How cutting-edge implants are reshaping breast cancer reconstruction in India

Breast reconstruction surgery is increasingly emerging as a crucial component in the treatment of women undergoing breast cancer treatment today. While advances in early detection and newer treatments have significantly improved the survival rates of breast cancer patients worldwide, the emotional and physical impact of mastectomy (complete removal of the breast) or lumpectomy (partial removal) can be devastating. For many women, the loss of a breast represents a significant alteration in body image, self-esteem, and femininity.Up until now, a typical breast reconstruction surgery came fraught with risks of pain, prolonged recovery time and trauma to the muscle, but things are fast changing.Recently, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) — the research wing of Tata Memorial Centre in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai — and the Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, introduced innovative technologies like Braxon Biological Mesh and TiLOOP Titanium Mesh, which marks a major breakthrough in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, offering minimally invasive and patient-friendly techniques that are set to revolutionise the field.For the uninitiated, the reconstruction surgery helps to restore the breast to its original shape, providing patients with a sense of normalcy and aiding in the emotional recovery from cancer. It can be done either immediately following a mastectomy, or as a delayed procedure after cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. medium113906858How Braxon Biological Mesh procedure worksSushmita Panja, a 40-year-old school teacher from Kolkata, was recently forced to make a life-altering decision following the discovery of multiple lumps in her left breast. With a family history of breast cancer — both her mother and aunt were diagnosed with it — the risk was clear. Panja’s doctors recommended a left-side mastectomy to significantly reduce her cancer risk.Panja chose to undergo surgery at ACTREC on September 10. Instead of the traditional flap surgery, which typically involves using the patient’s own tissue for breast reconstruction, senior surgical oncologist Dr Amar Deshpande, along with Dr Dileep Hoysal and their team, recommended the Braxon mesh implant. The advanced biological mesh supports the breast implant without the need to harvest tissue from other parts of the body, significantly reducing recovery time.Five days after the surgery, Panja was discharged with a natural breast shape. She was also in minimal pain and discomfort.“If I had opted for the traditional method, recovery would have taken much longer,” Panja tells TOI+. “I wanted to get back to teaching and my life as soon as possible. Life shouldn’t stop after a mastectomy.”According to Dr Deshpande, this is the first time such a procedure was conducted in western India. “Braxon Mesh is derived from porcine or bovine acellular dermal matrix (ADM), providing a collagen-rich scaffold that integrates with the patient’s tissue without triggering immune responses,” he says.The mesh supports pre-pectoral reconstruction, placing the implant above the chest muscle, reducing pain and speeding up recovery. “This technique avoids the trauma of placing implants under the muscle, minimising recovery time and reducing muscle damage,” he adds.The surgery typically takes two to three hours, with patients recovering within three to four weeks — comparable to traditional methods in both results and cost. (Panja paid ₹26,000 for her Braxon Mesh breast reconstruction, though Dr Deshpande noted the typical cost ranges from ₹1.2 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh. At Tata Memorial Centre, financial assistance is available for patients who cannot afford the procedure, ensuring access to advanced treatments.)What do we know about Braxon Biological MeshFirst introduced in Europe in 2013.Developed specifically for use in prepectoral breast reconstruction for reducing patient pain and improving recovery outcomes.Its use has expanded globally, including in the US in the mid-2010s.The procedure entails the implant to be placed above the pectoral muscle, rather than underneath it. This eliminates the need to disturb the chest muscles, which drastically reduces post-operative pain and allows for faster recovery.The biological mesh serves as a supportive sling to hold the implant in place and integrate with the body’s tissue. It maintains the natural shape of the breast while providing strong, stable support for the implant.It improves cosmetic outcomes. With less risk of the implant rippling, the mesh helps maintain a smooth, natural contour, especially for women with thinner skin or less natural tissue.It greatly lowers the risk of muscle-related complications like animation deformity and muscle weakness, improving both the physical and psychological recovery process for patients. medium113906907 medium113906915How the TiLOOP Titanium Mesh worksOn August 17, a 42-year-old woman who underwent a double mastectomy had her breasts reconstructed using the innovative TiLOOP Titanium Mesh at Sir HN Reliance Hospital. The mesh, which extends the pectoralis major muscle, offers structural support to breast tissue post-mastectomy, ensuring a natural appearance without the need for additional tissue from other parts of the body. This advanced technique not only reshapes and supports the breast but also reduces complications and accelerates recovery.The case marks a significant step forward in breast reconstruction technology, according to Dr Vijay V Haribhakti, chairperson of oncology at Sir HN Reliance Hospital, who led the surgery. “Using the TiLOOP mesh, we were able to position the implants accurately and complete the procedure in under three hours, without the need for traditional muscle flaps,” Dr Haribhakti explains.The patient, a mother of two teenage sons, diagnosed with early-stage triple negative breast cancer and carrying a BRCA1 mutation, had undergone successful chemotherapy before opting for immediate reconstruction. The new technique eliminated the need for the Latissimus Dorsi flap — a more invasive procedure requiring a long operation and significant recovery time.“The patient experienced virtually no pain compared to the traditional flap method, and her recovery was swift,” adds Dr Haribhakti.Dr Ashutosh Kothari, consultant in oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery, highlights the benefits of the TiLOOP mesh, which costs around ₹1.2 lakh. “It leaves minimal scarring, requires no donor sites, and allows patients to be discharged early, often immediately after surgery,” he notes.The mesh, developed by PFM Medical [a global medical technology company headquartered in Cologne, Germany] has seen widespread use in Europe due to its safety and cost-effectiveness.While still in its early stages in India — with just six cases so far — the TiLOOP mesh has shown promising results. “The data from Europe supports its safety, and we expect its adoption to grow here as well,” Dr Kothari adds.With its minimally invasive approach and quicker recovery times, the TiLOOP mesh represents a new era in breast reconstruction for cancer patients in India.What do we know about titanium-coated meshTiLOOP mesh, which is titanium-coated polypropylene, was introduced for use in breast reconstruction in the early 2000s. It was initially utilised in hernia and pelvic floor surgeries but was later adapted for breast surgery due to its durability and compatibility with soft tissues.Its use in breast reconstruction surgeries started gaining popularity globally by the late 2000s and early 2010s, particularly for patients requiring long-term implant support.The mesh provides a lightweight, non-resorbable framework that supports breast implants, preventing complications like sagging or implant displacement. Earlier methods, such as synthetic meshes or muscle flaps, lacked the long-term durability that TiLOOP offers.The titanium coating ensures that the mesh is biocompatible and resistant to infection, improving long-term stability and integration with the body. Earlier synthetic materials used in reconstructions were more prone to infections or material degradation over time.TiLOOP is especially beneficial for women undergoing breast reduction or reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy, where maintaining the correct position and support of the implant is crucial for long-term results.TiLOOP’s advanced structure prevents displacement and helps maintain the implant’s position over time. This feature is a significant improvement over traditional approaches, where implant shifting was a common issue, leading to asymmetry or the need for revision surgeries.The mesh supports the skin and implant, creating a more natural shape and minimising the chances of post-surgery sagging. This contrasts with earlier methods, where natural ageing or gravity could affect the position of the reconstructed breast.