Join
For Providers
Join
Sign in

Ask a doctor

Keller funnel pros and cons?

Pros and cons of Keller funnel? If they are so great why don't all surgeons use them? Do they really make a huge difference in the size of your scars when going through th crease?

Doctor Answers 18

October 14th, 2015

Keller Funnel

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
In addition to new Style 410 tear-drop shaped implants, a second important innovation, the Keller Funnel, has changed how implants are placed into the breast pocket. Most implants are now placed under the pectoralis major muscle, which improves appearance and reduces the chance of hardening (capsular
contracture). Capsular contracture rates are also less if the implant never comes in contact
with the skin during the procedure. The Keller Funnel makes this possible. It works
like a cake decorator’s cornet for icing a cake. Once the pocket is ready, the implant is
placed into this sterile cone-shaped plastic funnel. The implant is then literally squeezed
into the pocket without ever touching the skin or the surgeon’s gloves.
David L. Mobley, MD, FACS
February 22nd, 2015

Keller funnel and breast implants

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
I have found the Keller funnel to be a very useful tool for breast implant surgery.
I can place large implants through smaller incisions with less trauma to the implant
Arguably, this is a more sterile method of implant placement
Unfortunately with textured devices or shaped implants, there is a potential for damaging the implant by placing high amounts of pressure on the implant while inserting it into a small hole so there is definitely a learning curve with this product.  With a round, smooth implant it is a no-brainer.

Samer W. Cabbabe, MD, FACS
Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon

November 14th, 2016

Why I am a fan of the Keller Funnel

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Hi Sharp1011,

I started using the Keller Funnels earlier this year and have become a big fan of the device. Using the Keller Funnel may make a difference in preventing capsular contracture. The science is still out on that but it does make sense. You are correct; it does shorten the inframammary incision a bit. I find it much easier to place the silicone implants using the funnel. 

The reason more surgeons are not using them is simple. They cost about $100 each. 

Here is the recent blog I wrote about it that goes into more detail about it and a video demonstrating how they work.

All the best,

David B.

Learn more: http://www.dbreath.com/blog/why-the-keller-funnel-makes-breast-augmentations-better/

David B. Reath, MD

David B. Reath, MD
Knoxville Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 111 reviews

February 24th, 2015

Keller funnel pros and cons?

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Long-term data are not available on the reduction of capsular contractures or implant malfunction. Theoretically, these help with ease of insertion, smaller incision length and less trauma and possible contamination of the implant (but these are placed in a "sterile" feild). The primary issue is cost.

The Keller Funnel only need to be used for silicone gel implants as the typical insertion incision for saline implants is much smaller and little to no trauma on the implants.

Learn more: https://www.aspireplasticsurgery.com/breast-augmentation-fort-wayne/

Brian J. Lee, MD

Brian J. Lee, MD
Fort Wayne Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

February 24th, 2015

Breast augmentation #breastimplants #BBA #salineimplants #siliconeimplants #Kellerfunnel #genius

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Dear Sharp1011

Thank you for your question!  The Keller funnel is GENIUS !!  It takes 3 seconds to place 2 implants via a 2.5 centimeter incision( 1 ") for most patients.  The cost of the surgery time alone is worth the $ of the funnel.

With Warm Regards
Trevor M Born MD
Trevor M. Born, MD

Trevor M. Born, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 126 reviews

February 23rd, 2015

Keller funnel pros and cons

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
Disclaimer - I liked it so much the first time I saw it I invested in the company

Pros - 1 - No touch -No touch technique is thought to decrease capsular contracture. Studies from the company on cadavers painted with bacteria show decreased contamination and in a preliminary study of a few practices we showed the capsular contracture rate to be decreased by half.

           2 - less pressure on implant - this may lead to decreased ruptures but hard to prove

           3 - smaller incision - a little

           4 - less surgeon hand fatigue

Cons - cost only
Jason Pozner, MD

Jason Pozner, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 46 reviews

March 29th, 2017

Using the Keller Funnel allows for a smaller scar size and a more sterile breast augmentation procedure.

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

I always use the Keller Funnel during my silicone breast augmentation procedures. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it allows for me to squeeze the implant through a smaller incision - which means smaller scars for my patients. Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, it ensures that the implant comes out of sterile packaging, goes through the sterile funnel, and directly into the patient's tissue. This means that risk of contamination (and infection) is minimized. 

Learn more: https://beleza-plasticsurgery.com/procedures/breast-augmentation/

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS
Pittsburgh Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 49 reviews

April 22nd, 2016

Keller Funnel

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The Keller funnel is not necessary but it does decrease the incision length, risk for contamination, and damage to the implant and surrounding skin. It's the no-touch technique and it's the smoothest way to insert the implant.  I use it every time I'm inserting an implant.
Justin Yovino, MD, FACS

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 103 reviews

February 23rd, 2015

Keller funnel

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The Keller funnel has been shown to reduce capsule contracture with a 0.7% in my practice over 3 years follow up and 600 patients.  Studies do show lower bacterial counts on the implant when used.  The stress on the implant is lower than by finger insertion.  It clearly reduces the time in surgery (less than 30 min in 90% of my cases) and the length of incision needed for placement.  If our theories on contracture cause are correct all should use it.

It is considered by some in the UK to the the standard of care.

It does cost some extra.  I will not do a gel implant with out them.  Those who don't use them are cutting costs in my opinion.
Mark Eberbach, MD

Mark Eberbach, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 63 reviews

February 23rd, 2015

Keller Funnel usage

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}
The Keller Funnel is a conceptual tool but has not been proven to add any advantage to the surgery.  The device is too expensive for any suggested benefit.  Like all devices in surgery you have to be skeptical of marketing hype and see what the scientific literature proves over time.

Best Wishes

Dr. Peterson

Marcus L. Peterson, MD
Saint George Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.