AlloDerm® Lip Enhancement

Q: What is AlloDerm?
A: AlloDerm is normal human tissue, donated to U.S. tissue banks in much the same way that other transplantable organs are. It is then put through a special process to enhance its safety, while retaining all the components your body needs to make it your own tissue.

Q: How does AlloDerm work?
A: AlloDerm provides the collagen structure and proteins beneath the skin that help your body's own tissue regrow. Once in place, it fills in the missing tissue and eventually is integrated into your own. In fact, once recovery is complete, you won't be able to tell the AlloDerm was ever there.

Q: Why is AlloDerm the best option over other materials?
A: Human tissue is always the best material for tissue repair. AlloDerm is human tissue. For your doctor, using AlloDerm means not having to take tissue from another part of your body-a procedure called an autograft. For you, that means only one surgical site, not two. It also means a quicker return to daily activities and potentially a better cosmetic result.

AlloDerm is also a much better option than synthetic materials, such as Gore-Tex®. Since synthetic materials are not recognized as human tissue by the body, the treatment site often doesn't heal correctly. Sometimes, the body thinks the synthetic is an invader and tries to push it out of the body. This is called "extrusion." AlloDerm will not be extruded by the body, which means fewer potential complications, a faster recovery for you, and better cosmetic results.

Q: How safe is AlloDerm?
A: AlloDerm is extremely safe. In seven years of use and more than 50,000 grafts, there hasn't been even one reported case of a virus or disease being transmitted to a patient who received AlloDerm.

Q: Since AlloDerm isn't my own skin, isn't there a high risk of complications?
A: Actually, there is a lower risk of certain complications with AlloDerm than with other options-even your own skin. Unlike autografts, AlloDerm doesn't contain damaged cells that can lead to inflammation. And unlike synthetics, AlloDerm will consistently heal.

Q: Can AlloDerm be used with other procedures?
A: AlloDerm can be used alone or in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as laser skin rejuvenation, chemical peels, facial surgery or Diamond Wire.

If you would like to enhance the appearance of your lips, e-mail our cosmetic surgeons or call The Centre, P.C. today. The Centre, P.C. offers the latest cosmetic surgery procedures, including AlloDerm lip enhancement, to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534