
A breast mesh can help provide internal support after cosmetic, reconstructive, or augmentative breast surgery. Since most of these products work by incorporating surgical mesh with your body’s natural tissue, breast meshes are often marketed as a safe way to obtain long-lasting results without compromising appearance. However, regulators have warned that manufacturers’ claims of safety could be misleading. In a recent advisory, the federal Food and Drug Administration emphasized that the “safety and effectiveness of surgical mesh in breast surgery” has not yet been determined.
“There are no surgical mesh products cleared or approved by the FDA for use in breast surgery, including augmentation or reconstruction,” the Food and Drug Administration wrote.
Breast meshes are not inherently unsafe; many women report no complications whatsoever, but a growing body of evidence suggests that meshes could actually present a serious danger to women’s health. According to some studies, up to one-third of all women who receive meshes experience symptoms, including intense pain, localized swelling, and, in some cases, visible deformities. Of these women, about 10% are forced to undergo corrective surgery as a result.