What is the Keller Funnel breast augmentation?

Published April 3, 2024 by Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown

Innovations and refinements in cosmetic surgery are constants that drive us toward safer, more effective procedures with remarkably natural-looking results. One such advancement that has improved breast augmentation safety and outcomes is the Keller Funnel® technique for placing silicone breast implants. Here, Cincinnati plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown explains why he uses this technique at his award-winning plastic surgery center. 

The Keller Funnel Technique

The Keller Funnel is a state-of-the-art device used to insert larger silicone gel implants. This device enables us to place these higher-volume implants using a smaller incision. The funnel resembles a pastry bag in shape and is made from a smooth, flexible material. To place a silicone breast implant, we insert the tip of the funnel into the incision and transfer the implant directly from its single-use packaging into the top of the funnel. Because the implant is packaged in a sterile solution, we can transfer the implant into the breast pocket with minimal contact and friction—the solution also acts as a lubricant as we guide the implant down the funnel and into the ideal position. 

This technique is exclusive to larger silicone implants. Smaller silicone implants are placed through short incisions, without the need for the Keller Funnel. And to place saline implants, the deflated implant shell is situated in the breast pocket and then filled to the desired volume with sterile saline solution. Typically, the incision for a saline breast implant is about 2.5 to 3 cm (about 1 inch). 

Benefits of the Keller Funnel method

Using this approach during breast augmentation offers several clinically proven benefits such as:

• Reduced risk of infection. The Keller Funnel allows for a “no-touch technique,” meaning the implant barely comes into contact with the skin, air, or the surgeon’s gloves, if at all. Less exposure lowers the risk of bacterial contamination and subsequent infection—the most common complication after breast augmentation, thus making the procedure safer for you.
• Reduced risk of capsular contracture. Pocket contamination and the resulting biofilm that can form around the implant are believed to contribute to the formation of capsular contracture, when the scar tissue around the implant hardens irregularly. Using no-contact breast augmentation helps reduce capsular contraction rates by up to 87%.
• Shorter incisions. The funnel’s design allows us to insert implants through smaller incisions for more discreet scars and thus a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.
• Decreased stress on the implant. Using the Keller Funnel reduces the amount of force needed to insert the implant, as well as evenly distributes it. This minimizes the stress on the implant shell to potentially extend the life of the implant.

“I am 8 weeks post op from my breast augmentation. I am going into the New Year unshakeably confident thanks to Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown and his lovely staff! Doctor Mark spent alot of time with me during my consultation going over my options. He was very thorough and HONEST. That’s why I chose him as my plastic surgeon I valued his honesty.

His staff provided top notch care to me before, during, and after my procedure. I had minimal pain in the days to follow. My incisions were small and my scars have healed beautifully. Dr. Mark is highly reputable for a reason, in that he has perfected his profession! He gave me exactly what I wanted. I could not be more happy.”

—5-star Google review 

Interested in learning more about a customized breast augmentation? Our expert body contouring surgeons Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown or Dr. Gina Maccarone would be happy to meet with you and discuss your options. Please call the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center at 513-984-4700 or fill out the contact form below. We serve the local Cincinnati and Springboro areas and beyond.