Acellular dermal matrices in breast surgery: a comprehensive review.

Abstract

Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) have become increasingly popular for use in plastic surgery. There has been an increase in the number of products that have paralleled their usage in various clinical settings and specifically breast surgery. A direct comparison of the most common ADMs used in breast surgery was performed including physical characteristics, level of sterility, maximum load sustained (N), stiffness (N/mm), and tensile strength (N/cm). A comprehensive review of the literature was also performed, detailing known results and complications. The direct comparison of most common ADMs is detailed along with a review of 26 series of breast reconstruction manuscripts involving the usage of ADMs. Specifically, Strattice and Permacol had the highest values of maximum loads sustained, stiffness, and tensile strength. ADMs have a role in breast surgery that continues to be defined. Future long-term follow-up remains crucial to the identification of the optimal biologic mesh.