May 15, 2026
Oftentimes when we think of breast surgery, the first thing that comes to mind is implants. Breast-related operations, however, come in all shapes and sizes (pun intended) and can include more than just an augmentation. The breast lift is another common procedure that makes a world of difference for patients. With a few strategic sutures, you can get your perk back.
If you’ve been considering a breast lift and doing a deep dive of the procedure, you may have come across the product GalaFLEX. GalaFLEX is a common brand used by many surgeons to support breast tissue during recovery, but this surgical tool comes in different varieties.
To get a deeper understanding of the function of Galaflex and similar products, we asked our lovely coordinators more about this neat gadget. Here’s what they had to say.
GalaFLEX is a scaffolding/mesh, also known as an internal bra. It works the same way a bra would, except instead of padding and wire, an internal bra supports your breasts through biologically derived and, therefore, bio-absorbable material. It’s a dissolvable bra within your breast.
There are many products like GalaFLEX, but this particular brand of scaffolding is made of P4HB (poly-4-hydroxybutyrate, for you nerds out there). This material is found in other medical supplies, like biodegradable sutures, which means that an internal bra does not stick around forever.
In fact, GalaFLEX metabolizes in just 18-24 months after it completes the job of fortifying your breast tissue. Before it departs, it creates scar tissue in the area in which it’s placed. While we generally don’t want accumulations of scar tissue, in the case of laxity (more on this word later), extra tissue can actually help.
Skincare connoisseurs will know that collagen is the holy grail in addressing aging skin. Well, scar tissue is just a buildup and restructuring of collagen fibres. When skin loses its tone and elasticity over time, strategically planting the seeds for collagen production lends soft tissue support where soft tissue support is needed.
GalaFLEX is only ever used in breast procedures. Typically, it’s based on a patient’s skin laxity. With time, skin begins to lose its bounce. This is for a variety of reasons: exposure to the elements, the effects of gravity, redistribution and fluctuation of your weight…
But at the root of it all, the underlying explanation for laxity is a slower production of collagen and elastin fibres. The primary function of an internal bra is to support sagging breast tissue. This isn’t to be confused with a breast lift; GalaFLEX is impressive, but it is not a replacement for a mastopexy.
Think about it this way: if your skin becomes less able to snap back into place, GalaFLEX gives it the boost it needs to withstand the added weight of an implant or to reinforce a lift.
Our staff member explained: “I have seen the surgeons recommend it for patients who maybe require a bit of a lift but not enough for an external lift, patients who have had significant weight loss and now have reduced tissue quality (increased laxity), or generally any patients who maybe require a little bit of extra support with the implants.”
Although it’s not a stand-in for a breast lift, the internal bra can:
GalaFLEX can also be used for patients who want to replace a larger implant with a smaller one, as well as those needing their implants repositioned if they’ve fallen from their initial placement.
In both of these cases, the breast tissue has been compromised, either expanding to accommodate a larger implant or just succumbing to the forces of time and gravity. An internal bra creates a network of new tissue for better breast surgery results.
Breast surgeries are no longer quite as simple as inserting an implant or performing a lift. As the technology advances, these operations require more consideration—and offer more strategies—for creating sustainable results. Hopefully this brief explainer offers you a guide into the complex world of breast surgery and surgical tech.
If you’re curious about whether or not you’ll need GalaFLEX for your surgery, here are some questions to keep in mind:
If your answer is yes to any of these, then you may qualify for GalaFLEX.
As always, the best way to determine whether or not you’ll need an internal bra is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. To learn more about GalaFLEX and our surgical offerings at The Plastic Surgery Clinic, submit an inquiry below.
Did we answer all your questions? Our goal is to ensure you have the best information possible to make your decision. If you still have questions, we’re here to help.
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