How long does AlloDerm live in the body?

Because Alloderm transforms into living tissue, the question is whether this tissue maintains its volume and strength over time. I recently reported a 12-year follow up proving the the material remains stable but is completely replaced with the patient's own.

Thank you for your question. AlloDerm®, also known as Acellular Dermal Matrix, is a biologic material that acts a skin substitute during breast reconstruction. It is composed of human collagen with the cellular component removed. The material closely resembles normal skin and integrates well with existing tissue. The recipient's own cells and blood vessels grow into the collagen scaffold. It takes between 3-6 weeks for the AlloDerm® to become incorporated. Typically used in expander-based implant reconstruction, AlloDerm® supports the tissue and provides necessary coverage of the breast implant. I hope that helps you.

Alloderm is composed of human collagen with the cellular component removed by a special process. As such, it contains no cells from the donor.When the alloderm is placed into the body such as in breast reconstruction or in abdominal hernia repair, it actually is infiltrated by the recipients own cells and vascular supply.  This takes several weeks for the material to become completely replaced by the recipient's own tissues.It does not "die".