Will Galaflex benefit me? (photos)

Question

I've seen 4 different surgeons and I am now deciding between 2. However, one of the surgeons suggested the use of Galaflex, I believe, due to possible lack of tissue strength along with silicone soft touch implants with a donut lift. The other surgeon feels Galaflex wouldn't do anything for me and also doesn't feel that I need a lift because my nipple is just above the line. I'm torn on who to choose based on very differing opinions.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A primary breast aug in a person who does not have innate structural deficiencies due to disease process, genetic disorder, or massive weight loss would not require or benefit from any scaffolding product, dermal matrix or otherwise. Donut lift will make little difference in the overall result.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are asymmetrical, small and widely separated. The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, small implants or fat transfers can be placed.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

I do not use galaflex in primary augmentations. If the last photo is your wish picture, the size augmentation you are going for will likely fill out your skin so that a lift is not necessary. That being said, I don't like to use bigger implants to accomplish breast lifts but if it happens anyways, it's ok.

As always, be sure to research who performs your surgery to ensure the best likelihood of a positive result.

As always, be sure to research who performs your surgery to ensure the best likelihood of a positive result.

Scott Farber, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question! I always recommend getting multiple opinions from Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons, however it can be confusing when you get different treatment recommendations. Galaflex is an excellent product for strengthening your current tissue. It can extend the longevity of your results with breast augmentation. Best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. It appears that you do not need galaflex but i do recommend a breast lift.  Hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Gorgeous304931,
determining whether you need simply a breast augmentation versus a breast lift can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position. Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just a breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often still using implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. To be sure a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will help determine what the patient actually needs.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Yeah that’s the big new thing, Galaflex. I don’t see the need for it in your case and it is usually reserved for revision art surgery. Besides , it’s expensive. You would benefit from a small lift because your nipples are too low. Getting different opinions from the surgeons you saw is not surprising. Happens all the time.

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good afternoon!
I perform over 500 augmentations a year, of all types- first timers, lifts with implants, and revisions. You definitely need a donut mastopexy along with your augmentation but you definitely do NOT need any additional supporting matrix with your surgery.

Edward I. Lee, MD · Answer

I really like Galaflex. It gives a lot of support and has improved my patient's results in select cases. Obviously, not everyone needs this extra support. To give you the most accurate recommendation I would need to examine you but just looking at the pictures, I don't think you will need a traditional lift. Even if you do, it would be a small peri-areolar lift to reduce the size of your areola since this will stretch with augmentation. In my practice, I generally use Galaflex for revision or complex cases. Lastly, the particular procedure offered can vary between surgeon to surgeon but the results can be good either way. I would recommend a board certified plastic surgeon. Thank you.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. I use galaflex frequently in my patients but it really depends on a combination of factors. You do appear to have thin tissues, however if you are not going with a very large implant, then you may not need the additional support from the galaflex. Keep in mind, you may be able to feel the galaflex for up to 2 years under your skin. The donut lift option again depends on what size implants you are going with. If you are using implants with enough volume to fill your skin envelope, then a lift is not needed. If you are going with slightly smaller implants that may still cause some residual drooping of the breast, then a lift can help. This is all determined with the combination of the physical examination, your measurements, and your desired implant size. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Johnson C. Lee, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Will Galaflex benefit me? (photos)

Answers (12)

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