Perky, uplifted breasts are a common goal for many women of all ages. We are well aware of the effects of pregnancy and weight fluctuations can have on our breasts. This may be one of the reasons breast augmentation remains the most sought after procedure in plastic surgery according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Breast augmentation is constantly evolving now there are new materials being used by plastic surgeons that can help keep your breasts lifted and supported.
The Plastic Surgery Channel interviews
Bruce Van Natta MD
Dr. Bruce Van Natta, a board certified plastic surgeon in Indianapolis routinely uses a supportive scaffolding material called GalaFLEX created by Galatea Surgical to give his augmentation and mastopexy (breast lift) patients an added boost.
While a mastopexy procedure can correct ptosis (i.e., drooping) and re-shape the breast, internal soft tissue reinforcement can be used to help support a woman’s newly lifted breasts and potentially prevent further droopiness. Soft tissue reinforcement products like GalaFLEX work immediately and provide a lattice for the patient’s own natural tissue to develop over time.
What is GalaFLEX and how does it work?
GalaFLEX provides a strong and flexible scaffold which encourages the growth of a patient’s own natural tissue by providing a platform for new collagen and elastin.
It’s made of an absorbable and naturally derived material called P4HB. Over time, as new tissue is formed and developed around the scaffold, the scaffold is slowly absorbed over a period of 12-18 months, eventually leaving behind new, stronger tissue.
Products made from P4HB have a long history of human use in hernia repair, the abdominal wall and a variety of plastic surgery procedures.
SERI® Surgical Scaffold is another bio-compatible support product for soft tissue support, only this one is made with purified silk. Both products, GalaFLEX and SERI Scaffold, will gradually be broken down and re-absorbed into the body.
Can big implants encourage droopiness?
The added weight of an implant that is too heavy for a woman’s breast tissue can also contribute to stretching of the breast over time.
“When a breast augmentation can’t hold up the weight of an implant, GalaFLEX can be put to good use. We treat a lot of patients with this support system for primary and revision surgery,” says Van Natta.
Van Natta also finds GalaFLEX extremely useful in small busted women who would like a little bigger implant. “But nothing crazy!” says Van Natta. It allows him to insert a larger implant than their own tissue could support.
“I think it’s going to be a game changer in breast surgery.”
Selecting a Surgeon
Look for the logo from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) or American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) on a doctor’s website, prior to selecting a surgeon. These logos signify the doctor is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, and have undergone the proper plastic surgery training and passed rigorous examinations.