Is the "internal bra" a standard procedure that is normally performed by all plastic surgeons, or only by those who specialize in revision operations?

Answers from doctors (23)


More About Doctor Alton E. Ingram, MD

Published on Apr 06, 2021

There are lots of different “internal bra” devices and techniques. Even though most of them were developed by reconstructive surgeons, most breast surgery specialists use internal bras all the time. Just be sure that your surgeon has specific training or experience with the type of internal bra that is best for you!!

Answered by Alton E. Ingram, MD (View Profile)

There are lots of different “internal bra” devices and techniques. Even though most of them were developed by reconstructive surgeons, most breast surgery specialists use internal bras all the time. Just be sure that your surgeon has specific training or experience with the type of internal bra that is best for you!!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Michelle Roughton, MD

Published on Dec 23, 2019

The internal bra is an advertisement. Using mesh is something all plastic surgeons are trained to do. The use of mesh is especially helpful in revision operations and rarely needed in a primary (first time) surgery.

Answered by Michelle Roughton, MD (View Profile)

The internal bra is an advertisement. Using mesh is something all plastic surgeons are trained to do. The use of mesh is especially helpful in revision operations and rarely needed in a primary (first time) surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Revisionary surgery using some form of external support has become a fairly standard procedure. The question of surgeon familiarity or comfort with a particular technique will vary. Ultimately, the only way to know is to ask the question and review results.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

Revisionary surgery using some form of external support has become a fairly standard procedure. The question of surgeon familiarity or comfort with a particular technique will vary. Ultimately, the only way to know is to ask the question and review results.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Steely Plastic Surgery

Published on Apr 11, 2017

The "internal Bra" procedure is really a catch all phrase used to describe several different techniques all with the goal of supporting the implant to keep it from falling too low. Sometimes donor tissue such as Alloderm or Strattice is used, sometimes the patients own tissues can be used depending upon their anatomy. The important thing however is to see a surgeon well versed in revision plastic surgery of the breast- there are many pitfalls in these procedures and you need someone with a lot of experience in these procedures to maximize your results.

I hope this helps.

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Answered by Steely Plastic Surgery

The "internal Bra" procedure is really a catch all phrase used to describe several different techniques all with the goal of supporting the implant to keep it from falling too low. Sometimes donor tissue such as Alloderm or Strattice is used, sometimes the patients own tissues can be used depending upon their anatomy. The important thing however is to see a surgeon well versed in revision plastic surgery of the breast- there are many pitfalls in these procedures and you need someone with a lot of experience in these procedures to maximize your results.

I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Dec 23, 2015

Thank you for your question. I cannot speak for other plastic surgeons, but in my practice, I routinely perform an "internal bra" procedure in revision breast implant procedures. This technique is utilized in cases of breast implant bottoming out, lateral displacement, double bubble, and synmastia. I use a combined technique of permanent internal sutures and synthetic mesh, such as Seri surgical scaffold, Galaflex, or Strattice, when additional support is required. I recommend consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in breast revision if you have additional concerns.

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Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. I cannot speak for other plastic surgeons, but in my practice, I routinely perform an "internal bra" procedure in revision breast implant procedures. This technique is utilized in cases of breast implant bottoming out, lateral displacement, double bubble, and synmastia. I use a combined technique of permanent internal sutures and synthetic mesh, such as Seri surgical scaffold, Galaflex, or Strattice, when additional support is required. I recommend consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience in breast revision if you have additional concerns.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Randy Proffitt, MD, F.A.C.S.

Published on Dec 18, 2015

I can only speak for myself. The "internal bra," I assume you are talking about, has to do with placement of acellular dermis as support for the implant to help prevent "bottoming out". I have performed this on numerous occasions and found it very useful. I encourage practically all patients undergoing a breast lift with implants to consider it.

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Answered by Randy Proffitt, MD, F.A.C.S.

I can only speak for myself. The "internal bra," I assume you are talking about, has to do with placement of acellular dermis as support for the implant to help prevent "bottoming out". I have performed this on numerous occasions and found it very useful. I encourage practically all patients undergoing a breast lift with implants to consider it.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Levi J. Young M.D.

Published on Dec 16, 2015

There may be several different opinions of what the internal bra is or what the procedure is. Certainly, most all plastic surgeons will utilize the internal tissues and concept of those tissues as an internal bra to perform revisions.

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Answered by Levi J. Young M.D.

There may be several different opinions of what the internal bra is or what the procedure is. Certainly, most all plastic surgeons will utilize the internal tissues and concept of those tissues as an internal bra to perform revisions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Dec 15, 2015

Any plastic surgeon can theoretically perform a capsulorrhaphy, but revision experts do it reliably and consistently. It is not an easy operation to perform, as it requires a high level of technical difficulty in creating the proper amount of capsule closure in a smooth and symmetrical way. It also needs to be secure with a low risk recurrence of malposition.

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Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Any plastic surgeon can theoretically perform a capsulorrhaphy, but revision experts do it reliably and consistently. It is not an easy operation to perform, as it requires a high level of technical difficulty in creating the proper amount of capsule closure in a smooth and symmetrical way. It also needs to be secure with a low risk recurrence of malposition.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Jed Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Dec 15, 2015

Most plastic surgeons have experience in using various types of mesh as an internal bra, if this is what you mean.

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Answered by Jed Horowitz, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Most plastic surgeons have experience in using various types of mesh as an internal bra, if this is what you mean.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Georgia Institute of Plastic Surgery

Published on Dec 15, 2015

Internal bra surgery is a name for a procedure that utilizes a type of "mesh" to help support the shape of the breast. This is still very controversial and used by a few surgeons. These may be a great idea, but many complications have occurred with there use.

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Answered by The Georgia Institute of Plastic Surgery

Internal bra surgery is a name for a procedure that utilizes a type of "mesh" to help support the shape of the breast. This is still very controversial and used by a few surgeons. These may be a great idea, but many complications have occurred with there use.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lane F. Smith, M.D.

Published on Dec 15, 2015

Thank you for your question. Most surgeons can perform this procedure. Surgeons each have different skill levels and levels of proficiency--some being able to perform difficult procedures over others. Sadly, some surgeons will act like they are the only surgeons that can perform this procedure, when that is not the case.

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Answered by Lane F. Smith, M.D.

Thank you for your question. Most surgeons can perform this procedure. Surgeons each have different skill levels and levels of proficiency--some being able to perform difficult procedures over others. Sadly, some surgeons will act like they are the only surgeons that can perform this procedure, when that is not the case.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Otto Placik, MD

Published on Dec 15, 2015

I would recommend seeking out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has had experience with revision breast surgery and performs the procedure regularly.

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Answered by Otto Placik, MD

I would recommend seeking out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has had experience with revision breast surgery and performs the procedure regularly.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert A. Shumway, MD, FACS

Published on Dec 15, 2015

All cosmetic breast surgeons should be trained to perform internal bra procedures. But try a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who performs them routinely.

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Answered by Robert A. Shumway, MD, FACS

All cosmetic breast surgeons should be trained to perform internal bra procedures. But try a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who performs them routinely.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Boris Bergus, MD

Published on Dec 15, 2015

This is not a standard procedure, but has become popular recently. It is performed by many cosmetic and plastic surgeons with variations according to the surgeons preference.

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Answered by Boris Bergus, MD

This is not a standard procedure, but has become popular recently. It is performed by many cosmetic and plastic surgeons with variations according to the surgeons preference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Dec 15, 2015

That is hard to say. All I know is that I have been offering and using it for my patients and that I not only do revisions, but also breast reduction and breast uplift. By adding the mesh below the nipple areola complex, which slowly absorbs and is replaced by fibrous tissue, the strength of the area should be increased and "hold" the breast tissue up.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

That is hard to say. All I know is that I have been offering and using it for my patients and that I not only do revisions, but also breast reduction and breast uplift. By adding the mesh below the nipple areola complex, which slowly absorbs and is replaced by fibrous tissue, the strength of the area should be increased and "hold" the breast tissue up.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Dec 15, 2015

The internal bra is only performed for revision cases, due to the fact that the capsule around the breast implant is used for this procedure and that capsule does not exist for first-time breast augmentation patients.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

The internal bra is only performed for revision cases, due to the fact that the capsule around the breast implant is used for this procedure and that capsule does not exist for first-time breast augmentation patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Alan N. Larsen M.D

Published on Dec 15, 2015

There is a procedure that can be done to create a sort of "shelf" with the use of Alloderm tissue. Best thing is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon and relay your aspirations and concerns. Best of luck!

Answered by Alan N. Larsen M.D (View Profile)

There is a procedure that can be done to create a sort of "shelf" with the use of Alloderm tissue. Best thing is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon and relay your aspirations and concerns. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


David C. Yao MD, FACS

Published on Dec 15, 2015

Thank you for asking. The internal bra is a useful technique used by reconstruction plastic surgeons that has become a good treatment for some revision issues, including capsular contracture, bottoming out and implant malposition. See a PS who has active and current experience in both. Techniques are modified and need to be current. Best wishes.

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Answered by David C. Yao MD, FACS

Thank you for asking. The internal bra is a useful technique used by reconstruction plastic surgeons that has become a good treatment for some revision issues, including capsular contracture, bottoming out and implant malposition. See a PS who has active and current experience in both. Techniques are modified and need to be current. Best wishes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Body by Ravi

Published on Dec 15, 2015

All plastic surgeons may not be trained or knowledgeable to properly perform the internal bra. If you need a breast revision, you should seek the consultation of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has done many breast revision procedures, or spends a copious amount of time in his or her practice performing breast revision.

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Answered by Body by Ravi

All plastic surgeons may not be trained or knowledgeable to properly perform the internal bra. If you need a breast revision, you should seek the consultation of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has done many breast revision procedures, or spends a copious amount of time in his or her practice performing breast revision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Remus Repta M.D.

Published on Dec 15, 2015

Great question. Plastic surgery has many terms for procedures or techniques performed. Some are more standard than others. The internal bra can mean a couple of different things, so you will want to discuss exactly what that entails with your prospective plastic surgeons. In the end, you will not care so much about what procedure was done as you will the final result.

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Answered by Remus Repta M.D.

Great question. Plastic surgery has many terms for procedures or techniques performed. Some are more standard than others. The internal bra can mean a couple of different things, so you will want to discuss exactly what that entails with your prospective plastic surgeons. In the end, you will not care so much about what procedure was done as you will the final result.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


William Hedden, M.D.

Published on Dec 15, 2015

There is truly no internal bra procedure. It was a term used to describe what's called a capsullorraphy, which addresses repairing the stretched out lower pocket. There are several ways to do this. Some require simply folding the capsule on itself and then over-sewing it, while others involve putting artificial material in there somewhat like a sling. All of these tighten up the lower pole of the pocket and thereby act like a bra by supporting the implant. That's where the name came from. All plastic surgeons that perform breast implants should be familiar with these techniques. Now, obviously the more implants a surgeon does the more likely he will have seen every type of complication as well as be very good at fixing them. The success of the repair is probably going to be better if that doctor does several hundred per year. I hope this helps.

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Answered by William Hedden, M.D.

There is truly no internal bra procedure. It was a term used to describe what's called a capsullorraphy, which addresses repairing the stretched out lower pocket. There are several ways to do this. Some require simply folding the capsule on itself and then over-sewing it, while others involve putting artificial material in there somewhat like a sling. All of these tighten up the lower pole of the pocket and thereby act like a bra by supporting the implant. That's where the name came from. All plastic surgeons that perform breast implants should be familiar with these techniques. Now, obviously the more implants a surgeon does the more likely he will have seen every type of complication as well as be very good at fixing them. The success of the repair is probably going to be better if that doctor does several hundred per year. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Don R. Revis, Jr., M.D, F.A.C.S

Published on Dec 15, 2015

Good morning! This is a great question.

My name is commonly related to the "internal bra," and let me be very honest and clear that I did not invent the procedure. I took a fairly simple procedure in concept, capsulorrhaphy (which basically means repairing the capsule), modified it over the course of several thousand procedures, and named my version of it the internal bra 10-15 years ago. Now you hear the term commonly tossed around, but the procedure is not standardized from one surgeon to another. Any plastic surgeon can perform it, but the more you do, the better your results. The choice of sutures, how many you use, and in what tissue layers they are placed, all affect outcome and how long the repair lasts.

The internal bra can be used to repair bottoming out, lateral displacement, and synmastia. It is a procedure simple in concept but difficult in accurate, precise execution.

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Answered by Don R. Revis, Jr., M.D, F.A.C.S

Good morning! This is a great question.

My name is commonly related to the "internal bra," and let me be very honest and clear that I did not invent the procedure. I took a fairly simple procedure in concept, capsulorrhaphy (which basically means repairing the capsule), modified it over the course of several thousand procedures, and named my version of it the internal bra 10-15 years ago. Now you hear the term commonly tossed around, but the procedure is not standardized from one surgeon to another. Any plastic surgeon can perform it, but the more you do, the better your results. The choice of sutures, how many you use, and in what tissue layers they are placed, all affect outcome and how long the repair lasts.

The internal bra can be used to repair bottoming out, lateral displacement, and synmastia. It is a procedure simple in concept but difficult in accurate, precise execution.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on Dec 15, 2015

Internal bra procedures are supportive procedures for breast implants that may be used in primary breast lifts with implants or secondary breast procedures. There are numerous techniques, including the use of biologic or synthetic mesh, or the use of internal supportive procedures. I use an internal sling for implants with lifts on all patients.

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Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Internal bra procedures are supportive procedures for breast implants that may be used in primary breast lifts with implants or secondary breast procedures. There are numerous techniques, including the use of biologic or synthetic mesh, or the use of internal supportive procedures. I use an internal sling for implants with lifts on all patients.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

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