Cosmetic surgery sizer

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a sizer for use in cosmetic surgery augmentation procedures, along with methods for using same.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 forming an opening in tissue;   inserting a breast implant through the opening into a desired location for augmentation of a breast;   inserting a sizer into the opening, the sizer having a deflated form suitable for insertion through the opening and an inflated form to impart a desired shape to the breast, the sizer including a reinforcing layer to prevent rupture;   inflating the sizer to the inflated form; and   injecting a bulk filler into tissue surrounding the breast implant with a surgical instrument while the sizer is in the inflated form.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising forming a surgical pocket within the tissue and coupled to the opening to receive the breast implant and the sizer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the breast implant includes a biocompatible carrier. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the biocompatible carrier contains saline. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the biocompatible carrier includes silicone. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the bulk filler includes fat. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the bulk filler includes autologous fat. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 deflating the sizer to the deflated form; 
 removing the sizer through the opening; and 
 surgically closing the opening. 
 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein inserting the sizer through the opening includes inserting the sizer through a bore of a surgical instrument placed in the opening. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing layer includes a reinforcing mesh having a mesh size and a strength selected to resist puncture by the surgical instrument. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing layer resists puncture in at least an anterior portion of the sizer. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a wall of the sizer is formed of silicone. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing layer includes a flexible stainless steel mesh.