Can I get an internal bra if I don't have implants?

An internal bra is now very widely used on mastopexy (breast lift) cases with and without breast augmentation in America. I now use Galaflex mesh to support nearly ALL of my breast lift AND breast reduction cases. The mesh is very easily placed as the final step of the procedure after the appropriate skin and breast tissue is removed. Galaflex mesh incorporates into the soft tissues within a matter of weeks, the patient cannot see or feel it, and it has a very low chance of getting infected. Many of us aesthetic breast surgeons have found that, by placing this internal bra (mesh support), we have significantly increased the longevity of our breast lift procedures. We have documented this by measuring the nipple to inframammary fold distances in our patients at various post-operative intervals with the aid of 3-dimensional computer imaging.
I hope this information was helpful and good luck.
Very truly yours,
Rudolf Thompson, MD, FACS

Thank you very much for your question, as it is a
common one. An internal bra can be placed during a mastopexy (breast lift) to
reinforce the breast tissue. An acellular dermal matrix can be placed with or
without implants. However, the use of an internal bra after only a mastopexy
will depend on the operating surgeon’s protocols and the individual patient’s
unique needs. I suggest scheduling an in-person examination with a board certified plastic surgeon, who can then fully
explain whether or not an internal bra is necessary for successful results in
your situation.    

Thank you for your question.Internal bra commonly refers to ADM - acellular dermal matrix - which is often used to support a bottoming down of an implant.  But it can be used to remodeled the gland after a breast lift, as others(especially in Brazil) have used synthetic and dissolving mesh to shape and secure the glands.  One can also "craft" a "bra" from the dermis that get excised in breast reduction and breast lift - as marketed as "Laser-assisted Internal Fabrication Technique" in California.Hoped this answers your question!Kind regards,Dr. Marc DuPere, aesthetic plastic surgeon

In theory you could, but adding a sheet of acellular dermal matrix to a lift is not likely to increase the longevity. The type of lift you have affects that more. There is a mesh that is used in parts of south america with some lifts as an internal bra, but it is not licensed here. Regardless of what procedure you have your breasts will change over time with gravity and life stages. The only way to know what the best option for you would be is to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to see what your options are. Best of luck!  

Thank you for your question and being well read. Yes you may have an internal bra without implants and this is my preferred way to perform breast lifts to increase longevity using Galaflex 3D. 

Typically an internal bra is only necessary when performing a breast augmentation revision, in the case of compromised internal support. A standard breast lift should be long-lasting, although nothing can stop the aging process completely so there will still be normal age-related changes to your breast profile over the years.

Thank you for your question. The short answer is yes, you can absolutely get an internal bra without implants. Many surgeons use the internal bra to add extra support after a breast lift or breast reduction. Whether or not it is the right choice for you depends on several factors, but it can extend the longevity of your results. Keep in mind that over time, even with an internal bra, your breasts will age naturally and this affects lift and volume. Your best option would be to see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast surgery and get a complete examination and recommendations. Good luck!

Hello, thank you for your question. Using reinforcement (acellular dermal matrix, your own dermis, or biosynthetic mesh) during a breast lift/reduction is what's known as an internal bra. You will find surgeons who perform this routinely on all lifts and reductions and you will find surgeons who don't. Much of the decision has to do with the quality of your skin and breast tissue and how droopy you are before surgery. Also what size you want to be after your reduction. What is guaranteed is that you will continue to age, your tissues will droop again, and your skin will lose elasticity - and a lot of this has to do with hormone changes (pregnancy and menopause). Regardless of whether you have the internal bra, your breasts will be less perky in 10 years than they are right after surgery. There isn't enough long term data to say if using reinforcement will make your results last significantly longer than not using it. The short term data does look promising.
That being said, yes you can absolutely have the internal bra without implants. It supports your breast tissue by cupping it under your skin so whether you have an implant or not does not affect its use.
Make sure to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon and ask what type of internal bra he/she performs. The more information you have the better able you will be to make a decision. I hope this helps! - Dr. Leong

Most patients do not need reinforcement of their lift with foreign materials.  Many times I perform a Lollipop type incision lift for patients.

Thank you for your question."Internal bra" is a term which probably needs better refinement in the plastic surgery realm. It is often used in the context of improving positioning of an implant in revisional surgery after breast augmentation.In terms of longevity for a breast lift, I think what you may be looking for is a technique which actually supports the breast after being lifted and not totally relying on the skin to maintain the breast position.Techniques can be used to suture the breast to itself or the chest wall in a superior position which helps in terms of longevity and from the goal you state, this may be what you are looking for.A complete consultation with a qualified surgeon will help you understand your options here.Good luck!