Gap Flap New York Breast Reconstruction

Some of our New York patients may not be sufficient candidates for DIEP Flap Reconstruction because they do not have an adequate abdominal donor site to successfully create a new breast mound. This can be due to a number of reasons, including a slender body type, former stomach surgeries or failure of a previous abdominal flap. In such a scenario, the patient may be better suited for an alternative procedure known as the gluteal artery perforator (GAP Flap) procedure. This alternative, autologous breast reconstruction technique is similar to the DIEP Flap, but instead uses skin and fat from the buttocks region to create a new breast mound. The removal of tissue in GAP Flap procedures is comparable to the procedure for a buttock lift, but includes an artery and vein which will supply blood to the tissue once it is transplanted in the breast region.

There are two different types of Gap Flap breast reconstruction procedures known as the SGAP and IGAP. The main difference in these two techniques lies in the donor site, with the SGAP taking from the superior, or upper region of the buttocks, extending into the love handle area. The resulting scar from the SGAP Flap procedure lies in the upper region of the buttocks and is easily hidden by most underwear and swimsuits. The IGAP Flap on the other hand takes from the inferior (lower) gluteal area, also known as the sitting region of the buttocks. The incision scar from this procedure lies within the lower buttocks crease.

Much like the DIEP flap, GAP Flap breast reconstruction does not require the surgeon to harvest the patient’s muscle, which makes recovery less problematic. Most women do not require a considerable amount of buttock tissue to be removed during the GAP Flap procedure in order to rebuild a moderate sized breast, and ample tissue is always left behind for comfort when sitting. After the procedure the buttock is left only slightly flatter, and there is no significant depression left where the tissue was removed. The new breast mound rebuilt with tissue borrowed from the posterior region is soft and natural looking, much like breasts created using tissue from the abdominal region.

While GAP Flap breast reconstruction techniques are not the first line reconstruction options for most patients, they can be an effective way to successfully rebuild the breast after breast cancer surgery. New York breast plastic surgeons Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Erhard both have extensive training and years of experience performing the latest breast reconstruction procedures. Contact us today to set up a consultation to discuss your options and find the procedure that is right for you.

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  • Dr. Robert Goldstein Board Certified Plastic Surgeon View Profile Call (718)405-7500
  • Dr. Heather
    A. Erhard     Board Certified Plastic Surgeon View Profile Call (718)405-7500

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Video 1 : Welcome
Video 2 : Introduction to Plastic Surgery
Video 3 : Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

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