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.
*Correlation of these results to results in humans is not established.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.”
