Strattice Tissue Matrix and Galatea Surgical Mesh

A safe, proven tool for beautiful, long-lasting breast implant revision results

When we think of what goes into a beautiful breast augmentation result, the skill of the cosmetic surgeon and the choice of breast implants come to mind first. But there’s a third element at play: the quality of the breast tissue surrounding the implant.

In some cases, there is either not enough natural tissue to cover the implant, leading to visible rippling, or the breast tissue becomes too weak to hold the implant in the right place, leading to complications such as symmastia (“bread loafing”) or bottoming out, where the implant drops below the natural breast crease.

In such cases, Dr. Pancholi can reinforce the breast tissue with surgical mesh, creating an “internal bra” that provides optimal implant coverage and support to correct these issues and provide a beautiful, natural breast appearance.

Surgical mesh can be used to:

• Correct visible rippling or wrinkling by adding coverage to thin tissues
• Replace tissue removed to correct capsular contracture
• Extend the chest muscle for submuscular implant placement to optimally surround the implant
• Reinforce the bottom or sides of the breast implant pocket to correct symmastia, bottoming out, or other implant malpositions
• Help breast revision or breast lift with augmentation results last longer by supporting the natural breast tissues

What type of surgical mesh does Dr. Pancholi offer?

Dr. Pancholi offers both Strattice™ Tissue Matrix and Galatea® Surgical GalaFLEX® mesh.

Strattice Tissue Matrix

Strattice Tissue Matrix is a type of acellular dermal matrix (ADM), more commonly known as a “mesh.” It’s made from porcine (pig) skin from which all the “living” cells have been removed, leaving behind a strong, flexible sheet of sterile connective tissue. When placed in the body, Strattice acts as a blank scaffolding for your own cells to populate.  It becomes incorporated into your own tissues, and can safely remain there for life. You may liken Strattice to a brand new, empty apartment building without any tenants. Your cells “move in” and the mesh becomes your own “building.” Dr. Pancholi uses Strattice scaffolding for several reasons:

• It’s very well accepted by the body, especially compared to synthetic meshes.
• It costs less than human ADM (i.e. Alloderm).
• It remains strong but flexible in the body.

Galatea GalaFLEX Scaffold Collection

The Galatea GalaFLEX Scaffold Collection consists of biologically derived poly-4-hydroxybutyate (P4HB™) monofilament that supports, elevates, and reinforces soft tissue. P4HB (a type of biopolymers, known as polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHAs) are naturally occurring energy reserves in microorganisms that can be stored or broken down as needed. After GalaFLEX is placed, healthy cells grow into the scaffold, creating a new tissue plane that is 2-4 times stronger than the original tissue as the scaffold is absorbed. The absorption process is typically complete around 2 years after placement, leaving just the reinforced tissue to support your breast tissue. Dr. Pancholi uses GalaFLEX or several reasons:

• It’s made from bioresorbable organic material.
• Its 3-dimensional shape is specifically designed to fit and uplift the breast’s natural shape.
• It provides a structure for new tissue growth that is 2-4 times stronger than the original tissue.
• It is naturally broken down by the body and absorption is essentially complete by 18-24 months.

How does Dr. Pancholi place surgical mesh during breast revision surgery?

Strattice surgical mesh comes in sheets, which Dr. Pancholi trims down to the exact size and shape needed to fit seamlessly into your breast tissue and achieve the intended corrections in breast shape, support, or position.

GalaFLEX’s 3D design fits the natural breast shape for easy insertion and reduced procedure time.

During your revision procedure, he will suture the mesh pieces to the edges of your chest muscle or other soft tissues to create that “internal bra” for you before placing your new implants.

If Dr. Pancholi determines that supportive mesh will benefit you, he will discuss this with you and answer any questions you have before your procedure.

How does surgical mesh affect recovery after breast implant revision?

The use of surgical mesh doesn’t affect the length of your recovery, nor does it require any additional activity restrictions. However, introducing surgical mesh can cause an additional, but temporary, increase in fluid buildup around the mesh, so Dr. Pancholi will often place temporary drains to collect this fluid and prevent excess swelling. Drains are typically in place for only about 5 to 7 days.

Once your breasts have healed after surgery, surgical mesh is undetectable to sight or touch. After several months, your own cells will have “moved in” to the scaffolding and it will feel just like your own breast tissue. GalaFLEX products will be absorbed between 1.5-2 years after placement.

Have questions about surgical mesh and breast implant revision in Las Vegas? We’re here to help.

Dr. Samir Pancholi has over 10 years of experience in breast augmentation and complex breast revision surgery. He is considered an expert in helping patients correct poor breast augmentation results and achieve the beautiful, natural breast contour they envision. If you’d like to improve your breast augmentation, please contact us to set up a personal consultation with Dr. Pancholi at Cosmetic Surgery of Las Vegas.