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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · J Reconstr Microsurg Open 2017; 02(02): e124-e125
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1606355
Letter to the Editor: Short Report
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Stacked DIEP and Implant for Unilateral Breast Reconstruction

Elsie M. Rodebeck
1   Department of Breast Microsurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Craig A. Blum
2   Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, St. Charles Surgical Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana
,
Frank J. DellaCroce
2   Center for Restorative Breast Surgery, St. Charles Surgical Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

10 June 2017

27 July 2017

Publication Date:
30 August 2017 (online)

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The Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap is the preferred method of autogenous breast reconstruction as it provides an ideal replacement for the absent breast tissue with minimal donor site morbidity and improved abdominal contour. When a single hemiabdomen is inadequate for unilateral reconstruction the volume and projection can be augmented with an implant, or the experienced microsurgeon may offer stacked DIEP flaps.[1] An additional consideration would be the use of both hemiabdominal flaps in addition to an implant. This hybrid combination could maximize the autogenous contribution to the reconstruction allowing the use of a smaller implant. Additionally, total implant coverage with stacked DIEP flaps could help prevent rippling, improve projection, and lessen implant palpability. We describe two cases of hybrid reconstruction combining stacked DIEP flaps with immediate silicone implantation to improve reconstructive outcomes.

 

  • References

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