Key Takeaways
- GAP flap breast reconstruction uses tissue from your buttocks to create a natural-looking breast, offering an excellent option when abdominal tissue isn't available.
- This breast reconstruction procedure leaves you with minimal visible scarring on your chest and can give you a subtle lift in the donor area.
- GAP flap is one of several new breast reconstruction techniques that create results using your own tissue rather than implants.
- Breast reconstruction recovery with GAP flap typically takes several weeks, but most women return to normal activities within two to three months.
- The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction offers expert GAP flap surgery and other breast reconstruction surgery options to women throughout South Carolina, including those searching for breast reconstruction near me in the Mt. Pleasant area.
What Is GAP Flap Breast Reconstruction?
GAP flap stands for Gluteal Artery Perforator flap. This breast reconstruction procedure takes skin, fat, and blood vessels from your buttocks to build a new breast. The technique is similar to other natural tissue reconstruction methods, but it uses a different donor site.
There are two types of GAP flap procedures. The SGAP (Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator) flap takes tissue from the upper buttock area. The IGAP (Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator) flap uses tissue from the lower buttock. Your surgeon will recommend which approach works best based on your body shape and tissue availability.
Unlike implant-based reconstruction, GAP flap creates a breast using your own living tissue. This means your reconstructed breast will feel warm, move naturally, and change with your body over time, just like a natural breast.
Benefit #1: A Great Alternative When Abdominal Tissue Isn't Available
Many women have heard of DIEP flap reconstruction, which uses abdominal tissue to rebuild the breast. It's an excellent option, but not everyone has enough abdominal tissue to use. That's where GAP flap becomes particularly valuable.
You might be a good candidate for GAP flap if you are very thin and don't have extra abdominal tissue, have had previous abdominal surgeries that affect tissue availability, have already used your abdominal tissue for a previous reconstruction, or simply have more available tissue in your buttocks than your abdomen.
This flexibility makes GAP flap one of the important new breast reconstruction techniques that expands options for women who want natural tissue reconstruction. You don't have to settle for implants just because abdominal tissue isn't right for you.
Benefit #2: Natural Look and Feel That Moves With Your Body
One of the biggest advantages of any natural tissue reconstruction is how authentic the results look and feel. Because GAP flap breast reconstruction uses your own tissue, the rebuilt breast behaves like a real breast.
Your reconstructed breast will be warm to the touch, not cool like an implant. It will move naturally when you walk, exercise, or change positions. If you gain or lose weight, your reconstructed breast will change proportionally with the rest of your body.
The texture feels soft and natural rather than firm like an implant. This can be especially meaningful in intimate moments or when hugging loved ones. While sensation is different after any breast reconstruction procedure, the natural feel of your own tissue helps many women feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.
Benefit #3: Minimal Scarring on the Chest
Unlike some breast reconstruction surgery options, GAP flap leaves very little visible scarring on your chest. The main incision is made at the mastectomy site, which means if you've already had a mastectomy, you won't have additional chest scarring from the reconstruction.
The donor site scar is located on your buttocks, typically hidden by underwear or swimwear. For SGAP procedures, the scar sits higher on the buttock. For IGAP procedures, it's positioned lower, often in the crease where your buttock meets your thigh.
Many women appreciate that they can wear normal tops, dresses, and even low-cut styles without visible reconstruction scars on their chest. The placement of the buttock scar also tends to heal well and fade over time, becoming less noticeable as months pass.
Benefit #4: Potential Cosmetic Benefit to the Donor Area
Here's a bonus many women appreciate: taking tissue from your buttocks can actually create a subtle lifting effect in that area. Think of it as a small contouring procedure combined with your breast reconstruction.
When your surgeon removes tissue from the buttock, they carefully reshape the area to maintain a natural, smooth appearance. Depending on which type of GAP flap you have and how much tissue is taken, you might notice your buttocks look slightly more lifted or contoured after healing.
This dual benefit sets GAP flap apart from some other breast reconstruction procedures. While the primary goal is always creating a beautiful, natural breast, the aesthetic improvement to the donor site is a welcome advantage for many women.
Benefit #5: Long-Lasting Results Without Implant Maintenance
Breast reconstruction using your own tissue offers longevity that implant-based options can't match. Implants typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, sometimes requiring multiple surgeries throughout your lifetime.
With GAP flap reconstruction, you're using living tissue that becomes a permanent part of your body. Once you've healed from the initial breast reconstruction recovery period, you generally won't need additional surgeries unless you choose revisions for aesthetic reasons.
Your reconstructed breast will age naturally with you. There's no risk of implant rupture, capsular contracture, or other implant-related complications. For women looking for a 'one and done' solution, natural tissue reconstruction like GAP flap provides lasting results.
Is GAP Flap Right for You?
The best breast reconstruction procedure for you depends on several factors, including your body type and tissue availability, lifestyle and activity level, personal preferences about using your own tissue versus implants, whether you've had previous surgeries, and your overall health and medical history.
GAP flap works particularly well for women who are athletic or thin with limited abdominal fat, want natural tissue reconstruction, are looking for breast reconstruction near me in Mt. Pleasant and surrounding areas, or have enough buttock tissue to create the desired breast size.
The only way to know if a GAP flap is your best option is to consult with a breast reconstruction specialist. They'll evaluate your unique situation and help you understand all your choices.
Explore Your Natural Reconstruction Options
GAP flap breast reconstruction offers significant benefits for women seeking natural, long-lasting results after mastectomy. This innovative technique expands possibilities for women who want their own tissue used but don't have suitable abdominal tissue available.
The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction specializes in GAP flap and other advanced natural tissue techniques for women throughout South Carolina. Our experienced team will help you understand your breast reconstruction surgery options and choose the approach that's right for your body and goals. Schedule your consultation today to discuss whether GAP flap reconstruction is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does GAP flap compare to DIEP flap reconstruction?
Both procedures use your own tissue to create natural-looking breasts, but they use different donor sites. DIEP flap takes tissue from your abdomen, similar to a tummy tuck. GAP flap uses tissue from your buttocks. GAP flap is often chosen when you don't have enough abdominal tissue available or prefer not to use that area.
Will I be able to sit normally after GAP flap surgery?
You'll need to avoid sitting directly on your buttocks after surgery to protect the donor site while it heals. Your surgeon will provide a special cushion that lets you sit by redistributing pressure to your thighs. After the initial healing period, you'll gradually return to sitting normally with no long-term restrictions.
Can GAP flap reconstruction be done immediately during mastectomy?
Yes, GAP flap can be performed as immediate reconstruction during your mastectomy surgery, or as delayed reconstruction weeks, months, or years later. The timing depends on your cancer treatment plan and personal preferences. Your breast surgeon and reconstruction surgeon will work together to determine the best timing for your situation.
How much tissue is needed from the buttocks for a GAP flap?
The amount of tissue needed depends on the breast size you want to create and the size of your remaining breast if you're having single-sided reconstruction. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate whether you have adequate tissue in your buttocks. Generally, if you have enough tissue to pinch and hold in your hand, there may be enough for reconstruction.
Does GAP flap reconstruction affect my ability to exercise?
After you've fully recovered from surgery, typically within two to three months, you can return to all your normal activities, including exercise. The tissue removal from your buttocks doesn't affect your ability to run, cycle, do squats, or participate in other activities. Your reconstructed breast will move naturally during exercise since it's made from your own living tissue.
