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Alloderm Penile Enlargement Procedure
NOTE: The Male Enhancement Centers and Dr. Elist does not perform AlloDerm Penile Enlargement Procedures. The following material is solely for information purposes.
Complications reported in this section are based on phalloplasty revision surgeries performed at our facility due to previous AlloDerm procedures and associated complications. The introduction of the acellular dermal matrix (e.g. AlloDerm) into medical practices has resulted in improved outcomes in a variety of surgeries, including breast reconstructions and hernia repair procedures. It is the most popular brand in the field of acellular dermal matrices. However, it is important to note that AlloDerm is not appropriate for all types of surgeries, and may often result in negative consequences, such as infection, if not aptly used.
AlloDerm consists of cadaveric “…donated human skin tissue supplied by US AATB-compliant tissue bank [which] is [then] aseptically processed using LifeCell’s proprietary technique [in order] to remove the epidermis and cells that can lead to tissue rejection and graft failure. The [final product] is an intact acellular matrix of natural biological components that promotes rapid revascularization, white cell migration and cell repopulation, as shown in animal studies*” (LifeCell). *Correlation of these results to results in humans is not established.
Regenerative Quality Of Alloderm
AlloDerm is normally used to repair damaged sections in hernia and breast reconstruction procedures. AlloDerm aids the regenerative process by providing a framework that facilitates the migration of new cells and blood vessels into the tissue “rather than triggering a scarring response. [Furthermore], AlloDerm® Regenerative Tissue Matrix allows [the body] to follow its own regenerative process—restoring tissue to its original structural, functional, and physiological condition (LifeCell).
AlloDerm® Specific Usage
According to the product’s manufacturer, it is currently recommended for:
- Abdominal wall reconstruction
- Breast reconstruction
- ENT/head and neck plastic reconstruction
- It is NOT specifically indicated for penile/genital use
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Alloderm’s Popularity
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Gradually, some surgeons who perform penile enlargement procedures have turned to the use of AlloDerm. In penile enlargement procedures, surgeons attempt to increase the girth of the male penis by layering sheets of it (usually 1 to 6 sheets), resulting in a greater penile shaft circumference.
While the regenerative properties of AlloDerm have benefited inguinal hernia and breast reconstructive procedures, the same properties may pose a high risk of failure if used in inappropriate locations of the body, including the penis.
The use of AlloDerm in penile enlargement procedures has resulted in many complications, including seromas, infections, and skin necrosis and loss. A failed neovascularization (growth of new vessels into the matrix) results in matrix loss, internal necrosis and skin damage.
Suitability Of Alloderm
The simultaneous integration of the matrix into the shaft tissue and the overlying penile skin causes severe adhesion, leading to skin necrosis and loss. Furthermore, the inadequate number of AlloDerm sheets implanted provides only a relatively small gain in overall penis girth, which frequently decreases over time due to tissue absorption. Moreover, this tissue absorption results in an asymmetric penile appearance.
Alloderm Complications
The complications and patient complaints noted include, but are not limited to:
- Asymmetric appearance of the penis
- Temporary, rather than permanent results
- Moderate to severe skin adhesion resulting in skin necrosis
- Severe and life-threatening infections caused by the AlloDerm
Conclusion
The two cases reported above are only a small fraction of similar or identical cases treated at our facility. The vast majority of complications are due to unsuccessful AlloDerm insertion into the penis for girth enhancement. The internal damage to the penis skin is usually more severe than any external skin evaluation would suggest. The internal damage to the penis skin is usually more severe than any external skin evaluation would suggest.
While AlloDerm has been successfully used in a variety of surgeries in other parts of the body, including breast reconstruction and hernia repair, the use of the product in penile enlargement surgeries has consistently resulted in damaging and irremovable complications.
Evidence
CASE #1: Acute, Severe Alloderm Infection
Patient: 33-year-old Caucasian male with AlloDerm penile enlargement procedure performed one week prior to visiting our clinic. Presented with high fever, penis redness and swelling. The patient was transferred to the operating room for immediate removal. During the procedure, the infected sheets (a total of 4) were removed and associated skin adhesions were released. The infected sheet had caused multiple necrotic skin areas, which were surgically removed and primarily closed. After the initial recovery, two additional surgeries were needed to completely free the adhered skin from the shaft. Total recovery time was 7 months.
CASE #2: Gradual Diminution Of Alloderm Sheets, Resulting In Temporary Results
Patient: 47-year-old Caucasian male with AlloDerm penile enlargement procedure performed 8 months prior to visiting our clinic. The patient requested that all sheets be removed. He reported an initial girth increase of 0.75 inches after AlloDerm surgery, but it had now completely diminished due to tissue absorption. As a result of the absorption, the penis appeared asymmetric. During the first procedure, in which the sheets were removed and skin adhesions were released, it was determined that the strongly vascularized AlloDerm had left the skin damaged internally insofar that further surgery was postponed for one year in order to evaluate future skin conditions.
CASE #3: Failed Alloderm Penile Enlargement Patient, Ready To Raise Awareness By Going Live.
Patient: He had the AlloDerm penile enlargement procedure performed 5 years before contacting us. The patient was prepared to raise public awareness about AlloDerm penile enlargement procedure. Patient Speaking: “In looking over the information needed, it appears that I cannot qualify [for the silicone penile implant procedure] since I had an AlloDerm procedure in 2008. I have spoken with Dr. Elist in the past over the phone and he had told me then that I would need to have surgery to remove the sheets… I went through an enlargement procedure that did not work and in fact resulted in a problem.”
Random Alloderm Cases:
CASE A
CASE B
CASE C
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