One of the most common breast reconstruction procedures is the use of cadaver skin. Cadaver skin is used to create a nipple-areola complex and a soft tissue pocket, which are then filled with soft tissue grafts. While there are many advantages to using cadaver skin in your breast reconstruction, there are some disadvantages as well.
In this article we’ll answer question like alloderm lawsuit breast reconstruction and new breast reconstruction techniques.
Cadaver Skin Breast Reconstruction
What is AlloDerm?
Dr. Wallach often uses a medical material called AlloDerm during breast reconstruction procedures. Read on to learn all about AlloDerm and its benefits.
AlloDerm is an acellular dermal matrix that is derived from human cadaver skin. AlloDerm is used mainly for breast reconstruction purposes, but has other uses in other fields of surgery. When sutured to the breast pocket, it integrates with the patient’s own tissue. This allows for rapid revascularization, as well as reinforces the soft tissue coverage over the implant.
In breast reconstruction surgery, AlloDerm is usually used to cover the lower pole of a tissue expander in a two-stage breast reconstruction procedure. The tissue expander will then be replaced by a permanent implant once it has been adequately expanded. The AlloDerm is used to cover the lower pole to prevent exposure of the expander or implant after the reconstruction. It also provides good support for the lower pole and may inhibit rippling or developing a capsular contracture with the new implant.
AlloDerm provides many benefits. Besides providing natural soft-tissue support, it also:
–Incorporates rapidly with the recipient’s own tissue
–Allows for rapid revascularization, white cell migration, and repopulation of the acellular dermal matrix
–Supports weak mastectomy flaps
–Helps the surgeon to support and define inframammary and lateral mammary folds
Advantages Of Breast Reconstruction With Alloderm®
Many women who have a mastectomy or lumpectomy elect to have a breast reconstruction procedure to restore a feminine figure. Optimal results require adequate skin and tissue in the breast area, but it is not uncommon for patients to have thin skin or minimal tissue. In these cases, Alloderm® acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is often used to secure implant position, encourage tissue growth, and achieve more aesthetic results.
Dr. Lisa Hunsicker is a board-certified plastic surgeon known nationally for her work involving direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. She is passionate about helping patients restore a natural look after a mastectomy or lumpectomy.
What is Alloderm® Made From?
Alloderm® is an ADM used in many plastic surgery procedures, including breast reconstruction. It is derived from donated human cadaver skin, which undergoes a patented process to remove all cells from the tissue. Removing the cells while preserving the structure of the tissue results in a pliable, versatile collagen matrix that the body will not reject.
How Does Alloderm® Work?
Alloderm® functions as a scaffold for new tissue and provides reinforcement, so your new breasts are supported and securely positioned. The tissue is in a dehydrated form until use. During your breast reconstruction, Dr. Hunsicker will shape the ADM to achieve the intended results and rehydrate the tissue. Alloderm® is implanted with absorbable sutures.
Benefits of Alloderm® in Breast Reconstruction
Dr. Hunsicker will do a thorough exam and review of your medical history to determine if Alloderm® can help you achieve your desired outcome. For patients whose soft tissue cannot accommodate breast implants, Alloderm® can have many benefits, including:
- Natural-looking results – Implants may be visible through thin skin. The extra layer of tissue that Alloderm® provides can mask edges and ripples for a more natural looking result.
- Improved symmetry – Since Alloderm® is pliable, Dr. Hunsicker can shape it and place it to achieve symmetrical breasts.
- Prevention of implant migration – Alloderm® can be attached to your chest muscle to help keep the implant in an optimal position.
- Reduce the risk of capsular contracture – Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue hardens and contracts around a breast implant. Studies indicate that ADM can lower the risk of capsular contracture.
- Support for increased fill volume – Whereas thin skin and minimal tissue can limit fill volume, Alloderm® can provide support for heavier breasts.
- Assists with the growth of new tissue – The ADM consists of tissue building blocks like collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other components involved with new tissue growth.
- Low risk of complications – Extensive screening and purification of the tissue prevents the body from rejecting Alloderm®. ADM does not lengthen your recovery or require special care after implantation.
What is Alloderm Breast Reconstruction?
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.
Alloderm Lawsuit Breast Reconstruction
The use of AlloDerm tissue in breast implant surgery has revolutionized the way in which permanent implants are inserted. This innovative technique involves the creation of a hammock-like framework using AlloDerm tissue that is sewn onto the chest muscle. This framework effectively enlarges the chest-muscle space, eliminating the need for a tissue expander when inserting a full-size, permanent breast implant.
AlloDerm tissue is a regenerative tissue matrix derived from donated human skin. It is processed to remove all cells, leaving behind a scaffold of collagen and elastin proteins. This scaffold provides a structure for the body’s own cells to grow into, ultimately integrating with the surrounding tissue. In the case of breast implant surgery, the AlloDerm tissue acts as a support system for the implant, helping to create a natural-looking and feeling result.
The use of AlloDerm tissue in breast implant surgery offers several advantages over traditional methods. By eliminating the need for a tissue expander, the procedure is streamlined and the recovery time is reduced. Additionally, the AlloDerm tissue provides a stable foundation for the implant, reducing the risk of complications such as capsular contracture. The result is a more natural-looking and feeling breast augmentation with long-lasting results.
In terms of the surgical technique, the AlloDerm tissue is carefully shaped and sewn onto the chest muscle to create a supportive framework for the implant. This process requires precision and skill on the part of the surgeon to ensure optimal results. Once the AlloDerm tissue is in place, the permanent breast implant is inserted and positioned within the newly created space. The AlloDerm tissue then integrates with the surrounding tissue, providing long-term support for the implant.
Overall, the use of AlloDerm tissue in breast implant surgery represents a significant advancement in the field of cosmetic surgery. By creating a supportive framework for the implant, AlloDerm tissue eliminates the need for a tissue expander and provides a stable foundation for long-lasting results. Patients can enjoy the benefits of a natural-looking and feeling breast augmentation with reduced recovery time and a lower risk of complications. This innovative technique is changing the way in which breast implants are inserted, offering a new standard of care for patients seeking breast augmentation.
New Breast Reconstruction Techniques
Direct-to-implant reconstruction, also known as one-step reconstruction, is a relatively new procedure that offers women a convenient option for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. This innovative technique involves the use of an acellular dermal matrix, such as AlloDerm or DermMatrix, which is human skin tissue that has been specially processed for this purpose. The acellular dermal matrix serves as a scaffold for the implant, providing support and helping to create a more natural-looking breast shape.
In order to prevent the body from rejecting the donated tissue, the cells in the acellular dermal matrix must be removed. This process, known as decellularization, eliminates the risk of an immune response and allows the matrix to integrate seamlessly with the patient’s own tissues. By using this advanced technology, surgeons are able to achieve excellent aesthetic results with minimal scarring and a reduced risk of complications.
One of the key benefits of direct-to-implant reconstruction is that it can be performed in a single surgery, eliminating the need for tissue expanders and multiple procedures. This can significantly shorten the overall recovery time and allow patients to enjoy the results of their reconstruction sooner. Additionally, because the acellular dermal matrix provides additional support for the implant, there is less risk of capsular contracture, a common complication of breast augmentation surgery.
Patients considering direct-to-implant reconstruction should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this technique. During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate the patient’s individual anatomy and discuss the best approach for achieving their desired results. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and to understand the potential risks and benefits.
Overall, direct-to-implant reconstruction offers women a safe and effective option for breast reconstruction that can help them regain their confidence and sense of femininity after a mastectomy. By utilizing the latest advancements in technology and surgical techniques, patients can achieve natural-looking results with minimal downtime and a reduced risk of complications. This procedure represents a significant advancement in the field of breast reconstruction and is a valuable option for women seeking to restore their appearance following breast cancer treatment.