The Internal Bra: Maintaining Breast Shape Long Term
Youthful contours and long-lasting results are something that every patient wants. But, all tissues inevitably succumb to age and gravity over time. Collagen, the substance that adds structure to skin, and elastin, the substance that gives younger skin its springiness, gradually degrade, which can cause sagging and skin laxity. This can become especially noticeable in the breasts, which endure more stress than other parts of the body due to hormonal changes in pregnancy,, breast-feeding, perimenopause, and menopause.
Traditionally, the solution has often been breast implants because they add structure and shape to the tissue. But for patients seeking a lift or a reduction, or implant revision surgery, instead of implants, how does a surgeon ensure the breasts maintain shape and firmness following surgery,?
What is the Internal Bra?
Enter the Internal Bra – a novel plastic surgery technique that aims to provide lasting support to breast tissue, preserving the results of surgical interventions for the long haul.
The idea is simple yet smart: to augment the body’s natural support structures using off-the-shelf mesh products that function a little bit like a hammock, cradling and reinforcing the delicate breast tissues. These meshes, made from various materials including suture material and occasionally animal-derived substances (albeit rarely human-derived), have a remarkably safe track record in patients.
How does the Internal Bra technique work?
Originally created for supporting larger implants, plastic surgeons are now using these mesh products for patients undergoing moderate to significant breast lift or reduction procedures. By strategically reinforcing the internal architecture of the breast, we can counteract the inevitable gravitational pull and tissue laxity that come with time. These meshes, often resorbable, gradually integrate into the body’s framework, leaving behind a scaffold of your own collagen that continues to shore up the breast tissues even as the years pass.
This is one of my favorite solutions for the right patient because it’s not just about rejuvenating the body; it’s about safeguarding the beauty of your results for years to come.
Interested in finding out if the Internal Bra technique is right for you, whether you’re planning implants, a breast lift, or a breast reduction? Schedule a consultation with 360 Plastic Surgery and Dr. Chuma Chike-Obi.
