La Jolla AlloDerm doctors

	Tom J. Pousti, MD San Diego Plastic Surgeon 8851 Center Drive Suite 300, San Diego		8 answers
	Paul E. Chasan, MD San Diego Plastic Surgeon 1431 Camino Del Mar , Del Mar
	Vincent P. Marin, MD San Diego Plastic Surgeon 1431 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
	Brian J. Reagan, MD Carlsbad Plastic Surgeon 6221 Metropolitan St. Suite #100, Carlsbad
	H. Michael Roark, MD San Diego Plastic Surgeon 9850 Genesee Avenue, Suite 130 Ximed Building, La Jolla

Recent Answers

What is Alloderm? my research of Mastectomy shows that some surgeons used Alloderm. Wondering what it is and how it helps the Mastectomy recovery

A: Alloderm?

Thanks for the question.

Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is a biological implant that carries the ability to become integrated into native tissue. It is made by taking a full thickness section of skin from a donor source (human cadaver, porcine, or bovine in origin). In the case of human donors, the tissue is screened for infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Cellular elements are removed from the tissue.

ADM can be helpful in improving contour for significant irregularities after breast surgery. For example, top ability/rippling a breast implants maybe covered or camouflaged with the use ofADM. in addition significant income opposition can be corrected with ADM providing additional support for the implant. This can be especially helpful for patients with a paucity of skin elasticity or soft tissue coverage. For example, ADM has been use successfully to reinforce and support capsulorraphy to treat symmastia (medial malposition of breast implants), bottoming out (inferior malposition of breast implants), or lateral displacement (implants falling sideways especially when patient lies down) of breast implants.

I hope this helps.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

What's Your Position on AlloDerm? Conservative Patient Has Severe Scarring in Implant I have severe scaring from breast implant and need to have another procedure to remove scar and re insert implant. Doctor suggest to put in AlloDerm to minimize future scaring. I am very conservative and not really convinced that I want it. It's a foreign object that could have unnecessary complications, how small the chance it might be. It's not like I had a mastectomy. Would you say there's a good arguement for and against the AlloDerm in breast implants? Thank you for your time.

A: Capsular Contracture

The use of AlloDerm for patients who develop capsular contracture to decrease that possibility is being studied.. not proven at this time. You need to make sure that you are comfortable with your decision for revisionary surgery. You must understand that (with or without the Alloderm) you do have the chance of getting the scar tissue again after your revisionary surgery. Some patients choose to have the revision surgery, some choose to remove their implants completely. This is an important discussion that you need to have with your surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Alloderm for Breast Reconstruction? This is being tauted widely as the best breast reconstruction procedure out there for women to get through this terrifying and tramatic experience.
Unfortunately, many doctors do NOT know how to do this procedure yet, hence it is not widely available leaving patients to not be able to have it as an option insurance-wise. I have never heard anyone say anything about Alloderm not being sterile and not wanting to put it near an implant. Can you please elaborate?

A: Alloderm for Reconstruction

You are correct that not many surgeon's understand the use of the AlloDerm product. It is very important to do your research and chose a surgeon who has worked with this product before. There are many factors related with reconstruction of the breast - please make sure you are seeing an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to assist you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon