What is the Difference Between Flap and Implant Reconstruction?
Factor | Flap Reconstruction | Implant Reconstruction |
Material Used | Own skin & fat (from the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks) | Silicone or saline implant |
Natural Look & Feel | ✅ Yes – Soft, warm, and moves naturally | 🔹 No – Firmer and cooler than body temperature |
Surgical Complexity | 🔹 More complex (4-8 hours) | ✅ Less complex (1-2 hours) |
Recovery Time | 🔹 Longer (4-8 weeks) | ✅ Shorter (2-4 weeks) |
Longevity | ✅ Permanent – No need for future surgery | 🔹 May require implant replacement every 10-15 years |
Scarring | 🔹 Yes – Donor site (abdomen, thighs, back) | ✅ Minimal – Only at the breast site |
Tummy Tuck Effect | ✅ Yes (if using abdominal tissue) | ❌ No |
Risk of Rejection or Complications | ✅ None – No foreign material | 🔹 Possible implant rupture, infection, or capsular contracture |
Best For | Women wanting natural, permanent results | Women looking for a faster, less invasive procedure |
💡 Flap surgery is best for those who prefer a natural, long-lasting result, while implants are ideal for those seeking a quicker, less invasive option.
Who is a Good Candidate for Flap vs. Implant Reconstruction?
Flap Reconstruction is Best If You:
✔ Want the most natural look & feel
✔ Have enough body fat for tissue transfer (abdomen, thighs, or buttocks)
✔ Want a long-term, permanent solution with no implant risks
✔ Want the bonus of a tummy tuck or thigh lift
✔ Are willing to undergo a longer surgery & recovery period
Implant Reconstruction is Best If You:
✔ Prefer a simpler, shorter surgery
✔ Don’t have enough body fat for a flap procedure
✔ Want a quicker recovery (2-4 weeks)
✔ Are comfortable with future implant maintenance or replacement
✔ Want to avoid additional scars on the abdomen, thighs, or back
💡 Your choice should align with your body type, health condition, and long-term goals.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Each Method?
Pros of Flap Surgery
✔ Most natural results – Looks and feels like a real breast
✔ Permanent solution – No need for replacement surgery
✔ Ages with your body naturally – Adjusts with weight changes
✔ No risk of implant rupture or rejection
✔ Body contouring bonus – Some flap techniques include a tummy tuck or thigh lift
Cons of Flap Surgery
✖ Longer surgery & recovery – 4-8 weeks of healing time
✖ More scarring – Additional scars at the donor site (abdomen, thighs, or back)
✖ Not suitable for very thin women – Needs enough donor tissue
✖ Requires a highly skilled microsurgeon
💡 Despite longer recovery, flap surgery offers a lifetime benefit with no need for future replacements.
What Are the Different Types of Flap Surgery?
📌 Flap surgery can use tissue from different parts of the body:
Type | Tissue Source | Best For |
DIEP Flap | Lower abdomen | Women who want a tummy tuck effect with no muscle loss |
SGAP Flap | Upper buttocks | Thin women without enough belly fat |
TUG Flap | Inner thighs | Women who want a thigh lift effect |
Latissimus Dorsi Flap | Upper back | Women lacking abdominal or thigh fat |
💡 DIEP Flap is the most popular because it provides a tummy tuck effect and long-lasting results.
How Much Does Each Procedure Cost?
📌 Turkey offers high-quality 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 Flap | €8,000 – €14,000 ($8,500 – $15,000) | $30,000 – $60,000 | £22,000 – £35,000 |
Implants | €3,000 – €6,000 ($3,200 – $6,500) | $6,000 – $12,000 | £5,000 – £10,000 |
💡 Turkey provides expert care, advanced surgical techniques, and VIP service at an affordable price.
How to Make the Best Choice for You?
📌 Ask yourself these key questions:
✔ Do I prefer a shorter surgery and recovery time? → ✅ Implants
✔ Do I want a more natural-looking and feeling breast? → ✅ Flap Surgery
✔ Am I okay with future surgeries for implant replacement? → ✅ Implants
✔ Do I want a permanent solution with no implant risks? → ✅ Flap Surgery
✔ Do I have enough body fat to use for reconstruction? → ✅ Flap Surgery
✔ Do I want minimal scarring with no additional donor site? → ✅ Implants
💡 If you want the most natural and long-lasting results, flap surgery is the best choice. If you prefer a simpler, faster recovery, implants are ideal.
🩺 Book Your FREE Consultation Today!
📞 Speak with an internationally-certified plastic surgeon & get a customized treatment plan!
🌟 Safe, affordable, and expert breast reconstruction in Turkey!