What
is Alloderm and Cymetra
Alloderm and injectable Alloderm called Cymetra are implants used
to make lips bigger, soften cheek folds, improve scars and more.
Skin is made up of two layers the epidermis and the supporting layer
called the dermis. Alloderm is human skin processed by LifeCell
Corporation to remove the epidermis and all the cells from the dermis.
The end product is the framework of skin. When placed in a patient
the framework serves as a scaffold to encourage in growth of the
patients' own cells. Alloderm was the company's first product and
was initially used for the treatment of burn victims. It comes in
freeze dried sheets ranging in a multitude of sizes. Cymetra is injectable
Alloderm made by breaking sheets up into small pieces 100-200 microns
in size. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulate
it. Dr. Maloney participated in the FDA approval process of the
injectable Cymetra.
Is
Alloderm safe?
The U.S. Tissue Bank rigorously screens all tissue donor's medical
records, cause of death, and social history. Blood samples are tested
for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C, and HIV types 1 and 2. Since 1992
over 50,000 Alloderm implants have been used.
Where
is Alloderm used?
Dr. Maloney conducted a study in 1997 using Alloderm and lip augmentation.
It was found to be a very successful implant to give fullness to
lips. One of the exciting characteristics of the Alloderm augmented
lips was the fact that the lips felt soft and were symmetrical.
The implants have been used successfully to soften the line between
the cheek and the mouth, to elevate depressed scars, and in rhinoplasty
and blepharoplasty procedures.
Alloderm is
placed through small incisions, which are closed with dissolvable
sutures. Patients generally experience temporary swellingand rarely
bruising. Cymetra injections are similarly very simple however the
material is placed with an injection. Dr. Maloney recommends that
his patients take a medrol (steroid) dose pack or anti-inflammatory
to decrease swelling following the injection and hopefully increase
the amount of material that stays.
dried sheets ranging in a multitude of sizes. Cymetra is injectable
Alloderm made by breaking sheets up into small pieces 100-200 microns
in size. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strictly regulate
it. Dr. Maloney participated in the FDA approval process of the
injectable Cymetra.