Is using the mesh safe when getting a breast reduction?

Breast reduction can be done either with the lollipop or the anchor type incision.  As far as the mesh is concerned, I personally thin it is unnecessary and overused.  Also we don't know at this point the long terms effects or problems from the mesh.

There are many people who use mesh in breast reductions to help support the breast tissue. The ultimate person to answer this question is your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon because his/her success with mesh will depend on their experience with mesh. There are a number of different techniques and the technique your surgeon uses will depend on how much skin excess you have, the amount of breast tissue they are going to remove, and their preferred technique. The difference between a lollipop incision and Anchor depends on what they are trying to accomplish and your surgeon's preferred technique. Ultimately, if you are not feeling comfortable with your decision to proceed with your surgeon, then you should schedule another appointment for a second opinion or re-discuss your concerns with your surgeon. It is natural to start re-questioning your choices, however, you should trust that the surgeon you have chosen can give you the best possible outcome. If you do not feel this way make sure you discuss your concerns with him or her. #PlasticSurgery #BreastReduction #Mesh

Hello,There is no published evidence that shows that the use of mesh provides a better result in breast reduction surgery.  Unfortunately, there is a great deal of pressure from the manufacturers to create new applications for their product, which they then push on to the surgeon. As for type of reduction, I look to available evidence and logic to guide me.  Dr. Eric Swanson has shown and published in the PRS journal the non superiority of vertical mammoplasty over standard anchor reduction, and in fact better projection with the latter. This data was obtained using photo analysis of around 90 patients. Using his critical thinking skills analysizing the problem with the large or photic breast, Dr. John Tebbits has published on the importance of recognizing and measuring both vertical and horizontal skin excess when considering breast lifting or breast reductions. It is this excess that determines how much, if any,  of an inframammary excision should be used. The biggest US proponent of the vertical reduction mammoplasty is Dr. Dennis Hammond. In his book he talks about the difficulty of patients with too much vertical excess, usually very large or very photic patients, and the need to convert the incision into a 'J' lift, which is essentially half an inframammary incision. It is convoluted and complex, and doesn't seem to result in any superior results from his published photos. My personal experience mirrors the data. Like most American surgeons, the traditional anchor mammoplasty is a straight forward surgery that gives pretty results, and I use it on all reduction patients. I believe there is a place for purely vertical incisions when augmentation is the goal. You should ask you doctor for before and after photos of patients that had very similar breasts as you that he performed this surgery on. He should have at least a few. If not, you may want to go on more consults. Best of luck!

The most common mesh used with breasts today is Seri, a silk scaffold put out by implant maker Allergan.  Most times, it is used in association with implants, but can be used with lifts.  A reduction under insurance would be a more unusual application, but could certainly be done.  Mesh or not, you need to have confidence in your surgeon.  If you do not, you are doing no one a favor (including your surgeon) by proceeding and you should seek a second opinion.

Your question about mesh is a good one.  Complications may occur.  Infection that requires removal of the mesh is one possibility.Some physicians claim to have much better results with the lollipop incision than others.  Certainly, if there is a lot of elevation of the nipple and areola and there is a lot of excess skin after the reduction, the anchor scar may give a better result.  You may want to have a consultation with another plastic surgeon before proceeding.  Everything your present physician is saying may be the best procedure, but you seem like another evaluation would put your mind at ease.

Thank you for your question and there are risks with any technique but it is your surgeon that I would be most concerned about as it is his skill that will give you the result you are looking for so if you have concerns see more experts in your area.Dr. Corbin

Mesh material is very safe when performing a breast reduction.  The idea for the mesh is to maintain the fullness in the superior portion of the breast since the mesh is placed in the lower half, thereby hopefully preventing what is called a 'falling out' of the lower portion of the breast tissue.  So rather than having any of the lower portion of the breast tissue sagging it stays quite firm thereby maintaining fullness in the upper half of the breast.  It is very safe.