How long does AlloDerm live in the body?

Question

I had alloderm put in to line my breast after a mastectomy. Just wanted to know how long it lives in my body before it dies if it does indeed die at some point

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

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.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question- Ideally, alloderm functions as a scaffold, and becomes incorporated into your body. It becomes living tissue with the ingrowth of your own cells.  It doesn't "die", but becomes part of you.  Best of luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Alloderm is human cadaveric tissue that has had all of the cells removed, so it is a scaffold for your own tissues to grow into it.  Once the alloderm is "incorporated" into your body it will be with you for life and will not die.

Ralph Trey Aquadro, MD · Answer

Alloderm is made from cadaver skin and is processed to remove all the cellular components. This means that all living tissue is removed and only a collagen scaffold is left.  This scaffold is used to provide support and over the next couple weeks to months, your body grows into the tissue.  Once the tissue is incorporated into your body, It is made of your living cells.  Your body gradually replaces the scaffold with its own tissue.  Alloderm can be removed, but there is no need to remove it.Trey Aquadro, M.D.Auburn, AL

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

Interesting question. The Alloderm is not alive when it is placed. It is rather just an empty scaffold of collagen that your body sees and fills up with cells. Therefore it becomes you, and will live with you to the very end.

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

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".

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Alloderm does not contain any living cells;  is a "matrix" that your own body cells grow into.  Once healing has occurred, the alloderm  remains in place long-term.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Provided there is adequate healing it will be there forever.  It doesn't start out alive.  The cells that are part of the wound healing process fill in the areas of the alloderm and allow it to heal so later when it is examined it appears like human skin under the microscope.

Paul H. Rhee, MD, FACS · Answer

Alloderm is skin that has been processed in such a way that your own body grows into it. It does not start 'alive' but becomes populated by your own tissue.

How long does AlloDerm live in the body?

Answers (13)

More AlloDerm Questions

How long does AlloDerm last and is there a product that will smooth out the ripples in my breast after reconstruction?

Why is Alloderm bulging out of the side and causing me pain? (photo)

Belladerm vs. Alloderm to create breast implant sling

Can Alloderm Really Be Totally Absorbed or Disappear?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS