Direct To Implant Breast Reconstruction
Direct to Implant breast reconstruction (also known as “single-stage” or “Alloderm one-step”) involves placing the final breast implant at the same time as the mastectomy. Unlike traditional 2-stage implant reconstruction using expanders, the reconstruction is completed in one surgery.
With Direct To Implant Reconstruction, The Patient Avoids The Use Of An Expander And The Whole Expansion Process.
The breast implant can be placed either below or above the pectoralis muscle (main chest muscle) depending on various patient factors, the quality of the tissues after the mastectomy, and surgeon preference.
An acellular dermal matrix (ADM), such as Alloderm, is a biological sheet-like material which is also used in most implant reconstructions. The ADM is used inside the breast and is not visible. When the implant is placed under the pectoralis muscle, the ADM covers the lower part of the implant that is not covered by muscle. It also acts as a sling to help secure the implant in position. When the implant is placed on top of the muscle (known as the “pre-pec” technique), the ADM is used as a wrap or drape over the implant, which provides an extra layer of coverage over the implant under the skin.
Other Important Information About Direct To Implant Breast Reconstruction
The direct-to-implant procedure is also sometimes referred to as “single-stage” or “one-step” breast reconstruction. These terms can be misleading as an additional revision procedure, usually involving fat grafting, is often needed for the best cosmetic results. Fat grafting helps fill in contour defects created by the mastectomy and thickens the fatty layer under the skin. A thicker tissue layer over the implant decreases the risk of being able to see the waves in the implant shell, known as “rippling”, and greatly improves the final cosmetic results.
Patients having prophylactic, nipple-sparing mastectomy are the best candidates for Direct-To-Implant breast reconstruction. These patients are the most likely to achieve excellent results with one surgery and have the lowest risk of needing a revision procedure.
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Re-Sculpts The Body
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PRMA Plastic Surgery Patient Stories
Oh what I would give to have found PRMA before my mastectomy, prosthesis, implants and 6 plus years of not being satisfied. I thank God every day for bringing PRMA into my life and I thank them for doing what they do so well. My wish is that PRMA reaches as many women possible early on so they too can benefit from the amazing work that they do for breast cancer patients. I promote PRMA every chance I have!
I would like to say is throughout the whole procedure from the first procedure, to the second procedure, to my final procedures I never felt less than a woman. I like my breast, and so the entire time I never felt like I was not a woman at any point. So definitely I would recommend PRMA to anyone and everyone.
I’m super excited and love the results and feel amazing. I want to let anyone listening to this know that I had the worst anxiety before my surgery thinking of everything you can imagine. I can say that this was 100% the right choice for me I love the way that I look. The process was much easier than what I expected.
I knew I wanted to have a mastectomy, but I didn’t know about breast reconstruction. Dr. Ledoux gave me ALL the options I had, and I really appreciated that!
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