Can Alloderm Be Used After Expanders Are Placed for Breast Reconstruction?

I am having breast reconstruction surgery in April. I presently have expanders bilat. The pain I am experiencing EVERY morning is located 180 degree on the upper part of the L. breast. It radiates to the axilla and portion of the arm. The L. breast is where I had the cancer. The pain is subsided after 30 min. after I get out of bed.

I believe the muscles are not supporting the expander; therefore, causing the pain. I will be talking to my Dr. about alloderm. Can the alloderm be added when the implants are placed or is it too late?

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11 Doctor Answers | Asked by ER girl in NM

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Pain from tissue expander following breast reconstruction

The alloderm can be added at any time. It may provide some relief if performed in combination with a capsulotomy. However, I am aware that you previously asked this question. It is possible that once expansion is completed you will experience relief or that a smaller implant will provide less tension on the muscle. THere are other possible causes of the pain such as intercostal brachial cutaneous neuralgia which will not be relieved with either course of action.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Alloderm can be used in second stage breast reconstruction surgery

Alloderm can be used in the first or second stage of breast reconstruction surgery. If used during the first stage it allowes full coverage of the implant and a quicker expansion period. It can be placed at the time of exchange of the tissue expanders for permanant inplants. During this operation is it used to cover thin areas of the skin to avoid rippling. It has also been shown in some studies to help stop capsular contraction from forming. The best thing is to discuss you wishes and... more

Alloderm for pain?

It is unclear exactly why you have this pain but it could be from stretch of the nerves leading to irritation. An exam is certainly helpful to figure out what is going on.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

AlloDerm in Breast Reconstruction

AlloDerm is utilized to facilitate one-stage and two-stage implant reconstruction after mastectomy. AlloDerm is essentially a collagen matrix (or a sheet of collagen) that is derived from a human source. It is used to create a retaining envelope for your implant. Compared to traditional total muscle coverage techniques, many believe AlloDerm use decreases postoperative discomfort and significantly improves the cosmetic results of implant-based reconstruction. Although AlloDerm is... more

Alloderm for 2nd stage implant reconstruction

Generally, alloderm or a dermal matrix is used during the initial tissue expander placement to help recreate the inframammary fold and protect the lower pole of the expander. It seems that your pain is due to edema or irritation of the sensory nerve to your inner arm. This can be injured during mastectomy and node sampling. I would recommend physical therapy to assist with your upper breast pain. I do not believe alloderm is indicated for your concern.... more

Alloderm for Breast Reconstruction

Let me start by saying I don't use Alloderm. Why? It's not sterile!!! I understand it has been on the market the longest but that doesn't change the fact that most people that have used it know about "red breast." This is the body's reaction to one of the 3 antibiotics that are used in the cleaning process of the tissue. The Alloderm ends up having to be removed. There are plenty of sterile acellular dermal matrix products without the need for Alloderm. Okay enough bashing... more

Breast reconstruction

The question is, what is the cause of the pain you are experiencing? Is it capsular contracture, neuroma pain, or is it the pressure? Would AlloDerm alleviate the pain? Consult your plastic surgeon. AlloDerm can be used any time in the recostructive process.

Alloderm and Breast Reconstruction

The Alloderm hammock can be placed either at the time of the - mastectomy (as either AlloDerm and expanders leading to a second stage later OR as a one stage AlloDerm and breast implants (bypassing the use of expanders) - Expander removal and placement of the implants. The AlloDerm has several important functions. It stabilizes the position of the implant (and under the breast fold) by resisting downward sagging of the implant and it offers more cover and soft tissue on the bottom and sides... more

The use of Alloderm in breast reconstruction

Alloderm can be used during stage 1 (immediate) breast reconstruction, when tissue expanders or implants are placed following a mastectomy. It can also be placed during stage 2 breast reconstruction (when tissue expanders are removed and replaced with implants). Alloderm serves several functions including: 1) allowing the inframammary fold (fold under the breast) to be reestablished and 2) allow the breast pocket, under the chest muscle, to be larger thereby allowing more room for an... more

Alloderm in Breast Reconstruction

Hi there- Alloderm can be used at any time, but I am concerned that you think it will make a difference in your comfort. I do not believe placing Alloderm will make ANY difference in your discomfort... Without knowing more, it is impossible to know what IS causing your pain, but in most cases like yours, pain is caused by tightening of the implant capsule (contraction) your body has formed around the expander. Because the expender is so rigid, and because this scar tissue often connects with the more

Alloderm with breast reconstruction

Alloderm can be used at any time but you should just wait to find out how everything settles out after the implants are places. My guess is that the pain will go away.