Efficacy of Mesh Use in Breast Surgery: A Comprehensive Review of Complications and Aesthetic Outcomes
Background:. The insertion of a mesh “internal bra” has been used in cosmetic breast procedures for soft-tissue reinforcement as a means to mitigate postoperative ptosis. However, there have been concerns regarding complications as a result of mesh placement and a lack of quantitative data regarding...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Global Open |
| Online Access: | http://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/10.1097/GOX.0000000000006537 |
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| Summary: | Background:. The insertion of a mesh “internal bra” has been used in cosmetic breast procedures for soft-tissue reinforcement as a means to mitigate postoperative ptosis. However, there have been concerns regarding complications as a result of mesh placement and a lack of quantitative data regarding postoperative cosmetic outcomes.
Methods:. Articles that assessed the effects of the mesh internal bra for soft-tissue support on cosmetic and patient-reported outcomes, complications, and surveillance were reviewed. Meta-analysis was performed to determine the overall complication rates, and cosmetic outcomes and patient-reported outcomes were reviewed.
Results:. Meta-analysis showed the following summary effect sizes: infection/abscess had a pooled rate of 3.61% (Q = 33.8, I2 = 76.33%), hematoma was 1.34% (Q = 4.16, I2 = 68.1%), seroma was 5.04% (Q = 14.8, I2 = 73.11%), fat necrosis was 0.86% (Q = 693, I2 = 99.7%), and capsular contracture was 2.5% (Q = 693.4, I2 = 99.6%). Only 2 of 5 studies attempting to quantify cosmetic outcomes compared outcomes between patients who underwent procedures with and without the use of mesh. Both reported smaller increases in sternal notch-to-nipple distance and nipple-to-inframammary fold distance without clear statistical significance.
Conclusions:. Although there does not seem to be a significant difference in risk profile with and without the use of mesh, the current data do not support the claims of improved cosmetic outcomes. Well-controlled, quantitative studies are necessary to objectively evaluate the cosmetic benefits of using mesh. |
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| ISSN: | 2169-7574 |