July 09, 2020
What is PAP flap breast reconstruction?
The PAP (profunda artery perforator) flap is a new procedure gaining in popularity, particularly in thinner patients who aren’t good candidates for DIEP flap breast reconstruction.
The PAP flap uses the tissue at the back of the thigh, beneath the buttock crease.
One of the advantages of using a PAP flap is its rigorous and lengthy blood vessels which allow for versatility in choosing reattachment vessels at the mastectomy site.
Another advantage of the PAP flap is that unlike the GAP flap, it can be done bilaterally, avoiding the need for additional surgeries.
The scar can also be hidden very nicely in the crease of the buttock – and a thigh lift is an added bonus!
Much like other flaps, a section of skin, fat and blood vessels are moved from the donor site up to the breast area. This procedure is also muscle sparing so post-operative pain and functional problems are reduced.
DIEP flap reconstruction continues to be the preferred method of breast reconstruction at PRMA, but the PAP flap yields great results for thinner women who don’t want implants and those wanting to avoid the tummy-tuck scar to the abdomen.
Author: Dr. Minas Chrysopoulo and Brandy (Korman) Haslam
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