Transitory Mastopexy Implants for Scar-Minimizing Breast Lifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mastopexy procedures require open surgery, extensive dissection, and leave noticeable scars, which can lead to dissatisfaction and the need for general anesthesia.
Innovation Solution
Implants and systems for mastopexy that can be implanted through small stab incisions using blunt dissection, creating new tissue planes and minimizing scar formation, without the use of large incisions or extensive dissection, and can be used in patients with fatty breasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional open surgery mastopexy procedures are used, then the breast can be lifted effectively, but large incisions and extensive dissection are required, leaving noticeable scars
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure divides the mastopexy process into two separate steps: first creating the breast lift through internal tissue repositioning and suturing, then making only small peripheral incisions for scar revision. This segmentation allows the primary lifting function to be achieved without large incisions, while scar management is handled separately through minor procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful element of large incisions from the mastopexy procedure. By performing the lift through internal manipulation and small access points, the procedure eliminates the need for traditional large scars while maintaining lifting effectiveness.
2Reliability
If traditional open surgery mastopexy procedures are used, then the breast can be lifted effectively, but extensive dissection and long operating time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure segments the mastopexy into a primary lift phase using minimal dissection and a secondary scar revision phase. This allows the bulk of the lifting work to be accomplished through internal techniques requiring less time, while scar management is deferred to a separate, quicker procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary tissue repositioning and suturing through small access points before making any significant incisions. This preliminary action establishes the lift framework early, reducing the need for extensive subsequent dissection and operating time.
3Reliability
If traditional open surgery mastopexy procedures are used, then the breast can be lifted effectively, but general anesthesia is required
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure segments anesthesia requirements by performing the primary lift under local anesthesia with sedation, avoiding general anesthesia. The secondary scar revision is also performed under minimal anesthesia, thus eliminating or reducing the need for complex general anesthesia protocols while maintaining lifting effectiveness.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If suture-based mastopexy procedures are used, then scar formation is minimized, but serious stretching of the areola or tissue necrosis can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces permanent sutures as intermediary support elements that distribute tension across a broader area rather than concentrating it at the areola. These permanent sutures act as mediators between the lifted breast tissue and the surrounding structures, preventing excessive stress on the areola and reducing the risk of tissue necrosis while maintaining minimal scarring.
Data Source
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AI summary
Mastopexy implants for lifting the breast of a patient create new tissue planes in the breast that provide a more durable lift, and are particularly useful in lifting breasts with a high content of fatty tissue. The implants can be implanted through stab incisions using blunt dissection, and reduce operating time, and provide an improved aesthetic appearance with minimal scar formation. The implants are designed to be transitory, and have sufficient strength retention to allow the new tissue planes to form and support the lifted breast without any significant loss of support during this regenerative period.