An allograft describes any human tissue that is transplanted from one person to another. Allografts include organs, such as kidneys, livers and hearts, as well as the most expansive human organ, the skin.

Surgical procedures and transplants utilizing allografts have been performed successfully for many years.

Alloderm dermal grafts are donated allograft skin that has been processed by the Lifecell® Corporation to remove cells and leave only the living dermis, or bottom layer of skin. Alloderm is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as human tissue and is used for the repair or replacement of damaged or inadequate dermal tissue. Alloderm has been in use since 1992 for burn patients, and since 1994 plastic and reconstructive surgeons have used it for implant procedures, to correct soft tissue defects, such as in lip augmentation, or for surface grafts, to cover cancer excisions and burns.

Dr. Kim uses Alloderm as a soft tissue filler for various defects of the face. He finds Alloderm to be quite successful for augmentation of the lips and of the folds from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth. The Alloderm graft remains soft and pliable and typically lasts for many years. Some recent studies have also shown that Alloderm may induce the formation of the body’s own collagen as it is slowly reabsorbed by the body. These procedures are often done under local anesthesia in the office.

For more information, please visit the Lifecell® Corporation website.