Will I be fine without the Galaform internal bra? (Photo)

Good afternoon!
As the creator of the Internal Bra, I can tell you for sure that it really doesn't apply to first timers like yourself. When I developed it, it was meant to be a revisionary procedure for patients with bottoming out, synmastia, lateral displacement, and other implant malposition problems. Some surgeons have taken my technique and tried to apply it to first timers during a lift, incorporating mesh, etc., but it's really just making it overly complicated and expensive. 20 years after creating the Original Internal Bra, I am still of the opinion that first timers don't need it when the implants are placed by an experienced surgeon.

The internal bra procedure involves placement of an internal sling of material to act as a hammock under the implant where it is exposed in the inferior aspect of the pectoralis muscle. There are a number of different materials that can be used ranging from human dermis, absorbable or non-absorbable mesh. I realize your preference is a donut lift to minimize scars, but a lift involving a vertical and a periareolar incision (lollipop) would probably be the best option for you. Your would not need the internal bra at this stage of your breast lift/augmentation.

Hello and thank you for your question. After viewing your photo, I believe you need two procedures, a breast augmentation and a full mastopexy. I don't believe a circumareolar maxtopexy in your situation is going to give you the appropriate nipple position, you might be a bit droopy. alone will leave your nipples in the right position.

I would perform a subfascial breast augmentation with an internal bra(surgical mesh) to optimize long term success, your breast will look perky. You will probably need an full circumvertical (anchor scar) wise pattern incision because of the excess skin and the position of your breasts currently. I wish you the best of luck!

Thank you for your question and photo. With the current shape of the breasts, a lift is necessary to provide a good outcome. A lollipop lift or anchor lift may be necessary depending on how much excess skin you have and what size implant is chosen. Using an “internal bra” mesh on a first time augmentation is typically not necessary. This adds extra costs that are typically not necessary. The internal bra is great for implant related issues if the original surgery was not done well.

Your breasts are too low on the chest wall. A simple donut mastopexy will not provide an adequate lift. The technique I recommend is a lift using The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired. Implants are not lifetime devices. 8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years. Fat transfers are permanent and incorporated into the body.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

The internal bra does give extra support over time and helps combat some of the natural effects of gravity. You will look great either way. That being said, the remaining breast tissue will have a tendency to sag over the implant over the years and you may end up wanting a lift years in the future.

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. Although you look to be okay not receiving an internal bra, you will need a more formal breast lift than the donut. Hope this helps.

Dear Fierce112989,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements, if interested, with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. You should also be aware that results of surgery can change in the future with significant weight change and/or stretching of skin from the milk of pregnancy. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee.

Just based on your photos, you will need more than the doughnut lift to give a proper lift. I doubt internal lifting will be needed. Do try on the size to see if you like it.