About 300 million women underwent breast augmentation surgery last year, making it the most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States. Breast augmentation can play an essential role in helping women feel more attractive and more confident in their appearance. Still, like any surgical procedure, breast enhancement surgery is not completely without risks, and, ideally, you want a surgeon who takes every step possible to reduce those risks and enhance your experience.
As a top-ranked breast enhancement surgeon in Fairfield, Connecticut, Alfred Sofer, MD, is skilled in the most advanced surgical techniques, including the state-of-the-art Keller Funnel® technique for breast augmentation. Here’s how the Keller Funnel works, and how it can help you achieve optimal results from your breast implant procedure.
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Before and After Photos
What is the Keller Funnel?
The Keller Funnel is a surgical device that’s used to place the implant in position. The device itself looks similar to a cake decorating funnel, with one large open end and a narrower opening at the tip. The inside surface of the funnel is coated with a slippery substance to allow the implant to move smoothly into the pocket created for it.
During surgery, the narrow tip of the funnel is placed inside the incision made for the implant. Then the implant is transferred directly from its packaging to the larger end of the funnel. By using gentle pressure along the sides of the funnel, Dr. Sofer is able to transfer the implant into the surgical pocket without allowing it to make contact with the patient’s skin. This unique design feature offers several benefits for patients.
Reduced risk of post-op infection
The Keller Funnel was developed specifically to avoid bacterial contamination that can occur when the implant comes in direct contact with the patient’s skin during the surgery. If bacteria on the skin transfers to the surface of the implant, it can cause an infection in some women during the days and weeks after surgery. While infections can be treated, they can also delay and prolong the healing process.
Reduced risk of contracture
In some women, bacterial contamination from the skin may also increase the risk of capsular contracture, a painful condition that occurs when the body reacts to the implant and forms dense scar tissue around it, deforming the implant. Contracture only occurs in a very small percentage of breast implant surgeries, but there is no way to predict who will develop contracture and who won’t. Research shows the Keller Funnel substantially reduces the risk of contracture by eliminating skin contact during the implant procedure — a major benefit for patients.
Smaller incisions and less tissue trauma
Because of its smaller tip, the Keller Funnel allows Dr. Sofer to use a smaller incision in many procedures, and the ease of insertion can reduce damage to the surrounding tissues. As a result, recovery can be faster and more comfortable, with less bruising and swelling.
Reduced stress on the implant
The Keller Funnel relies on gentle pressure to insert the implant into the surgical pocket, and that means there’s less force applied to the implant compared to insertion with the fingers alone. The Keller Funnel also supports faster insertion into the pocket, which can mean less time spent in surgery, too.
Learn more about breast enhancement
Dr. Sofer and his team are dedicated to using the most advanced surgical techniques and technology, helping every woman enjoy optimal results and greater peace of mind. If you’d like to learn more about breast enhancement with the Keller Funnel technique, call our office, book an appointment online, or fill out our form to request a free virtual consultation today.