Bottoming Out

Patients who have thin or stretched skin may experience a loss of the skin’s natural elasticity, resulting in skin that is extremely loose or lax. These patients are susceptible to bottoming out, a condition that occurs when the envelope supporting the breast implant drops, causing a sagging, pendulous appearance. In these patients, the nipple ends up siting high on the breast with the bulk of the breast tissue hanging well below the nipple. The breast skin may also appear stretched below the nipple, magnifying the breast’s droopy appearance. In these patients, ADM can be used to provide a supportive meshwork between the breast tissue and the chest muscle, keeping the breasts in a more desirable position.

Capsular Contracture

Contracture occurs when unnaturally thick scar tissue forms around the implant, squeezing the implant over time and causing tightness and other changes in the appearance of the breast as well as discomfort in many patients. ADM has been shown to help thwart the formation of unnaturally thick scar tissue that causes contracture. Although it’s not entirely clear how it “shorts out” the scarring process, some experts believe ADM may help reduce inflammation that causes scarring; by promoting the rapid growth of healthy cells, ADM also may help “crowd out” scar tissue cells, preventing the formation of thick, fibrous tissue.

Rippling/Wrinkling

Wrinkling and rippling typically occur when the pocket formed to surround the implant stretches, becoming too large for the implant and allowing it to move or migrate from the desired position. The laxity that occurs can cause the tissues surrounding the breast to become loose, eventually resulting in wrinkles Wrinkling also can occur in women whose breast tissue is weak or thin. ADM is used to provide a supportive sling for the implants; over time, the patient’s own cells will form within the matrix, increasing support.

Fold Malposition

The natural folds along the bottom and side of the breasts are an integral part of the body’s natural curves. In some patients, especially those with thin or weak breast tissue, the pockets supporting the implants can become compromised, allowing the implant to drift downward or sideways, causing folds to flatten out and resulting in an unnatural appearance. ADM acts as a “tissue buttress,” providing added support for the pocket and redefining the natural folds.

The need for revision surgery is most common among women with thin or weak breast tissue, but complications can occur in any patient, especially as they age. Added to a revision procedure, ADM can help patients achieve their aesthetic goals and increase their self-confidence and self-esteem. Give us a call today to learn more (305) 861-6881. You can also read more about the breast procedures that Dr. Krau performs on these pages: Miami Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision.

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Although thinned or weakened tissues typically are most common among older women and those who’ve had significant weight gain and loss, even younger patients can be at risk – especially those who have already had implants that may have stretched or otherwise overtaxed the supportive tissue, women who’ve had complications following implant surgery and those who’ve had a traumatic injury involving the chest area.

In the past, these patients likely would not be considered good candidates for augmentation or revision surgery. But now, thanks to a natural, biologic material called acellularized dermal matrix (ADM), patients with thin or weak tissue can experience the same results from surgery as those who have thicker, stronger underlying tissue.

What is ADM?

ADM begins with healthy cells that are “decellularized,”which means the essential materials that comprise and define the cell are removed. What’s left is the matrix – a framework or scaffolding that the body can use as a supportive skeleton to help new cells form. The matrix is like a sturdy mesh that helps provide a strong network for these new tissues. Formed into a sterile sheet, ADM has been used for years in reconstructive surgery including reconstructive breast surgery, but in recent years, its utility in the cosmetic surgery arena has steadily increased.

Implant and Revision Surgeries

ADM reinforces a woman’s own soft tissues, encouraging the development of new, healthy cells and nutrient-supplying blood vessels. By helping natural tissue become stronger, ADM provides the structure needed to properly support implants over time and to form the full, rounded curves that help implants look natural.

In revision surgery, ADM promotes new cellular growth that helps correct defects and tissue damage that can occur following injury or implant complications as well as strengthening tissue that has become weakened as the result of multiple surgeries.

ADM is a natural biologic material, which means it’s well received by the body’s own tissues, and because new cells and blood vessels will continue to form for months following the procedure, the tissue surrounding the breasts will continue to strengthen and become more supportive over time.

If you’ve been told you’re not a good candidate for implant or revision surgery due to thin or weakened tissues, don’t take “no” for an answer. Using ADM, you may be able to enjoy the self-confidence that comes from having smooth, natural-looking curves. The first step in learning whether ADM might be a good choice for you is to schedule a consultation here or give us a call to set up a consultation (305) 861-6881.

The post ADM Makes Breast Implants Possible Even for Those with Thin or Damaged Tissue appeared first on Ary Krau MD.