Breast Augmentation and Liposuction Blog - Dr. Bottger

A new innovation has recently been introduced for the placement of silicone gel implants in breast augmentation. The device is remarkably simple, resembling the funnels used by pastry chefs to decorate cakes. The breast implant is placed into the funnel, the funnel tip is inserted into the incision, and the implant is virtually "squeezed" into the dissected pocket, almost like a liquid. The device provides a number of advantages. The first is less trauma to the breast implant. Normally placement of a gel implant requires a fair amount of aggressive manipulation, which has the potential of damaging or weakening the implant shell. This trauma could theoretically lead to a greater chance for ultimate implant rupture.

Also, the Keller funnel allows placement of the implant without the device touching the skin or operative field. This is significant in that contamination of the implant shell with bacteria is felt to be a major cause of capsular contracture, leading to firm or hard beasts. The final advantage of the device is the ability to utilize smaller incisions and therefore, have shorter final scars. This, also, allows for more incisional placement options.

I have found this device to be of great value in my silicone gel breast augmentation patients.