Can strattice be removed?

Question

I had strattice and new submuscular silicone gel implants three months ago to correct rippling due to saline implants above the muscle and my thin build. The implants look fine, but the strattice is burning and can be seen through my skin. There is a noticeable indentation where it ends, especially on my left breast at the cleavage. Can this be removed without noticeable rippling? Will the muscle cover the implant enough to help with rippling?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Keep in mind that it seems that there was a need for the strattice prior to surgery. Removing the Strattice at this point may further compromise your long term results.Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Without pictures and more details it is not possible to offer much more than general advice. If you can actually see where the Strattice ends then there is probably very thin tissue coverage and so rippling will be worse if the Strattice is removed. If the Strattice is integrated, it would be difficult to remove anyway. In general, the muscle covers only the upper portion of the implant, so Strattice is used where there is no muscle coverage or where the muscle is thin. Another option might be fat grafting.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Yes, the acellular dermal matrix may be removed but you risk the potential for injuring the overlying native tissues and repeat breast implant rippling palpability. Best wishes.

Archibald S. Miller, MD · Answer

Strattice is called acellular dermal matrix. It should be used to buttress tissues that are needing additional strength and support. If you are thin and have little breast tissue you should place the implant beneath the muscle. Although it is not 100%, most have excellent results. I do this on a routine basis for 100% of saline implants and many gels in thin patients. The results are acceptable in most cases, and we have minimal post op problems. Our biggest issue is if the implant is displaced upward and one is higher than other. In many instances when this happens we have to open the affected side, and take out capsular tissue and drop the implant. Not as traumatic as the first operation, but still another procedure.but, one must realize strattice is absorbed by body and replaced with your own tissue, so removal is difficult at best, and if in for 9 months or more, impossible. Your demarcations may resolve/dissolve over a period of time.

Dennis Dass, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The contour irregularities would be worse by removing the Strattice, because that it what it is fixing.  You may consider some fat grafting to hide the edges of the Strattice.  If you are having significant pain and burning due to Strattice, it may be warranted to remove it, but your other issues will be worsened.

Paul H. Rhee, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Given your history, while technically possible, removing the Strattice may make things worse.  As has been previously suggested, fat grafting may help at the indentation point.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

It may be possible to remove Strattice.   However, at this point the Strattice may be well incorporated by your surrounding tissues.   Removing the graft may cause further indentation.  If you are not having an issue with infection, your best option may be to wait and see if these problems improve over the next few months.  If not,  fat grafting of the area that is indented may be a better option than removing the Strattice.

Can strattice be removed?

Answers (7)

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