What is the AlloDerm?

Alloderm is a brand of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) that is commonly used in breast reconstruction procedures. ADMs are pliable, versatile sheets of dehydrated tissue from which the cells have been removed. Acellular dermal matrix acts like a scaffolding and provides extra support during breast reconstructive surgery.

Where does the skin come from for breast reconstruction?

Aside from the abdomen, other areas that often have a lot of tissue are the thighs and the buttocks. The TUG and DUG flaps utilize skin, fat, and a small piece of muscle from the thigh to reconstruct the breast. The gluteus flap utilizes the buttock as a source of skin and fat for breast reconstruction.

What is AlloDerm made from?

WHAT IS ALLODERM MADE OF? Alloderm, made by LifeCell, is a dehydrated sheet of sterile tissue that is donated from human cadaver skin. It is very pliable and versatile for many plastic surgical procedures.

What material is used for breast reconstruction?

Breasts can be rebuilt using implants (saline or silicone). They can also be rebuilt using autologous tissue (that is, tissue from elsewhere in the body). Sometimes both implants and autologous tissue are used to rebuild the breast.

What is cadaver skin?

Allograft, cadaver skin or homograft is human cadaver skin donated for medical use. Cadaver skin is used as a temporary covering for excised (cleaned) wound surfaces before autograft (permanent) placement. Cadaver skin is put over the excised wound and stapled in place.

What is ADM in breast reconstruction?

The acellular dermis matrix (ADM)-assisted expander-implant technique involves the use of tissue expanders or implants. In this technique, the surgeon disinserts the pectoralis major and shapes the lower pole of the breast, essentially using the acellular dermis as a sling.

Can breast tissue detach?

Symmastia is a relatively rare implant displacement problem that occurs when the skin and muscle between the breasts over the sternum (breastbone) detaches and the two pockets of tissue that hold the breast implants come together to form one pocket.

Can AlloDerm be rejected?

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.

What does tissue expander look like?

A tissue expander looks a lot like a breast implant, although it has a thicker outer shell than breast implants. There is a port on the front of the expander.

How is cadaver skin removed?

Cadaver skin is removed from donors shortly after their deaths, then processed and distributed by skin and tissue banks. It has long been the preferred option for a patient with the most severe burns until a graft of the patient’s own skin can be applied.

What kind of skin is used in revision breast surgery?

Use of Alloderm (freeze-dried and irradiated cadaveric dermis) in revision breast surgery is increasing. Massive weight loss patients tend to have more laxity to their breast connective tissue than non-weight loss patients.

Are there any problems with using AlloDerm in breast surgery?

The biggest problem with Alloderm is that it is costly, and usually not covered by medical insurance plans in situations like this. Use of Alloderm (freeze-dried and irradiated cadaveric dermis) in revision breast surgery is increasing.

Is it safe to use capsulorrhaphy for breast revision?

Otherwise, capsulorrhaphy for pocket revision using your native tissue should suffice. It has been used safely and effectively to correct synmastia, restore the inframammary fold, mask implant issues (e.g., rippling, wrinkling, etc.), and improve aesthetic results in revisionary breast implant and reconstructive procedures.

Can a composite skin graft be used for reconstruction?

A composite graft can entail the removal of skin, fat, muscle, and cartilage. These grafts are typically used in areas that require three-dimensional reconstruction, such as the nose.