Stacked Flaps

The term “Stacked Flaps” refers to the use of more than one flap to restore the breast. This is necessary when there is not enough volume or skin available at a single donor site. It allows for total autogenous breast reconstruction.

In the case of a unilateral (one breast) reconstruction, two flaps are used to restore one breast. Typically, two flaps from the same donor area will be used such as stacked DIEP, bi-pedicle DIEP, stacked PAP, or stacked GAP. This approach will allow optimization of the symmetry in the area of the body where the tissue is used.

In patients undergoing bilateral (two-breast) reconstruction, symmetric donor sites will be used as well. A common combination that we use is the DIEP-PAP Flaps. This allows the execution of this complex surgery without having to reposition the patient intra-operatively. We also offer the DIEP-SGAP combination, which also has been referred to as the Body Lift Flap.

What to expect after a Stacked Flap:

A hospital stay of 2 nights for unilateral (one breast) and 3 nights for bilateral (two breasts) procedures is the norm. Patients should refrain from strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks. Discomfort is well controlled by the use of long-acting local anesthetic and nerve blocks. Patients can typically resume driving at 2 weeks and return to work at 3 weeks post-operatively.