all 410 implants are shaped like a teardrop, sloping gradually to a wider bottom to mimic most natural breasts. Also referred to as “shaped” or “anatomical” breast implants, the 410s were the first model to be created with highly cohesive “gummy” silicone gel encased in a textured shell to minimize deformation of the anatomical shape as well as misalignment-causing rotation or movement in the implant pocket.

Natrelle® 410 implants are named according to their height and projection – for example, a 410 MX is a moderate height (M) with extra full projection (X).

The INSPIRA® line is a more cohesive or gummy version of the Classic line. They are said to be the “fullest round” that Allergan offers in an implant, and are available in smooth or textured shells. Based on their degree of cohesivity or gumminess (less cohesive = softer, more cohesive = firmer), the INSPIRA® line is further segmented into three models:

– INSPIRA® (responsive or least cohesive, denoted by R)
– INSPIRA® SoftTouch (medium cohesivity, denoted by S)
– INSPIRA® Cohesive (most cohesive, denoted by C)

INSPIRA® implants vary in projection from low (L), low plus (LP), moderate or medium (M), full (F), and extra full (X). Thus, an INSPIRA® SCX would indicate a smooth and cohesive implant with extra full projection.

There are many aspects to consider when planning a breast implant surgery, which is why patients should ensure their surgeons are experienced and board-certified.

Our surgeons would be happy to assist anyone looking to learn more about their breast implant options. To request a consultation, contact us online or call (314) 996-8800.