I just came back from Las Vegas for a forum presented by LifeCellTM on the use of StratticeTM for breast revision surgery following breast augmentation or breast lift procedures. Strattice is an acellular dermis made from bovine tissue. AllodermTM, also made by LifeCellTM, is the human form of acellular dermis that has been used extensively for breast reconstruction for the last several years. The advantages of using acellular dermis for breast revision surgery is that the extra tissue can provide more implant coverage as well as providing support. There are strong evidence that acellular dermis also reduces the recurrence of capsular contraction. AllodermTM, the most commonly used acellular dermis, is very expensive when used in cosmetic breast surgery. Now LifeCellTM has provided StratticeTM that provides all the benefits ofAllodermTMat a reduced cost.
The primary benefit for acellular dermis is its use in breast revision surgery. Products like Strattice can increase implant coverage and reduce the incidence of implant visibility or palpability. Acellular dermis can be used to control implant pocket in case of synmastia (uni-boob), lateral migration (implants falling off the chest wall), or bottomed out implants. This added tissue might improve the predictability of your results.
Another important indication for the use of acellular dermis is in capsular contraction. We know that recurrence rate for capsular contracture is significantly higher for patients with previous capsular contracture. Bridging a product like Strattice has been shown to decrease the recurrence of capsular contracture.
I have had extensive experience with Alloderm for the use in breast reconstruction and abdominal wall reconstruction. I have used StratticeTM for abdominal wall reconstruction and have recently started to use it for cosmetic breast surgery. StratticeTM will significantly improve the results in revision breast surgery.
