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When surgical mesh or a scaffold is used to support breast tissue, it is sometimes referred to as an internal bra. For internal bra patients, it can be challenging to know whether any new symptoms that they develop post-surgery are normal or if they are a potentially serious side effect. This article will review internal bra complications and symptoms that patients have reported across the country, and what patients can do if these problems appear, including eligibility requirements for pursuing a breast mesh claim.
An internal bra is a tool used during breast surgery. It is performed by placing an implantable scaffolding or surgical mesh beneath the breast tissue to provide support. The scaffolding or mesh is made from either synthetic polymers or processed human or animal tissue.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not cleared or approved any surgical mesh for use in breast surgery. On November 9, 2023, the FDA issued labeling updates for certain mesh products, noting that it was aware of an increased use of these products in breast surgery.
However, the regulatory agency noted that it had not determined the “safety and effectiveness of surgical mesh in breast surgery.” The surgical mesh continues to be used off-label for this purpose, despite originally being cleared for uses such as hernia repair and general soft-tissue reinforcement.
According to lawsuits filed nationwide, patients who suffered internal bra complications allege that surgical mesh materials engineered for the abdominal wall or other soft tissue fail to perform the same way when implanted in the breast, resulting in serious side effects.
In the days and weeks following a breast surgery where an internal mesh bra was used, a patient may experience signs of infection. Infection may present with redness, swelling, or warmth at or near the surgical site. Patients may also experience fever or drainage. Infection may occur, as indicated by the FDA, when a wound is contaminated with microorganisms. While it most often appears in the days immediately after surgery, it can also show up later.
Another potential side effect is a seroma. A seroma is a collection of fluid around the implant or mesh that may cause pain, swelling, and bruising. In some cases, seromas may require drainage, as fluid buildup can become a site for bacterial growth and infection.
After breast surgery, a patient may experience delayed wound healing. Delayed wound healing occurs when the incision site takes longer than normal to heal or fails to heal normally. If the wound does not improve, it should be treated as soon as possible by a medical professional. Keeping follow-up appointments helps ensure the wound is properly cleaned and dressed.
Tissue necrosis refers to the breakdown and death of tissue caused by a loss of blood supply to the area. As Breastcancer.org explains, when skin or underlying tissue does not receive enough blood flow after breast surgery, it can begin to wither, darken, blister, or scab over. Early warning signs may include skin that turns dusky, blue, or black, sometimes accompanied by swelling, pain, or fever if an infection develops. Necrosis can range from a small, superficial patch of skin to a deeper, full-thickness area of tissue loss. More severe cases may require a procedure to remove the dead tissue and, according to the medical literature, can jeopardize the surrounding implant or reconstruction, leading to complications such as implant exposure or the need for additional surgery.
While some internal bra complications may appear immediately after surgery, others can take months or years to develop. When symptoms are delayed, they may appear unrelated to the surgery. Patients should document any new symptoms that develop, even if they occur long after the initial surgery.
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms and tightens around the surgical mesh or implant. The tightness can cause the breast to become firm, hardened, or even distorted over time. Capsular contracture can take months or years to show up. The condition may also cause pain, asymmetry, or restricted movement and may require revision surgery to correct.
Another potential complication of an internal bra procedure is mesh migration or displacement. Mesh migration or displacement may result in asymmetry, unwanted contouring or dimpling, or discomfort. When mesh is implanted, it is generally intended to help keep the breast or implant in a stable position. If the mesh migrates or becomes displaced, it can disrupt this stability, causing the breast or implant to shift or even fail over time.
While infection and seroma often occur in the days and weeks immediately after surgery, they may also surface much later. Infections and seromas that develop months or even years after the initial surgery may result from bacteria that have adhered to the surface of an implanted device. Infections and seromas often present with pain, swelling, fever, or redness.
Some internal bra complications may require revision or removal surgery. The side effects may develop immediately, such as in the days and weeks following the initial implant, or they may show up months or even years later. Due to the severity of these complications, they may carry significant physical, emotional, and financial weight.
In addition to the complications listed above, patients who experience mesh extrusion or erosion may require revision or removal surgery to repair the problem. Mesh extrusion or erosion occurs when the mesh becomes exposed through the overlying tissue. It may cause reconstruction failure or implant loss. In order to remove or revise the mesh, patients often must go through additional surgical procedures that may include replacing the implant.
Patients who notice new or worsening symptoms are encouraged to follow up with their surgeon or another healthcare provider to secure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Symptoms experienced after an internal bra procedure may worsen if left untreated. Documenting any symptoms experienced after surgery from the first few days to months or years later may help healthcare providers pinpoint the problem and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Many breast surgery patients may be unaware whether they had mesh implanted at the time of their procedure. Any medical devices used during surgery will be listed in the operative report and should identify the specific product used. Operative reports can be requested from the surgeon’s office or the hospital where the procedure was performed. Some patients remain unaware that their symptoms are related to the surgery until they review their medical records.
Depending on the circumstances of the case, including the type of mesh used and the severity of the complications, internal bra patients may be eligible to pursue legal action. Patients who believe that a surgical mesh product caused them harm can consult with an attorney to help determine whether they meet the criteria to file a lawsuit.
Wisner Baum continues to investigate and accept breast mesh and internal bra claims on behalf of patients who experienced serious complications related to these procedures. Consultations are free and without obligation to retain the firm.
Patients who suffered side effects or complications from an internal bra procedure are encouraged to review information about the Breast Mesh Lawsuit, including current litigation, which products are under investigation, and who may qualify to take legal action. Reach out to the attorneys at Wisner Baum online or by calling (310) 207-3233 to get started.
