Do I need mesh to help lateral displacement? (Photos)

The use of a mesh can add support during a capsulorrhaphy. Depending on the intraoperative findings and the integrity of the tissue it may not always be necessary. Discuss the pros and cons further with your surgeon who can better answer this question, as he or she has had the benefit of a physical examination.

This is a common and difficult problem to correct, because capsulorrhaphy suture repairs are unpredictable. So if I were doing a capsulorrhaphy I would use mesh, because it may help reinforce the repair and it doesn't have much chance of causing problems. It's a little tricky to get it attached well and lay flat at the periphery of the breast.
But mainly because of the unpredictability of capsulorrhaphies, lateral and inferior ones,
I have taken to doing neo-subpectoral pocket dissections and that has been very satisfactory. It seems daunting at first, but once you get into it, it is quite doable and puts the breasts back centrally and you have a nice, new secure pocket, whose borders are now dissected for the first time. It is particularly effective for the problem you present. As for the mesh, I suggest you go with your plastic surgeons recommendation.

Dear Kleeann1231,

breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.
Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.
While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.
If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.


Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mesh comes in several types, but the most common is an absorbable mesh made of out poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB). This type of material is the same as is used in many absorbable sutures, and will be replaced by your body's scar tissue as it dissolves slowly over the course of 1.5-2 years. This acts as a reinforcement to your soft tissue during the healing period. If your capsule needs to be tightened by over 1 cm in any direction, I do recommend use of mesh to reinforce the repair and prevent a heavy implant from weakening your repair. Some downsides of mesh include risk of visible or palpable wrinkles, extrusion and infection. The use of mesh reinforcement in breast surgery is considered "off label." Ask your surgeon to review the risks and benefits of using mesh with you. As always, I recommend seeking the opinion of a board certified plastic surgeon.