Combined DIEP and Implant Reconstruction
Hello, All.
Does anyone have any experience with or knowledge of having a combined DIEP and implant hybrid/"stacked" reconstruction?
My name is Erinn. I was diagnosed with DCIS grade 2 ER+ in my right breast on 6/22/26. For various reasons, including that I have pretty small breasts and a 3+ cm area of "excursions" that would leave the breast significantly mal-formed, I have decided to have a unilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I am, however, undecided as to what kind of reconstruction route I want to go with.
For multiple reasons, including and especially that it would look, move and feel like a "real" breast because it would be made entirely of my own tissues, I am inclined to go with a DIEP. However, I also don't want to pass up the opportunity to go up in cup size if I can (after a lifetime of body dysmorphia that has included shame about my small breasts). Unfortunately, my PS says that I only have enough abdominal tissue to go up in size nominally.
I am hesitant to do full-on implants in order to achieve an increase in breast size. The inevitable need for more surgery down the road simply because they will need replacing; the risk of rupture and leakage; the likelihood of capsular contracture; not feeling like a "natural" breast; increased risk of developing breast cancer (… again).
My PS says a combined DIEP and implant hybrid/"stacked" reconstruction is an option, though. I'm thinking it seems like maybe the "best of both worlds"?? However, I haven't really seen anyone's story or experience with this. Are they satisfied with the outcome? Did they experience "issues" down the road that they didn't see coming? Etc.
Thanks for taking the time to read all this, if you made it this far :)
Comments
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Hi @elanor.m!
We noticed your question hasn’t gotten any responses yet, so we wanted to bring it back to the Active Topics in case someone with experience in hybrid or stacked reconstruction can weigh in.
While you’re exploring your options, this Breastcancer.org article may also be useful:
We’d love to hear how your consultation goes and what you decide. We're thinking of you,
The Mods
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Hi Erin, my name is Angie, I’m waiting to have a diep surgery. I was offered to have it done last week as im now top of the waiting list. I had bc in 2014, double mastectomy, had implants put in May 2016. I’m very anxious about how they will look after and of course the size they will achieve from my belly. My implants are very firm and never had to wear a bra. But at 61 I want a softer feel to them, but don’t want to be any smaller, they are probably a b size, don’t know. But I was always a D so I do feel self conscious I was meant to have this surgery done a few years ago but the system lost me when COVID hit and I was forgotten. I’m not sure if I’m having a small implant put in or not. Feel rather last minute like “let’s get this lady sorted”? I really don’t want to get to surgery and about to be knocked out and find out it’s just my tummy they are using, I’m not really overweight but do have the belly. I’ve tried looking up stuff but can’t find any answers to how I may feel or look. This is a scary position isn’t it. Hope we both get answers. Take care, Angie.
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Welcome, @angiepangie65, and thank you so much for sharing your story! We completely understand the apprehension, there is a lot to process! Especially since it's been 10 years since your last surgery. Have you had a chance to meet or speak with the surgeon who will be performing the DIEP flap? You mention some questions, such as whether or not they're doing a stacked reconstruction or using just your abdominal skin and fat and what size you'd be, that your surgeon should be able to answer for you. Hopefully when you have more firm information in terms of scheduling and have had a chance to meet with your surgeon and ask questions, some of those concerns may ease.
Please keep us posted on how things move along for you, we're here for you!
The Mods
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