Ask the Doctor

Ask the Doctor The Internal Bra

Q & A WITH PLASTIC SURGEON DR. ASHLEY AMALFI

Instagram: @DrAshleyAmalfi & @QuatelaCenter_PlasticSurgery Youtube: Lipstick & Lipo

People are talking about an internal bra. What exactly is this new excitement all about?

I’m not sure who is more excited about this one, me or my patients. The new internal bra is such an exciting and novel idea in the world of plastic surgery, and we have never had something like this to offer patients. It’s a game changer for getting beautiful, longlasting results from your breast surgery, and patients are calling every day specifically asking for this new option.

So what exactly is an internal bra, and how does it work?

The internal bra is a surgical scaffold called GalaFLEX. This product is a biologically-derived 2D scaffold that is used in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to support soft tissue. For my patients, the use of this scaffold supports the breast tissue like a hammock, in the same way that a brassiere does, but inside the body. I place this underneath your tissue during your breast surgery to support the breast shape and position as it heals. The product itself is bioresorbable and is slowly replaced by your own tissue over a period of 18 to 24 months. The result is tissue that is up to four times stronger and more supportive for long-lasting results from your breast surgery.

What breast procedures do you use this surgical scaffolding in?

The internal bra is a great adjunct in breast lift procedures and also in larger breast augmentations. When I do a breast lift, I am rearranging your own breast tissue to improve where the breast sits on the chest, as well as the overall shape of the breast. Adding GalaFLEX to that breast lift allows me to create extra support for your new breast shape and position as it heals. Similarly, when my patients desire a larger breast implant, the use of the GalaFLEX allows me to have an internal bra to keep the implant in an ideal position on the chest and support the weight of the implant as the surrounding tissue heals.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for an internal bra?

Anyone who has sagging breasts or stretched-out skin can be a great candidate for an internal bra. Patients who have yo-yoed in weight are ideal, as their tissue has been stretched repeatedly. Previous pregnancy can similarly affect the tissue of the breast, and rapid changes in breast size with pregnancy and breastfeeding can also create a breast that needs further support. When you come for your consult, I will evaluate not just your breast shape and size, but the quality of your tissue and its role in achieving a long-lasting result. We can discuss the use of an internal bra to help you get results you will feel confident about for years to come.

OK, this sounds amazing. What do I do next?

Just give us a call at the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery and ask for Dr. Amalfi. My team will take your information and set up your personalized consultation to discuss your goals. We have so many people calling and excited about this new technique, and we can’t wait to show you the results!

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