New Clinical Evidence on Funnel Insertion in Breast Augmentation Surgery
A recent peer-reviewed study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open by Dr. Julián Hernández et al. evaluated the clinical outcomes of a funnel-assisted breast implant insertion technique lubricated with hyaluronic acid (HA) compared with traditional manual implant placement.
The study provides valuable insight into how no-touch breast implant insertion techniques may improve surgical efficiency, reduce complications, and support procedural safety in primary breast augmentation.
🔗 Full publication available via PRS Global Open.
Why Implant Insertion Technique Matters in Breast Augmentation
In breast augmentation surgery, implant insertion is a critical step that may influence:
- Incision length
- Tissue trauma
- Bacterial contamination risk
- Biofilm formation
- Capsular contracture rates
- Long-term aesthetic outcomes
Traditional manual insertion requires direct implant handling, which can increase surface exposure to skin flora and mechanical friction. Funnel-assisted insertion techniques were developed to support a “no-touch” surgical approach, reducing direct contact between the implant and the skin.
Minimising implant handling aligns with modern principles of capsular contracture prevention and procedural standardisation in aesthetic breast surgery.
Study Design: 200 Patients, 2022–2024
The retrospective cohort study included 200 primary breast augmentation patients treated between 2022 and 2024.
Two groups were compared:
- Funnel-assisted implant insertion lubricated with hyaluronic acid
- Traditional manual implant insertion
Outcomes analysed included:
- Incision length
- Implant insertion time
- Complication rates
- Patient-reported satisfaction (BODY-Q)
All patients had at least one year of follow-up.
Key Clinical Findings
1. Smaller Incisions
The funnel-assisted group demonstrated statistically smaller incision lengths (32 mm vs 37 mm).
Smaller incisions may contribute to:
- Improved scar quality
- Reduced tissue stretching
- Lower risk of hypopigmentation
- Enhanced aesthetic outcomes
In breast augmentation, incision management remains a critical factor in patient satisfaction and surgical planning.
2. Significantly Reduced Implant Insertion Time
One of the most striking findings was the difference in insertion time:
- Funnel-assisted: ~6 seconds
- Manual insertion: ~58 seconds
Shorter insertion time may reduce:
- Tissue manipulation
- Implant surface exposure
- Risk of contamination
This supports the efficiency advantages of controlled funnel-based implant delivery systems in aesthetic surgery.
3. Lower Complication Rates
The study reported:
- 1% complication rate in the funnel group
- 8% complication rate in the manual group
Complications in the manual group included capsular contracture, infection, hypopigmentation, and wound dehiscence.
The authors suggest that reduced implant handling may contribute to improved procedural safety and potentially lower capsular contracture risk.
4. High Patient Satisfaction in Both Groups
Patient-reported satisfaction improved significantly postoperatively in both groups, with no statistically significant difference at six months.
This indicates that while aesthetic outcomes were comparable, the funnel-assisted approach offered measurable procedural advantages without compromising patient satisfaction.
Hyaluronic Acid as a Lubricant in Funnel-Assisted Insertion
Historically, antiseptic agents such as chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine have been used to lubricate insertion funnels. However, concerns regarding tissue irritation and potential implant surface interactions have encouraged exploration of alternative solutions.
In this study, hyaluronic acid was used as a biocompatible lubricant, offering smooth implant delivery while maintaining sterility and procedural control.
Further prospective research is recommended to compare long-term outcomes between lubricant types.
Clinical Implications for Plastic Surgeons
This study reinforces the value of:
- No-touch breast implant techniques
- Minimising implant handling
- Standardising insertion methods
- Reducing operative variability
- Enhancing surgical safety protocols
For plastic surgeons focused on capsular contracture prevention and procedural optimisation, funnel-assisted insertion represents a technique supported by growing clinical evidence.
The Role of No-Touch Techniques in Modern Breast Surgery
The no-touch technique in breast augmentation aims to:
- Reduce contamination from skin flora
- Decrease biofilm formation
- Minimise implant surface trauma
- Improve procedural reproducibility
By supporting controlled implant placement, funnel-based insertion techniques may contribute to enhanced long-term outcomes in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.
Conclusion
The study by Dr. Hernández et al. contributes meaningful clinical evidence to the ongoing discussion around breast implant insertion techniques.
By demonstrating smaller incision lengths, reduced insertion times, and lower complication rates, funnel-assisted insertion lubricated with hyaluronic acid supports the principles of procedural safety, contamination control, and surgical efficiency in breast augmentation.
As surgical standards continue to evolve, evidence-based techniques remain central to improving outcomes for both surgeons and patients.