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There are many reasons why an original breast reconstruction operation can fall short, and why a revisionary plastic surgery operation may be necessary.
The results of the original operation may not meet the patient's expectation.
Some patients have characteristics that pose special challenges to the surgeon such as stretchy skin, recent massive weight loss, chest wall deformities or thin tissue.
Other patients may have already undergone multiple corrective surgeries, making additional revisions more difficult.
There are some complications that are more specific to breast implants, including bottoming out, fold malpositions, symmastia, and wrinkling and rippling.
When a patient requires a revisionary surgery following breast reconstruction, the results may be improved through the use of a biologic tissue matrix.
A biologic such as AlloDerm® Regenerative Tissue Matrix can be used for repair or replacement of damaged or missing tissue. Because of this, tissue matrices may provide your surgeon with advantages that could lead to a better aesthetic result.
In addition to the possible aesthetic benefits of using a tissue matrix in breast reconstruction there may also be potential financial benefits associated with it. This is because a revisionary procedure using a tissue matrix may reduce the need for future revisionary procedures.
Common breast reconstruction complications, specific to breast implants and the solutions a tissue matrix may offer are outlined here.
The implant drops lower than desired as a result of skin stretching
AlloDerm® Tissue Matrix acts as an "internal bra" to support and hold the implant in desired location
The lower or side breast border has moved, causing the implant to move downward or to the side
AlloDerm® Tissue Matrix allows your surgeon to redefine breast borders by supporting the repair on the bottom or the side
Implants are too close or even touching
AlloDerm® Tissue Matrix provides support to the repair helping your surgeon maintain control over the location of the implants
Appearance of implant wrinkles, ripples or irregular contours on the skin surface
AlloDerm® Tissue Matrix acts as an "internal bra" to support the implant, helping to minimize the appearance of visible wrinkles and ripples
If you are considering a breast reconstruction revisionary procedure, talk to your surgeon to see if a tissue matrix is right for you. For more information, you may also want to visit the Tissue Matrix section of this site.
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