Galaflex internal mesh with breast implants, could it be painful & detectable to touch?

Question

My PS is recommending an internal mesh Galaflex. I am currently AA cup and looking for 250cc- 275cc under the muscle. I do not have saggy breasts. I never heard of mesh and I am afraid it will be painful and detectable to the touch.

Tosan Ehanire, MD · Answer

Often times, an absorbable mesh product is utilized in augmentation cases to assist in long term positioning of the implant in relation to the nipple and re-draped skin. Yes, any implant could potentially be detected with palpation by the savvy provider, however I doubt that you will have much trouble with this product as we have used it hundreds of times in small and large busted women without issue and with good cosmetic results.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, Galaflex is absorbable, generally not palpable and should not be any additional pain. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nounouk,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. While the use of mesh is gaining popularity in breast surgery. I feel that it should be use only when it’s needed. Sometimes with residual breast surgery or the use of a very large implant in a patient whose skin is unreliable, a mesh can add much needed support. However, in your case, I do not see, the point of using a mesh. With a small, tight skin envelope and a small implant, I don’t see that it would add any benefit to your result. If you don’t like the plan of your surgeon, I would always advise to seek a second option.  Good luck on your journey.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. For the majority of primary breast augmentations mesh is unnecessary and will initially feel firm to the touch until incorporated by your tissues.  Mesh is typically used for patients with poor skin quality - such as massive weight loss patients - or in cases of correcting implant malposition.  It can be used to reinforce a particular "look" a patient desires, but with your estimated range of implant sizes, it is unlikely to be needed. As your surgeon recommended it to you, best to ask them for their rationale.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The mesh is not permanent and your tissue will slowly replace the mesh with time. The mesh usually does not increase pain and usually not noticeable to touch unless you have no breast tissue.

Bruce K. Smith, MD · Answer

In my opinion, mesh like Galaflex is not necessary in a straight forward breast augmentation with no or minimal ptosis.  It is usually not felt and will eventually absorb or be broken down and go away. I just don't feel that is is necessary in most primary breast augmentations and may interfere with the natural stretching, dropping and softening process that happens after the surgery.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. For my healthy patients with good skin elasticity who are receiving breast implants for the first time, I do not use a mesh. Generally speaking, mesh is used for additional support or to strengthen skin when patients have soft, thin, droopy skin or with large implants. Since you do not have saggy breasts and your breast implants sizes are reasonable and on the smaller side, I would not expect a mesh to be necessary. The galaflex mesh can be felt sometimes for up to 2 years as it slowly dissolves and becomes incorporated into your skin overtime. It can feel like a firm plastic material under the skin in certain areas but it should dissolve over 2 years. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Mesh is not indicated for primary breast augmentation without ptosis (droopiness) or thin skin issues.  I would go for several other consultations then decide.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

If you have small breasts with decent skin elasticity, most plastic surgeons would not recommend placing any mesh in you as a first time breast augmentation patient.

Galaflex internal mesh with breast implants, could it be painful & detectable to touch?

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