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Mastopexy with 3D Preshaped Mesh for Long-Term Results: Development of the Internal Bra System

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Abstract

Background

Numerous techniques for mastopexy and breast reduction have been described, indicating the absence of a generally accepted method that fulfills the essential criteria for obtaining a pleasing, long-lasting result. All techniques using local tissue for reinforcement will eventually face recurrent ptosis because essentially the physical tissue properties are not altered. To overcome this, synthetic mesh has successfully been used to obtain permanent results. This method, however, was not generally accepted because of the fear of complications and of reduced oncologic survey and because no practical system was in place. Meanwhile, research showed that mesh could be safely introduced into the female breast.

Methods

An easy-to-use mesh implant was developed. It comes as a system consisting of three-dimensional, preshaped, feather-soft woven mesh in different sizes, and concomitant sizers to facilitate the insertion. It acts as an internal bra and is therefore named “the Internal Bra System.” The mesh replaces the attenuated natural suspensory system of the breast, returning what was lost by nature. Indications are breast ptosis, breast hypertrophy with ptosis, and contralateral correction after reconstruction.

Results

A total of 170 patients (327 breasts) were treated with the longest follow-up of 4.5 years. No serious complications were encountered. Physical and X-ray examinations were still possible. No recurrent ptosis was observed and no scar hypertrophy.

Conclusion

The Internal Bra System seems to have finally become the versatile way to obtain a predictable, pleasing, long-term result in mastopexy and breast reduction.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Professor Stan Monstrey, MD, PhD, plastic surgeon, University of Gent, Belgium, for his critical review of the manuscript. They also thank Dr. A.M. Krukkert, MD, pathologist, Regional Laboratory of Pathology, Enschede, Netherlands, for her histologic examinations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medisch Spectrum Twente, Haaksbergerstraat 55, P.O. Box 50,000, 7500 KA, Enschede, The Netherlands

    Hans P. de Bruijn

  2. Olivedale Clinic, Windsor Way, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Siegmund Johannes

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  1. Hans P. de Bruijn
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  2. Siegmund Johannes
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Hans P. de Bruijn.

Additional information

The authors have no financial interest or commercial association with any of the mesh manufacturers. However, they have an interest in the Breform company that developed the intellectual property.

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de Bruijn, H.P., Johannes, S. Mastopexy with 3D Preshaped Mesh for Long-Term Results: Development of the Internal Bra System. Aesth Plast Surg 32, 757–765 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-008-9186-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-008-9186-y

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