One-Step Reconstruction with Implants and Alloderm

The most common method of breast reconstruction currently performed in the US uses temporary implants ("tissue expanders"). These are exchanged later at a second surgery for the permanent breast implants (either saline or silicone).

The tissue expanders can either be placed at the same time as the mastectomy or some time later. They are inflated with saline injections to recreate the desired breast size. This expansion process can take several weeks in the cases of delayed reconstruction and it also depends on the amount of expansion required to reach the optimal size. Once the expansion process is completed, the tissue expanders are removed and the final implants are placed. Reconstruction with breast implants is therefore usually performed as a multiple-step process and can take several months.

Some patients are candidates for "One-Step" Breast Reconstruction whereby the permanent implant is inserted at the time of the mastectomy. A cadaveric implant known as Alloderm is also used to provide extra implant coverage and support. By going straight to the final implant, the patient has only one procedure and avoids the use of a tissue expander (and the whole expansion process) altogether. The scar can also be placed in the inframammary fold (under the breast) which makes it easier to hide. The One-Step procedure is also referred to as "direct-to-implant" or "single-stage" reconstruction.

PRMA patient Mrs Michelle Coben kindly shares her experience with the One-Step procedure in the video below. You can also see her before and after pictures here.

This procedure is obviously very appealing to many women, including those that may not be candidates for perforator flap procedures. The down time in terms of recovery is also much shorter than most of the alternatives.

There are some caveats though.... I used to offer this procedure to most patients. Some One-Step surgeons still do. Personally, I don't anymore - "the perfect candidate" for the procedure has evolved in my eyes. Experience (and grey hair) has a tendency of doing that.

So who's the "ideal candidate" in my opinion?

1) Patients that do not have a current breast cancer diagnosis

2) Patients that are having prophylactic mastectomy only, e.g. for BRCA1 or BRCA2

3) Patients that are having nipple-sparing mastectomy

4) Patients that do not need a significant breast lift

5) Patients that have not had previous breast/chest radiation


By limiting the procedure to women who fulfill these strict criteria the surgical results are far more predictable and very cosmetic. The risk of further revision or "touch up" procedures is also very low.

I hope this info helps.

Dr C

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PRMA Plastic Surgery specializes in advanced breast reconstruction including DIEP flap, SIEA flap, GAP flap, TUG flap, Alloderm One-Step and fat grafting. In-Network for most US insurance plans. Patients routinely welcomed from across the USA. Please call (800) 692-5565 or email patientadvocate@PRMAplasticsurgery.com to learn more about your breast reconstruction options. Connect with other breast cancer patients at facebook.com/PRMAplasticsurgery.

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