Many factors go into a patients’ decision to have a breast augmentation. The most common issue plaguing patients is a general lack of breast volume, which can be from many things! Some patients have had children and breastfed, some have undergone dramatic weight loss, and some feel that they never had much volume to begin with.
A breast augmentation serves as the perfect solution for a lack of breast volume, regardless of the cause, but there’s one drawback – with a dramatic loss of volume, the breast tissue becomes thinner and weaker. Our soft tissue ages and produces less collagen and elastin over time, like the skin on our face and neck. We can address lack of collagen in our face and neck with various cosmetic solutions, from Botox to skincare containing retinols. Unfortunately, we can’t use these same solutions for breast tissue. This raises the question: how will my body be able to support implants?
Introducing Galaflex the Internal Bra!
Galaflex is a biologically-derived mesh for plastic and reconstructive surgery designed to support, elevate, and reinforce soft tissue. This mesh works like an internal bra by supporting weak areas that need reinforcement to achieve the desired surgical outcome. Over the course of a year, Galaflex encourages growth of strong connective tissue and transfers weight to the new tissue.
How does Galaflex do this?
The Galaflex mesh design is a knit pattern that adheres to the existing soft tissue and encourages new collagen production. The new tissue formed is movable, yet strong enough to provide support and stability to the existing tissue. After 18-24 months, the mesh is completely absorbed. Natural processes in our bodies convert the dissolved tissue into water and carbon dioxide for smooth departure!
Studies show that Galaflex mesh strengthens the new collagen tissue to 2-4 times the original tissue strength.
Supported tissue = Stronger tissue
Our bodies produce different types of collagens. Type III collagen is immature, thin, and unorganized. This collagen functions as a temporary support mechanism in wound repair. After surgery, Type III formation begins at 1 week and continues for up to 1 year.
Type I Collagen is mature collagen that contributes to the durability and long-term strength of healed tissue. This collagen provides strength, support, and thickness to the tissue. After surgery, Type I formation begins at 3 weeks and continues for up to 2 years.
As we age, do does our skin! After the age of 20, our skin loses about 1% of its collagen each year. This gradual loss of collagen is what causes skin to become thinner and less elastic, resulting in natural sagging and wrinkles.
Many factors contribute to the loss of collagen, including:
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Body Composition
- Menopause
- Diet
- Sun and UV Exposure
Why does soft tissue support matter?
Studies show that within 10 years following surgery, between 32-48% of patients undergo a second surgery to revise their initial surgical results. A common reason for these secondary procedures is a recurrence of the soft tissue weakness or deficiency. Despite the intricate wound healing process, the integrity of the original tissue may never be completely restored to its native state. Unsupported tissue only heals to 80% of initial strength following surgery, due to lack of strength of the collagen.
Dissolvable supportive mesh to help hold and support breasts and breast implants. The mesh, made from the material as a dissolvable suture and knitted like fabric, drapes over a breast for support. It is also used in a shape like an internal bra to support a breast implant.
Galaflex is less expensive internal bra than animal tissue mesh products. Other mesh products include: Strattice – which is pig skin, and Alloderm – which is cadaveric human dermis. Galaflex is a non-animal product.
The Galaflex mesh dissolves over 12-18 months and leaves one’s own tissue behind 5 times stronger.
What is “bottoming out”?
Bottoming out refers to falling breast tissue for women after breast reduction procedures. It also refers to falling breast tissue for women with large breast implants. Gravity overcomes tissue strength in these instances, but Galaflex has been excellent in providing a potential long-term remedy.
This mesh is predictable – it adds stability and security for a youthful refreshed appearance with breast implants!
If you’re interested in a breast augmentation or reduction and have concerns about the strength of your breast tissue, schedule a consultation with Dr. Capizzi! Taking your lifestyle and medical history into account, he will be able to determine if you’re a good candidate for Galaflex. Fill out the online consultation form on our website or give our office a call at 704-655-8988 to schedule your consultation!