Could the Alloderm have been sewn too tightly? Is their a way to fix this problem with a revision surgery? (photos)

Question

After having a mastectomy and reconstruction my surgeon used Alloderm to reinforce the pockets which my implants are supported in. However, I have noticed that my chest is so tight I have a difficult time breathing, Could the Alloderm have been sewn too tightly? If a possibility, is their a way to fix this problem with a revision surgery? Does skin have the capacity to stretch? Does Alloderm stretch or should I ask for a revision surgery to address this great discomfort?

Cain R. Linville, MD, FACS · Answer

This tightness feeling can happen, and does fairly often.  Good news is, it will go away, and your tissues, including the Alloderm, will relax fairly soon.  In the meantime, you can take some muscle relaxants if you're having muscle spasms to see if that helps.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

These symptoms should decrease as time passes.  The tissues relax.  Using a relaxant can help during this time.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

While Alloderm does tend to stretch over time, it is not likely the Alloderm specifically that is causing this feeling of tightness. Most likely this feeling comes from a combination of the implant or expander under your muscle and the size or fill of the expander or implant that is there. Oral muscle relaxants such as vistaril or cyclobenzaprine can help in the acute period of time when you have these feelings of tightness, and this almost always gets better in the first 4 weeks after surgery.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can be anticipated but you can also anticipate stretching of your tissues at the same time as the sutures are not in concrete but rather soft tissue.  So if the tightness is extreme, it will get better.  You early results look great!

Could the Alloderm have been sewn too tightly? Is their a way to fix this problem with a revision surgery? (photos)

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Answer: Tightness after implant reconstruction with Alloderm

Answer: Tightness after implant reconstruction with Alloderm

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Could the Alloderm have been sewn too tightly? Is their a way to fix this problem with a revision surgery? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Tightness after implant reconstruction with Alloderm

Answer: Tightness after implant reconstruction with Alloderm

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.