I’m not a big one to jump on brand new items that come out for plastic surgeons. It seems to me that manufacturers’ want to sell me something that will “revolutionize” my practice on a monthly basis. Most of these things are short lived because they aren’t so revolutionary or just don’t work. In fact, the hype usually far exceeds the science.

I feel differently about the breast implant funnel. A plastic surgical colleague was looking for a way to make it easier to insert silicone gel breast implants. Putting in a large silicone gel implant can require a lot of pulling and pushing on the implant. That’s why most gel implant incisions are longer than saline implant incisions. (Saline is deflated when it is inserted.)

The breast implant funnel is like a very strong version of the bag that bakers use to put decorative icing on cakes. We cut the tip to the appropriate size, wet the funnel which makes it slippery inside, put the silicone gel breast implant in the funnel, put the tip of the funnel in the incision, squeeze and with a gratifying squish the breast implant is in.

So far I’ve been very pleased with this new tool. It has allowed me to make smaller incisions for larger implants; it reduces the length of the surgery and results in less touching of the implant. It makes it easier to place silicone gel implants through a tummy tuck. It remains to be seen whether it will help diminish capsular contracture rates.

Most patients will never know it exists, but if you’re having a silicone gel breast augmentation with me, chances are I will be using the funnel.

For more information about breast implants or to schedule a consultation please contact us!