The Almost Scar-less Breast Lift
Candidates for the scarless reduction would need to be relatively young with good skin and only moderate droopiness. A small to moderate reduction could be done with liposuction after the lift is performed with RF heating. The lift is visible on the OR table, but is not in full correction. The collagen fibers within the subcutaneous tissue tend to tighten up over 6 months, so that at 6 weeks a significant improvement is seen, with even more lift at 3 months.
In order to qualify for this procedure, an in person evaluation is necessary. A preoperative mammogram is a must, in order to be able to follow changes in the breast parenchyma over time. Radiofrequency energy has been used for over 30 years in performing breast reductions and mastectomies as well as lifts and augmentations. There have been no instances of RF- induced breast cancer reported. However, safety is paramount, so monitoring for at least a year is recommended with recheck at the office and high definitions ultrasound evaluations.
The BODY TITE device, manufactured by Invasix is not FDA approved. We are conducting Phase III trials. Dr. Duncan has successfully used this device for 3 years tightening skin laxity in other areas of the body and face.
| 40 year old before treatment 2 months following augmentation with RF lift |
A new procedure using radiofrequency heating of the fibroseptal network under the skin was performed to tighten the collagen fibers surrounding the fatty tissue. While the book Gray’s Anatomy shows structures called “Cooper’s ligaments” that are supposed to hold up the breasts, these exist in concept but not in real life. As with most body structures, skin and the underlying soft tissues become lax and saggy with age. Lifting these trouble spots without having to cut out skin is one of Dr. Duncan’s main areas of research and development with the international device companies that she is a consultant for.
The device has an internal cannula with a heated tip that emits radiofrequency energy. This same energy has been used for decades to coagulate small bleeding arteries and veins during surgical procedures.
Many surgeons noticed that tissue tightened up when heated with the cautery device. The Invasix company created the BodyTite device to add skin tightening to traditional liposuction procedures. Dr. Duncan has led several studies for the company, while the device is in the final stages of FDA approval.
A very small puncture type incision is made within the colored part of the areola. The cannula is run back and forth under the skin. The tip of the cannula emits radiofrequency heat—very controlled so there is no burn. The electrode on the skin surface collects the radiofrequency energy and reflects it back onto the skin. This “sandwich” effect accounts for the increased efficiency of this device.
While “Smart Lipo” claims skin tightening, there is only a 4% improvement over traditional liposuction. The BodyTite device can shrink the surface area of skin by an average of 35%; these measurements were computer generated at one year post-treatments.
Lifting the breast without taking extra skin out is a very new concept, and it is only effective for people who have mild to moderate droopiness. Improvement, not perfection is the goal of treatment. If you are interested in this new option, please call Dr. Duncan’s office to get more information.
