When performing breast augmentation procedures, our Quintessa surgeons are on the leading edge of the industry’s highest standards for creating long-lasting, beautiful results. This might include placing internal bra mesh beneath the implant to cradle and support the implant as your body heals.
Find out if internal bra mesh is right for you by reviewing this guide to its benefits and impacts on recovery.
What is Internal Bra Mesh? A Gamechanger
When you first hear of internal bra mesh, you may be thinking, what’s an internal bra?
Internal bra mesh is a revolutionary technique in which a surgeon places a piece of dissolvable mesh material within the breast pocket during procedures like mastopexy (breast lift), reduction mammaplasty (breast reduction), or breast augmentation. This mesh acts as an internal scaffolding or “bra,” reinforcing the soft tissues and maintaining the desired breast shape over time.
Internal bra mesh is made from resorbable materials, usually biosynthetic material. It functions as an internal bra by providing additional support to the breast tissue. Like a bra, it maintains the proper shape and position of the breasts after surgery.
Within 6 months to two years, the mesh is absorbed as the patient’s own tissue grows around it. This gradual process leaves behind a stronger layer of scar tissue for improved long term support.
For breast lift and reduction patients, the internal bra mesh significantly enhances the longevity of the results by counteracting the effects of gravity. This prevents premature sagging or “bottoming out.”
In breast augmentation cases, the mesh provides a reinforced pocket, securely holding the implants in their intended position and maintaining the desired breast shape and projection.
While the internal bra mesh is not a substitute for wearing a supportive bra, it offers a significant advantage in maintaining the desired breast shape and preventing premature sagging or implant displacement. By providing an internal support system, this innovative technique can help women enjoy long-lasting, natural-looking results from their breast procedures.
Types of mesh
Several types of mesh are commonly used for internal bra procedures, including:
- GalaFLEX Mesh: A polymer-based mesh that gradually dissolves over 6-18 months; stimulatesthe body’s natural collagen production to create a strong, supportive scar tissue matrix in its place
- Durasorb Mesh: An absorbable mesh that provides temporary support while promoting the growth of reinforcing scar tissue
- TIGR Matrix Surgical Mesh: Long-lasting support mesh with two different filaments; one dissolves in 6 months and the other lasts 1.5 years.
The choice of mesh material depends on the specific needs of the patient and your surgeon’s preference.
How does internal bra mesh differ from traditional breast augmentation techniques?
One of the biggest differences is that today’s meshes are typically resorbable, which means it absorbs back into the body over time, leaving behind stronger scar tissue in its place. Past versions were permanent. There are biological meshes, as opposed to biosynthetic mesh, which are more stretchable and may reduce the risk of capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is a complication in which scar tissue hardens around the breast implant.
Internal bra mesh can be used in the following ways:
- Internal bra mesh to support a breast lift
- Breast reduction surgery
- Breast implant support
- Correction of tuberous breast deformity
- Reinforcement during breast implant replacement or removal procedures
- Other surgical procedures involving the breasts
Benefits of Internal Bra Breast Surgery
Internal mesh became popular for breast surgeries because surgeons learned just how useful and effective it is. The benefits are plentiful, which is why many breast surgeries now include the placement of bra mesh.
Internal bra results may include:
- Better breast shape after surgery
- Prevents implants from bottoming out
- Provides excellent support for the breasts after surgery
- Stronger inframammary fold
- Potentially reduces sagging over time
- May reduce scarring
Risks of Internal Mesh
As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks associated with the placement of internal bra mesh. Your surgeon will discuss the risks with you, including risks that may be unique to you because of your health profile or history.
Risks are uncommon, but they may include:
- Developing infection
- Allergic reactions to the mesh
- Visible scarring
Pioneering internal bra mesh for breast enhancement in Wisconsin
Quintessa’s own Dr. Daniel Butz, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is at the forefront of innovative breast enhancement procedures. He is one of the first surgeons in the Midwest to incorporate internal bra mesh technology, providing his patients with exceptional results and minimized downtime.
Pioneering the drainless tummy tuck in Wisconsin
In addition to his expertise in breast enhancement, Dr. Butz is the only surgeon in Wisconsin offering the innovative drainless abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) technique.
This advanced approach minimizes downtime and discomfort for our Quitnessa patients and further exemplifies his commitment to delivering exceptional results with minimal disruption to their daily lives.
Quintessa’s comprehensive approach to aesthetic enhancement
Dr. Butz practices at Quintessa Aesthetic Center, where patients benefit from a comprehensive range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Dr. Butz takes the time to educate patients on all available options, including surgical solutions and non-invasive body contouring techniques like CoolSculpting Elite, CoolTone, and EmSculpt.
By incorporating cutting-edge technologies like internal bra mesh and offering a personalized, patient-centric approach, Dr. Butz has established himself as a leader in the field of aesthetic enhancement in Wisconsin and the Midwest region.
Internal Bra Breast Augmentation Procedures
Internal bra mesh is only used in conjunction with another breast procedure. Even though the surgical procedures may vary, the process of placing internal bra mesh is similar in most cases. You should consult with your surgeon to learn more about your specific cosmetic or reconstructive procedure and how the internal mesh will aid your finished look.
Pre-op Planning
Before your surgery, you will speak with our team and your surgeon in a consultation appointment. This is when your surgeon will explain your options based on your unique body and health history.
Surgery Prep
You will follow the instructions from your surgeon for the 24 hours before surgery. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications and supplements, fast from food and drink starting at a certain time, and follow specific hygiene instructions.
Administration of Anesthesia
Most surgical procedures are performed under general anesthesia. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of general anesthesia, ask us about our non-surgical services that may address some of your body concerns without surgery.
Making the Incisions
The location of the incisions is dependent upon the specific procedure you are undergoing. Incisions may go around the areola, in the breast crease, or vertically from the areola to the crease.
Tissue Reshaping & Placement of Implants
At this stage, it is time to place the implants and reshape the breast tissue to the desired shape and structure that your surgeon discussed with you before your procedure.
Preparation & Placement of Mesh
The mesh will be cut to the appropriate size and shape for your breasts, and then positioned beneath the chest tissue. Typically it is sutured to the chest wall and shaped like a hammock to support the new structure of the breast.
After the mesh and implants are in place, breast tissue is draped over the mesh to finalize the desired shape and position.
Completion of Additional Procedures
Any other procedures may be completed at this time. Alternatively, some procedures may be completed at other points in the surgery. Your surgeon will be able to give you a more precise overview of your exact treatment plan.
Closure
Your incisions will be closed in layers with the appropriate sutures, as determined by your surgeon. Sterile dressings will be applied, and you will be placed in a supportive post-surgical bra.
Post-Operative Care
The Quintessa team will give you specific instructions for your post-operative care. These recovery guidelines are likely to include the following:
- Get plenty of rest for the first few days
- Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks
- Follow all wound care instructions for keeping your incisions clean and dry
- Don’t submerge your incisions in water until you have been cleared by your surgeon
- Take prescribed and over-the-counter pain medications as directed
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Wear the surgical compression bra until you are instructed to remove it
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Stay hydrated
- Slowly increase your activity levels, as directed by your surgeon
- Avoid alcohol as you recover
Choose Quintessa for Your Breast Surgery
If you are considering surgical options for improving your contour and regaining your confidence, the knowledgeable and empathetic team at Quintessa is ready to answer all of your questions – that includes questions about the internal bra technique.
We have offices throughout the Madison, Wisconsin area, including Brookfield, Delafield, Mequon, Middleton, and Sheboygan.
When you choose Quintessa for your Madison-area plastic surgery, you are choosing to partner with a team of board-certified experts who are committed to excellence in aesthetic medicine. In each of our locations, you will find state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional customer service.
At Quintessa, we prioritize patient education, which means we answer all of your questions, at every step of the journey, from consultation to after-care. We create natural-looking results for our patients to help them enhance their national beauty and boost their confidence!
Contact Quintessa today to set up your consultation appointment!