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The tissue issue Why support matters

Changes in the breast shape, including breast ptosis or sagging occurs because the quality of our tissue changes, compromising the tissue strength required to maintain the position of the breast.1–3 After age 20, our skin loses about 1% collagen each year — causing the soft tissue to become thinner and less elastic.1,4

There are many factors that can accelerate this effect: 1,12

  • Genetics
  • Gravity
  • Smoking
  • Previous surgery
  • Implant exchange or removal
  • Sun & UV exposure
  • Diet & weight fluctuations
  • Pregnancies & breastfeeding
  • Menopause
  • Body composition

Surgery to correct breast shape may provide satisfactory results for a while; but ultimately will not change the quality of the tissue. So, the breast may drop again with time.1,2,3,5

Evaluating breast ptosis

IMF = Inframammary fold

32-48%

of breast surgery patients undergo a reoperation

Within 10 years following breast surgery, many women undergo a reoperation to revise their initial surgical results, according to clinical studies.6,7,8

42%

are due to sagging of the breast

The most frequent reason for a reoperation among aesthetic breast implant patients
was sagging of the breast.9

In aesthetic breast surgery procedures, proper tissue support is an important factor in achieving lasting, natural-looking results.1,2,3

Tissue repaired with GalaFLEX™ Scaffold has been shown to be 3-4x stronger than native tissue strength at 12 months post operation.4,7-10

References​:

1.Choi JW, Kwon SH, Huh CH, Park KC, Youn SW. The influences of skin visco-elasticity, hydration level and aging on the formation of wrinkles: a comprehensive and objective approach. Skin Res Technol. 2013;19(1):e3L9-e355.
2. Vera, Martin. “Phases of Wound Healing: The Breakdown.” Wound Source. Accessed on Nov 13, 2020.
3. Levenson SM, Geever EF, Crowley LV, Oates JF 3rd, Berard CW, Rosen H. The Healing of Rat Skin Wounds. Ann Surg. 1965;161(2):293–308.
4. Thornton, M. Julie. “Estrogens and Aging Skin.” Dermato-Endocrinology, vol.
5, no. 2, 2013, pp. 264–270., doi:10.L161/derm.23872. 5. Cuzalina, A., G. Tolomeo, P., & A. Mañón, V. (2023). Revisions for Complications of Aesthetic Breast Surgery. IntechOpen.
6. G. Patrick Maxwell, MD et al. “Ten-Year Results From the Natrelle 410 Anatomical Form-Stable Silicone Breast Implant Core Study.” Aesthetic Surgery Journal 2015, Vol 35(2) 145–155.
7. W. Grant Stevens, MD, et al. “Ten-year Core Study Data for Sientra’ s Food and Drug Administration–Approved Round and Shaped Breast Implants with Cohesive Silicone Gel.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. April Supplement 2018.
8. Hammond DC, Canady JW, Love TR, Wixtrom RN, Caplin DA. Mentor Contour Profile Gel Implants: Clinical Outcomes at 10 Years. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;140(6):1142-1150.
9. Grewal NS, Fisher J. Why do patients seek revisionary breast surgery? Aesthet Surg J. 2013 Feb;33(2):237-44.