Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Question

I would like to know about the hammock for breast implant. I will get a breast implant replacement and the surgeon recommended hammock.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

If your tissues have thinned over the lower part of the breast, they may not be strong enough to support an implant and conceal rippling. The internal bra is designed to provide support and coverage, and it can be thought of as a hammock for implants. Galaflex mesh and Strattice are commonly used for this.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

This is to keep the breast tissue and implant high so that it doesn't drop again. I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello lily2014 There are many mesh products surgically used to support breasts; 
Seri®, Belladerm , Flexiderm™, GalaFLEX, Alloderm®, TIGR™,TiLOOP™, 
Strattice™, and ADM (acellular dermal matrix) to mention a few.
These all have different properties and are manufactured by different
 companies. For example: Alloderm® is derived from cadaver skin which is
 processed to provide a matrix that will be replaced by your own 
collagen. Seri® is a silk derivative. GalaFLEX is a dissolving mesh 
created from glucose, or sugar and dissolves much like absorbable 
sutures.
All meshes have their own unique properties but can be used to help support a sagging breast during a lift.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear lilly
When it comes to breast surgery, to create support for the implant weight on the lower pole of the breast, the surgeon can use additional support with "a hammock". The hammock acts as a secured sling to prevent long term stretch and drop of the implant. It can be made of a variety of material. The goal is long term stability specially in patients with thin tissue or heavy implants.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the good question. Semantics can be confusing; best to clarify with your plastic surgeon to avoid confusion.  I think that he may be referring to the use of acellular matrix or biosynthetic mesh to provide additional support for the overlying breast implants.  This can be especially helpful when patients are experiencing breast implant displacement problems (such as bottoming out or lateral displacement), possibly with overlying breast tissue/skin that have lost tensile strength.   
 
  Best wishes.

Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Answers (8)

Answer: Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Answer: Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Answer: Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Answer: Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Answers (8)

Answer: Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Answer: Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Answer: Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Answer: Hammock for breast implant: what is the purpose of it?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.