Pros and Cons of Keller Funnel for Breast Augmentation

Have you heard of the Keller Funnel? It is a device used by some surgeons for breast augmentation. The Keller funnel is helpful for placing the implant into the chest pocket for some surgeons. The funnel basically looks like a pastry bag or piping bag, the kind used for decorating cakes. It is used to slip a breast implant into place. Just as the saline implant is rolled up and slipped into place then filled while in the body, the Keller Funnel allows surgeons to slip a silicone implant into the body. Before 2006, during the ban on silicone implants, cosmetic surgeons were trained using only saline implants. Of course, it is much easier to place a rolled up saline implant into place than a silicone implant. Let’s take a look at some of the types of incisions possible with breast augmentation and the pros and cons of using the Keller Funnel.

The Keller Funnel may be more helpful with remote incisions such as the peri-umbilical and axillary incision. And it is certainly more helpful for surgeons who are not as skilled at inserting an implant without trauma. While it is true that some surgeons tout that these remote incisions to minimize scarring, this must be weighed against placement. The further away from the breast implant site an incision is made, the less accurate the placement can be. At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, breast augmentation incisions made are inframammary, or beneath the breast where they are not noticeable. This is because an incision closer to the site gives a more accurate pocket placement. The inframammary incision allows for placement easily with over the muscle, partially under, and full sub-muscular. I prefer this method, which without doubt results in the most accurate placement, with the least complications later such as capsular contraction, bottoming out, and symmastia (that “uni-boob” look).

Here are a few more dangers of these remote incisions. The axillary incision (the armpit incision) is a highly specialized technique that often requires use of an endoscope. So although it may result in a smaller scar, the patient risks lack of symmetry because of the distance from the breast. The dangers of peri-umbilical incision include more area of possible infection, and the possibility of leaving abdominal scars because a tunnel is created from the navel to each breast. Although not a remote incision, there is also the areola incision, which, as the name suggests, is around the areola of the nipple. The danger with this incision, though it is well camouflaged, is that it can cause changes in nipple sensation or partial breast numbness. If revisional surgery is needed for any reason later, the surgeon will have to create an incision in the crease beneath the breast anyway.

Here are Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, we sometimes use the Keller Funnel, but only in very specific situations. Aside from the reasoning above, using the Keller Funnel adds to the cost of surgery, and we would rather keep the cost down. Breast augmentation at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center is planned in accordance with the individual patient’s needs.

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up a consultation 501-227-0707