Would Natrelle Soft Touch in extra full profile feel more soft and natural than my current Ideal implants? Would Responsive?

The ideal implants are saline implants with the same outside shell as silicone implants. If they are filled to the lower limit of the fill volume, they are as soft as the similar profile get implants. If they are overfilled, they could feel harder. It is important to look at the fill volume. Any capsular contraction can make the breasts feel harder and rounder. There is a slight difference in the feel of the breasts depending on the kind of implants used, but a significant hardness and roundness that you are complaining about is normally caused by other factors than the kind of implant that was used. These factors would include  capsular contraction, soft tissue envelope being to tight or too thin, overfilled saline implants, seroma or hematoma, etc. Make sure your surgeon has properly ruled out all these factor prior to proceeding with an exchange of implants. 

The original term "gummy bear" was used to describe the highly cohesive, shaped, textured silicone implant.  Now Natrelle has 3 different cohesive levels of silicone in their round implants.  I commonly describe them as gummy, gummier, gummiest.  These are technically referred to as the Responsive (Tier 1), Soft Touch (Tier 2) and Cohesive (Tier 3).  
The Tier 3 is a very firm implant and really does not change its shape when standing or sitting down.  They tend to stay round all the time.  The advantage of this implant is that it really minimizes the rippling in a patient with very thin tissue coverage.  This implant, at least in my practice, is reserved for revision cases in which the patient has very thin coverage.

The Tier 1 and Tier 2, Responsive and Soft Touch are really the go to implants in my practice.  Some patients are better candidates for one over the other, based on what they are trying to achieve and their soft tissues.
The extra full implants are not very natural looking and can in some patients look very round.  It is difficult to give you good advice without photos and without measurements and a thorough discussion.Hope that helps.

Dear AFMarlborough,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hi! Interesting question. I wonder how it was confirmed that you do not have capsular contractures? As always, it is hard to give advise without seeing the patient, but in general the feel of the silicone breast implants are very similar. Feel of saline implants is different to silicone ones, and it is softer. I think it is best in the first instance to get a second opinion regarding capsular contracture, as that is the most common reason for hard implants.
All the best!

It would be difficult to determine which implants will be best for you without a physical examination. Generally, saline implants are recommended for patients who have sufficient breast tissue to make the breasts feel more natural. For patients who do not have much breast tissues and fats, gel implants can be used to achieve a more natural feel. This however does not apply to everyone.Some patients would prefer one over the other despite the breast type, so there really isn't telling which one would be best for you without an in person examination. Under the muscle technique could be one of the options for achieving a more natural feel and does have an advantage of lowering the risk for developing a capsular contracture.

Gel implants always feel more soft and natural than saline implants. Ideal implants are not always ideal in all women. Those women who do have some breast tissue, saline implants do well. For women with little breast tissue,or those who want large implants, the gel implants feel better. The "gummy bear implant", the cohesive gel implant, is a firmer feel than the other implants. For many women, this is too firm. Ask your surgeon if you can feel all types. The responsive type is usually the most soft in most women.  Also, you may consider a lower profile than extra full, for it may be more of a ball shape. Your surgeon can help guide you to the size and shape that would work best with your tissue and frame.

I have more questions for you than answers.  First, the diagnosis of normal capsules in light of firm breasts??I'm not a fan of the Ideal implants.  I personally like the Mentor round smooth silicone implants.  The shell and feel of the implants are superior.  You should be able to feel both the Natrelle and Mentor to compare them before making your final decision.Best of luck.Dr T