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Top Breast Reconstruction Surgeons in South Carolina

GAP Flap Procedure

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we believe that breast reconstruction does more than just restore a woman's physical appearance—it can also help her regain a sense of comfort, safety, and confidence in her body. It is essential that all women have access to this life-changing surgery, so we offer several types of flap-based reconstruction procedures, including the GAP procedure, to ensure they have the best possible outcome.

While tissue is often taken from the stomach for these flap-based procedures, the GAP flap technique allows us to use skin and fat from the buttocks instead. This alternative donor site makes GAP reconstruction a popular option for women with limited abdominal tissue.

With over 20 years of microsurgical experience and thousands of successful surgeries, our team of skilled breast reconstruction specialists can help you decide if this technique is right for you.

If you are considering breast reconstruction surgery, our team of board-certified surgeons can provide the safe, natural results you’re looking for. Contact us to learn more about the GAP procedure and other options available at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction.

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Charleston’s Top Breast Reconstruction Surgeons

What Is GAP Flap Breast Reconstruction?

GAP (Gluteal Artery Perforator) flap breast reconstruction utilizes skin and fat from the buttocks, making this procedure an ideal alternative for women with minimal or unsuitable abdominal tissue. As with DIEP breast reconstruction , the surgeons harvest blood vessels from the donor site and connect them to vessels in the chest using microsurgical techniques.

There are two types of GAP procedures that use tissue from different regions of the buttock:

  • SGAP Flap Surgery: Short for "Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator," this surgery takes tissue from the upper buttock.
  • IGAP Flap Surgery: Short for "Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator," this surgery takes tissue from the lower buttock.

GAP breast reconstruction is very complex and challenging to execute because of the anatomy of the gluteal blood vessels. Our highly skilled surgeons have completed hundreds of these procedures with a very high success rate, making GAP our second most commonly performed type of reconstruction.

This procedure also provides the cosmetic benefit of lifting and sculpting the donor site area, providing results comparable to a “buttock lift.” The resulting scars can be covered by clothing, including undergarments and swimsuits.

Before & After Gallery

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a GAP procedure right for me?

The best way to determine if the GAP flap procedure is the right choice for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified reconstruction specialists. During your consultation, we'll discuss the options that may be right for you based on your medical history and your goals for reconstruction surgery. We'll establish a plan together that fits your individual needs and lifestyle.

What is the recovery time for a GAP procedure?

Recovery time for a GAP flap procedure can vary depending on each patient and their individual needs. Generally, patients require 3 or 4 days of inpatient care immediately following their procedure followed by 6 to 8 weeks of outpatient recovery. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions for postoperative care before surgery. You'll also have follow-up appointments to ensure you are healing properly.

Will my insurance cover a GAP procedure?

At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we're proud to accept insurance plans for most major providers in our area. Thanks to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), most group insurance plans that cover mastectomies are also required to cover breast reconstruction surgery. We advise our patients to contact their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment to discuss coverage and costs.

To learn more about what plans we accept, visit our Insurance page or contact us today!

How can I get started with the best reconstruction plastic surgeon near me?

Starting your journey with The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is as easy as picking up the phone or filling out our easy-to-use online form! Our experienced team is happy to answer any questions and help book your consultation with one of our top breast reconstruction specialists. Contact us to get started!

Schedule With An Expert Breast Reconstruction Specialist Today

It's More Than Reconstructing Breasts — It's Restoring Lives.

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