DIEP Flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap)
π Most common and advanced method that uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen but preserves the abdominal muscles.
β Uses only skin and fat (no muscle)
β Tummy tuck effect β Flattens the abdomen
β Best for women with extra belly fat
β Requires microsurgery to reconnect blood vessels
β Long-lasting & natural results
π‘ Considered the “gold standard” for breast reconstruction due to its durability and natural appearance.
SIEA Flap (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap)
π Similar to DIEP but with different blood vessels.
β Also taken from the lower abdomen
β Less invasive than DIEP but only suitable for certain patients
β Not as commonly performed due to variability in blood supply
π‘ Best for women who have good superficial blood vessels but want to avoid deeper surgery.
TRAM Flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap)
π Uses skin, fat, and part of the rectus muscle from the lower abdomen.
β Tummy tuck effect β Flattens the abdomen
β Can be pedicled (remains attached) or free (requires microsurgery)
β More invasive than DIEP, since it removes part of the abdominal muscle
β Higher risk of abdominal weakness compared to DIEP
π‘ Best for women who do not qualify for DIEP but have enough lower abdominal tissue.
SGAP/IGAP Flap (Superior/Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap)
π Uses tissue from the buttocks instead of the abdomen.
β Best for thin women who donβt have enough belly fat
β Leaves no muscle loss (only skin & fat)
β Natural feel & permanent results
β More challenging surgery, requires a skilled microsurgeon
π‘ An alternative for women who cannot have abdominal flap procedures.
TUG Flap (Transverse Upper Gracilis Flap)
π Uses tissue from the inner thigh to create a breast.
β Provides a natural breast shape
β Results in slimmer inner thighs (like a thigh lift)
β Small to medium-sized breast reconstruction
β May include some muscle loss
π‘ Best for women who want a moderate breast size and also desire thigh contouring.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap
π Uses skin, fat, and muscle from the upper back to reconstruct the breast.
β Reliable blood supply β Less risk of complications
β Can be combined with an implant if more volume is needed
β Leaves a scar on the back but is well-hidden
β Muscle removal may cause some back weakness
π‘ Best for women who lack sufficient tissue in the abdomen or thighs.
FAT GRAFTING (LIPOFILLING)
π Minimally invasive method that uses fat transferred from another area of the body.
β No large incisions or scars
β Good for small volume reconstruction or fine-tuning other procedures
β Requires multiple sessions for best results
β Not ideal for full breast reconstruction
π‘ Best for women who need minor corrections after another reconstruction surgery.
Comparison of Breast Reconstruction Methods
Procedure | Tissue Source | Uses Muscle? | Microsurgery Required? | Best For |
DIEP Flap | Lower abdomen | β No | β
Yes | Women wanting a tummy tuck effect with no muscle loss |
SIEA Flap | Lower abdomen | β No | β
Yes | Women with good superficial blood vessels |
TRAM Flap | Lower abdomen | β
Yes | β
Yes (if free flap) or β No (if pedicled) | Women who donβt qualify for DIEP |
SGAP/IGAP Flap | Buttocks | β No | β
Yes | Thin women with no abdominal tissue |
TUG Flap | Inner thighs | β
Yes | β
Yes | Women wanting a thigh lift effect |
Latissimus Dorsi Flap | Upper back | β
Yes | β No (usually) | Women lacking abdominal or thigh fat |
Fat Grafting | Any area with extra fat | β No | β No | Small corrections, not full reconstruction |
π‘ Choosing the right method depends on your body type, health, and goals!
What Are the Benefits of Using Your Own Tissue for Breast Reconstruction?
π Compared to implants, autologous reconstruction offers:
β More natural look & feel β Soft, warm, and moves naturally
β No foreign materials β Eliminates implant-related complications
β Permanent results β No replacements needed
β Better symmetry β Since the tissue is your own, it ages naturally
π‘ Most women prefer flap reconstruction for a lifelong, natural result.
Who Performs These Procedures?
π These surgeries require a skilled:
β Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon β Specializing in breast reconstruction
β Microsurgeon β Reconnects tiny blood vessels for free flap procedures
β Breast Cancer Reconstruction Specialist β Experienced with mastectomy patientsπ‘ Only highly trained specialists perform advanced microsurgical techniques like DIEP, SGAP, and TUG flaps.
How Much Does Autologous Breast Reconstruction Cost in Turkey?
π Turkey offers world-class reconstruction at a fraction of the cost compared to the USA and UK.
Procedure | Cost in Turkey (β¬/$) | Cost in USA ($) | Cost in UK (Β£) |
DIEP Flap | β¬7,000 β β¬12,000 ($7,500 β $13,000) | $25,000 β $50,000 | Β£18,000 β Β£30,000 |
SGAP/IGAP Flap | β¬8,000 β β¬14,000 ($8,500 β $15,000) | $30,000 β $60,000 | Β£22,000 β Β£35,000 |
TRAM Flap | β¬6,000 β β¬10,000 ($6,500 β $11,000) | $15,000 β $35,000 | Β£12,000 β Β£25,000 |
π‘ Turkey offers expert microsurgery at affordable prices!
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π Safe, affordable, and expert breast reconstruction in Turkey!