Home ▪ St. Louis Breast Procedures ▪ Breast Reconstruction ▪ Implant Acellular Dermis

Implant Acellular Dermis

Conveniently located to serve St. Louis, Missouri

Acellular dermis is skin which has been taken from a cadaver and processed to remove all of the cells of that person. The outer layer of skin is removed and the inner layer is utilized. This product is not experimental and has been used by experienced breast reconstructive plastic surgeons for years. The advantage of the product is that it allows Dr. Cabbabe to place a full – size implant at the time of mastectomy. This would not be possible otherwise.

If you are having a skin – sparing mastectomy, you may be a candidate for this procedure. Dr. Cabbabe will follow the breast surgeon into the operating room and insert a full size silicone or saline implant under the muscles of the chest and under the acellular dermis. A drain will be placed between the muscles of the chest and the skin. You will need to stay one to two nights in the hospital.

A breast lift or breast reduction may be needed on the other breast in order to improve symmetry. A new nipple can be made and areolar tattooing can be done if desired.

We believe that patients, their desires, and anatomy are all unique. Dr. Cabbabe believes that the key to a successful surgery is proper planning and discussion with the patient about their goals. Therefore, Dr. Cabbabe evaluates each patient and creates a customized surgical plan for all of his patients to meet their expectations. To schedule a consultation, call us at (314) 842−5885 or complete the contact us form.

Good candidates for this surgery are women who have small to medium breasts that do not have a significant degree of droopiness who are undergoing a skin – sparing mastectomy. Otherwise, it can be difficult to obtain symmetry with the other breast, even with a breast lift or breast reduction. If you are having or have had both breast removed, you may be a good candidate as well.

Poor candidates for this surgery are women who have had prior radiation and mastectomy. The skin is very difficult to stretch in this condition and leads to an increased risk of skin breakdown and implant exposure, necessitating removal.

Preparing for Surgery

Dr. Cabbabe will ask that you refrain from taking any aspirin, plavix, Coumadin or any other type of blood thinner. If you are taking chemotherapy, this may need to be finished or held prior to surgery.

Recovery

You will be admitted to the hospital for one to two nights. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed. There may be some numbness on the breast which improves with time. Most patients are able to shower within 24 hours. A drain will be placed inside the breast and removed in the office.

Types of Reconstruction: