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A tissue matrix can be used to supplement a woman's own tissues in order to better cover the expander and/or the implant.
The use of a tissue matrix has increased the options for breast implant reconstruction and may carry several advantages over other described techniques such as full muscle and partial muscle coverage. A tissue matrix can be derived from animal tissue or human tissue and is designed to perform in a similar way to your own tissue.
In this technique employing a tissue matrix, the pectoralis major muscle covers the top part of the implant, while the tissue matrix supports the lower portion of the implant. Because the chest muscle alone is not enough to cover the entire implant, the tissue matrix acts like a sling or a hammock that cradles the bottom of your implant. This also provides added support to your existing breast skin.
Click the images below to enlarge
Preoperative markings
Tissue matrix during surgery
Postoperative appearance
In addition to the potential advantages and disadvantages listed in the Breast Implant Reconstruction page, some other potential advantages and disadvantages of a tissue matrix are also outlined here.
The biological tissue matrix most widely used by surgeons in breast reconstruction is AlloDerm® Regenerative Tissue Matrix, from LifeCell™ Corporation.1 To find out more about this product, click here.
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1 Millennium Research Group. June 2008.
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