23 May 2024 | by Sean Doherty, MD, FACS
Breast surgery is one of my areas of expertise. As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, I am constantly embracing new techniques that allow me to deliver not just a superior looking result, but one that will stand the test of time. An important tool for ensuring both is the GalaFLEX™ line of surgical mesh products which create almost an internal bra of support. This can be a game-changer for patients with severely weakened breast tissue. The latter is incredibly common in women for a variety of reasons such as pregnancy, weight gain/loss and age. The advantage of this surgical mesh in breast surgery is that it allows me to restore strength to your breast tissue so that we can create the aesthetically pleasing shape that we both want.
What Causes Weak Breast Tissue?
There are many reasons why the skin and tissues on your breast may weaken including:
- Age
- Hormonal changes such as menopause
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Weight gain/loss
- Genetics
- Prior breast surgery
The problem with compromised breast tissue is not simply sagging in your breasts. The bigger issue is that it may prevent you from attaining either the aesthetic result that you want and/or being able to sustain said result over time. For example, if I place a breast implant into a patient with severely weakened breast tissue, there is a high probability that the tissues will not be strong enough to hold the implant in its proper place. The end result can be implant malposition and revision breast surgery. Neither of us want that to happen.
Benefits of GalaFLEX™ in Breast Surgery in Boston
Surgical mesh or soft tissue support (STS) promotes your body to produce more collagen in the form of scar tissue that weaves in and out of the mesh as it dissolves over time. As the fundamental support beams of your skin and tissues, more collagen equals more strength. There are quite a few STS products on the market. I use GalaFLEX™ for two reasons. One, it’s made of P4HB which is derived from a propriety fermentation process, not chemical synthesis. This makes the mesh both incredibly strong and malleable. I am able to easily fold and shape the product, which comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, to fit your unique anatomy. And, two, GalaFLEX™ products encourage rapid tissue ingrowth which reduces the risk of inflammation and infection. The goal is to encourage your own tissue to become more robust.
So, if you are not happy with the size and shape of your breasts, schedule an appointment to come see me to discuss breast surgery. During your initial consultation, I will conduct a thorough physical exam and assess the health of your breast tissue. I pride myself on always be honest with my patients so if I think that you would benefit from GalaFLEX™, I will let you know. In the right patient, it is definitely worth it.
To find out more about a breast augmentation, breast lift or breast revision surgery, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
