What Is the “Internal Bra”?
In recent years, many women seeking breast lift surgery have asked about an “internal bra.” This trendy phrase, often seen online and marketed across social media, suggests that mesh material can be placed inside the breast during surgery to provide long-term support — much like wearing a bra beneath the skin.
The concept sounds appealing: a permanent internal scaffold to maintain lift, shape, and projection. Mesh materials such as P4HB or polydioxanone are promoted as lightweight, dissolvable options that supposedly counteract sagging and fight gravity.
But what does the science actually show?
Marketing Hype vs. Scientific Evidence
Why the Internal Bra Gained Popularity
Manufacturers aggressively promote mesh products to surgeons, and patients are often charged additional fees when mesh is used. Many studies published in support of mesh are authored by investigators with financial relationships to manufacturers such as Galatea. In a competitive cosmetic surgery market, surgeons may believe these products offer a marketing advantage.
For patients, the idea seems logical:
“I’m already investing in surgery — why not add the mesh as an extra measure’?”
However, assumptions are not evidence.
What the Research Really Shows
1. Mesh Does Not Support the Breast
Although mesh materials resist stretch, there is no proof that they actually support breast tissue or reduce future sagging. Instead, mesh simply becomes incorporated into the tissue — not functioning like a sling or hammock as advertised.
2. Mesh Requires Suboptimal Surgical Techniques
To use mesh, a surgeon must employ a central mound or inferior pedicle technique. These approaches leave behind extra lower-pole tissue, sometimes referred to as a “mastopexy-wrecking bulge.”
By contrast, the vertical breast lift (mastopexy) removes this tissue and avoids the bulge entirely—making mesh unnecessary.
3. The Vertical Breast Lift Performs Better Over Time
The vertical method creates a natural “cinching” effect that:
- Provides more lift than the traditional inverted-T (anchor) technique
- Holds its shape better long-term
- Results in less scarring
- Works especially well when combined with breast implants
When performed correctly, no mesh is required to maintain long-term results.
Scientific Review Confirms: Mesh Offers No Measurable Benefit
Dr. Swanson recently conducted an in-depth review comparing breast lifts performed with mesh to vertical breast lifts performed without mesh, analyzing measurements from published surgical results.
Key finding:
👉 No mesh has been shown to improve breast shape, projection, or resistance to settling over time.
The full review is open access:
Swanson E. A review of mammaplasties with measurements: evaluating autoaugmentation, mesh, acellular dermal matrix, and the Wise pattern. Ann Plast Surg. 2025;95:438-452.
This article includes measurable photographic comparisons so readers can see the evidence firsthand.
Why the “Internal Bra” Is a Myth
The truth is straightforward:
- Mesh is not FDA-approved for use in the breast.
- There is no scientific evidence it prevents sagging.
- Better techniques — not expensive materials — determine long-term success.
An “internal bra” is a fictional concept, born more from marketing than medicine.
Patients deserve treatments that are scientifically proven, safe, and cost-effective.
That is the foundation of evidence-based care.
Real Results Without Mesh
This 47-year-old woman is shown before surgery, at 6 months, and at 1 year after a vertical augmentation/mastopexy with breast implants.
No mesh was used — and her results demonstrate the power of proper technique rather than unnecessary materials.
The Swanson Center
📍 11413 Ash St, Leawood, KS 66211
📞 +913.663.1030
🕘 Monday – Friday | 9 AM – 5 PM
Call us today to schedule your consultation.