Absorbable implants for breast surgery that conform to the breast parenchyma and surrounding chest wall have been developed. These implants support newly lifted breast parenchyma, and/or a breast implant. The implants have mechanical properties sufficient to support a reconstructed breast, and allow the in-growth of tissue into the implant as it degrades. The implants have a strength retention profile allowing the support of the breast to be transitioned from the implant to regenerated host tissue, without significant loss of support. Three-dimensional implants for use in minimally invasive mastopexy/breast reconstruction procedures are also described, that confer shape to a patient's breast. These implants are self-reinforced, can be temporarily deformed, implanted in a suitably dissected tissue plane, and resume their preformed three-dimensional shape. The implants are preferably made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof. The implants have suture pullout strengths that can resist the mechanical loads exerted on the reconstructed breast.

A method for fabricating a pacifier having surface features replicating those of a nursing mother's nipple, wherein the nipple has a length, the method including steps of utilizing the nursing mother's nipple as a positive mold to cast a first negative mold; utilizing the first negative mold to cast a replica of the nursing mother's nipple; modifying the replica of the nursing mother's nipple so that said replica has a length greater than that of the nursing mother's nipple; utilizing the modified replica of the nursing mother's nipple as a second positive mold to cast a second negative mold; and utilizing the second negative mold to cast an extended length replica of the nursing mother's nipple.

A method for fabricating a pacifier having surface features replicating those of a nursing mother's nipple, wherein the nipple has a length, the method including steps of utilizing the nursing mother's nipple as a positive mold to cast a first negative mold; utilizing the first negative mold to cast a replica of the nursing mother's nipple; modifying the replica of the nursing mother's nipple so that said replica has a length greater than that of the nursing mother's nipple; utilizing the modified replica of the nursing mother's nipple as a second positive mold to cast a second negative mold; and utilizing the second negative mold to cast an extended length replica of the nursing mother's nipple.

This application example provides a breast prosthesis processing system, which includes a scanner, a data processing device, a prosthesis processing device, and a printing device. The scanner is used to scan the human body, obtain torso scan data containing images of a normal breast and the residual part after mastectomy, and send it to the data processing device. The data processing device, in response to input, marks feature points on the residual part image, mirrors them, and generates mirrored feature points. The prosthesis processing device then processes the prosthesis based on the mirrored feature points, and the printing device prints the processed prosthesis. This system aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of breast prosthesis production, ensuring a better fit and aesthetic outcome for users. The integration of scanning, data processing, and printing technologies streamlines the entire process, providing a more personalized and precise solution for breast prosthesis manufacturing.

This application example provides a breast prosthesis processing system, which includes a scanner, a data processing device, a prosthesis processing device, and a printing device. The scanner is used to scan the human body, obtain torso scan data containing images of a normal breast and the residual part after mastectomy, and send it to the data processing device. The data processing device, in response to input, marks feature points on the residual part image, mirrors them, and generates mirrored feature points. The prosthesis processing device then processes the prosthesis based on the mirrored feature points, and the printing device prints the processed prosthesis. This system aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of breast prosthesis production, ensuring a better fit and aesthetic outcome for users. The integration of scanning, data processing, and printing technologies streamlines the entire process, providing a more personalized and precise solution for breast prosthesis manufacturing.

A breast prosthesis includes a front part that is made of a silicone gel that is encapsulated in a polymer film. A back part that is made from a silicone elastomer is affixed thereto. An alternate form of breast prosthesis includes a front part that is made from a silicone elastomer. A back part that is made of a silicone gel that is encapsulated in a polymer film and that is affixed thereto. In a method of making a breast prosthesis in which a two chamber bag that includes a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a layer of polyurethane and a layer of polyurethane is made. The bag is placed into a mold that defines a breast form-shaped cavity. A silicone gel material is injected into one chamber and a silicone elastomer material is injected into the other chamber. The materials are cured and the PTFE layer is removed.

A breast prosthesis includes a front part that is made of a silicone gel that is encapsulated in a polymer film. A back part that is made from a silicone elastomer is affixed thereto. An alternate form of breast prosthesis includes a front part that is made from a silicone elastomer. A back part that is made of a silicone gel that is encapsulated in a polymer film and that is affixed thereto. In a method of making a breast prosthesis in which a two chamber bag that includes a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a layer of polyurethane and a layer of polyurethane is made. The bag is placed into a mold that defines a breast form-shaped cavity. A silicone gel material is injected into one chamber and a silicone elastomer material is injected into the other chamber. The materials are cured and the PTFE layer is removed.

Absorbable implants for breast surgery that conform to the breast parenchyma and surrounding chest wall have been developed. These implants support newly lifted breast parenchyma, and/or a breast implant. The implants have mechanical properties sufficient to support a reconstructed breast, and allow the in-growth of tissue into the implant as it degrades. The implants have a strength retention profile allowing the support of the breast to be transitioned from the implant to regenerated host tissue, without significant loss of support. Three-dimensional implants for use in minimally invasive mastopexy/breast reconstruction procedures are also described, that confer shape to a patient's breast. These implants are self-reinforced, can be temporarily deformed, implanted in a suitably dissected tissue plane, and resume their preformed three-dimensional shape. The implants are preferably made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof. The implants have suture pullout strengths that can resist the mechanical loads exerted on the reconstructed breast.

Absorbable implants for breast surgery that conform to the breast parenchyma and surrounding chest wall have been developed. These implants support newly lifted breast parenchyma, and/or a breast implant. The implants have mechanical properties sufficient to support a reconstructed breast, and allow the in-growth of tissue into the implant as it degrades. The implants have a strength retention profile allowing the support of the breast to be transitioned from the implant to regenerated host tissue, without significant loss of support. Three-dimensional implants for use in minimally invasive mastopexy/breast reconstruction procedures are also described, that confer shape to a patient's breast. These implants are self-reinforced, can be temporarily deformed, implanted in a suitably dissected tissue plane, and resume their preformed three-dimensional shape. The implants are preferably made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof. The implants have suture pullout strengths that can resist the mechanical loads exerted on the reconstructed breast.

An prosthetic device is described for use as an artificial breast, comprising a shell and filler removably disposed within the shell, formed of non-synthetic material. The device is configured for compression fit within a clothing article, to inhibit movement of the artificial breast. The shell comprises a distal side defining a bra cup and a proximal side conforming to the wearer's body. The distal side of the shell comprises an inner felt layer forming the bra cup and an outer cloth layer facing the clothing article. The filler is removable from the shell, and provides form and firmness to the artificial breast, causing compression when worn. The shell flexibly accommodates different amounts of filler. The non-synthetic material has advantageous properties such as anti-bacterial, hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, biodegradable, breathable, and/or thermal regulating properties.