Traditional Breast Lift Surgery Vs Surgical Mesh

Traditional breastlift surgery is conducted by making incisions around the areola, across the breast crease, and vertically down from the nipple to the fold, thus allowing plastic surgeons to excise some of the loose skin and tighten the tissue.  However, one tradeoff a patient should remember is that while it can raise and reshape the bust for a period of time, it cannot stop the effects of gravity and skin laxity.

But recently, plastic surgeons from South Africa have developed a new technique called Internal Bra System which uses a “support” to prevent future sagging.  This method is now also used in Europe.

The new breast lift technique uses a mesh-like device called Breform which is similar to the one used in hernia repairs.  Meanwhile, plastic surgeons who developed the method said the material can take the strain off the scars and skin, preventing the breasts from sagging.

While Breform has not yet been approved in the US, experts believe that it will be introduced to the market within the next coming years.

Breform is a cone-shaped polyester mesh that is placed underneath the breast skin and is attached to the fascia using internal sutures.  The procedure is conducted under general anesthesia that puts a patient to sleep.

Plastic surgeons in Europe who are using Breform said the device is incorporated into the breasts over time, with the body naturally producing fibrous tissue holding the new structure in place.  With this technique, they believe the result is like a permanent support bra under the skin.

However, patients should remember that the new technique also involves the same incision sites used by the traditional breast lift surgery.  This means that the risk of scar and the length of recovery of these two methods are almost the same.

While Breform is approved in Europe, it has not been permitted by the US Food and Drug Administration, which is noted for its strict regulations on medical instruments.  And because the breast surgical mesh is quite new, there is no long-term study proving its effectiveness and safety.

Some US plastic surgeons are also concerned if the mesh-like device may affect the accuracy of screening tests for breast cancer or if it may lead to serious complications.

However, a four-year study involving 170 patients in Holland found no serious complications following the procedure.  The trial also revealed that breast X-ray examinations were still possible after the internal bra surgery.