Breast Reconstruction with AlloDerm and implants

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DonnaI
DonnaI Member Posts: 3
edited July 2014 in Breast Reconstruction

Ladies, I am one happy breast cancer survivor (Stage 3) with two beautiful reconstrcuted breasts!  I spent 4 1/2 years without breasts due to my small frame and radiation damage. One year ago I was finally and totally restored using a relatively new technique that uses donated tissue and implants to create realistic breasts.  The tissue material, known as AlloDerm allograft (see LifeCell website) comes from donor banks.  All the cells are removed, leaving just a scaffolding matrix.  The AlloDerm is recognized by the body and it repopulates with your OWN dermal cells!  The procedure has been used for over 5 years.  In breast reconstrcution, the AlloDerm is used as a sling to hold the implant.  The benefits are many.  It lowers the health risks of scarring, capsular contracture (hardening), and implant extrusion.  Cosmetically, the use of AlloDerm eliminates implant shifting and rippling, and allows the surgeon to create a natural "hang" at the bottom, or fold.  Also, the filled in AlloDerm serves as a barrier between the implant and the skin, so the restored breast is more natural to the touch.  Since space is created internally, the need for expanders is eliminated in most cases! 

Within 3 weeks of my surgery, I felt and looked great and was completely restored!  I love my anatomical (tear drop shaped) implants.  Google "Donna InDelicato" to see the result.

The AlloDerm/implant procedure makes immediate reconstruction possible for nearly all women facing mastetomy, even given the possibility of radiation.

Ladies, knowledge is power.  I want you all to be empowered to make the best possible health choices that address your total wellness (physical and mental).  ASK you oncologist, breast surgeon, and plastic surgeon(s) about his procedure BEFORE you make a decision about mastetomies, breast reconstruction, or reconstruction revision. 

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Comments

  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited December 2008

    Hi Donna!

    So happy to read your post because I too will be having the AlloDerm when I have my recon., but I believe it'll be done when I have my exchange... but now I'm wondering, I will have to call my PS again and ask.

    Happy to hear of your positive results, I'm going to google you!

    Keep going strong!

    Sue

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  • DianaT
    DianaT Member Posts: 532
    edited December 2008

    Thanks Donna ~ I had alloderm placed at mastectomy and my PS was excited to do it!  I even had rads, had my exchange yesterday!

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  • susan13
    susan13 Member Posts: 732
    edited December 2008

    I'm wondering why do some have to have expanders and some not if PS is using AlloDerm?  Is it due to the size you want to be? Hmmmmm....

    DianaT, what "size" did you wake up to after initial placement? Does the use of AlloDerm initially make you larger then if not used?

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited December 2008

    I had the alloderm placed at my bilat mast surgery with expanders. The 'one-step' procedure is relatively new (I think) and not many ps are doing it. My ps doesn't do the 'one-step' procedure that skips the expanders but the use of alloderm allowed him to put 200cc in the expanders the day of surgery. You do need to check with your insurance company to see if the alloderm is covered. We appealed the alloderm denial for 6 months with the insurance before they would cover it in my case.

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  • bermudagem
    bermudagem Member Posts: 337
    edited December 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    I did not have the One-Step, and my PS used the AlloDerm to make the pocket for the implants, I had it put in after my mastectomy/expanders surgery. My PS uses AlloDerm for the expanders always. I had never heard of it before all of this. My PS has done quite a few One-Step, but he thinks it is a better outcome with the expanders. But this is his opinion, I just trusted his word. I have been happy with everything so far. I had my exchange yesterday. I did not have any problems from my insurance company. They just approved it, no questions asked.

    Shelly

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited December 2008

    Here is info about how AlloDerm is used in reconstruction:

    http://www.breastreconstruction.org/InTheNews/AlloDerminBreastReconstruction.html

    By placing AlloDerm at the time of the initial tissue expander, the surgeon can fill the expander much more then without AlloDerm... It's somewhere in the range of 50-75 cc's without, and 150-250cc's with AlloDerm. So you can wake up with more of a breast mound, and be well on your way to your final size... with less fills.

    If you scroll down in this link you can see a diagram showing how the AlloDerm acts as a sling.

    http://www.breastreconstruction.org/TypesOfReconstruction/ExpanderImplant.html

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  • DonnaI
    DonnaI Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2008

    Hi.  My final size is a healthy B.  (I was an A before mastectomy).  One procedure is all I had to get that size.  I am 5'3", weigh 100 pounds, and had radiation damaged tissue, yet this worked out great for me with no expander.  Not sure why your PS would wait for exchange to use AlloDerm. Could be financial/billing considerations. You should inquire.  AlloDerm use allows more space to be created internally so that there is more room for the implant.  That's why there is less need for expansion.  If you choose larger size breasts, you may still need the expanders, but will only require one or two sessions to achieve your desired larger size before final implant exchange as opposed to many.  My surgeon, Dr. Karl Breuing, was one of the original prioneers of this procedure and has published many articles about it.  

    I've been getting some great responses and am glad to know the word is getting out about this procedure.  Good luck and all the best to you!

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  • DonnaI
    DonnaI Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2008

    Congratulations!  Keep spreading the word about this reconstructive method. 

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  • lookingforward4more
    lookingforward4more Member Posts: 127
    edited December 2008

    I had my tissue expander replaced on 10/22 and the plastic surgeon used alloderm with great results. I also had, the same day, an prophylactic mastectomy on my other breast with immediate reconstruction/alloderm and silicone implant. I have two perky D cup breasts and although the scars are forever I am REALLY happy with the result. I don't have to wear a bra! YEA! It was really, really nice waking up with two breasts. I was calling them FOOBS but my teenage son said to call them FABS instead. I loved that!

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  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited January 2009

    bump

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  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited January 2009

    Abinneb - Thanks for the bump, I hadn't seen this thread. - Jean

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  • 2new1s
    2new1s Member Posts: 1,995
    edited January 2009

    Just found out today that my PS is using AlloDerm.  I should say that she did tell me during our consult appointment, however it just went over my head.  Too much info ~ too fast that day.

    So far from what I have read about AlloDerm it sounds great.  I just wish more women here had more to say about it. 

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  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited January 2009

    Jdub

    You still online? I bumped another alloderm thread for you (edited to add:  if you scroll up about 6 posts you'll see some helpful links)

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  • 2new1s
    2new1s Member Posts: 1,995
    edited January 2009

    abinneb ~ Oh I am here ~ Friday night and I am letting loose on the old computer!  Thanks for the bump!

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  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited January 2009

    No problem lady!   Sounds like you are on the right track for preparing!   Stay strong!

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  • Renata
    Renata Member Posts: 172
    edited January 2009

    Thanks so much for the information Donna, I think I may be a candidate for this type of reconstruction and it gives me a lot of hope...and Congratulations!!! I googled your name and you look good in the first photo but you are just gorgeous in the second.

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  • PhyllisCC
    PhyllisCC Member Posts: 397
    edited January 2009

    Hi,

    I had a rt mast in Nov 07 with immed reconstruction ...tissure expander placed.  (no alloderm at that time) My exchange was 5/29/08.  I had a revision done Oct 08 for several corrections.  At that time my PS used alloderm at the top of my implant to help with the divot (collapse).  I did end up with a drain but only for a couple days...she said it's best to keep the alloderm as dry as possible.  Had no problem and at first it really filled in my collapse. It's been 4 months and it has come back along with some slight rippling (I have cohesive silicon gel....not gummies) But it is still much better.  However, my PS has determined that my muscle does not go down far enough and my implant has two distinct "points" If these do not go away (I do not expect them to) she may use alloderm to help...but she wants to wait at least another six months.  Me... with my nips and tattoos finally done (they look great) not sure I'm up for more surgery.  I look fine dressed, so I'll just wait and see.  I also had no problem with my insurance covering the cost of Alloderm which I've seen that some of the ladies on this board have had. Good luck to all of you.  Phyllis

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  • Mykidsmom
    Mykidsmom Member Posts: 1,637
    edited January 2009

    Alloderm used w/ a TE on me as well. My PS likes to use the alloderm. But she still does the expanders. Best wishes. - Jean

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  • xpectmiracles
    xpectmiracles Member Posts: 439
    edited February 2009

    I had alloderm used when TE was placed. Doc said my pectoral muscle was too tight. What my issue is insurance coverage. I need to appeal the denial of coverage. My last fill is today!

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  • mooma
    mooma Member Posts: 92
    edited February 2009

    I saw my ps and we decided to go with the expanders at the time of my mast..  He is using another type of material instead of Alloderm.  I can't remember what he called it...it's cosmic something.  Has anyone else heard of this?  He says it comes in 'bigger sheets' and doesn't get rejected as easily as Alloderm.

    Mame

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  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2009

    Not familiar with what your PS might be using - perhaps you could google 'acellular' graft, or tissue ? You might find something that way.  I can't remember any specific discussions of other types of material being used. 

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  • 2new1s
    2new1s Member Posts: 1,995
    edited February 2009

    I think I saw another post where pig skin was mentioned???????????????

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  • mooma
    mooma Member Posts: 92
    edited February 2009

    Humm...thanks, girls.  I still can't find it but I'm thinking it might be dermamatrix he was talking about.  I'm going to call the office tomorrow and find out what it's called...it's driving me crazy! lol

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  • abinneb
    abinneb Member Posts: 550
    edited February 2009

    Good luck mooma - hope you find the info you need!

    Amy

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  • PhyllisCC
    PhyllisCC Member Posts: 397
    edited February 2009

    Mooma...Could it be Stratice?  That just popped into my head.  I think it is skin from pig. Phyllis

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  • PaulaLS
    PaulaLS Member Posts: 79
    edited February 2009

    I am having a SLNB and a right skin sparing mastectomy 2/11 with an immediate silicone implant using an Alloderm sling.  My PS said I would be a C which is smaller than the D on left side but that's OK with me - less to lug around.  I plan to reduce the left side to a C or the PS said she can do a reduction in a few months.  I feel so blessed to only have one surgery (no tissue expander) and it is good to hear that others are happy with the results using the Alloderm.  Now, I pray for negative nodes!!

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  • susiered
    susiered Member Posts: 256
    edited February 2009

    Did anyone have to do rads after alloderm and expanders placed and if you did how did it hold up? I had the same procedure and am currently 13 days into rads, starting to turn red and getting a little nervous about how my expander is going to hold up.

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  • mooma
    mooma Member Posts: 92
    edited February 2009

    Yes, Phyllis...it is Stratice (pig)!  I will have pig skin in me!

    Has anyone else used this material?

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  • Kathy_K
    Kathy_K Member Posts: 772
    edited February 2009

    My PS used DermaMatrix when he did my one-step last year.  I think it is all the same thing just different manufacturers.

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited February 2009

    bump

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