GAP Breast Reconstruction & Other Free Flap Procedures

Charleston breast reconstruction patients have options for autologous reconstruction (using your own body’s tissues) even if they are not a candidate for the DIEP flap technique. Dr. O’Neill is experienced in performing GAP Breast Reconstruction commonly referred to as free flaps. The techniques used for these free flap procedures are very similar to the DIEP reconstruction. Any of the free flap procedures may be done at the time of the mastectomy or delayed until the patient is ready to proceed with breast reconstruction.

GAP Flaps

Women who are slender or have abdominal scarring from previous surgical procedures may not be candidates for the DIEP reconstruction. If this is the case, your surgeon may take skin and fat from either your upper (“superior”) or lower (“inferior”) buttock region. These are referred to as the “sGAP flap” or “iGAP flap” respectively. Both incisions are easily hidden with underwear.

TUG Flaps

The TUG flap (transverse upper gracilis) uses the inner portion of the upper thigh (just under the groin crease). This may be an option for women who are not candidates for a DIEP or choose not to have an abdominal scar. The scar is generally well hidden near the groin crease and patients also receive the added benefit of an inner thigh lift. Usually, women who have a TUG flap reconstruction have small to medium sized breasts.

SIEA Flaps

The SIEA (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery) is very similar to the DIEP flap. The main difference between the two procedures is the artery used to supply the blood flow to the new breast. The SIEA blood vessels are found in the fatty tissue below the skin of the abdomen, while the DIEP vessels are found deeper and within the abdominal muscle (which can make the procedure more technically difficult). Both procedures spare the abdominal muscle and use only the skin and fatty tissue.

The SIEA flap is only performed in only 10-20% of patients who want to use their abdominal tissue to reconstruct their breast because the SIEA vessels are most often too small to provide sufficient blood flow to the new breast. There are pre-operative tests that can determine whether the SIEA vessels can be used for reconstruction.

For more information, please click on one of the following:

• Immediate vs Delayed Reconstruction
• DIEP Flap Reconstruction
• Latissumus Flap Reconstruction
• Implant Reconstruction

Schedule Your Consultation in Charleston

Are you or a loved one interested in finding out more about GAP Breast Reconstruction Surgery? Schedule an appointment to talk with Dr. O’Neill and our expert staff in our plastic surgery clinic in Charleston, SC, conveniently and privately located on beautiful Daniel Island. Call us at 843-881-2130 or contact us online now.