Is galaflex worth the extra cost for a minor breast reduction/lift? (Photo)

Question

mid 40's and have very dense, sagging breasts . I' need a one and done lift for ever. currently a 32dd and I want to be a 32c. No implants. I've had 3 consultations. one dr is saying yes- my breasts will sag again quickly due to being heavy/dense. other dr's saying mesh is not necessary because the lift and reduction will add volume/skin tightening. One dr is saying there is no evidence that internal bra's have long lasting results/ not worth extra costs. Can you share advice

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
And thank you for the question.
Based on the photo you provided, you may be a good candidate for a full mastopexy (breast lift) which will put your nipples into the correct position, make the areola smaller and allow excess skin to be taken away, giving you a more youthful and lifted breast appearance. 
Some people are a little apprehensive to the full breast lift due to the scars (lollipop or anchor), but typically they do very well and scars fade over time. 
With aging, soft tissue becomes thinner and less elastic and native tissue only heals to 80% of its original strength following surgery. Galaflex scaffold can add additional internal support to help elevate and reinforce soft tissues during breast lift procedures but it does add additional cost to the cosmetic procedure. 
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Lift surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
I hope this helps.Good luck!
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

We have to be careful here - saying you need one and done and to last forever is a bit of a red flag - but obviously your surgeon would love to give you a result that lasts a long time. I don't really use galaflex in my practice as I haven't seen it give all the benefits it claims.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

With other surgeons and professors at Harvard, I wrote the chapter on breast augmentation revision with Strattice and other materials and techniques in Annals of Plastic Surgery. However, I certainly do not use it in every revision. I use it in probably 1 out of every 20 revisions for very specific indications in which there is an intrinsic laxity of tissues and poor local tissue support. If it is used in recurrent capsular contracture, the concern would be different than if it were used to help in pocket reconstruction or prevention of bottoming out. Check with your PS to determine which would be better for your revision.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

I have been using Galaflex for about 5 years, and I find that it does help maintain support. Breasts that have sagged have already stretched the skin envelope and supportive ligaments, and the internal bra offloads the weight. It is most useful for large and dense breasts.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Galaflex supposedly will help keep the breast tissue supported. But it hasn’t been used that long and we don’t know if it actually makes a difference. I don’t think it’s worth the extra expense.

Is galaflex worth the extra cost for a minor breast reduction/lift? (Photo)

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