The Breast Reconstruction Guidebook
One-Step Implant Reconstruction
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Non-expansive Reconstruction with AlloDerm or DermaMatrix

(Implant reconstruction is described in Chapter 9)

If you're considering implant reconstruction, you may want to look into a new procedure. Some doctors are now using an acellular dermal matrix, like AlloDerm® or DermaMatrix®--donated human tissue from which the cells have been removed--to provide better breast shape and, in some cases, a shorter overall reconstructive timeline.

Typically, the chest muscle and breast skin must be expanded over a period of several weeks to create a pocket of sufficient size to hold the implant. Alternatively, stitching patches of AlloDerm or DermaMatrix to the sides of the muscle or along the inframammary fold creates an instant pocket and more complete coverage of the exposed implant edges.

Non-expansive reconstruction with an accelular dermal matrix offers three distinct benefits over traditional implant reconstruction:

  • Single-step implant procedure doesn't require expansion.

  • Women who combine this procedure with prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy
    or nipple-sparing mastectomy can complete their entire reconstruction in a single step.

  • Acellular dermal matrix integrates into a woman's healthy tissue.

Although breast reconstruction with AlloDerm or DermaMatrix is not yet widely performed, acellular dermis has been used for years in other types of reconstructive surgeries (it's commonly used to repair abdominal wall tears that can occur after TRAM reconstruction), and to replace missing or damaged skin and cover wounds. Like other methods of reconstruction, it makes good sense to research a one-step reconstruction procedure before making a decision. Understand the benefits and limitations of this type of reconstruction before deciding if it's right for you. When consulting with a surgeon who reconstructs with AlloDerm or DermaMatrix, be sure to clarify whether he performs a single-step non-expansive procedure or traditional reconstruction with expansion.

Surgeons who Perform One-Step Implant Reconstruction

State
City
Surgeon
California

 
Los Angeles

 
 
La Jolla and San Diego

Dr. Mark Mofid

 
 
Torrance

Dr. Michael Newman

Florida
 
Boca Raton
 
 
Miami
 
 
Tampa
 
 
Tampa
Illinois
 
Chicago
 
Illinois
 
Chicago
 
 
 
Chicago
Louisiana
New Orleans

New Jersey

Holmdel
 
 
Long Branch
New York
 
Dobb's Ferry
 
 
Great Neck
 
 
Great Neck
Pennsylvania
 
Philadelphia
Texas
 
Houston, St. Luke's
Houston, The Woodlands
 
 
 
San Antonio
Washington
Seattle

Additional Information

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