San Clemente AlloDerm doctors
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John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
630 South Glassell Suite 100C, Orange |
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4 answers |
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Gary H. Manchester, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
3720 Fourth Avenue, San Diego |
Recent Answers
When Alloderm is used in a reconstruction or breast augmentation procedure, is the cost passed on to the patient? How much additional cost can be expected?
Although in today's healthcare environment it is impossible to know for certain whether or not insurance will cover procedures, breast reconstruction after mastectomy is usually covered. Alloderm is usually covered as well when used for this purpose.
Best Regards.
my research of Mastectomy shows that some surgeons used Alloderm. Wondering what it is and how it helps the Mastectomy recovery
Alloderm is cadaver skin used for padding or filling in breast reconstruction mainly. Years ago it was used more for filling lips. It can be helpful at times when patients are left with thin tissues after mastectomy, but is not always adequate if skin cover is too thin.
Best Regards.
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?
Hello,
Alloderm is very simply "natural" padding used in breast reconstruction cases with implants and expanders. It can reduce the tendency for implant reconstructions to look less natural.
Surgeons disagree on its usefulness but is quite easy to place. I consider it in thin patients who do not want tissue-based reconstruction techniques.