Is an Internal Bra Lift Safe

Breast lift procedures are some of the most frequently performed procedures at our cosmetic surgery center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our plastic surgeon provides three types of breast lifts, including a donut mastopexy, vertical mastopexy, and an anchor-shaped incision. Here we will examine a relatively recently developed procedure, the internal bra lift, in comparison to more traditional procedures.

Internal Breast Lift With Implants

Every year, there are over 100,000 breast lift procedures performed in the U.S. As a very popular and frequently performed procedure, they are performed in a variety of ways and can be done as a single procedure or in combination with breast augmentation by utilizing implants. 

One technique for longer-lasting results is to insert implants while performing breast lift surgery. This preserves upper pole fullness, though it does not prevent breast tissue from descending over time due to gravity. The implants will stay in place, but in time, the breast tissue will sag.

Breast Reduction and Lift

Our plastic surgery specialist in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Zoran, who has been performing breast lift procedures with various techniques for over 30 years, has some advice on the matter.  He explains, “Due to the process of aging, the breast tissue, the elasticity of the skin, and other soft tissues become weaker as a support bra. As we know, gravity pulls everything down. This gravity effect doesn’t include just the patient’s breasts but also the face, neck, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. One way to diminish breast sagging after a breast lift (mastopexy) is to reduce the amount of breast tissue. In other words, to do a small to moderate breast reduction. Removed breast volume is then replaced with an implant, and the remaining breast tissue serves as a cushion and preserves natural breast shape and feel. However, this is a very demanding procedure, which requires good preoperative evaluation, experience, and surgical skills.”

Internal Bra Breast Lift

When researching other breast lift options online, some may find the Internal Bra Breast Lift. Some recommend this solution to prevent breast ptosis (sagging) after a breast lift. There are different forms of “internal bras,” including fixation of an “internal bra” to the ribs and collar bone with screws. This may understandably sound unpleasant and potentially dangerous. 

Dr. Zoran lends his expertise on the matter, stating, “The inner bra concept has been around since the early eighties. Surgeons were experimenting with surgical absorbable mesh products, which can be placed around the entire breast or around the lower pole of the breast to maintain shape and position. The goal was to prevent the lower pole from sagging. However, these are foreign materials, and some of them have shown in time to create serious complications similar to synthetic meshes used for abdominal hernia or pelvic floor repair.  Recently, after good experience with human and animal dermal grafts in reconstructive breast surgery after cancer, we started using acellular grafts in the form of a support bra for cosmetic breast surgery. In time graft material is replaced with the patient’s own tissue. The resulting scar-like structure increases the thickness and overall support to the lower pole of the breasts.  This additional support is likely to reduce and/or slow sagging of the lower breast pole. However, these materials are very expensive and cost around $3,500-$7,000 per patient. It is still unknown whether this is a better alternative than one which includes breast reduction/lift and implants.”

Although the Internal Bra Breast Lift may have appealing factors for some patients, there is no evidence that this procedure works better than other methods and carries a far higher complication rate. Placing foreign materials in your body other than breast implants increases the chance of infection, scarring, and deformity, especially if a less expensive synthetic mesh material is used. 

Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation in Fort Lauderdale

A breast lift, as with any surgical procedure, should be performed by licensed, experienced professionals. Breast lift costs tend to vary based on the patient and their preferred procedure. We estimate most procedures will fall between the $4,000-$6,500 range. Our office provides financing options for all of our procedures to ensure patients do not feel the need to hire cheap and inexperienced surgeons. 

Check out our gallery of breast lifts before and after pictures to view the work of our experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Zoran Potparic. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and visit our website to view our full list of services, which includes but are not limited to tummy tucks, eyelid lifts, neck lifts, and more. 

Related Readings:

What Do Men Think of Breast Implants?

What to Know Before Considering Breast Reduction Surgery

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