With high patient satisfaction and significantly lower complication rates, the reliability behind Natrelle implants reflects Allergan’s extensive experience and development.
To deliver the best surgical results, with minimal complications, you cannot compromise on quality. And Natrelle implants are no exception.
Allergan has been a global leader in science and medical innovation for over 50 years – and in breast aesthetics for more than 30 years.
At the forefront of today’s breast technology, Allergan’s Natrelle implant range is the result of 25 years of experience and development.
Meticulously designed and manufactured at a state-of the art facility, Natrelle implants undergo almost 100 quality control tests, including rupture resistance and shell integrity. It can take up to 12 days to manufacture a Natrelle implant.
These standards mean that every implant produced is thoroughly evaluated for quality and durability, greatly reducing the possibility of complications.
Sydney plastic surgeon Dr David Caminer has been using Natrelle implants for 21 years and they are still his implant of choice, “When I started my practice in 1995, McGhan (Allergan) had recently launched their anatomical range, which made absolute sense to me. I have been using them since then,” said Dr Caminer.
Dr Mark Magnusson, a plastic surgeon from QLD, has also been using Natrelle implants extensively since 1997, during his training in Perth.
“Allergan have a long track record of research and development, they have a good product and as a company provide good support to the customer when required,” says Dr Magnusson.
ANatrelle implants are designed with Biocell® macrotextured surface – featuring open pore texturisation and variable distribution of depressions on the surface. The textured surface helps counter the risk of malposition and rippling, and also reduces the risk of capsular contracture.
“I like the firm gel and high gel fill of these implants which I feel contribute to the outcomes minimising fold flaws, reducing ruptures and reduce visible rippling. We have seen a number of issues arise in relation to breast implants of recent time. This includes PIP implants being withdrawn for deceptive implant manufacture,” says Dr Magnusson.
Research by Maxwell et al1 investigated the safety and effectiveness of Natrelle implants over six years. The prospective multicentre study involved 941 patients.
“The rates for capsular contracture among augmentations and revision augmentations were significantly lower with the Natrelle 410 implants than with other surgical gel implants,” the report states. “The satisfaction rate [measured on a five-point scale] exceeded 80 percent in all cohorts.”
Additionally, all Allergan gel-filled breast implants have a patented intrashiel® Barrier Technology. This barrier in the shell reduces shell permeability and minimises gel diffusion or gel bleed.
One European study2 examined silent rupture data on 77 augmentation, 11 reconstruction and 18 revision patients implanted with smooth and textured Natrelle implants. The average age of implant was 11 years and the study found silent rupture in approximately 15 percent of the combined group of augmentation, reconstruction and revision patients.
The low rate of capsular contracture is no doubt a combination of the implant and appropriate surgical technique. Like all implants, insertion technique is important as intra-gel rupture can lead to implant deformity.
“My preference with bilateral breast augmentation is to do an IMF incision of 5cm long and then dissect a submammary pocket, if the patient has enough overlying cover. If the patient is thin without much cover, then a grade 2 partial retropectoral pocket is usually my preference. I rarely do a grade 1 retropectoral pocket,” says Dr Caminer.
“I place most of my implants submuscular through an inframammary fold incision. I use a dual plane so that the implant can directly shape the lower pole but allowing the muscle to cover the upper pole. This will make it more natural in those who want it. My main tip would be to secure the IMF to control the implant position and help avoid displacement,” Dr Magnusson says.
The Natrelle range offers all the implant options you need for your breast augmentation and reconstruction patients. The extensive variety of breast width, projection and volume options gives you a customisable advantage, assisting in tailoring surgery to suit your patients’ needs, expectations and existing anatomy.
“I have traditionally used textured implants on most people. I find now I am using more smooth but still a majority of textured, but I do discus the risks and differences fully with my patients,” says Dr Magnusson.
“The projections and shapes and sizes are excellent. The range is extremely comprehensive and in my opinion, they are the most extensive on the market,” says Dr Caminer.
Patient satisfaction
A core study conducted by Allergan, published in 2009, looked into the safety and effectiveness of Natrelle implants. The study enrolled 455 breast augmentation patients, most of who were treated with smooth, gel-filled implants. Patient satisfaction was based on a five-point scale assessment and tested at seven years post-operation.
Of the original 455 patients, 317 (70 percent) underwent satisfaction testing. In this group, 95 percent of patients indicated they were satisfied with their breast implants after seven years.
A similar study, published in 2014, was conducted using anatomically shaped, silicone-filled Natrelle breast implants. Of the original 492 patients, 292 participated in the satisfaction survey at 10 years after implantation.
Of these, 89 percent indicated they were definitely satisfied with their breast implants at a decade post-procedure.
Dr Caminer says that he has experienced some very good results using Natrelle implants, with little complications. “The feedback I have received from my patients has been very good. I would have otherwise changed implants.”
“Natrelle implants produce very natural looking breasts. Implanted breasts do not flop or flatten like normal breasts, but once the pocket has matured they are as natural as one gets with implants,” says Dr Caminer.
“I would not hesitate in recommending Natrelle implants to both my patients and my colleagues. In my opinion, they are consistent, reliable and safe. I have used them for 21 years without them being recalled or having any serious problems. Working with Allergan has also been very good, especially the customer service provided by the representative that looks after me,” says Dr Caminer.
“Breast augmentation surgery in appropriately chosen patients is a very satisfying procedure both for me and my patients. It is about femininity. Having your mental picture match the mirror. Contrary to popular belief, it isn’t all about size but about proportion for most ladies,” says Dr Magnusson.
Allergan sets itself apart from competitors through its ongoing research, development and its unparalleled approach to customer service.
“Allergan spends over $1B per year on research across the board with its products. This is a commitment to ongoing product evolution that is comforting. They aren’t just here for the sales but to maintain quality products both now and into the future,” says Dr Magnusson.
“Natrelle implants are a quality product that is the subject of ongoing continuous research and development to maintain quality. It’s Allergan’s customer service that, for me, exceeds what the others have provided,” says Dr Magnusson.
For more information contact Allergan on 02 9498 0100 or visit www.allergan.com.au
1. Maxwell et al 2012. Natrelle style 410 form-stable silicone breast implants: core study results at 6 years. Aesthet Surg J. 32(6):709-17
2. Hedén, P., et al. 2006. Prevalence of rupture in Inamed silicone breast implants. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 118:303-8.
SHAPE that holds
The Natrelle Collection incorporates three types of silicone gel filling, plus a dual gel for extra firmness. The highly cohesive gel is designed to prevent downward migration and maintain upper pole fill and shape over time.
TruForm 1
Responsive gel: The softest cohesive gel
TruForm 2
Soft-touch gel: A slightly firmer cohesive gel offering shape control with natural movement and feeling
TruForm 3
Cohesive gel: A higher cohesive gel for shape and control
TruForm
Firm cohesive gel: This is a dual gel, used for an even firmer cohesive gel on the anterior portion of Natrelle 510
410 SHAPED GEL
Natrelle® 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Designed to deliver an anatomical shape
• Highly cohesive gel is designed to hold together and stay in place
• Designed for a natural feel
• May require a slightly larger incision than round gel implants
• Indicated for patients 22 years or older for breast augmentation
• Biocell® macrotextured surface
• Sizers also available
ROUND GEL
Natrelle® Silicone-Filled Breast Implants
• Cohesive gel that feels softer to the touch
• Styles include:
– Moderate
– Moderate-plus
– High
– Extra-high
• Requires a larger incision than saline-filled implants
• Indicated for patients 22 years or older for breast augmentation
• Smooth or Biocell® macrotextured surface
• Sizers also available
