Our Summary
This research paper looks at the use of mesh products, specifically a product called TiLOOP® Bra, in breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomies (breast removal). The researchers reviewed previous studies to compare how well this synthetic mesh and other biological meshes work, and what sort of complications patients might experience after surgery.
They started by looking at 234 articles, but only 41 of them fully met their criteria. These 41 articles included data on 3923 patients and 5042 breast reconstructions.
The results suggest that the TiLOOP® Bra is a safe and aesthetically pleasing option for non-smoking women undergoing certain types of mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. The occurrence of seroma (a pocket of clear serous fluid that sometimes develops in the body after surgery) with the TiLOOP® Bra is similar to that with biological meshes.
In patients who had radiation treatment, the TiLOOP® Bra seems to perform better than just using an implant alone. It also seems to be well accepted by the body and resistant to infections, even in patients who have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments. However, complications are more likely in patients with very high or very low body mass index values.
FAQs
- What is the TiLOOP® Bra and how is it used in breast reconstruction surgery?
- How does the TiLOOP® Bra compare to biological meshes in terms of safety and complications after surgery?
- Does the TiLOOP® Bra work well for patients who have had radiation treatment or have a weakened immune system?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about breast reconstruction using a mesh product like TiLOOP® Bra is to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) before and after surgery. Patients with very high or very low BMI values may be at a higher risk of complications, so maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the likelihood of these issues. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring your recovery progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended breast reconstruction include those who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer or other medical reasons, are non-smokers, and have a healthy body mass index. Patients who have had radiation treatment or have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments may also benefit from breast reconstruction using mesh products like TiLOOP® Bra. Additionally, patients who desire immediate breast reconstruction following mastectomy and are looking for a safe and aesthetically pleasing option may be good candidates for this type of procedure.
Timeline
Before breast reconstruction surgery, a patient typically undergoes a mastectomy to remove the breast tissue. After this, they may choose to undergo breast reconstruction immediately or at a later time.
During the reconstruction surgery, the TiLOOP® Bra or another mesh product is inserted to provide support and structure for the new breast shape. The mesh helps to keep the breast implant in place and can also improve the overall aesthetic outcome of the reconstruction.
After surgery, patients may experience some pain, swelling, and bruising, which are common side effects of any surgical procedure. They will need to follow their surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, including taking any prescribed medications, wearing compression garments, and attending follow-up appointments.
In the weeks and months following surgery, the patient will gradually heal and see the final results of their breast reconstruction. They may also undergo additional procedures, such as nipple reconstruction or tattooing, to complete the overall look of the reconstructed breast.
Overall, the use of mesh products like the TiLOOP® Bra in breast reconstruction surgery can provide patients with safe and effective results, particularly in certain patient populations. It is important for patients to discuss their options with their surgeon and carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of using mesh in their reconstruction.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast reconstruction using TiLOOP® Bra include:
- Is the TiLOOP® Bra a suitable option for my specific situation and type of mastectomy?
- What are the potential benefits of using the TiLOOP® Bra compared to other types of mesh or implants?
- What are the potential risks or complications associated with using the TiLOOP® Bra for breast reconstruction?
- How likely am I to experience seroma or other post-operative complications with the TiLOOP® Bra?
- How does the TiLOOP® Bra perform in patients who have had radiation treatment compared to other reconstruction methods?
- Will the TiLOOP® Bra be well accepted by my body and reduce the risk of infections, especially if I have a weakened immune system?
- Are there any specific factors, such as body mass index, that may impact the success of using the TiLOOP® Bra for my breast reconstruction?
- What is the expected recovery time and long-term outcome with the TiLOOP® Bra compared to other reconstruction options?
- Are there any alternative reconstruction methods or materials that I should consider, and how do they compare to the TiLOOP® Bra in terms of safety and effectiveness?
- Can you provide me with more information or resources to help me make an informed decision about using the TiLOOP® Bra for my breast reconstruction surgery?
Reference
Authors: Tellarini A, Bascialla E, Paganini F, Fasoli V, Buttarelli F, Marra EP, Tamborini F, Corno M, Di Giovanna D, Baraziol R, Flocchini M, Curic LM, Tuttolomondo A, Calabrese S, Valdatta L. Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2024 Oct;97:89-114. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.07.060. Epub 2024 Jul 29. PMID: 39151289