Advances in Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Patients who are faced with breast cancer and require a mastectomy, have many options for reconstruction. Our techniques continue to improve. One of the newest techniques is the use of alloderm or strattice dermal sheets of prepared tissue. By using these materials at the time of mastectomy with tissue expanders, a more natural breast shape and contour can be achieved. Immediate expansion of the overlying breast skin is accomplished. In patients that are candidates for skin sparring and nipple/areola preservation, a breast implant may be placed immediately and avoid the need for prolonged expansion.
These regenerative tissues help mask implant palpability and visibility and bottoming out of the implant. In my experience, I have found these new tissues to be beneficial and improve my results in breast reconstruction.