What is an Insertion Sleeve?

An Insertion Sleeve, or Keller Funnel, is an innovative surgical device used by Plastic Surgeons for contactless breast implant placement. The benefits of using an Insertion Sleeve or Keller Funnel are two-fold – it not only reduces bacterial transfer, it also promotes longer-lasting Breast Augmentation results. Read on to discover why the Insertion Sleeve has become the gold-standard for Breast Augmentation procedures and the option of choice for Plastic Surgeons. 

We’re often asked about the risks associated with Breast Augmentation surgery. While complications can occur after any surgical procedure – including Breast Augmentation – there are ways to minimise the chance of them happening. One such way is to seek out a Plastic Surgeon who uses an Insertion Sleeve, or Keller Funnel when inserting breast implants.

What is A Breast Implant Insertion Sleeve?

Benefits of the Keller Funnel

An Insertion Sleeve, or Keller Funnel is an innovative medical device that enables contactless breast implant placement. Rather than physically touching the implants, Plastic Surgeons use the sleeve to insert and position them.

Using an Insertion Sleeve during a Breast Augmentation reduces the risk of bacterial transfer, which in turn lowers your chances of infection and post-surgery complications.

Insertion Sleeves also promote optimal implant longevity. They are world-renowned and recommended by implant manufacturers, such as Mentor and Motiva, and when used by highly skilled Plastic Surgeons, can enable your Breast Augmentation results to last for 20+ years.

Top 5 Reasons Plastic Surgeons Use Insertion Sleeves

Benefits of an Insertion Sleeve During Breast Augmentation

There are a range of advantages associated with the use of an Insertion Sleeve during Breast Augmentation surgery – these are outlined below. The Keller Funnel is also listed in the Breast Augmentation 14-Point Plan.

1. Optimal breast implant insertion

Insertion Sleeves are made from a unique polymeric film and have a lubricious coating. This means the breast implants glide gently and easily into position.

Excessive handling of implants can compromise their outer shell barrier. Using an Insertion Sleeve, allows your Surgeon to place the Breast Implant without squeezing, twisting or pushing the implant with their fingers. This in turn means there’s less chance of the implant being damaged during insertion, which in turn reduces the likliehood of future complications resulting from damaged implants, such as implant leaking.

2. Minimal scarring after surgery

The tip of the Insertion Sleeve is narrow so the breast implant can be placed using a much shorter inframmary incision. This in turn results in a smaller scar once healed and lowers the client’s chance of infection during Recovery.

3. Greater visibility during surgery

By using an Insertion Sleeve, Surgeons have greater visibility of the initial implant insertion. Insertion Sleeves are transparent and facilitate accurate placement of the implant into the breast pocket.

4. Reduced risk of contamination and bacteria

Insertion Sleeves are touch-free, meaning the breast implant itself doesn’t come into contact with the patient’s skin or the surgeon’s gloves at all.

During a Breast Augmentation, the implant is dropped from its original sterile packaging into the a sterile Insertion Sleeve. The small opening at the base of the funnel is then placed into the incision. The Surgeon then gently squeezes the implant through the funnel into the breast cavity.

5. Reduced risk of capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is a complication associated with Breast Augmentation surgery. Capsular Contracture refers to scar tissue forming around the breast implant. Where a Capsule is a natural response to a Breast Implant, a Capsular Contracture occurs when the Capsule contracts and compresses the Breast Implant. In some cases, this can distort the shape and size of the breast, it can also be uncomfort or even painful.

One of the leading causes of capsular contracture is implant pocket contamination and a thin layer of bacteria known as biofilm. By reducing the risk of bacterial contamination, the Insertion Sleeve reduces the chance of developing capsular contracture after a Breast Augmentation procedure.

Further Information

To find out more about Insertion Sleeves or Breast Augmentation, contact our Client Support Team on 1300 000 633. Alternatively, submit an online enquiry.