On This Page
Interested in adding additional support and shaping ability to your breast surgery outcomes? Interested in prolonging the results of your lift? If so then the off labeled use of a surgical scaffold such as GalaFLEX® may be just what you need. GalaFLEX® is a surgical scaffold that was created to help provide structure and support to soft tissue. In consultation with Dr. Aya-ay, patients can determine whether GalaFLEX® is the procedure best suited to their needs.
What is GalaFLEX®?
GalaFLEX® is a knitted bioresorbable scaffold, meaning that, over time, it is broken down via hydrolysis and absorbed by the body. After the absorption takes place over typically a period of 18-24 months, only natural by-products, such as carbon and water, are left in the body, as well as new and more durable breast tissue. GalaFLEX® is a safe option to provide natural and long-lasting results for patients who have weak tissue and need more soft tissue support.
GalaFLEX® is a surgical device that can be inserted during the breast lift procedure, serving as a framework to reinforce weak tissues and promote the production of new tissue. The device is porous and expedites the growth and development of collagen and blood vessels, helping to create stronger soft tissue.
Melanie L. Aya-ay, M.D.
BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
Dr. Melanie Aya-ay is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Tampa Bay with over 15 years of plastic surgery experience specializing in cosmetic surgery, reconstructive breast surgery and minimally invasive techniques for facial and body rejuvenation. She is known for her skill and excellence in revision surgery, specifically for difficult breast surgery revisions. Dr. Aya-ay is an Allergan Medical Institute (AMI) National Trainer for Facial Aesthetics and AMI National Speaker for Plastic and Regenerative Medicine. She is honored to be the first female surgeon to hold this dual faculty position with Allergan.
Dr. Aya-ay is the CEO and owner of Melanie L. Aya-ay, MD Plastic Surgery as well as Vivia MedSpa, an elite luxury medical spa in North Tampa. Her practice and her team have been built on the values of honesty, integrity, education, safety, and providing comprehensive aesthetic care with natural results. Your consultation with Dr. Aya-ay will be an educational experience so that you can be assured that you are making the choices that are best for you. Our staff will provide all the assistance needed to help you navigate through the process for a successful Plastic Surgery experience.
GalaFLEX® Procedure
Patients undergoing a breast procedure such as breast augmentation, revision breast augmentation, breast reconstruction breast lift and/or breast reduction may also be a candidate for simultaneous placement of GalaFLEX® surgical scaffold. These surgeries will require general anesthesia and can be done as an outpatient procedure. Incisions will be made on the breast depending on the procedure, a space will be created for the GalaFLEX®. The galaflex will be used to shape and support the breast tissue in it’s new more aesthetic position. You will hear this product called an “internal bra” as it is often used in a similar manner to create that internal soft tissue support.
GalaFLEX® Recovery and Aftercare
Patients will be fitted with a soft bra that is to be worn for several days after the operation. Healing will be monitored for the first few days of recovery. Patients can typically expect to have activity restrictions for 2 weeks then slowly increasing activity up to 6 weeks. Pain medication may be prescribed to ease discomfort. Dr. Aya-ay and her staff will review the postoperative instructions with you at your consultation and again at your preoperative visit to ensure that you are comfortable with your postoperative care.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about GalaFLEX® or other potential options, schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Aya-ay. A consultation is a chance to collaborate to decide what procedure or treatment would be best suited for you and your needs. To schedule your consultation appointment, contact our Tampa office today.
