Dr. Rachel Ford Talks the “Internal Bra” and Why Surgeons Are Using Mesh in Breast Surgery
Written by Ethan M. Stone
Historically, surgical mesh has been used in hernia repair. Recently, it has found a new use in creating a sort of “internal bra” during breast surgery. Many plastic surgeons, including Dr. Rachel Ford of Renuance Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa, have seen how it can improve patient outcomes in breast augmentation and breast lift procedures.
You may have heard the term “internal bra” used in the plastic surgery field before. However, Dr. Ford explains that surgical mesh is creating an all-new kind of post-surgical support.
“The term ‘internal bra’ was used in the past by some people to describe tightening of the scar tissue around implants with sutures to help them sit higher. Nowadays, it is more commonly used by some surgeons and patients to describe the use of surgical mesh in the breast,” she says.
“In this context, we are referring to a synthetic material placed during surgery to provide additional support,” Dr. Ford adds, though she is quick to note that while surgical mesh has helped her patients see great results, its use in breast surgery hasn’t yet hit the mainstream.
“First and foremost, when discussing mesh use in the breast, it is important to note that this is considered an off-label use of mesh. This means that the FDA has cleared specific products for the repair and reinforcement of soft tissue but has not specifically cleared these products for use in breast surgery,” she explains.
Is this off-label usage cause for concern? Not necessarily. “Off-label use is very common in medicine,” Dr. Ford says. “Botox, for example, was originally approved for certain eye disorders and was used off-label before receiving cosmetic approval. There are many peer-reviewed publications supporting the use of mesh in breast surgery.”
One might picture this kind of “internal bra” as a permanent support structure beneath the skin. But surgeons like Dr. Ford don’t generally intend for them to last forever. Instead, the mesh encourages the body to form its own support structures over the course of the healing process.
“The type of mesh I use, which is among the most commonly used in breast surgery, is not permanent. It is gradually absorbed and replaced by the body’s own connective tissue over approximately one to two years,” she says.
“Histologic and biomechanical studies have shown that this process results in the formation of a robust collagenous tissue matrix that may provide greater strength and support than would occur with normal healing alone.”
Surgical mesh has shown itself to be a valuable tool. But as any plastic surgeon will tell you, not every tool is right for any procedure. Dr. Ford rarely places mesh in patients getting breast implants for the first time unless she believes aging, major weight loss, or other factors may make it harder for the body to support the implants long-term.
Most of the time, Dr. Ford uses surgical mesh for patients whose own tissues aren’t adequately supporting existing implants. These patients often find that their breasts are sitting lower than they would like.
“In those situations, I tighten the scar tissue around the implants to reposition them, then reinforce that repaired pocket with mesh to provide additional support,” she says.
Mesh has the potential to deliver improved results, but Dr. Ford emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations. “When it comes to aesthetic surgery in general, nothing is a magic bullet. I tell patients that we can help turn back the clock when it comes to aging, but we cannot stop it,” she says.
“My goal is for my patients’ outcomes to look as good as possible for as long as possible.”
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
