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A tissue matrix (such as AlloDerm® Regenerative Tissue Matrix) can be used during breast reconstruction to supplement a woman's own tissues, providing support for weakened tissue along the lower portion of the breast pocket.
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 Coverage 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 breast pocket, while the tissue matrix supports the tissue along the lower portion of the breast pocket.
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™ Corporation1.
1 Millennium Research Group. October 2010.
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