Alternative Flap Options if You are not a Candidate for DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
At our center for advanced breast reconstruction, the DIEP flap is often the preferred choice for breast reconstruction because it uses your own lower abdominal tissue to create a soft, warm, and natural-looking breast—without affecting your abdominal muscles. For many, it’s considered the gold standard in reconstruction following a mastectomy.
However, the DIEP flap isn’t the right fit for everyone. Patients who’ve had a previous tummy tuck, lack sufficient abdominal tissue, or prefer to avoid an abdominal scar may need to explore other options.
The good news? If the DIEP flap isn’t an option for you, implants aren’t your only choice! Several DIEP flap alternative techniques are available, each designed to meet different needs and preferences.
Thigh Flaps
The thigh flap, or TUG (Transverse Upper Gracilis) flap, uses tissue from your inner thigh to reconstruct the breast, offering a natural and balanced result, similar to the DIEP flap, which uses abdominal tissue. This option can be ideal for women who may not have enough abdominal tissue for a DIEP flap or prefer an alternative donor site. Recovery time can vary, but with the right preparation and care, the thigh flap can provide excellent results.
Types of thigh flap breast reconstruction procedures:
- The TUG (Transverse Upper Gracilis) flap uses tissue from the inner portion of the upper thigh just under the groin crease.
- The LTP (Lateral Thigh Perforator) flap uses tissue from the outer buttocks and the top of the outer thigh.
- The PAP (Profunda Artery Perforator) flap uses tissue from the upper posterior thigh, just below the buttock crease.
- The VUG (Vertical Upper Gracilis) flap (similar to the TUG) uses tissue from the upper inner thigh.
- The ALT (Anterolateral Thigh) flap uses the outer thigh tissue.
Buttock Flaps
The GAP (Gluteal Artery Perforator), also known as the buttock flap or gluteal flap, is a unique and effective option for breast reconstruction. It uses tissue from the buttocks to create a natural-looking breast. This technique can be ideal for women who may not have enough abdominal or thigh tissue available but still desire the benefits of using their own body tissue for reconstruction.
Back Flaps
The latissimus flap is one of the oldest and most effective methods of breast reconstruction surgery. The procedure uses skin, fat, and muscle from the back beneath the shoulder blade area. The tissue flap is then brought around to the chest to create a new breast.
Benefits of Using Your Own Tissue vs Impant-Based Reconstruction
When it comes to breast reconstruction, using your own tissue through flap procedures offers several life-changing benefits over implant reconstruction. One of the most significant advantages is permanence—flap options don’t require replacement like implants, which often need to be swapped out over time. Since it’s your own living tissue, the results are natural, warm, and soft, giving you a breast reconstruction that feels and behaves just like the rest of your body.
Implant Reconstruction and Radiation
In the setting of radiation, we strongly recommend using your own tissue for breast reconstruction. Implant reconstruction failure rates following radiation treatment is about 1 in 3! In experienced hands, flap reconstruction procedures have an over 99% success rate—even after radiation!
Regardless of the type of breast reconstruction you are considering, it is important to be informed of ALL your options to make the best choice for you and your needs.
Want to learn more about your options? Fill out our FREE Virtual Consultation form HERE.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More About Flap-Based Breast Reconstruction Options
If you’re exploring your options for post-mastectomy reconstruction, our surgeons in San Antonio, TX, are here to guide you. Reach out today to discuss your personalized reconstruction journey, or complete a Virtual Consultation to take the next step toward restoring your confidence and well-being.
