Breast Revision Surgery Results In A Woman Who Had A Prophylactic Mastectomy

Posted on August 21, 2010 in AlloDerm(R), Breast implants, Breast reconstruction, Breast revision, Subcutaneous mastectomy

Breast revision is a commonly performed procedure that serves to address one or more issues in a woman who has previously undergone a cosmetic or reconstructive breast surgery. This can involve a prior breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift or even a breast reconstruction. Each individual has unique issues which have to be addressed accordingly in order to obtain more desirable results.

The following 62 year old patient underwent a prophylactic mastectomy with breast implant reconstruction 25 years ago (specifically called a subcutaneous mastectomy) due to a strong family history of breast cancer. This was followed by multiple procedures over the years in attempts to improve the outcome. She consulted with me because of the chronic and substantial pain that she was experiencing in both breasts, their extreme hardness as well as the significant and problematic deformities of appearance.

Prior to breast revision surgery - frontal view

Following breast revision surgery - frontal view

Before breast revision surgery - oblique view

Following breast revision surgery - oblique view

Before breast revision surgery - side view

After breast revision - side view

After breast revision surgery

Before surgery

In her photos you can appreciate the marked asymmetries of shape, contour and implant position with the right side being situated too high. The skin has extensive irregularities and folds and in areas is quite thin. Her nipples also are too low relative to the breast mounds creating far too much fullness higher up.

Her breast revision surgery consisted of meticulous removal of deforming scar tissue known as a capsulectomy, reshaping of the breasts and placement of AlloDerm® (a regenerative tissue matrix – dermal grafting material) in both sides for support, contouring, durability and increased tissue thickness. Appropriately configured and sized implants replaced those that were present.

The outcome of all this were significant improvements in the appearance of her breasts for which the patient was extremely happy and quite thankful. It also boosted her self-confidence tremendously.

If you have any questions regarding breast revision surgery, breast reconstruction or any other plastic surgery procedure that I perform or if you would like to schedule a complimentary consultation with me, please call my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

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Usage of Acellular Dermis In Breast Reconstruction Improves Results and Predictability and Shortens Time For Final Result

Posted on January 18, 2010 in AlloDerm(R), Breast cancer, Breast reconstruction, Tissue expanders

Advances in breast reconstruction techniques for the correction of deformities resultant from treatment for breast cancer have shown great potential and results. This specifically relates to the usage of acellular dermis which is specially treated human tissue devoid of cells, infective agents and immunogenic potential (can’t be rejected by one’s body). Used for several years now, it has established a great track record in this usage.

Several biomedical companies offer this tissue though there are clearly differences in the products, results and risks. AlloDerm® by LifeCell Corp. has been the most studied of these with the results being superior.

In the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Vol. 124 Number 6), a study from the University of Rochester delineated several advantages of acellular dermis in breast reconstruction. For immediate breast reconstruction using tissue expanders, they noted that the expanders could be filled to far greater amounts when AlloDerm® was employed as compared to a different technique. Postoperative inflations were fewer and completed much sooner and allowed for the insertion of the final breast implant at an earlier date. This translated into an accelerated rate of reconstruction, more predictable and satisfactory results and the potential for a better aesthetic appearance. Best of all, there was no significant difference in complication rates with its usage.

I have been using AlloDerm® in my patients undergoing immediate as well as late breast reconstruction procedures and have found it to be an incredibly invaluable addition. It allows for clearly superior and more predictable results in configuration, positioning and softness and reduces the need for subsequent procedures to further refine the results.

If you would like to obtain additional information on breast reconstruction including the usage of tissue expanders or on any other plastic surgery procedure that I perform or if you want to schedule a consultation with me, you can contact my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

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