Every year, we find new and better ways to perform plastic surgeries. Some types of procedures are more challenging than others, but correcting complications or botched procedures performed by inexperienced doctors, following breast implant surgery is among the most challenging of all. One such advance in recent years is the appearance of an alternative to traditional surgical mesh: a Reconstructive Tissue Matrix (RTM).1
Dr. J, known more formally as Payam Jarrah-Nejad, M.D., F.I.C.S., F.A.C.S., has long been at the forefront of all types of plastic surgery and is a leader in the use of RTM technology. While there are several RTMs on the market, StratticeTM for breast reconstruction is Dr. J’s preferred choice.
Why StratticeTM?
The easiest way to understand the function of StratticeTM is to think of it as an internal bra to offer extra support during and after reconstruction procedures. A tissue matrix (also called a dermal matrix) is made from organic material to support new tissue growth and regeneration. It helps ensure that the right kind of supporting tissue undergirds replacement breast implants while preventing recurrences of the complications that ensued from the initial breast augmentation.
The RTMs on the market all use organic tissue after it has been cleared of cells to make it acceptable to the patient’s body. The tissue usually comes from one of three animal sources, bovine (cows), porcine (pigs), and – as macabre as it may sound – human cadavers.
While there are pros and cons to all tissue sources used in RTMs, porcine tissue has been the go-to non-human source for skin grafts since the 1960s, when researchers found that it was surprisingly like human tissue. As one resource puts it, “[porcine] skin has comparable thickness, hair follicle density, and wound closure.” As you might guess, pig skin is also easier to obtain than human epidermal tissue, which we can only get from two sources: cadavers or a patient’s body.
In his own work, Dr. J has found StratticeTM to be the most reliable RTM in terms of achieving the most ideal outcomes. Just as some literal bras might provide better support than others, he has found that this internal bra does the best job of promoting tissue growth, as well as strengthening new and existing tissue while concealing minor imperfections like wrinkling. Since the human body accepts it easily, it also helps to prevent new complications and foster healthy healing.
StratticeTM Prevents Capsular Contracture Recurrence
After a plastic surgeon places an implant2 inside a chest cavity, a patient’s system will react to the presence of a foreign body by forming a capsule of protective tissue around the implant. This is a necessary part of the healing process. Sometimes, however, too much scar tissue forms and the capsule becomes exceptionally hard and tight. The result is usually an outcome that looks less natural and, in the worst cases, becomes misshapen. It may sometimes cause the patient discomfort.
Capsular contracture is one of the most frequent complications patients may run into following breast augmentation. It’s readily treatable but it’s not something anyone wants twice. StratticeTM has been especially effective at preventing recurrences of this issue, which is one of the primary reasons Dr. J considers it his gold standard internal bra for breast reconstruction and revision procedures.
Other Complications
Every patient – and every procedure on every patient – is different. So, Dr. J’s tools will change from procedure to procedure. However, he finds that StratticeTM can be extremely useful not only with capsular contracture revision but in addressing other problems, including:
- Asymmetries – Breasts naturally tend to differ slightly in size and shape but when the difference is noticeable, alarm bells ring – especially if the patient has already had plastic surgery. Because revision procedures nearly always involve tissue that has lost some strength, StratticeTM may very well be Dr. J’s choice of RTM.
- Snoopy or Waterfall Deformities – In these cases, tissue inside the breast may go over the implant and droop downward, resembling the natural formation and/or the iconic snout of Charlie Brown’s dog. Again, StratticeTM may be the best choice for procedures to revise these upsetting but highly correctable problems while minimizing the chances of a new complication.
- Double Bubble Deformity – This relatively common issue becomes obvious when wearing tight-fitting clothes or bikini swimsuits. Double-bubble is when an implant falls somewhat below the inframammary fold, creating a small-to-medium-size fold at the lower portion of the breast. Dr. J will typically treat the problem by taking out the problematic implant, correcting the weakness in the tissue of the inframammary fold, and replacing the removed implant. The internal bra-like properties of StratticeTM may be especially useful for ensuring a good outcome.
Is StratticeTM Always the Best Choice?
No. Since no two patients are alike and every situation is different, there are times when any technique, no matter how good, may not be advisable.
Among other matters, Dr. J always respects his patients’ feelings and beliefs. The use of porcine tissue is, not surprisingly, a concern to some patients for ethical and/or religious reasons. A few people may also have an allergy to an ingredient in StratticeTM called Polysorbate 20.
Reach Out to Dr. J for State-of-the-Art Breast Reconstruction
One of the most respected plastic surgeons in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles area, Dr. J has earned a worldwide following and a reputation for superb outcomes on all types of procedures thanks to his painstaking care, skill, knowledge, aesthetic sense, and use of leading-edge techniques, including the internal bra-like StratticeTM. Please see Dr. J’s breast reconstruction and revision before-and-after gallery for an idea of what may be possible in your case.
Praised by former patients for his approachable demeanor and compassionate bedside manner, Dr. J is double board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS). To get started, please call Dr. J and his friendly and expert team of medical professionals at the phone number on your screen or through our contact page. The entire Dr. J Plastic Surgery team looks forward to hearing from you.
1 Sometimes also referred to as an acellular tissue matrix (ADM).
2 Both saline and silicone implants have an outer shell silicone shell, so both types of implants are foreign bodies.