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Where is the Alloderm Placed? Is It Inside Your Body or is It Visible on the Skin Under the Breast Crease?
Alloderm is an acellular dermal matrix which more simply stated is a framework for your body to grow your own tissue into inside of your body, providing an additional layer of support. Because Alloderm is inside your body it is not visible through the skin. Alloderm is most commonly used for breast surgery and repairing or preventing abdominal wall hernias. For breast surgery, primarily breast reconstruction, Alloderm acts as an “internal bra” which reduces the appearance of wrinkles of the implant, provides an additional layer of protection for the implant, and allows for a more natural look of the lower portion of the breast. We use acellular dermal matrix in nearly all of our breast reconstruction patients.
Clinical Context
Acellular dermal matrix (like Alloderm) is human donor tissue processed to remove cells, leaving a collagen scaffold that your own tissue grows into over time. It's placed under the skin during surgery and isn't visible or felt from outside. In breast reconstruction, it helps support the implant, reduce rippling, and shape the lower breast. As with any implanted material, there's a small risk of fluid collection or slower healing while it integrates, especially in previously radiated tissue.
