Are there any unwanted side effects from an internal mesh? Does it really work?

An internal mesh, such as GalaFLEX, is a bioresorbable scaffold that supports, reinforces, and elevates soft tissues. The mesh completely absorbs after 1.5 to 2 years leaving the tissue 2-4 times stronger than before. From my point of view and according to many studies, the mesh seems to really work.

Hello, yes it is indeed safe to use mesh for reconstructed the breast fold and for it add support to the implant. There has not been any long term adverse affects of the use of mesh and correlation to cancer. Some meshes used are absorbable. Although it is safe to use, it is not a standard procedure becuase often it is not necessary and adding an additional foreign body to the surgical site if not needed may outweigh the risks compared to the benefits added.

Thank you for your question. Typically for a straightforward breast augmentation an internal mesh is not necessary. For a number of more complicated cases including revision surgeries internal mesh can help. There are quite a few mesh products available and they are safe. Please seek a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in breast augmentation to discuss your options. Good luck!

Hello @Ep138001 thank you for your question. Every case is different however in a breast augmentation an internal mesh is not standard the standard procedure. Without a proper assessment an expert opinion is not possible. 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

Great question Ep138001!
We have used internal mesh for breast reconstruction for the past 20 years with great success. however, the question is whether internal mesh is indicated for primary cosmetic cases. there are pros and cons to this as clearly there is an advantage to having an internal support for the the breast after a lift. However, the mesh is a foreign body and can cause issues such as immune reaction, or infection and rejection as you have alluded to in your question. At Cosmoplastic Surgery, we have used the "Naturabra" technique that allows for your own breast tissue to act as an internal bra that supports the lifted breast. We just reported our results of the past 18 years of over 700 breast lift cases at the 100th anniversary meeting of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons in San Diego in March 2022.

Dear Ep138001,
generally speaking, internal mesh is not required for breast augmentation. 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

Plastic surgery procedures that involve internal mesh, such as for hernia repairs or tissue support, can have potential side effects like infection, discomfort, or mesh-related complications. The effectiveness of these procedures varies depending on the specific surgery and individual factors. It's important to consult with a skilled plastic surgeon to discuss the risks and benefits specific to your case. They can provide you with more detailed information based on your needs and medical history.

Up to this point there is no cases of any sort of CA with mesh used in the breast. Galaflex is used pretty widely for difficult revision breast cases, large implant cases, and mastopexy augmentation where tissue has proven to not hold up on its own (very saggy). The reason it is not used across the board is cost. It does add cost to the cases and many patients have a budget or are cost shopping.

Mesh is usually not considered in the first augmentation unless your tissue is very thin or you are choosing a very large and heavy implant. Mesh is expensive and usually not needed for the primary procedure. It is often used in reconstructive procedures since tissue is very limited.