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Who Can File an Internal Bra Mesh Lawsuit?
People are filing internal bra mesh lawsuits against companies including C.R. Bard, Davol, and their parent Becton, Dickinson (BD). The lawsuits may also name other manufacturers and, in some cases, treating surgeons.
The claims allege complications from breast procedures using mesh implants. These include mesh products such as Phasix, GalaFLEX, Strattice, AlloDerm, and others.
People bringing lawsuits allege the mesh may cause patients significant harm. This may occur after breast reconstructions, cosmetic surgeries, or surgeries to repair and restore the breasts.
The problems include chronic pain, infections that may not clear up, mesh migration, and tissue necrosis. Other issues may require more surgeries to remove or replace the mesh.
At the root of many of these internal bra mesh lawsuits are allegations. Lawsuits allege the manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients about the risks associated with the use of mesh.
Recently, BD revised labeling for certain mesh products. Even so, other plaintiffs may still be eligible. They may file internal bra mesh lawsuits over complications such as:
- Chronic pain that lingers long after the surgery
- Infections that either persist or recur
- Skin and tissue damage, including erosion, open wounds
- Complications with the implants
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in the breasts
- Scars or deformities
- Additional surgeries to remove, replace, or repair the mesh
You have the option to check your eligibility here, or get a free internal bra mesh lawsuit case evaluation here.
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Internal Bra Mesh Eligibility at a Glance
Each situation is unique. However, many people filing internal bra mesh lawsuits have one or more of these traits in common.
For one, some underwent breast reconstruction, augmentation, lift, or revision surgery. Here is a snapshot of a potential internal bra mesh lawsuit:
An individual may have undergone breast reconstruction, augmentation, lift, or revision surgery involving mesh or ADM (acellular dermal matrix) and experienced adverse post-surgery complications.
These complications caused them harm either physically, emotionally, and/or financially. All of this happened within the statute of limitations of their state.
What Is an Internal Bra Mesh Procedure?
An internal bra mesh procedure is a type of internal sling. It adds support to hold up the breast tissue for the duration of the healing process. This can be helpful during a breast reconstruction or lift, in which the connective tissue has been disrupted.
Some products are synthetic, like GalaFLEX and Phasix. Others use animal or human tissue, like AlloDerm and Strattice.
According to the FDA, BD updated certain surgical mesh labels. The updates were based on input from physicians and others. This input covered risks and benefits after breast surgery that used their mesh materials.
The FDA states that BD has revised labeling for some of its mesh products used in breast surgery. This came after reports that those products may have had an impact on breast tissue.
A 2025 review looked at the role of mesh in breast surgery. Findings suggested that mesh may offer support, but that there are also risks associated with its use. More research is needed before any long-term conclusions can be drawn about its benefits for breast surgery.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes the internal bra as a technique. It uses mesh to elevate and shape the breast tissues. This is a means of achieving a breast lift.
Who May Be Eligible for an Internal Bra Mesh Lawsuit?
Eligibility is case-specific. It usually depends on the procedure, the mesh product, injury severity, treatment history, records, and the filing deadline. Here is what many people have in common:
You Had Breast Reconstruction, Augmentation, Lift, or Revision Surgery
Many people who may be eligible for internal bra lawsuits had a breast reconstruction, augmentation, or lift done. Several of these individuals had a revision to previous breast surgeries.
Surgical Mesh or ADM Was Used During the Procedure
During one of the procedures mentioned above, some type of surgical mesh or ADM was placed. This includes, but is not limited to: GalaFLEX, Phasix, AlloDerm, Strattice, AlloMax, FlexHD, DuraSorb, SurgiMend, and others.
You Suffered Serious Complications After Surgery
Post-surgery complications after mesh placement can include chronic pain, infection, seroma, and more. Some people had to undergo more surgeries to remove the mesh. Others needed to repair the areas in which it was placed.
These are some of the post-surgery complications one can face after the use of mesh in a breast procedure. The emotional and financial impact may be significant. These types of complications may support an internal bra mesh claim, depending on the facts.
The FDA states that among the risks associated with implants are rupture, infection, and capsular contracture. More surgery may also be needed.
According to Yale Medicine, revision surgery can be more involved and complex than the original surgery. This means added risks.
You Needed Revision Surgery, Implant Removal, or More Treatment
When people needed revision surgeries after their breast procedures, it may have caused them more pain, suffering, and distress. Some people required implants to be removed.
This can be emotionally taxing, as can undergoing more surgeries. Some people ended up paying out-of-pocket for various procedures and treatments.
You Are Still Within the Statute of Limitations in Your State
Each state has its statute of limitations. This creates a time limit by which you must file an internal bra mesh lawsuit. In some states, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits may be triggered when the injury occurs or when the injured party reasonably discovers it. This includes mesh lawsuits.
Qualifying Internal Bra Mesh Complications
The following complications may occur after internal bra mesh procedures:
Hematoma or Blood Accumulation
A hematoma develops when there is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. This can lead to swelling, pain, and pressure on the surrounding tissues.
When hematomas develop after breast surgery, they may need to be surgically drained. Seromas can also develop after breast surgery and may also require drainage.
Signs and symptoms of a hematoma after surgery include pain, swelling, and bruising around the incision site.
Hematomas can also result from mesh-related surgery. According to Cleveland Clinic, surgical drainage may be necessary to remove a hematoma. Sometimes, it may even be necessary to open up the surgical site to remove the clotted blood.
Infection or Abscess
Infections can develop when bacteria enter the surgical site. According to NCBI Bookshelf, surgical mesh can lead to infections, especially when bacteria cling to the material. In severe instances, the infection may result in an abscess.
An abscess is a collection of pus that has formed as a result of an infection. According to Cleveland Clinic, treatment of an abscess usually requires draining it and administering antibiotics. There are instances when the abscess may need to be surgically removed.
Seroma or Chronic Fluid Accumulation
A seroma develops when fluid escapes from the damaged tissue or blood vessels following surgery. This, in turn, results in swelling as well as pain. Some seromas need to be drained to promote better healing after surgery.
Seromas can also develop as a complication of mesh surgery. They can lead to more complications, such as infections. According to NCBI Bookshelf, a seroma may require drainage, and, if left alone, it could lead to more surgery.
According to Cleveland Clinic, one way to treat a seroma is a drainage procedure. It removes the fluid.
Chronic Pain or Nerve Problems
Chronic pain can develop after internal bra mesh surgery. This type of pain can stem from nerve damage.
It can lead to several uncomfortable feelings, including tingling, numbness, and burning. The pain can last for months or even years after the surgery.
According to NCBI Bookshelf, mesh can lead to chronic pain. This is due to the pressure that it exerts on the nerves. The same source maintains that chronic pain can interfere with a person’s ability to function normally.
WebMD describes nerve damage as a condition that prevents people from feeling sensations. These include pain, tingling, or numbness. It can arise after an injury, and it can also arise after mesh-related surgery.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the fibrous tissue that forms around an implant tightens. This causes the implant to become distorted. It can cause debilitating pain.
Some studies have examined whether mesh affects the risk of capsular contracture. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, this condition can develop for several reasons. These include the fact that the implants are foreign objects.
According to a report from Medscape, more surgery may be necessary to correct capsular contracture. The implant may need to be replaced.
Mesh Migration, Detachment, or Failure
Sometimes, mesh can detach from the area where it was placed. This may cause pain and require more surgery.
According to Breastcancer.org, mesh or implant complications can occur years after the initial surgery. It is important to monitor any mesh placed in the body. This helps detect potential problems as early as possible.
Skin Erosion or Tissue Necrosis
Skin erosion occurs when the mesh works its way out of the skin. Tissue necrosis occurs when the tissue dies. Both conditions can lead to severe pain. More surgery may be needed to repair the tissues or remove the mesh.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, necrotizing soft tissue infection can lead to tissue death. It is a rare occurrence. However, when it does occur, it is serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Breast Deformity or Reconstructive Failure
Sometimes, mesh-related complications can lead to breast deformity or reconstructive failure. Both can cause significant distress. Both can create the need for more surgery. This may correct the appearance of the breasts or start reconstruction.
According to a 2021 study, there are several long-term risks for individuals who have opted for mesh-related breast surgery. The same source notes that some of the risks include shape changes after the surgery.
Revision surgery can be more involved and complex than the original surgery. As such, it can lead to more distress after the initial procedure.
Implant Loss or Implant Removal
Implant loss or removal can occur when the implants are defective. It can also occur when they rupture, causing damage to the surrounding tissues.
Implant loss and/or removal can be distressing. The individual has to make more preparations for another surgery.
According to Breastcancer.org, implant rupture usually requires surgery to remove the faulty implant. Whether the implant can be replaced depends on the type and severity of the rupture. It also depends on the individual’s overall health.
Have you or a loved one suffered serious complications after breast mesh or internal bra surgery?
Let’s discuss your legal options in a free case review. 
Do You Need Mesh Removal Surgery to File a Claim?
Individuals who suffer from mesh-related complications do not need to have had mesh removal surgery. Those complications may still support an internal bra mesh lawsuit.
What Mesh Products May Be Involved?
Here are some of the mesh products that may be involved in mesh-related lawsuits:
BD Surgical Products (formerly C.R. Bard and Davol)
BD is one of the manufacturers behind many surgical meshes. Rhode Island court records show a personal injury case titled Katherine Jamfar v. Davol, Inc. et al., filed in Providence/Bristol County Superior Court on April 28, 2026. Additional Rhode Island records show a second personal injury case titled Laura Shrock-Popson v. Davol, Inc. et al., filed the same day.
The listed defendants in both cases include Becton, Dickinson and Company, C.R. Bard, Inc., Davol, Inc., Galatea Surgical, Inc., and Tepha, Inc.
According to MedTech Dive, BD updated certain labeling of its mesh products. New clinical data raised concerns about mesh use in breast surgery.
AlloDerm
AlloDerm surgical mesh is a type of ADM (acellular dermal matrix), meaning that it comes from human tissue. It can be used in breast reconstruction procedures. It has been associated with complications, including infection and/or seroma.
Strattice
Strattice surgical mesh is another type of ADM that is used in breast surgery to provide support. Strattice-related complications may range from serious infections and seroma to mesh detachment.
GalaFLEX
GalaFLEX surgical mesh is another company’s product that has been associated with complications after breast surgery. According to a publication, some complications reported with GalaFLEX include chronic pain following implant removal.
Phasix
Phasix surgical mesh, which is also a BD product, has been named in lawsuits involving alleged complications. According to a publication, reported Phasix complications include mesh migration and the need for more surgeries.
AlloMax
AlloMax surgical mesh is another ADM that can lead to complications after breast surgery. AlloMax surgical mesh is another ADM that has been associated with complications after breast surgery.
FlexHD
FlexHD surgical mesh is another ADM that is used in breast reconstruction to provide tissue support. Reported FlexHD-related complications include tissue rejection and infection following surgery.
DuraSorb
DuraSorb surgical mesh is a synthetic mesh that is intended to be temporary. Post-surgery complications are also being studied.
According to ClinicalTrials.gov, a study has analyzed the use of DuraSorb surgical mesh in breast surgery.
SurgiMend
SurgiMend surgical mesh is a cow tissue ADM that is used in breast reconstruction procedures. It has also been associated with several post-surgery complications. These include tissue rejection and infection after surgery.
How to Find Out If Mesh Was Used in Your Breast Surgery
You may not always know if mesh was used in your breast surgery. There are a couple of ways of ascertaining this:
Request Your Operative Report
Your operative report is a document describing what was performed during the surgery, including any implanted products. You can request this report from your surgeon directly.
You may also request it from the facility where the surgery was conducted. The records that support an internal bra mesh injury lawsuit typically start with this report.
Look for Implant Stickers, Lot Numbers, or UDI Information
You may also be able to look for some documentation on your own. Implant stickers, lot numbers, and/or UDI information may be present on the paperwork you were given after the surgery.
The FDA provides a database to help identify medical devices, including implants. The UDI (Unique Device Identifier) may appear on a sticker. It may also be on a paper that was given to you after your surgery.
Review Implant Cards, Discharge Papers, or Patient Portal Records
Implant cards and discharge paperwork often list the brand, manufacturer, and product code. Portal notes, imaging reports, and pathology records may also help identify the device that was used.
Ask Your Surgeon or Hospital for the Mesh Brand
You can also ask your surgeon or the hospital directly whether surgical mesh or an ADM was placed. If so, ask for the specific brand and product name so it can be matched to your records.
Why FDA Clearance Matters for Internal Bra Mesh Claims
Surgical Mesh Was Cleared for Soft Tissue Reinforcement
FDA clearance is not the same as FDA approval. There are different ways for medical devices to reach the market. Each pathway sets its own rules for safety and effectiveness review.
The distinction is important for several reasons. Mainly, it pertains to the information manufacturers must provide in device labeling.
Many mesh products reached the market through the FDA’s 510(k) clearance pathway. This allows a device to be marketed by showing it is substantially equivalent to an already-cleared device. It does not use the premarket approval process.
FDA Has Not Approved Surgical Mesh for Breast Surgery
The FDA has raised concerns in relation to several mesh products. It is taking measures to raise awareness. These pertain to the risks associated with breast surgery.
Off-Label Use vs. Off-Label Promotion
Doctors may use medical devices off-label based on their clinical judgment. Lawsuits often focus on allegations that manufacturers promoted breast use of mesh without adequate testing or warnings. The focus may not be on decisions by the treating surgeon..
Some mesh products have been on the market longer than others. Their long-term safety and effectiveness in breast surgery have not been established by the FDA. Newer products may face more scrutiny.
What Evidence Can Help Support Your Claim?
Evidence plays an important role in how a lawyer evaluates a claim. Stronger documentation may support a stronger case.
Surgical Records and Implant Documentation
This includes your operative report, implant logs, device stickers, product labels, lot numbers, and UDI information. These records help identify the exact mesh product used in your surgery.
Medical Records Showing Complications
Doctor notes, infection records, imaging, pathology, prescriptions, wound-care records, and follow-up visits may all help. These records support the connection between the mesh and the alleged injury.
Records of Revision, Explant, or Corrective Surgery
Revision surgery, mesh removal, implant removal, drainage procedures, failed reconstruction, or corrective operations may all be relevant. These records show the treatment history and its financial and physical impact.
Photos, Bills, Lost Wage Records, and Symptom Notes
Injury photos, medical bills, and pharmacy receipts can all support a claim. Missed-work records, out-of-pocket costs, and a short symptom journal help too. These help show the full impact of the alleged harm on your life.
How Long Do You Have to File an Internal Bra Mesh Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies from state to state. Some states have a strict statute of limitations that only allows individuals to file lawsuits within a specific timeframe.
Others use what is known as the discovery rule. This rule may delay accrual until the individual knew about the injury. It also applies when they should have known.
What Compensation May Be Available?
The compensation that can be available depends on your circumstances.
Punitive damages are not available in every mesh lawsuit. Where allowed by state law, punitive damages may be sought when a defendant’s alleged conduct meets the state’s standard. That standard is often described as fraud, malice, oppression, or gross negligence.
Common categories of compensation in mesh lawsuits include economic damages. These cover medical bills, lost time from work, and similar costs.
Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering. Some plaintiffs allege they were not warned about the risks associated with mesh.
According to a 2025 review, mesh-related complications often come with high medical costs. These include more surgeries that the plaintiff may have to endure.
The same 2025 review explains that mesh-related lawsuits can have an impact on the plaintiffs’ finances. This includes those that stem from a lack of warnings.
It discusses some of the financial implications that come with mesh-related complications. It also covers various other expenses that should be considered.
What to Do If You Think You May Qualify
If you believe that you may qualify, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can discuss your case.
Save all medical records related to the case. Keep a written symptom log noting pain, complications, and any changes after the surgery. Save copies of photographs taken of the incision site as well.
You can Get a Free Consultation for a Breast Mesh Lawsuit to learn about your options.
Table of Content
- Internal Bra Mesh Eligibility at a Glance
- What Is an Internal Bra Mesh Procedure?
- Who May Be Eligible for an Internal Bra Mesh Lawsuit?
- Qualifying Internal Bra Mesh Complications
- Do You Need Mesh Removal Surgery to File a Claim?
- What Mesh Products May Be Involved?
- How to Find Out If Mesh Was Used in Your Breast Surgery
- Why FDA Clearance Matters for Internal Bra Mesh Claims
- What Evidence Can Help Support Your Claim?
- How Long Do You Have to File an Internal Bra Mesh Lawsuit?
- What Compensation May Be Available?
- What to Do If You Think You May Qualify
Have you or a loved one suffered serious complications after breast mesh or internal bra surgery?
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