Shorter recovery and less pain w/ Keller Funnel method?

Question

I have been doing some research and have seen that some surgeons use the Keller Funnel method w/ the implant placement. Does this usually mean a faster and less painful recovery for the patient? It seems to be a less invasive way to place the implant.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

The discomfort from a breast augmentation comes from the incision and the work done under the breast, ie whether the implant is placed above or below the chest muscle and the extent of the work done on the chest muscle to allow the implant to sit in the correct position.  The Keller funnel allows: 1) Less trauma to the implant and to the edges of the incision during insertion of the implant,  2) less contamination of the implant with skin bacteria because, if done correctly, the implant goes from its sterile container, into the sterile Keller funnel and into the pocket created for it, without ever touching the patients skin.  This may decrease the risk of capsular contracture.

Richard Zienowicz, MD · Answer

I'm not sure it is that way for every patient but there is no question it makes implant insertion far safer and less traumatic for both implant and patient. Watching any surgeon insert an implant manually vs the Keller funnel would convince anyone of this.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

It is a tool to place the implant. No change in pain. It will probably decrease the risk of capsular contraction. It is also less traumatic to the implant. A good device. Good luck!

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear Alymom2, The Keller Funnel is a way to place the implant in the pocket without human contact, therefore decreasing changes of contamination of the implant. It is helpful in keeping the incisions smaller, but will likely not affect the recovery time or discomfort after surgery. It is a very useful product though, and if you are considering breast augmentation you should discuss the use of it with your surgeon. Good luck!

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

No, use of the funnel wont affect pain or recovery time. It allows us to make a slightly smaller incision when using silicone implants and allows us to use a true "no-touch" technique when inserting the implants which is felt to decrease the risk of capsular contracture down the road. Hope that helps!

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Is used to help insert the gel implant- it doesn't affect pain or recovery. It can allow a smaller skin incision and scar.

Charles Galanis, MD · Answer

The primary advantages of the Keller funnel technique are the potential for a smaller incision and a more sterile method of inserting the implant (which theoretically may lead to decreased risk of infection or even capsular contracture though these haven't been yet proven).  Since your recovery has more to do with pocket dissection and implant volume and less to do with the size of your incision, my experience has been that the recovery is about the same with or without the Keller funnel.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, I've been using the Keller funnel for years.  The advantages include less handling of the implant (potentially decreasing infection risk), ability to insert the implant through a smaller incision, and less risk of permanent distortion of the implant.  I think it is a worthwhile device.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. In my practice, I use the funnel for all breast augmentation procedures involving silicone gel breast implants of all sizes. I believe that the use of the funnel allows for the use of a smaller incision and for easier breast implant insertion ( allowing for a “no touch technique” and no contact of the breast implant with the patient's skin).  Its use does not lead to a faster or less painful recovery. Best wishes with your upcoming surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The Keller funnel is used to squeeze the implant into the pocket. Think of one of those icing bags used to write on a birthday cake.  As far as I know, there are no studies supporting that there is less pain or recovery is shorter.

Shorter recovery and less pain w/ Keller Funnel method?

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