Combining Implants and Natural Tissue “HyFIL®”
Hybrid breast reconstruction combines natural tissue reconstruction and implant reconstruction to rebuild the breast.
In hybrid reconstruction, a flap of tissue is taken from a donor site such as the abdomen or back. A small implant is then incorporated, and together, the implant and the tissue flap are shaped into the new breast. This method is also commonly known as “HyFIL®” reconstruction.
Hybrid reconstruction is often used for women who are naturally thin and do not have a lot of excess tissue. In those cases, the amount of tissue taken from a donor site may not be enough to rebuild the breast on its own. On the other hand, thin patients are also prone to thinner breast skin, which can make implants more visible if used alone.
By combining the flap with an implant, a more natural appearance can be achieved. Placing the flap under the breast skin provides a warm, natural look and feel while the implant placed behind the flap provides volume and shape to the breast. This is similar to breast augmentation surgery where a smaller implant is used to enhance the shape of the overlying breast tissue.
Hybrid reconstruction can be performed with both saline or silicone implants as the overlying tissue helps to camouflage the implant. The recovery is similar to natural tissue reconstruction in that there is an additional surgical site (the donor tissue site) that will need to heal.
Combining Natural Tissue and Acellular Dermal Matrix “HyPAD™”
HyPAD™ Breast reconstruction is a type of hybrid breast reconstruction that uses a mix of both natural tissue and acellular dermal matrix (ADM). Combining these two approaches allows for the creation of a larger breast than may be possible with using your tissue alone. ADM is a collagen sheet, often used in breast reconstruction, and comes in varying sizes and thickness. The ADM is placed on top of your muscle and under your flap tissue. It is ideal for women who require a slight increase in breast volume and provides added projection that is desired without the need for an implant.
