Achieve natural-looking results with hybrid and implant-based breast reconstruction, ideal for restoring breast shape after mastectomy or trauma. Dr. Stephen Lu, an expert in advanced reconstructive techniques, customizes each procedure to enhance symmetry, softness, and contour, ensuring patients regain confidence and comfort in their appearance.
Reconstruct your breasts using fat and/or implants
Hybrid breast reconstruction combines implants with fat grafting to create a more natural shape and feel. Fat is taken from another part of your body and used to soften edges or enhance areas around the implant. Implant-based reconstruction, on the other hand, uses silicone or saline implants to restore breast shape. These are ideal if you’re looking to regain fullness, symmetry, and confidence after a mastectomy. Dr. Lu personalizes every approach to meet your unique needs, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported.
Hybrid & implant-based breast reconstruction treat:
- Loss of breast volume and shape after mastectomy
- Irregularities or asymmetry in the chest
- Concerns about implant edges or unnatural contours
- Unsatisfactory outcomes from prior reconstructions
Hybrid vs. implant-based breast reconstruction
Hybrid breast reconstruction
Hybrid breast reconstruction combines implants with fat grafting to achieve a more natural appearance and feel. Silicone or saline implants provide the foundational shape and volume of the breast, while fat grafting enhances the contours and softens the overall result.
Fat is harvested from another part of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks, through liposuction. This fat is then purified and injected strategically around the implant to smooth edges, fill gaps, and create a seamless transition between the implant and surrounding tissue. Hybrid reconstruction is ideal for patients who desire enhanced symmetry, softer contours, or improvements in areas where implants alone might create sharp or unnatural lines. It is a versatile technique that balances structure with a natural look and feel.
Implant-based breast reconstruction
Implant-based breast reconstruction relies solely on silicone or saline implants to restore the shape and volume of the breast after mastectomy or trauma. This method is often chosen by patients who prefer a straightforward, less invasive option.
The process typically involves placing an implant under the chest muscle or beneath the skin, depending on the patient’s anatomy and preference. Implant-based reconstruction can be performed immediately during mastectomy or as a delayed procedure. While it provides excellent volume and shape, this method may occasionally result in visible edges or a less natural contour. Patients with sufficient soft tissue coverage often achieve the best outcomes, but additional techniques, such as fat grafting, can later refine the results if desired.
Candidacy for hybrid & implant-based breast reconstruction
You may be a candidate for hybrid or implant-based breast reconstruction if you want to restore breast shape and volume after mastectomy, trauma, or surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Lu will evaluate your medical history, body composition, and personal goals to recommend the best approach for you. He’ll assess your skin quality, tissue availability, and health to determine if hybrid reconstruction (implants with fat grafting) or implant-only reconstruction suits your needs. This evaluation ensures you achieve the most natural and satisfying results possible.
Advantages of hybrid & implant-based breast reconstruction:
- Combines the structure of implants with the natural feel of fat grafting
- Enhances breast contour and softness for a more natural appearance
- Allows customization to achieve symmetry and proportional balance
- Improves coverage over implants for a smoother transition
- Provides a solution for patients with limited tissue for autologous reconstruction
- Offers flexibility to refine results in future stages if desired
- Reduces visible implant edges or rippling with added fat grafting
- Creates fuller, shapelier breasts with a natural look and feel
- Shorter recovery times compared to fully autologous procedures
Your hybrid & implant-based breast reconstruction procedure
Your hybrid or implant-based breast reconstruction is carefully planned and performed by Dr. Lu to deliver optimal results. On the day of surgery, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia. The hybrid reconstruction begins with liposuction to harvest adipose tissue from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The harvested fat is processed using filtration techniques to purify and prepare it for grafting. Dr. Lu then creates pockets for implant placement, either beneath the pectoralis major muscle or in a pre-pectoral position.
Once the implant is positioned and secured, Dr. Lu uses the purified fat to refine the reconstruction. He injects the fat strategically around the implant, focusing on areas requiring additional contouring or soft tissue coverage. This ensures smoother transitions, improved symmetry, and a more natural look. Incisions are meticulously closed with layered sutures to optimize healing and minimize scarring. Drain placement may be necessary to reduce fluid buildup, and Dr. Lu will provide personalized postoperative care instructions to support your recovery and maximize results.
Recovery from hybrid & implant-based breast reconstruction
Recovery from hybrid and implant-based breast reconstruction is a gradual process. After surgery, you will have dressings and, in some cases, surgical drains to manage swelling and fluid accumulation. Dr. Lu will provide detailed aftercare instructions, including instructions on how to care for your incisions and drains. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal and can be managed with prescribed medications. You’ll be advised to wear a supportive surgical bra to minimize swelling and promote healing.
Most patients can resume light activities, such as walking, within a few days. Dr. Lu typically advises avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Final results, including the integration of fat grafting and soft tissue healing, usually become apparent within 3 to 6 months as swelling fully resolves and the transferred fat stabilizes.
Hybrid & implant-based breast reconstruction FAQs
How long does the procedure take?
The length of the surgery depends on whether you’re having a hybrid or implant-based reconstruction and the complexity of your case. Typically, implant-based reconstruction takes 1-2 hours, while hybrid reconstruction, which includes liposuction and fat grafting, can take 3-5 hours. Dr. Lu will provide an estimated timeline during your consultation.
What if I’ve already had breast reconstruction?
If you’ve had a previous reconstruction that didn’t meet your expectations, hybrid reconstruction can be an excellent option for revision. Fat grafting can enhance symmetry and correct irregularities, while implant replacement or adjustment can refine shape and volume.
Will the results look and feel natural?
Yes, especially with hybrid reconstruction. Combining implants for structure with fat grafting for soft tissue coverage creates natural contours and a lifelike feel. Implant-only reconstruction also offers excellent results, but hybrid techniques can further enhance symmetry and softness.
How long does recovery take?
Initial recovery typically lasts 4-6 weeks, during which you’ll need to limit physical activity and follow Dr. Lu’s aftercare instructions. Most swelling resolves in 6-8 weeks, but final results, including the stabilization of fat grafting, may take up to 6 months to become apparent.
Can I combine this procedure with other surgeries?
Yes, hybrid or implant-based breast reconstruction can often be combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or body contouring. This can be discussed during your consultation to align with your goals and medical needs.
Meet Dr. Stephen Lu
Dr. Stephen Lu is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with subspecialty training in microsurgery, craniofacial, and pediatric surgery. Renowned for his expertise in advanced breast reconstruction techniques, Dr. Lu combines world-class skills with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. Trusted by patients and peers alike, Dr. Lu’s meticulous attention to detail ensures exceptional outcomes. Schedule a consultation today to explore how hybrid and implant-based breast reconstruction can be tailored to meet your unique needs.
