Hybrid Breast Reconstruction

Hybrid breast reconstruction gives you the benefits of both implant-based and tissue-based breast reconstruction. It uses your own tissue to create a soft, natural look and an implant to provide fullness and balance.

At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, our surgeons use advanced techniques to tailor this approach so it’s right for your body type, cancer treatment and personal goals.

Request a consultation with a breast reconstruction specialist.

Learn more about implant-based reconstruction and autologous (tissue flap) reconstruction.

How hybrid reconstruction works

In a hybrid breast reconstruction, your surgeon uses tissue from another part of your body, such as your abdomen or back, to form a natural base for your new breast. They add an implant underneath or inside of that tissue to add fullness, shape and balance.

You can have this combination breast reconstruction during your mastectomy or later, depending on your treatment plan. It’s often performed in one surgery, but it can also be done in stages for fine-tuning.

By combining natural tissue with an implant, your surgeon can get a softer, more balanced result that feels more like your natural breast.

When this approach is recommended

Hybrid reconstruction may be a good choice if you:

• Don’t have enough tissue in your abdomen or back for full flap reconstruction
• Want better balance with more symmetrical breasts after a previous implant or flap procedure
• Need additional fullness on one side
• Have had radiation therapy and need tissue to cover an implant and heal better

If you’re exploring tissue-based breast reconstruction options, learn about abdominal tissue reconstruction (DIEP flaps or TRAM flaps) and back tissue reconstruction (latissimus dorsi flap).

Benefits of hybrid breast reconstruction

This type of implant and flap reconstruction offers several advantages. It:

• Combines the natural softness of your own tissue with the shape and lift you get from an implant
• Improves the shape of your breast, especially after you’ve had radiation therapy
• Reduces the risk of rippling or implant edges that you can see
• Helps make your breasts balanced and symmetrical when you’re reconstructing only one breast

Because it uses both tissue and implant, hybrid reconstruction can be customized for your body and your long-term needs.

Risks and considerations

Hybrid reconstruction uses both implant and tissue procedures, so you need to work with a surgeon who has advanced microsurgery skills and the operation takes longer.

Possible complications from this natural-look breast reconstruction include:

• Infection
• Slow wound healing
• Fluid buildup 
• The implant moving
• Capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant and squeezes it
• Scarring on the chest and the site where the tissue was removed

Learn more about risks and complications.

Recovery and aftercare

After hybrid breast reconstruction, most people stay in the hospital for two to four days. Keep these points in mind:

• You may feel soreness in the area where tissue was removed and in your chest for several weeks.
• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for six to eight weeks. 
• Follow your care team’s recovery plan closely. Follow-up visits help your surgeon make sure you’re healing well and your implants and tissue are settling properly.

Read more about recovery and aftercare.

Who may be a good candidate?

Hybrid reconstruction may be a good fit if you:

• Want a more natural look and feel than you would get with implants alone
• Don’t have enough tissue for a full flap reconstruction
• Are revising a previous reconstruction
• Are in good overall health 
• Don’t smoke

Your surgeon will discuss your goals and help you decide whether implant-based reconstruction, autologous (tissue-based) reconstruction or combination reconstruction is your best option.

Learn how to weigh your choices in deciding what’s right for you.

Why choose Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center?

At Banner MD Anderson, your care team includes reconstructive surgeons trained in both flap microsurgery and implant techniques. We work closely with your cancer care team to create a reconstruction plan that’s safe and designed to fit your life.

Our goal is to help you heal fully, physically and emotionally, so you can move forward with confidence.  

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