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!
📞 Speak with an internationally-certified plastic surgeon & get a customized treatment plan!
🌟 Safe, affordable, and expert breast reconstruction in Turkey!