How do I know if I TRULY am a candidate. I'm a WLS patient (lost 120), getting a lift on ~34G breasts. My surgeon recommended GalaFlex since no reduction. Have you noticed patients w/ GalaFlex having more complications than those w/out? I can't find lit/opinions on the topic. I've found 2 other mesh brands have been thought to lead to complications + autoimmune disease. How can I tell if it's something I'm truly a candidate for vs. a nice to have surgeon upsell? My mammary crease seems to be around rib 9-10, if that matters.
Answer: Galaflax safe but there will always be risks The product dimension has been published on and used by many reputable surgeons for a number of years that this point. In a patient like you who has had stretching Loss of support of the skin and soft tissue, it has been highly recommended by many to help reduce the risk of what we call bottoming out. I am not aware that it has been directly identified as a cause of autoimmune diseases, However its use does carry risks such as infection, exposure, etc (however much it may add to the already present risk of surgery). It is important for you to discuss the risks and benefits with her surgeon and decide whether you are willing to tolerate these risks in order to achieve the potential benefits, or whether you are willing to forego the potential benefits so that the risks are not as high.
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Answer: Galaflax safe but there will always be risks The product dimension has been published on and used by many reputable surgeons for a number of years that this point. In a patient like you who has had stretching Loss of support of the skin and soft tissue, it has been highly recommended by many to help reduce the risk of what we call bottoming out. I am not aware that it has been directly identified as a cause of autoimmune diseases, However its use does carry risks such as infection, exposure, etc (however much it may add to the already present risk of surgery). It is important for you to discuss the risks and benefits with her surgeon and decide whether you are willing to tolerate these risks in order to achieve the potential benefits, or whether you are willing to forego the potential benefits so that the risks are not as high.
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October 10, 2022
Answer: Breasts Congratulations on your weight loss! Personally, I would just do the reduction and avoid the mesh, but some surgeons like mesh.
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October 10, 2022
Answer: Breasts Congratulations on your weight loss! Personally, I would just do the reduction and avoid the mesh, but some surgeons like mesh.
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September 24, 2022
Answer: Has GalaFlex been used long enough to assess if there is higher chance of complications? Hello @Spiceworld90s, thank you for your question. These meshes, such as galaflex, are used to contain tissues that are difficult to hold in place. When performing a breast reconstruction and breast lift it is not necessary to place other elements, depending on the surgical technique of the doctor. You can avoid the use of these elements. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS
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September 24, 2022
Answer: Has GalaFlex been used long enough to assess if there is higher chance of complications? Hello @Spiceworld90s, thank you for your question. These meshes, such as galaflex, are used to contain tissues that are difficult to hold in place. When performing a breast reconstruction and breast lift it is not necessary to place other elements, depending on the surgical technique of the doctor. You can avoid the use of these elements. The best course of action is to consult one or several board certified plastic surgeon for more information and options tailored specifically to your needs. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD FACS
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September 20, 2022
Answer: Bellesoma Method The technique I recommend is a lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.
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September 20, 2022
Answer: Bellesoma Method The technique I recommend is a lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.
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September 18, 2022
Answer: Mesh Your surgeon is recommending mesh because your native tissues will restretch and you will have recurrent sagging and loss of upper pole fullness (I would also recommend an implant to optimize shape). You are incorrect about mesh products leading to increased complications or systemic diseases like autoimmune/connective tissue disorders. Although non-resorbable mesh products - nylon/plastic - have had a rocky road when used for general surgical procedures (pain, infections, recurrent hernias), resorbable mesh has not had any of those problems. Galaflex mesh is made of a polymer known as P4HB, a long chain of molecules that breakdown after two years into metabolizable compounds that are not harmful or stimulate immune response. Breast surgeons have been using this product reliably for almost a decade and have shown a decrease in reoperation rates.
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September 18, 2022
Answer: Mesh Your surgeon is recommending mesh because your native tissues will restretch and you will have recurrent sagging and loss of upper pole fullness (I would also recommend an implant to optimize shape). You are incorrect about mesh products leading to increased complications or systemic diseases like autoimmune/connective tissue disorders. Although non-resorbable mesh products - nylon/plastic - have had a rocky road when used for general surgical procedures (pain, infections, recurrent hernias), resorbable mesh has not had any of those problems. Galaflex mesh is made of a polymer known as P4HB, a long chain of molecules that breakdown after two years into metabolizable compounds that are not harmful or stimulate immune response. Breast surgeons have been using this product reliably for almost a decade and have shown a decrease in reoperation rates.
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