Breast augmentation requires the insertion of an implant through an almost always smaller incision than the size of the implant. This is not an issue with saline breast implants since they are inserted in a rolled fashion and inflated once in place. But silicone breast implants must be placed fully filled and their placement through small skin incisions stresses the implant shell and may lead to premature rupture and a shortened lifespan of the device.
Introduced in 2009, the use of a funnel device improved this aspect of silicone breast augmentation surgery. This unique device, shaped just like its name implies, allows a silicone implant to be ‘shot through’ small skin incisions easily and with far less stress placed on the implant shell. It also allows the implant to be go from package to breast pocket without ever being touched by human hands or touching any skin surface reducing risk of bacterial contamination.The funnel’s shape is one reason why it works but its slippery inner lining is just if not more important than the device’s shape.
Now the funnel device has been improved and is known as the Funnel 2. It is now clear as opposed to the first generation opaque device which allows the breast implant to be easily visualized and oriented prior to insertion. This is not only helpful to keep the base of the round silicone implant downward against the chest wall but also critical when placing textured shaped breast implants. Turning a textured breast implant around in a breast pocket is not always easy and proper orientation is critical to the final shape of the breast after surgery.
The Funnel 2 has the same interior hydrophilic coating that creates a slick surface which allows the breast implant to glide easily into the pocket with the same no-touch technique. This improved device continues to be an essential component of contemporary breast augmentation surgery.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana