Have you heard of the internal bra technique? It’s becoming increasingly popular, and we’re seeing more requests for it here on the Gold Coast with Plastic Surgeon Dr Mark Doyle. As breast augmentation surgery evolves, so do the techniques. At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, we stay ahead of the curve to offer the best outcomes for our patients.
In this blog, we’ll cover what the internal bra technique is, how it works, and who benefits the most. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift, learning about this approach can help you make informed decisions about your surgery. Keep reading to find out why this technique is becoming a more popular choice.
What is an Internal Bra?
The internal bra is a surgical technique used in breast procedures to provide better support and stability to the breast tissue. Unlike traditional breast augmentation, which relies solely on implants to change breast size and shape, the internal bra involves adding a supportive framework, within the breast using specialised materials. This framework acts as an internal scaffold, mimicking the function of a traditional bra to lift, support, and shape the breasts.
How Does the Internal Bra Work:
The internal bra typically begins with the surgeon making incisions in strategic locations on the breasts, often in conjunction with other breast surgery techniques such as breast reduction, breast augmentation, or breast lift. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon carefully creates pockets within the breast tissue to accommodate the internal bra materials.
Next, the supportive materials, such as surgical sutures or absorbable scaffolds, are precisely positioned within these pockets to provide structural support to the breast tissue. The implants are secured in place using surgical sutures, ensuring they remain in the desired position.
As the breasts heal following surgery, the internal bra helps maintain the new shape, providing longer-lasting support and stability of the breasts. Over time, the supportive sutures integrate with the surrounding scar tissue, further reinforcing the support and the internal bra’s effectiveness.
Materials Used:
The materials used in the internal bra technique may vary depending on your surgeon’s preference, the patient’s anatomy, and the desired outcome of the procedure. Commonly used materials include:
- Surgical Mesh: A biocompatible internal mesh bra that provides durable support to the breast tissue and promotes tissue integration for long-term stability.
- Absorbable Scaffolds: These scaffolds are composed of biocompatible materials that gradually dissolve over time, leaving behind natural tissue reinforcement. Absorbable scaffolds provide temporary support during the initial healing phase and are eventually replaced by the body’s natural tissue.
- Surgical Sutures: Surgical sutures feature tiny, corkscrew-like sutures, these allow for greater tissue fixation and support. At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, we prefer the use of surgical sutures for the internal bra technique. This innovative method offers enhanced safety and security, by anchoring the internal bra implants into place, resulting in better patient outcomes. The unique design of surgical sutures provides additional stability to the scar tissue and the breast tissue, reducing the risk of implant displacement or malposition. Furthermore, the precise placement of surgical sutures allows for more precise shaping and sculpting of the breast tissue.
These materials are selected based on their biocompatibility, strength, and ability to integrate with the surrounding scar tissue and breast tissue, promoting optimal results and reducing the risk of complications.
Ideal Candidates for the Internal Bra Technique
The internal bra technique may be suitable for individuals who:
- Desire long-lasting support and stability for their breast enhancement results.
- Have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of the procedure.
- Are in good overall health and do not have medical conditions that could increase the risk of complications during surgery.
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure to promote optimal healing.
- Have sufficient breast tissue to support the internal bra materials.
- Are committed to following post-operative care instructions provided by their surgeon.
Internal Bra Procedure
The internal bra surgery involves a series of steps to ensure optimal support and stability for the breast tissue. Here’s an overview of the key stages:
Anesthesia and Incisions
Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes incisions in strategic locations on the breasts. These incisions are often located along the inframammary fold or around the areola to minimise visible scarring.
Pocket Creation and Placement of Internal Bra
At Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, Dr Doyle uses advanced surgical techniques to create pockets within the breast tissue with precision. These pockets are tailored to accommodate the internal bra technique, whether it involves the use of implants or relies solely on barbed sutures for support. Based on each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. Dr Doyle may incorporate barbed sutures into the procedure to provide additional support and stability to the breast tissue. With careful suturing, the internal bra should remain securely in place within the breast pockets, to achieve a lift, support, and shaping of the breasts.
Suturing and Closure
With the internal bra materials in place, the surgeon secures them using sutures. These sutures ensure that the supportive materials remain in the desired position within the breast pockets, providing adequate support and stability to the breast tissue. Once the internal bra is secured, the surgeon carefully closes the incisions with sutures or surgical adhesive to reduce scarring.
The Internal Bra Technique in Breast Shaping
Breast Augmentation Surgery with Internal Bra
- Improved Implant Stability: Internal bra breast augmentation offers crucial support to breast implants, enhancing their stability within the breast pocket. This added support helps minimise implant movement and displacement, reducing the risk of complications such as breast implant malposition and promoting secure implant positioning.
- Improved Tissue Support: By providing internal support to the surrounding breast tissue, the internal bra with implants helps distribute the weight of the implants more evenly. This reduces strain on the breast tissue and ligaments, potentially lowering the risk of complications such as tissue stretching and implant-related discomfort over time.
- Potential Improved Surgical Outcomes: With the internal bra breast implants, surgeons can achieve more precise and consistent surgical outcomes. By securing the implants in a stable position and supporting the surrounding breast tissue, the technique helps maintain the desired breast shape leading to more predictable results for patients.
- Reduced Risk of Revision Surgery: By minimising implant movement and providing internal support, the internal bra technique may reduce the likelihood of complications that require revision surgery, such as implant malposition or capsular contracture. This can lead to improved patient satisfaction and reduced healthcare costs associated with additional procedures.
Breast Reduction Surgery with Internal Bra
- Added Support: The internal bra technique provides crucial support to the remaining breast tissue, reducing strain and potentially preventing issues such as back pain and discomfort. By reinforcing the structural integrity of the breasts, it can also help maintain proper posture and alignment, alleviating strain on the neck and shoulders.
- Potential Improved Healing: Through the distribution of tension and internal support, the internal bra promotes healing following breast reduction surgery. By reducing the risk of complications such as wound dehiscence and infection, it promotes a smoother recovery process.
Breast Lift Surgery with Internal Bra
- Combatting Ptosis: Addressing breast ptosis is not only a cosmetic concern but also a medical one. Ptosis can lead to issues such as skin irritation and discomfort. By supporting lifted breast tissue internally, the internal bra breast lift may help alleviate these symptoms, improving overall comfort.
- Potential Improved Projection: Adjusting breast projection is not just about aesthetics—it also plays a role in maintaining healthy breast function. By adjusting breast projection through internal support, the internal bra technique helps promote a proper distribution of weight and reduces strain on the chest muscles and ligaments, potentially lowering the risk of future breast-related issues such as tissue stretching and ligament laxity.
Internal Bra Recovery Process
Following internal bra breast surgery, prioritise your recovery for optimal healing and results:
- Immediate Postoperative Care: Expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication and may recommend wearing a surgical bra for support.
- Rest and Healing: Allow your body time to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to promote proper healing.
- Monitor and Communicate: Watch for any signs of complications and contact your surgeon if you have concerns. Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled.
- Gradual Return to Normal: Resume activities gradually as your surgeon advises. Avoid activities that strain the breasts until fully healed.
- Long-term Follow-up: Attend scheduled appointments to ensure your recovery progresses well and discuss any lingering concerns with your surgeon. Breast reduction and breast lift procedures involve more extensive tissue manipulation compared to breast augmentation. As a result, breast reduction recovery may take longer than breast augmentation recovery.
FAQs
Why are my boobs so far apart?
The distance between breasts, often referred to as wide set can be influenced by various factors such as genetics, breast tissue distribution, and skeletal structure. In some cases, it’s entirely normal for breasts to have a wider gap between them, while in others, it may be attributed to specific anatomical characteristics.
Depending on individual preferences and medical considerations, there are options available to address the appearance of wide set boobs. Surgical interventions such as breast augmentation or breast lift procedures may be considered to address breast asymmetry and improve breast placement. However, it’s important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable approach based on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Are there any side effects associated with the internal bra technique?
Like any surgical procedure, the internal bra technique may carry potential risks and side effects. Some potential internal bra side effects may include temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising, or changes in nipple sensation immediately following surgery. However, these risks can be reduced by choosing a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, following post-operative care instructions diligently, and attending regular follow-up appointments.
Contact Us
Contact Gold Coast Plastic Surgery today for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in the Gold Coast and Brisbane areas. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing personalised care and exceptional results.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.