More magazine has an story: "New help for 'pancake' breasts, which states women with deflated breasts after pregnancy or weight losss can get an operation that is an alternative to breast implants. It's called "spiral flap" breast lift. Says it costs $30,000. Can you tell me more about the spiral flap surgery, is it more natural appearing than an implant?
The spiral flap is a nice catchy name to describe taking the lateral breast fold tissue and turning it up towards the breast to incorporate into a breast lift and augmentation. It is mostly used for massive weight loss patients and can be susceptible to loose of the flap when rotated. For most standard flat breasts after deflation, a lift and implant are best.
The surgery you are describing leaves long prominent scars, and can only be done on women who have had gastric banding for morbid obesity.
Implants, when well done, look and feel natural!
Ms. Carolyn,
The spiral flap uses your own excess tissue to help bolster your own breast tissue. This may work for patients with massive weight loss who have excess tissue and skin. Breast implants are good if you have minimal to moderate amount of breast tissue and need to add more volume. The indications really for two different kinds of people. It is best to keep in mind that not every operation is indicated for every patient. If you post pictures of yourself, we may be able to give you more specific advice. Good luck.
If you have a certain degree of sagging (nipple or below the inframammary fold) and desire some extra volume, you should get a lift with a small implant. A breast enlargement to reduce sag is a problem in my eyes. Many woman complain that they are too big and that they are still saggy when it is all over. If you are satisfied with your breast volume when in a bra, you can consider a breast lift. My favorite is a Goes technique, which lifts the breast from above, thus it is more durable.
The spiral flap procedure has not yet stood the test of time. We really don't know what will happen to the tissue over years, as the procedure is relatively new. Hang on for follow up on the procedure results, or go with the already tried and true breast implant.
Remember though that breast implants fail at a rate of 1-2% per year over your lifetime. So, there is a possibility that you may have to have a replacement at some time in the future. Good luck!
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