Types of Flap Surgery for Breast Reconstruction

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!