Surgical Methods of Breast Reconstruction Using Your Own Tissue (Autologous Reconstruction)

DIEP Flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap)

📌 Most common and advanced method that uses skin and fat from the lower abdomen but preserves the abdominal muscles.

✔ Uses only skin and fat (no muscle)
✔ Tummy tuck effect – Flattens the abdomen
✔ Best for women with extra belly fat
✔ Requires microsurgery to reconnect blood vessels
✔ Long-lasting & natural results

💡 Considered the “gold standard” for breast reconstruction due to its durability and natural appearance.

SIEA Flap (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap)

📌 Similar to DIEP but with different blood vessels.

✔ Also taken from the lower abdomen
✔ Less invasive than DIEP but only suitable for certain patients
✔ Not as commonly performed due to variability in blood supply

💡 Best for women who have good superficial blood vessels but want to avoid deeper surgery.

TRAM Flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap)

📌 Uses skin, fat, and part of the rectus muscle from the lower abdomen.

✔ Tummy tuck effect – Flattens the abdomen
✔ Can be pedicled (remains attached) or free (requires microsurgery)
✔ More invasive than DIEP, since it removes part of the abdominal muscle
✔ Higher risk of abdominal weakness compared to DIEP

💡 Best for women who do not qualify for DIEP but have enough lower abdominal tissue.

SGAP/IGAP Flap (Superior/Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap)

📌 Uses tissue from the buttocks instead of the abdomen.

✔ Best for thin women who don’t have enough belly fat
✔ Leaves no muscle loss (only skin & fat)
✔ Natural feel & permanent results
✔ More challenging surgery, requires a skilled microsurgeon

💡 An alternative for women who cannot have abdominal flap procedures.

TUG Flap (Transverse Upper Gracilis Flap)

📌 Uses tissue from the inner thigh to create a breast.

✔ Provides a natural breast shape
✔ Results in slimmer inner thighs (like a thigh lift)
✔ Small to medium-sized breast reconstruction
✔ May include some muscle loss

💡 Best for women who want a moderate breast size and also desire thigh contouring.

Latissimus Dorsi Flap

📌 Uses skin, fat, and muscle from the upper back to reconstruct the breast.

✔ Reliable blood supply – Less risk of complications
✔ Can be combined with an implant if more volume is needed
✔ Leaves a scar on the back but is well-hidden
✔ Muscle removal may cause some back weakness

💡 Best for women who lack sufficient tissue in the abdomen or thighs.

FAT GRAFTING (LIPOFILLING)

📌 Minimally invasive method that uses fat transferred from another area of the body.

✔ No large incisions or scars
✔ Good for small volume reconstruction or fine-tuning other procedures
✔ Requires multiple sessions for best results
✔ Not ideal for full breast reconstruction

💡 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	❌ No	✅ Yes	Women wanting a tummy tuck effect with no muscle loss
SIEA Flap	Lower abdomen	❌ No	✅ Yes	Women with good superficial blood vessels
TRAM Flap	Lower abdomen	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (if free flap) or ❌ No (if pedicled)	Women who don’t qualify for DIEP
SGAP/IGAP Flap	Buttocks	❌ No	✅ Yes	Thin women with no abdominal tissue
TUG Flap	Inner thighs	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	Women wanting a thigh lift effect
Latissimus Dorsi Flap	Upper back	✅ Yes	❌ No (usually)	Women lacking abdominal or thigh fat
Fat Grafting	Any area with extra fat	❌ No	❌ No	Small corrections, not full reconstruction

💡 Choosing the right method depends on your body type, health, and goals!

What Are the Benefits of Using Your Own Tissue for Breast Reconstruction?

📌 Compared to implants, autologous reconstruction offers:

✔ More natural look & feel – Soft, warm, and moves naturally
✔ No foreign materials – Eliminates implant-related complications
✔ Permanent results – No replacements needed
✔ Better symmetry – Since the tissue is your own, it ages naturally

💡 Most women prefer flap reconstruction for a lifelong, natural result.

Who Performs These Procedures?

📌 These surgeries require a skilled:

✔ Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon – Specializing in breast reconstruction
✔ Microsurgeon – Reconnects tiny blood vessels for free flap procedures
✔ Breast Cancer Reconstruction Specialist – Experienced with mastectomy patients💡 Only highly trained specialists perform advanced microsurgical techniques like DIEP, SGAP, and TUG flaps.

How Much Does Autologous Breast Reconstruction Cost in Turkey?

📌 Turkey offers world-class reconstruction at a fraction of the cost compared to the USA and UK.

Procedure	Cost in Turkey (€/$)	Cost in USA ($)	Cost in UK (£)
DIEP Flap	€7,000 – €12,000 ($7,500 – $13,000)	$25,000 – $50,000	£18,000 – £30,000
SGAP/IGAP Flap	€8,000 – €14,000 ($8,500 – $15,000)	$30,000 – $60,000	£22,000 – £35,000
TRAM Flap	€6,000 – €10,000 ($6,500 – $11,000)	$15,000 – $35,000	£12,000 – £25,000

💡 Turkey offers expert microsurgery at affordable prices!

🩺 Book Your FREE Consultation Today!
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🌟 Safe, affordable, and expert breast reconstruction in Turkey!