ShareIn This Article
What is Alloderm?
Alloderm, and other similar ADM products including Strattice and FlexHD, are now being used routinely in breast reconstruction.
ADM stands for “acellular dermal matrix”. It is a biologic mesh-like material derived from animals or donated (cadaveric) human skin. Alloderm is a human product and is the most widely used ADM. It is used in many different types of reconstructive surgery including breast reconstruction.
Before being packaged for use, the Alloderm undergoes a multi-step process that removes all the cells that can lead to tissue rejection: even though it comes from another person, your body does not reject Alloderm because the immune cells are removed. Alloderm essentially acts as a scaffold and over time, the patient’s own cells grow into it.
Since it is a human (cadaveric) product, the U.S. Tissue Bank rigorously screens all tissue donors’ medical records. All donors must be negative for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV 1 and 2. AlloDerm grafts are also examined under the microscope before and after processing to rule out contamination.
ADM is frequently used in implant-based breast reconstruction (and has been for years). The tissue expander or implant is either placed on top or underneath the pectoralis (chest) muscle. The pec muscle cannot cover the entire implant. The ADM is used to cover the lower part of the implant that is not covered by muscle, or as a wrap or drape over the implant when it is placed on top of the muscle (“prepectoral”).
Although ADMs are not FDA approved for use in breast surgery, there are currently studies underway to evaluate the overall benefits and risks of the product.
Advantages:
– Stabilizes the implant in position.
– Allows for complete implant coverage.
– Decreases capsular contracture (implant hardening).
– Can allow the creation of a full-sized breast when the tissue expander/implant reconstruction is performed at the same time as the mastectomy.
– Once incorporated by the body, resists infection as well as the patient’s “natural” tissue.
Disadvantages:
– Like anything that is implanted in the body, there is an initial (low) risk of infection (until it becomes incorporated).
– Alloderm can cause temporary redness in the skin (“red breast syndrome”).
– Costly but usually covered by insurance.
Many plastic surgeons, including myself, use an ADM routinely when performing breast reconstruction with tissue expanders and implants.
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
Alloderm, and other similar ADM products including Strattice and FlexHD, are now being used routinely in breast reconstruction.
Leave Comment
Sign Up for Our Monthly Newsletter
Continue Reading
What is Alloderm Breast Reconstruction?
Breast Reconstruction Can Be Performed Any Time, Even Years After Mastectomy
Breast Reconstruction Can Be Performed Any Time, Even Years After Mastectomy July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Is it too late for breast reconstruction? Did you know breast reconstruction can be performed at any time, even years after a mastectomy? “Immediate breast reconstruction” is performed at the same time as the mastectomy and […]
Breast Reconstruction Makes Breast Cancer Patients Whole Again After Mastectomy
Breast Reconstruction Makes Breast Cancer Patients Whole Again After Mastectomy July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What are the options for breast reconstruction Alarmingly, 70% of American women facing surgery for breast cancer are not told about the option of breast reconstruction. Perhaps one of the best things about breast reconstruction is that […]
New Bill Would Mandate Breast Reconstruction Discussion Before Breast Cancer Surgery
New Bill Would Mandate Breast Reconstruction Discussion Before Breast Cancer Surgery July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is the Texas House Bill 669? Currently only 30% of breast cancer patients are informed of their breast reconstruction options before mastectomy or lumpectomy. New legislation is being proposed in Texas that aims to significantly […]
Breast Reconstruction With Tummy Tissue (Abdominal Flaps)
Breast Reconstruction With Tummy Tissue (Abdominal Flaps) July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What are the different flap breast reconstruction options using tummy tissue? DIEP flap? TRAM flap? SIEA flap? With so many breast reconstruction options available these days it’s difficult to understand what these terms really mean and what the differences are […]
Traveling for Breast Reconstruction Just Got a Lot Cheaper
Traveling for Breast Reconstruction Just Got a Lot Cheaper July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What is the cost of traveling for breast reconstruction? Great news! Well, to be honest, it’s not really “news” anymore since it happened a few of months ago but I have come across several patients that didn’t know […]
How To Boost Wound Healing After Surgery
How To Boost Wound Healing After Surgery July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Wounds need a lot of energy to heal well. Since energy can only come from food, it is vital that patients eat as healthily as possible especially before and after surgery. Crucial nutrients for wound healing include protein, zinc and […]
Breast Reconstruction Timing: Immediate vs Delayed Reconstruction
Breast Reconstruction Timing: Immediate vs Delayed Reconstruction July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin When is the best time to have breast reconstruction? With so much to think about after a breast cancer diagnosis, many patients facing mastectomy do not fully understand how the timing of breast reconstruction influences how the reconstructed breasts will ultimately […]
TRAM Flap vs DIEP Flap: What’s the Difference?
TRAM Flap vs DIEP Flap: What’s the Difference? July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin What’s the difference between the TRAM and DIEP flap? Up until a few years ago, the TRAM flap was the gold standard in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The TRAM has now been surpassed by the DIEP flap for that honor. For […]
Are You A DIEP Flap Candidate?
Are You A DIEP Flap Candidate? July 08, 2020 Share on Facebook Twitter Linkedin Am I a DIEP flap breast reconstruction candidate? The DIEP flap procedure has rapidly become the “gold standard” in breast reconstruction. While not every woman is a DIEP flap candidate, many are turned away when in fact they needn’t be. Typical […]
No Comments