Flap Reconstruction Mastectomy Gallery

Surgeons perform flap surgery to reconstruct the breast by transferring the patient’s own tissue from a donor site to the new breast. Creating a ‘foob’ from the patient’s own tissue can look and feel more natural for some. The term “flap” refers to the segment of tissue, often with blood vessels, used in the operation.

Different types of flap surgeries exist, named by the donor site of the tissue. Common options include:
– Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap: Uses skin and fat from the lower abdominal area while preserving muscles. Blood vessels are carefully reconnected.
– Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle (TRAM) Flap: Utilises tissue from the lower abdomen, sometimes involving the transplantation of abdominal muscle.
– Latissimus Dorsi (LD) Flap: Involves transferring muscle, skin, and fat from the upper back (LD muscle) to the chest, with the option of using a breast implant.
– Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator (SGAP) Flap: Uses tissue from the upper buttock while sparing the muscle.
– Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator (IGAP) Flap: Similar to SGAP, but uses tissue from the lower buttock.

Flap surgery offers a natural-feeling outcome can entail a longer recovery period compared to some other reconstruction methods. Patients considering flap surgery should consult with a plastic or reconstructive surgeon to determine the most suitable approach based on their unique circumstances.