SSF or SRF 550 Natrelle Inspira implants?

There are currently three types of full-profile Inspira smooth round silicone implants: SRF, SSF, and SCF.  The letter "F" stands for "full" (profile), the first "S" stands for "smooth" implant (as opposed to textured); therefore it's the middle letter that distinguishes the three types. The "R" in SRF stands for "responsive."  This is the softest of the three implants, with the least amount of silicone crosslinking, which also makes it the most "ripply" of the three implants.  It is also the least expensive.  The next one up is the "S" i.e. SSF, which stands for "soft-touch."  The silicone in this implant is more cross-linked, making the implant slightly more firm and less ripply.  The most highly cross-linked is the "C" which stands for "cohesive" (SCF).  It is the most expensive one, the firmest, and the least ripply.  You have excellent anatomy to begin with and are a great candidate for an augmentation with any one of the three types of implant.  You have adequate breast tissue of your own to hide any potential ripples in the implant, which is why you could save some money by going with the SRF.  In addition, since your breasts are naturally firm (guessing by the photos), your surgeon might be thinking of using the softest of the three implants in order to provide you the most natural-feeling result.  Bottom line: there is no right or wrong type of implant in your case; the SRF or the SSF are both good options; you will save a few hundred dollars if you go with SRF.  Hope this helps.  Good luck.
Michael Cohen, MD
ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Bayview Plastic Surgery, Gig Harbor, WA

Thank you for your question and for attaching photos. The SRF is a "Smooth" round "Regular" gel in a "Full" profile. The SSF is slightly thicker and called the "Smooth" round "Soft Touch" gel in a "Full" profile. The last, but not included in your question is the high cohesive gel, the SCF which is the "Smooth" round "Cohesive" gel in a "Full" profile. All are great implants, but I would say in someone like yourself with a good amount of breast tissue to start, any of the 3 implants are good options and once placed, you probably coundn't tell the difference. The SCF are the most expensive, the SRF the least and the SSF are in the middle. In my practice of about 150 breast augmentations a year, I use 85% the regular inspira gel and about 13% cohesive and 2% saline. In most patients I just don't see the advantage of the added expense for the cohesive gel unless someone has little breast tissue or thin skin. This is where I see the difference and suggest the additional cost for the cohesive gel for a better outcome. 

Thanks for your question!  I use both of these implants quite regularly with my cosmetic patients.  I typically recommend the SSF (soft touch) when a patient is thin with little breast tissue, has had children, etc.  Essentially, if I think rippling will be a concern for the patient, I recommend the soft touch.  Either way, you'll be happy.  Good luck!

There are many implant variations. The Inspira line uses a 3 letter system to delineate any particular device. The first "S" refers to the "smooth" outer surface of the device. This differs from textured and is fairly standard in the realm of round devices (texture is more common in shaped devices as it serves to hold the implant in place). The second letter refers to the gel variety. Allergan offers three devices which grow increasingly firm, as one moves up the scale secondary to gel cross linking. The "R" stands for "responsive" and is the softest and least cross linked. The "S" refers to "soft touch" which is slightly more firm and more resistant to rippling. The "C" is the "cohesive" or form stable/gummy bear variant which is the firmest and is the same gel available in the shaped devices. The final letter is the the profile. The "F" in your particular case refers to the full/high profile device which confers greater projection and volume for a given device width. In my practice, the vast majority of patients have smooth round, responsive devices in any given profile. "Soft touch" is typically reserved for those in whom rippling is a concern (thinner patients with little native breast tissue for camouflage).As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

There are three classes of inspira implants based on the degree of firmness and cohesiveness of the implant. The firmest and most cohesive implants are the SCF implants. These are the most form stable, and resist rippling. This is followed by SSF implants that are softer, and less form stable. The last implant, which is recommended for you is the SRF, is the softest, least cohesive implant. The pricing on these implants are contingent on the degree of cohesiveness: the more cohesive, the higher the cost. The advantage of a high degree of cohesiveness is resistance to rippling, which in individuals with very thin breast tissue may be important. You appear to have good tissue, and likely would do well with the softer implants. The decision tree then breaks down into price. Both the SSF and SRF will give you a great result. I can't think of a reason to spend more money on the firmer implant. Good luck!Matthew C Camp M.D. 

Thanks for posting, this is an excellent question.
The most important choices are the diminesions of the implant, the choice of fill (silicone versus saline), the inscision site, the position (over or under the muscle), and the inclusion of fat grafting.
Your photos show an aesthetic chest that is symmetrical, proportionate and aesthetic. With the implant size you have chosen you may notice a slightly fuller and larger upper pole than what is naturel. Most breast augmentation patients want these changes.
You are thin so there will likely be some implant show along the side(s) and bottom. Ways to reduce rippling and show include fat grafting, positioning the implant below the muscle and using a more chesive gel. Although there is a difference between the two implants I am not certain this will be evident once they are placed.
I would suggest consideration of two things. Firstly, if having a fuller upper pole is important use the more cohesive implant. Second, place the inplants on your chest in a sports bras. Hold them and decide which one ‘feels’ better. This is a personal decision that differs between patients.
At the end of the day I think you will be equally satisfied by either of the two implants.
Best wishes on your journey,
Alexander Anzarut

Thanks for your excellent question. The SSF ("Soft Touch") is the brand name that Allergan has placed on their implant that is halfway between the traditional silicone gel and the more cohesive ("gummy bear") gel implants. It has a nice soft feel, but is a little more resistant to ripples/wrinkles. They are a very good implant. Your surgeon just may be more used to using the traditional gel, but I'm sure you could request the Soft Touch if you'd like. Best wishes

There are 3 options for Allergan Inspira implants: Responsive (R), Soft Touch (S) or Cohesive (C).  The difference between the three is the cohesiveness or denseness of the gummy.  Our practice offers patients the option to select which implant they like best.