The Internal Breast Bra: Elevating Breast Surgery Techniques

As a dual board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast surgery at AMG Plastic Surgery, I, Dr. Amir Mahan Ghaznavi, am constantly seeking innovative techniques to provide my patients with the best possible outcomes. With my advanced training in microsurgery from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and plastic surgery experience from Henry Ford Hospital, I stay at the forefront of evolving procedures to achieve transformative results.

One such technique that has garnered attention in recent years is the internal breast bra, also known as the internal or mesh bra. Below, I will explore this innovative procedure, its benefits, and who may be a suitable candidate for it.

What is an Internal Bra for Breast Surgery?

The internal bra technique is a cutting-edge surgical approach that involves placing a supportive material within the breast tissue to provide additional lift, shape, and long-term support. This technique is ideal for women experiencing breast sagging (ptosis) due to weight loss, aging, or the desire for larger implants. The internal bra acts as an internal support structure, providing a youthful, uplifted appearance while reinforcing the natural tissue.

For women with large breast implants or those looking to upsize their implants, the internal bra can offer the structural support necessary to maintain the breast’s shape and position over time. The internal bra technique is particularly beneficial for those desiring more comprehensive results in their breast lift or augmentation.

How Does the Internal Bra Technique Work?

In this procedure, I meticulously place a supportive mesh or scaffold beneath the skin and within the breast tissue. This mesh acts like an internal push-up bra, stabilizing the breast tissue and reinforcing the lower pole (the area beneath the nipple). The internal bra technique is especially useful for addressing sagging breasts with loose skin and provides long-term structural support.

The mesh material used is typically biocompatible, allowing for seamless integration with the body’s natural tissue. Over time, tissue growth occurs around the mesh, enhancing durability and creating a natural breast lift effect. I often explain to my patients that the mesh acts like “rebar” to reinforce the natural scar tissue, ensuring a stable, long-lasting result.

When is the Internal Bra Technique Used?

This advanced technique is often used in conjunction with other breast surgeries, such as:

• Breast lift surgery (mastopexy)
• Breast reduction surgery
• Breast augmentation with implants
• Reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy

As a microsurgery specialist who has led groundbreaking innovations in breast reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic, I am well-versed in using this technique to enhance both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeries. It can provide added support for patients who require additional soft tissue reinforcement, such as those with larger breast implants or those experiencing significant skin laxity.

Types of Internal Bra Materials

There are several materials used in the internal bra technique, each with its unique benefits:

1. Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM): This biologic mesh is derived from processed human, porcine (pig), or bovine (cow) tissue, which has been treated to remove cells while preserving the extracellular matrix. Examples include Alloderm, Strattice, and Surgimend.
2. Synthetic Mesh: Meshes made from polypropylene or polyester, such as Galaflex, offer a synthetic option for internal bra support.
3. Autologous Tissue: In some cases, a patient’s tissue, such as fascia strips, can be used to create internal support.

While these materials are often used “off-label” for cosmetic breast surgery, they have been extensively tested for other medical applications and have shown successful outcomes in breast procedures. Many surgeons, including myself, have significant experience with these materials and employ them to provide excellent, long-term results for our patients.

Pros and Cons of the Internal Bra Breast Lift

Pros:

• Provides additional support to the natural breast tissue
• Helps maintain breast shape and position over time
• Reduces the risk of implant displacement or “bottoming out”
• Enhances the longevity of breast lift or augmentation results
• Stabilizes existing implants after revision surgery

Cons:

• Increases the complexity and cost of the procedure
• May be palpable or visible in certain cases
• Not necessary for all patients
• Can be costly, adding $1,000 to $3,000 to the procedure

As with any surgical technique, the decision to incorporate an internal bra depends on the patient’s individual needs, anatomy, and surgical goals. With my comprehensive background in plastic and reconstructive surgery, I provide personalized recommendations for each patient to ensure they receive the most appropriate care.

Placement of the Internal Bra

During the procedure, the internal bra material is strategically sutured to the chest wall or existing weak breast tissue to create a stable foundation. The placement is customized based on the degree of sagging (ptosis), the size of the breasts or implants, and the overall desired breast shape.

Dr. Ghaznavi’s expertise in reconstructive microsurgery and plastic surgery allows him to perform the internal bra technique with precision, creating natural, long-lasting results. By leveraging his extensive training and experience, he ensures that each patient’s surgery is tailored to their unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Risks of an Internal Bra Breast Lift

While the internal bra technique offers significant benefits, it’s essential to understand the potential risks, which are similar to those associated with traditional breast surgery:

• Infection
• Seroma (fluid accumulation)
• Hematoma (blood collection)
• Implant displacement or malposition
• Mesh visibility or palpability

Discussing these risks with your surgeon is crucial to making an informed decision. With a deep commitment to patient safety and care, I thoroughly explain these considerations during the consultation process.

Candidates for an Internal Bra Breast Lift

The internal bra technique may be ideal for patients who:

• Have significant breast sagging and are seeking a breast lift
• Are undergoing breast augmentation with a high risk of implant displacement
• Have thin or stretched skin that requires additional support
• Are undergoing breast revision surgery to correct implant malposition
• Have lost a significant amount of weight and experienced deflated, sagging breasts

As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, I ensure that each patient is thoroughly evaluated to determine their suitability for the internal bra technique. My focus on combining form and function allows me to deliver superior results that not only improve aesthetics but also restore confidence and well-being.

The Final Word

The internal breast bra is an advanced surgical technique that offers enhanced support, longevity, and improved aesthetic outcomes for breast lift, reduction, and augmentation procedures. As with any surgery, it’s vital to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in these cutting-edge methods to determine whether it’s the right option for you.

At AMG Plastic Surgery, I am committed to offering my patients the most innovative and effective techniques, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. If you’re interested in learning more about the internal breast bra and how it can benefit you, schedule a consultation today.