Breast Reduction with Mesh (Internal Bra) in Los Angeles

About the procedure

A breast reduction with mesh, or internal bra procedure, is a very powerful breast reduction technique for certain Los Angeles breast reduction patients. A breast reduction performs 2 main functions: (1) reduces breast size and (2) lifts the breast.

After a breast reduction, over time the lower pole of the breast sags because the skin stretches and loses collagen. In order to add support to the lower pole of the breast and maintain the breast lift long term, Dr. Hirsch uses mesh as an internal bra.

Most commonly, he uses a type of mesh called GalaFLEX, which is made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB). GalaFLEX is a scaffold that allows cells from the body to migrate into the mesh and create a layer of collagen. As the cells migrate into the mesh, they break it down into carbon dioxide and water so that only the layer of collagen remains. This collagen acts as a bra which supports the breast long term and helps keep it lifted and perky.

Mesh can be used with most types of breast reduction for macromastia patients, but is especially helpful with anchor scar breast reductions using the Wise pattern or inverted-T approach.

For a full overview of the procedure, recovery, and next steps, visit our Breast Reduction in Los Angeles page.

Advantages of the internal bra (mesh reduction)

The main advantage of using mesh in a breast reduction for patients with overly large breasts is that it gives long term support to the lower pole of the breast. This helps keep the breast elevated and perky.

GalaFLEX mesh is FDA approved for general soft tissue support, but not specifically for use in breast surgery, so using mesh in a breast reduction is considered an “off-label” indication.

Who is a candidate for a mesh breast reduction?

Many macromastia patients in Sherman Oaks and Los Angeles who have significant breast sag (ptosis) will benefit from using mesh in their breast reduction. Patients who have thin breast skin or who have lost a significant amount of weight will find mesh to be specifically useful, as these patients tend to have repeat breast sag over time.

Does insurance cover the internal bra breast reduction?

Occasionally, insurance companies may cover mesh during a breast reduction procedure for Burbank and Encino breast reduction patients. Every insurance company is different, and it is important to get authorization before performing the procedure.

To learn more about how insurance coverage of mesh breast reduction works, please visit our breast reduction insurance coverage page.