How is Alloderm Used During Breast Reconstruction?

Alloderm or equivalent products are used for two things in general:1.  They provide coverage of the implant in the lower pole where the muscle (pectorals major) does not extend to.2.  It is used to recreate the support at the bottom of the breast to help hold the implant from shifting out of position.  Often when a general surgeon does a thorough mastectomy the support structures can be disrupted.Rodger Shortt, MDOakville Plastic Surgeon

Alloderm, or other similar products, are frequently used in breast reconstruction with expanders and implants. The expander or implant is placed below the muscle (pectoralis major). Themuscle only covers the top half of the implant. In the past, other muscles were also mobilized to cover the inferior portion of the implant or expander. In the present time, many surgeons use the Alloderm or similar acellular dermal matrix to cover the lower half of the implant. From El Paso, Las Cruces, Mexico.