What is Stacked Flap Reconstruction?
Stacked flap reconstruction can be done for women who choose autologous breast reconstruction and do not have enough belly fat for a traditional DIEP flap surgery. Because the Stacked flap procedure requires special surgical training as well as expertise in microsurgery, not all surgeons can offer it and it’s not available at all hospitals. However, Dr. Cusimano is a highly skilled plastic surgeon with microsurgery training, so you can be sure you are in good hands.
Who is a Candidate for Stacked Flap Reconstruction?
Women who don’t have a lot of excess belly tissue and aren’t eligible for a standard DIEP flap surgery can often benefit from Stacked flap reconstruction. The Stacked flap procedure can also only be used for one-sided breast reconstruction. If you are having both breasts reconstructed, a combination of flaps can be used to achieve the required volume for cosmetically pleasing reconstruction. A consultation with Dr. Cusimano is the best way to determine if this flap technique is right for you.
The Stacked Flap Procedure
During the Stacked flap procedure, a horizontal incision is made between the hipbones, and Dr. Cusimano takes the entire flap of tissue from the lower abdomen or one flap from each side. He will then stack the flaps or fold the flap in half to create a new breast. Stacking the flaps in this manner can help to provide needed volume. The small blood vessels in the flap(s) as matched to the blood vessels in your chest and reattached under a microscope.
Another form of stacked flaps for bilateral breast reconstruction would involve taking skin and fat from the lower abdomen and combining this with another donor source such as the inner thighs and recreating each breast with a combination of both flaps. This allows for increased volume for those patients who started out with larger breasts than what their abdominal tissue will provide them.
Because tissue is moved from the belly to the chest your belly will be flatter and tighter, as if you had a tummy tuck.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following your Stacked flap procedure, you will be admitted to a hospital room, where you will need to stay for about 3-4 days. You will have scars on your breasts, near your navel, and on your abdomen, which will heal over time. It can take about six weeks to recover from Stacked flap reconstruction. You may need to wear a compression garment for up to eight weeks during recovery. Be sure to follow Dr. Cusimano’s specific recovery instructions for best results.
