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Hybrid Breast Reconstruction

What is Hybrid Breast Reconstruction?

If you want implants but desire a more natural look and feel than what implants alone can offer, then a hybrid breast reconstruction may hold the solution.

Hybrid breast reconstruction, also referred to as hybrid breast augmentation, combines the benefits of both implant-based and natural tissue reconstruction into one cohesive solution. 

Many women choose hybrid breast reconstruction when they desire a more natural look and feel than implants can offer on their own, but may not be eligible, or may not prefer, to undergo full natural tissue reconstruction like a DIEP flap.

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PRMA - Hybrid Breast Reconstruction - What is Hybrid Breast Reconstruction

Key Information

  • Combines natural tissue and implant for improved aesthetics and softness.
  • Ideal for patients with thin or radiated skin where implant-only reconstruction may not be successful.
  • It uses a smaller flap of natural tissue, often from the abdomen, thigh, or back, to add coverage over the implant.
  • May reduce the risk of implant-related complications like rippling, capsular contracture, or implant exposure.
  • It can enhance breast symmetry and contour, especially in revision or corrective cases.
  • Offers a more natural look and feel than implant-only reconstruction.
  • Less invasive than full autologous flap procedures, with shorter recovery in some cases.
  • It can be performed as an initial reconstruction or as a revision after failed implant-based surgery.
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What to Expect During Surgery

Hybrid breast reconstruction is typically performed under general anesthesia and may be done at the same time as your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or at a later date (delayed reconstruction). 

During surgery, a small flap of your own natural tissue, often from the lower abdomen, thigh, or back, is microsurgically transferred to your chest. This tissue provides soft, healthy coverage over a breast implant, improving it’s support, appearance, and long-term durability.

Depending on your unique situation, surgery may last several hours and could involve one or both breasts. In some cases, hybrid breast reconstruction can also include advanced techniques to restore sensation in the reconstructed breast. sensation restoration techniques.

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PRMA - Hybrid Breast Reconstruction - What to expect during surgery

Recovery Timeline

  • Week 1:
    With any breast reconstruction surgery, you'll spend the first few days recovering in the hospital, where we monitor your flap and implant closely to ensure proper healing. You'll have surgical drains in place, and it’s normal to feel sore, swollen, and tired.
  • Week 2:
    By the second week, most patients have returned home and are gradually increasing light activity. You’ll continue caring for your drains (if still in place), attend your first post-op follow-up, and begin to feel more mobile each day.
  • Week 3-4:
    Many patients begin to feel significantly better. If healing is progressing well, drains are usually removed, and gentle stretching may be introduced. You may still need to avoid lifting, driving, or strenuous activity, but walking and light household tasks are typically safe and encouraged by this time.
  • Week 5-6:
    Energy levels continue to rise, and your body is adjusting well to the new breast shape. Mild soreness and swelling may persist, especially near the donor site or implant area, but daily activities become easier.
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The Nation’s Destination for
Sensation Restoration

PRMA has transformed breast reconstruction with their revolutionary TruSense® procedure, a proprietary technique that restores breast sensation in qualified patients, giving back not just form, but feeling.
About TruSense®

Am I a Candidate for Hybrid Breast Reconstruction?

Hybrid breast reconstruction isn’t the best fit for everyone. While it offers a unique blend of benefits from implants and natural tissue, candidacy depends on your anatomy, medical history, and reconstruction goals. 

You may be a strong candidate for hybrid breast reconstruction if:

  • You have thin or radiated chest skin and need added tissue coverage over an implant
  • You want a more natural look and feel than implants alone can provide
  • You’re not eligible or prefer not to undergo full flap (natural tissue only) reconstruction
  • You’re seeking revision of a previous implant reconstruction
  • You have adequate donor tissue in areas like the abdomen, thigh, or back
  • You want to reduce the risk of implant-related complications (like rippling or capsular contracture)
  • You’re healthy enough for a longer surgery involving both microsurgery and implant placement
  • You’re looking for a customized approach that balances aesthetic goals with recovery considerations
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Find Your Surgeon

PRMA is the only center in San Antonio, Texas, and one of the few centers worldwide that offers breast reconstruction on such a large scale. Discover why thousands of women travel from across Texas, the US, and the world for their breast reconstruction surgery. We are proud to have a tremendous global reputation for surgical excellence.
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Dr. Peter Ledoux
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgical techniques
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Dr. Steven Pisano

Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and complex microsurgery

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Dr. Chet Nastala
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in advanced breast reconstruction
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Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo
Championing Advanced Breast Reconstruction Access Nationwide
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Dr. Oscar Ochoa
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
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Dr. Gary Arishita
Dedicated to Restoring Confidence Through Expert Reconstruction
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Dr. Andrew Gassman
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery
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Dr. Anton Fries
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in advanced lymphatic surgery and reconstructive microsurgery
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Dr. Lauren Whipple
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and reconstructive care
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Dr. Tyler Merceron

Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgical care

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Dr. Courtney Carpenter
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction
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Dr. Edwin Acevedo
Plastic & Reconstructive Microsurgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgery

Will Insurance Cover a Hybrid Breast Reconstruction?

In most cases, insurance will cover a hybrid breast reconstruction. Under the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), all group health plans and insurers that cover mastectomy are also required to cover breast reconstruction procedures, including hybrid breast reconstruction.  

At PRMA, our team works closely with patients and insurance providers to verify coverage and maximize benefits. 

For more information, visit Insurance FAQs in the patient resource center.

Insurance FAQs
PRMA - Abdominal Flaps - Preparing for surgery

Preparing for Surgery

Many of our patients travel in from all parts of the country for breast cancer surgery and reconstruction. To help you prepare, our team will walk you through every step, from pre-op planning to travel arrangements, to ensure a smooth and supported experience.

Learn more about:
Preparing for Surgery
Travel Accomodations

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the natural tissue in a hybrid reconstruction still require microsurgery like a full flap procedure?
Yes, hybrid reconstruction still involves microsurgery to transfer a small flap of your natural tissue from a donor site. However, the surgery is typically less extensive because the amount of tissue needed is smaller than in full flap procedures (like DIEP or PAP).
Can hybrid reconstruction be performed after radiation therapy?
Yes—and in fact, hybrid reconstruction is often an excellent solution for patients who have undergone radiation. By adding a layer of healthy, vascularized tissue over the implant, hybrid reconstruction improves healing, reduces implant risks, and leads to better long-term results for radiated patients.
What donor sites are typically used for the tissue portion of a hybrid reconstruction?
The most common donor site is the lower abdomen (like in a DIEP or mini-DIEP flap), but smaller flaps from the thigh (PAP or TUG flaps) or back (latissimus dorsi flap) may also be used, depending on your body type and goals.
Can sensation be restored in a hybrid reconstruction like it can with natural tissue-only flaps?
In many cases, yes. While sensation restoration is more commonly associated with full natural tissue reconstruction, PRMA’s innovative TruSense® technique may still be used during hybrid procedures.

Restore Confidence with a Hybrid Breast Reconstruction

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