AlloDerm Tissue Matrix
Overview
Alloderm is a a human-tissue based implant used to augment and promote the growth of existing tissue in surgeries such as breast reconstruction, hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction, or even in cases such as lip augmentation. Alloderm’s regenerative tissue matrix acts as a foundation that allows the patient’s body to continue to use its own tissue regeneration process.
Alloderm also helps with the removal of depressed scars, lines, and wrinkles. Alloderm was originally developed as a grafting agent for burn patients; with its flexibility it has since been used to treat a wide variety of ailments and conditions.
Alloderm Procedure
Your surgeon will usually recommend an antibiotic ointment as well as oral antibiotics for at least one week to prevent infection.
In most cosmetic procedures such as a lip implant, Alloderm is inserted through a small incision via a tube.
When Alloderm enters into the human body it promotes new tissue regeneration. Blood can flow through channels in Alloderm, allowing it to completely incorporate into the body. Once cells begin to move in to the newly incorporated Alloderm compound, the body begins forming tissue around Alloderm that resembles and functions the same as the body’s original tissue.
Alloderm Safety Information
Alloderm is different from most other implant grafts because real human tissue is used in the compound, which allows it to become a living part of the body after insertion. Due to this fact, Alloderm side effects are much less compared to many other implant alternatives.
Some common side effects include swelling and bruising around the implant site as well as pain and redness. Most cases of swelling only last one to two weeks.
One of the most serious side effects or risks associated with Alloderm involves the shrinkage of the implant itself – this side effect might be a sign of something more serious that you should ask your doctor about.