HUNTSVILLE, AL--(Marketwire - Dec 19, 2012) -  At his Huntsville plastic surgery practice, Dr. David L. Durst utilizes a state-of-the-art technique known as Acellular Dermal Matrix in order to enhance the safety and results of breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast revision surgeries that he performs. ADM helps address the need to create a pocket in the breast area for the implant.

When used in breast reconstruction, it is often an adjunct to traditional tissue expander placement. Dr. Durst says, "Using ADM in reconstruction is beneficial for a number of reasons. The ADM integrates into the tissue and essentially becomes a live piece of tissue in that patient. This makes it more resistant to infection and it generally stays soft and natural feeling. In general, it does not add to recovery time. Thus, it is utilized to reinforce the new pocket and create a sling to hold the implant in place." For cosmetic breast revision, it is somewhat the same philosophy as reconstruction but accomplished differently. In general, Dr. Durst says the ADM is utilized inferiorly in the breast, sometimes laterally, and sometimes medially, and adds that it can even be used as a volume filler to smooth out areas of wrinkles.

When asked about the effects ADM has had on the results of his breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast revision patients, Dr. Durst replied, "I think we are getting much better results with ADM than we did previously." He cites two distinct reasons for better results: "Malpositioning of breast implants has been drastically reduced, and there appear to be some early reports that capsular contracture associated with breast reconstruction is reduced in patients with ADM which will be of tremendous benefit."

In regards to candidacy for ADM, the Huntsville plastic surgeon says a patient wishing to maintain her pre-operative breast size following her surgery is typically the ideal candidate for the technique. However, some of the ADM is processed with certain chemicals and drugs that patients may be allergic to, and Dr. Durst says there can be situations where severe radiation damage from prior treatment may not be a good situation for the patient so a flap type reconstruction should be utilized. He also adds that those interested in the use of ADM during their breast surgery should always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure the safest and most effective results.

About David L. Durst, M.D.

A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School, Dr. David Durst has been serving the Huntsville, AL community with the highest level of plastic surgical care since 1987. In 2001, he co-founded the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities and the only free-standing plastic surgical center in Huntsville. Dr. Durst is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He is also certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.