Is There a Risk of Alloderm Causing Infection?

Anytime you have surgery, or implant a foreign
substance into your body, there is always some potential risk for
infection.You are correct in that
Alloderm does come from donor tissue.However, with that being said, Alloderm is stripped of the epidermis and
cells that could lead to tissue rejection and infection.The result is simply an acellular matrix that
can work wonders in breast reconstruction surgery.In simpler terms, Alloderm is cadaver skin
that has had all of the cells taken out of it, and only collagen remains.Alloderm is tested and screened by the FDA,
as well as under strict temperature control to maximize the safety of the product.I have used Alloderm in many breast
reconstruction cases and have had minimal number of complications or patient
infections.

I have been using AlloDerm for breast reconstruction for many years and although it hasn't been clinically proven that there is an increased possibility of infection, some patients are concerned about it.  I have had great results with using it.  With any type of surgery, there is a risk of infection.  Go over the pro's and con's of doing the surgery with or without the AlloGraft with your surgeon and allow them to assist you with making the decision.

I have been using AlloDerm and breast reconstruction surgery for the last 5 years. Clinically I haven't noticed an increase in postmastectomy reconstruction surgeries using AlloDerm and tissue expanders or implants. I think most of my colleagues agree that AlloDerm does not cause an increased rate of infection. It is a product that has really improved the overall results of postmastectomy reconstruction is using implant products. It also is very useful in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast revisional surgery.

One thing that will increase post mastectomy immediate reconstruction is the use of implants in a subglandular location. Not to mention the increased problems with capsular contracture and revisions.