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Prophylactic Mastectomy 3 Months Ago - Why Do I Continue to Drain? Can It Be an Alloderm Reaction?
asked 1 year ago by savealotmommy in Indiana
Latest answer by Sean A. Simon, MD
Question viewed 719 times
Tags: breasts, female, drainage, mastectomy, prophylactic, reaction
I am a 30 year old woman. In Sept. I had a prophylactic mastectomy with tissue expanders and alloderm. 8 weeks post op the bottom of my rt breast opened (not the incision) The skin turned purple and opened. The same started happening with the left. My ps removed the expanders thinking it was infection. No infection present. Removed drains after surgery and my skin opened again and is draining blood, alloderm and stitches. I have open wounds draining Surgery to remove alloderm is next week. Ideas?
7 answers to Prophylactic Mastectomy 3 Months Ago - Why Do I Continue to Drain? Can It Be an Alloderm Reaction?
+1
Alloderm post mastectomy
The use of Alloderm in breast reconstructon can provide several benefits especially when using tissue expanders and implants:
better coverage of the implant
support of the lower portion of the breast implant
improved positioning of the breast expander / implant
In your case, after removal of your expanders and with a wound that has not healed properly, you may need:
return to the operating room for exploration of the wound and removal of any necrotic (dead)...
more
Sean A. Simon, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1
Prophylactic Mastectomy 3 Months Ago - Why Do I Continue to Drain? Can It Be an Alloderm Reaction?
This is does happen after the placment of Alloderm or other Acellular Dermal Matrix. Sermoas have been reported as well as infections. The rates are some what lower then when origenally used due to a learning curve. It sounds that your body is rejected ( has not incoperated ) the Alloderm and it needs to be removed!
Good Luck
+1
Drainage after breast reconstruction
If you still have an open, draining wound after the expanders have been removed, then I would suggest a return to the operating room for a complete exploration of the wound. If there is any non-viable tissue in the wound it must be removed. It may be that some or all of the Alloderm did not "take" and if this is the case, it could be the source of the problem.
Mark Preston, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1
Draining breast with Alloderm
Although it may not look like an infection, if the Alloderm is draining out of your body, then it needs to come out. Once all the foreign material is out, than healing is much more likely.
Karol A. Gutowski, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Breast Reconstruction Problems
Alloderm can produce seromatous fluld. This is why in tissue expander/Alloderm reconstruction closed suction management is important. Your issues should resolve once the alloderm is removed. Just follow you surgeon's instructions.
Dr. ES
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1
Wound healing problems
Persistent wound healing issues are usually related to infection or foreign body reaction (permanent sutures, etc). Alloderm isn't a problem, in and of itself, but it can become infected, just like the rest of your breast. A smoldering infection indicates removal of all foreign bodies (suture material) and scar capsule. Your surgeon seems to have a sound plan.
Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1
Breast Reconstruction Complications
Regarding: "I am a 30 year old woman. In Sept. I had a prophylactic mastectomy with tissue expanders and alloderm. 8 weeks post op the bottom of my rt breast opened (not the incision) The skin turned purple and opened. The same started happening with the left. My ps removed the expanders thinking it was infection. No infection present. Removed drains after surgery and my skin opened again and is draining blood, alloderm and stitches. I have open wounds draining Surgery to remove...
more
