Categories of Flap Surgery
There are two main types of flap surgery:
1️⃣ Free Flap Surgery – The tissue is completely detached from its original location and transferred to the breast.
2️⃣ Pedicled Flap Surgery – The tissue remains attached to its original blood supply and is rotated to the breast area.
💡 Free flap surgery is more advanced and requires microsurgery to reconnect the blood vessels, while pedicled flap surgery is simpler but may involve muscle loss.
Abdominal-Based Flap Surgeries
These flaps use skin and fat from the lower abdomen, often providing a tummy tuck effect as a bonus.
DIEP Flap (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap)
✔ Most common and advanced flap technique
✔ Uses skin & fat from the lower abdomen but preserves the muscle
✔ Tummy tuck effect – Tightens the abdomen while reconstructing the breast
✔ Requires microsurgery to reconnect blood vessels
💡 Considered the best option for natural and long-lasting breast reconstruction.
SIEA Flap (Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap)
✔ Similar to DIEP, but uses a different set of blood vessels
✔ Less invasive than DIEP since it does not cut deep into the abdominal wall
✔ Not suitable for all women – Only those with strong superficial blood vessels
💡 Less commonly performed but offers the same tummy tuck benefits as DIEP.
TRAM Flap (Transverse Rectus Abdominis Muscle Flap)
✔ Uses skin, fat, and part of the rectus muscle from the lower 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 and hernias
💡 Best for women who do not qualify for DIEP but have enough lower abdominal tissue.
Gluteal-Based Flap Surgeries (Buttock Tissue)
For women who do not have enough abdominal fat, the buttocks can be used as a donor site.
SGAP Flap (Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap)
✔ Uses skin & fat from the upper buttocks
✔ No muscle is taken, preserving strength and function
✔ More complex microsurgery, requiring an expert surgeon
💡 Best for thin women who don’t have enough abdominal tissue.
IGAP Flap (Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap)
✔ Similar to SGAP, but takes tissue from the lower buttocks
✔ More discreet scar placement compared to SGAP
✔ Longer, more complex surgery
💡 Alternative for women who prefer tissue from the lower buttocks instead of the upper.
Thigh-Based Flap Surgeries
For women who don’t have enough fat in the abdomen or buttocks, thigh-based flaps are a great option.
TUG Flap (Transverse Upper Gracilis Flap)
✔ Uses skin, fat, and a small portion of the gracilis muscle from the inner thigh
✔ Results in a natural breast shape
✔ Thigh lift effect – Slims the inner thighs while reconstructing the breast
💡 Best for women who want moderate breast size reconstruction and thinner thighs.
PAP Flap (Profunda Artery Perforator Flap)
✔ Uses skin & fat from the back of the upper thigh
✔ No muscle loss, preserving leg strength
✔ Better for creating a natural breast shape than TUG
💡 Best for women who don’t want any muscle removal and have enough thigh fat.
Back-Based Flap Surgery
For women who cannot use tissue from the abdomen, buttocks, or thighs, the upper back can be used.
Latissimus Dorsi Flap
✔ Uses skin, fat, and muscle from the upper back
✔ Can be combined with an implant for more volume
✔ Leaves a scar on the back, but it’s well-hidden
✔ Some women experience minor back weakness💡 Good for women who don’t have enough abdominal or thigh fat.
Comparison of Flap Surgery Techniques
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 Flap | Upper buttocks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Thin women without abdominal tissue |
IGAP Flap | Lower buttocks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Women preferring a lower buttock donor site |
TUG Flap | Inner thighs | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Women wanting a thigh lift effect |
PAP Flap | Upper back of thigh | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | Women preferring no muscle loss |
Latissimus Dorsi Flap | Upper back | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (usually) | Women lacking abdominal or thigh fat |
💡 Choosing the right method depends on your body type, health, and goals!
Who Performs Flap Surgery for Breast Reconstruction?
📌 Flap surgeries require a highly 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 Flap Surgery Cost in Turkey?
📌 Turkey offers world-class flap breast 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!