Information on Use of Strattice for Breast Revision?

Strattice is an acellular dermal matrix that creates a sort of living internal bra. The finding that it seemed to help prevent recurrence of capsular contracture was fortuitous but it has been successful in every case that I have done, more than a dozen for CC. The implants shoud be replaced at the same time, but it is worth the expense to do the operation with the highest probability of success in my opinion.

Capsular
Contracture and Bottoming out are both uncommon problems but can occur after a
breast augmentation.

Capsular
Contracture can cause hardening of the breast, distortion or pain in severe
cases. This occurs because of the scar
tissue that forms around the implant squeezing it cause the implant to shift
and feel more firm to touch.

Strattice is a
dermal mesh that can be used for multiple purposes in breast surgery. The Strattice is used in capsular contracture
in an attempt to prevent the scar tissue from forming completely around the
implant. The mesh covers part of the
implant and prevents the scar tissue from completely surrounding the implant
and thus the scar tissue cannot squeeze the implant in the same way.

 

Avoid Stratice!  Your own body has a much better structure: Fascia intelligent use of the subfascial plane is the answer

 

The problems that lead to suggested use of Stratice and dermal fillers are way too common.  The reality of breast augmentation is that most women have similar results and are simply not aware that there is a better option.  The most commonlyt used technique is the  "dual-plane" subpectoral placement.  this sets up the implants for lateral and inferior malposition.  The top of the breast has muscular coverage and because of the pectoralis major's origination next to the sternum, the implants are pushed away from midline creating the valley between them that you dislike ( I call this the Miami Valley based on the common augmented look of breast augmentations in Miami).  Because the inferior portion of the breast is subglandular,  there is no support and the implant tend to migrate toward the armpits then down.

 

For these reasons I do not perform submuscular or dual-plane breast augmentations.  I use a technique that I call "Cold-Subfascial Breast AugmentationTM" that overcomes the shortcomings of dual plane.  By leaving the muscle alone and precisely lifting the strong pectoralis fascia,  I am able to custom design what is essentially a living natural brassiere to support the implant within the breast.  Using this technique I am able to create beautiful natural appearing breasts that complement the individual patient's body.

 

I commonly revise patients in your position by converting them to the cold-subfascial plane.  In my experience this is the only way to repair the breast and create a long-lived beautiful result.  Artificial materials such as stratice are just asking for trouble in my opinion.  I hope this helps!

 

 

All the best,

 

Rian A. Maercks M.D.