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Is There a Risk of Alloderm Causing Infection?

I understand that Alloderm comes from donor tissue. Does this create a risk of infection after surgery?

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+1

Alloderm and infection

I have been using AlloDerm for breast reconstruction for many years and although it hasn't been clinically proven that there is an increased possibility of infection, some patients are concerned about it. I have had great results with using it. With any type of surgery, there is a risk of infection. Go over the pro's and con's of doing the surgery with or without the AlloGraft with your surgeon and allow them to assist you with making the decision. more
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm and Infection

Alloderm itself will not increase your risk for infection after surgery. However, if you do experience an infection, it might become necessary to remove the Alloderm to treat it. This is true of virtually all surgical implants, and if your surgeon thinks that Alloderm will improve your chances for a good result, then I would have no qualms about using it.
Mark Preston, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm and Infection

I have been using AlloDerm and breast reconstruction surgery for the last 5 years. Clinically I haven't noticed an increase in postmastectomy reconstruction surgeries using AlloDerm and tissue expanders or implants. I think most of my colleagues agree that AlloDerm does not cause an increased rate of infection. It is a product that has really improved the overall results of postmastectomy reconstruction is using implant products. It also is very useful in both aesthetic and... more
Kenneth Bermudez, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

Extremely minimal infection risk with alloderm

Alloderm is a unique product derived from donated skin with all of the cells removed, leaving the collagen matrix which serves as a template for your own tissue to regenerate. I have been using it for more than 10 years and have had a very good experience with it. Although it is not strictly sterile, there have been no reported instances of infection transmitted from the donor. There are other products that have been put through a sterilization process but they all damage the collagen... more
Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm is safe.

Alloderm is a tissue matrix that is processed to remove cells, as well as bacteria.  IThe collagen and elastin fibers remain and the body's own cells grow in to this matrix, incorporating it. t is always possible to have an infection, but not any more likely just due to the alloderm.
Anne Taylor, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm Safety

It is logical to be concerned regarding the risk of HIV, Hepatitis, or some other serious infection when Alloderm is implanted.  The processing of this human-derived material destroys these pathogens.  Essentially, there is no risk of transmissible illness.  However, alloderm is not your own native tissue.  Thus, though the risk is small, there is a slightly increased risk of infection following surgery with this substance.  There are newer materials... more
Jason R. Hess, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Infection from AlloDerm

AlloDerm is a regenerative tissue matrix that is processed from human skin. In a special enzymatic process, cells such as skin cells, bacteria, and viruses are removed, leaving behind support structures, such as collagen, elastin and growth factors. There have been no proven cases of infection caused by AlloDerm.
Karen Vaniver, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm and risk of infection

There is no inherent risk of infection from Alloderm as a product. Alloderm is human dermis treated via a chemical process to remove the cells from the skin leaving the basic collagen framework. Included in this process is a wash with different antibiotics. Once placed into the body, it becomes rapidly incorporated. What this means is that your body will grow into the Alloderm and bring blood supply to it, eventually replacing it. This rapid ingrowth of blood vessels minimizes the risk... more
David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

Alloderm is Donated Skin and Safe

It is processed skin which goes through a rigorous process of identifying any infections or diseases like HIV, Hepatitis etc. It has been used extensively and has great track record. It is well tolerated and with time gets incorporated into your own tissues. Regards
Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Very small chance for infection from Alloderm

Alloderm is derived from human dermis. However,the process removes all the cells and only leaves the fibrous framework,which allows regeneration from the tissues. I'm not aware of any reported infection related to alloderm usage and the chance of transmission of infection is very slim.  
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

No inherent risk

Alloderm is highly processed and sterilized.  It is tested before shipping.  That said however, there is always a chance that there will be a breach in sterility. Alloderm should really pose no more of an infection risk than any other implantable medical device. sek  
Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
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