If you are considering reconstruction after a mastectomy but do not have sufficient abdominal tissue for a DIEP flap, your surgeon may recommend an SGAP flap to rebuild your breast using tissue from your upper buttock while preserving the underlying muscle.
At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs, our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, provides advanced microsurgical options for patients throughout New York City, Westchester, and the surrounding region. Here is what you should know before considering SGAP flap surgery.
SGAP reconstruction uses your own tissue
SGAP stands for superior gluteal artery perforator. During surgery, skin and fat from your upper buttock are transferred to your chest and shaped to create a new breast. Microsurgery is then used to reconnect the small blood vessels supplying the transferred tissue. Because your own living tissue is used, an SGAP flap can create a soft, natural-looking breast.
Your gluteal muscle is preserved
An important feature of SGAP reconstruction is that the underlying gluteal muscle is preserved. Dr. Jacobs carefully separates the necessary blood vessels from the surrounding tissue without sacrificing the muscle. This muscle-sparing approach helps minimize the functional impact on the donor area while allowing healthy tissue to be transferred for reconstruction.
An alternative when abdominal tissue is unavailable
A DIEP flap uses tissue from the lower abdomen, but it is not appropriate for everyone. You may lack sufficient abdominal tissue or have undergone prior abdominal surgery, such as a tummy tuck, which may limit your options.
In these circumstances, tissue from your upper buttock may provide an alternative donor site. Your anatomy, medical history, previous cancer treatments, available donor tissue, and reconstruction goals all help determine whether an SGAP flap is appropriate for you.
An SGAP flap requires microsurgical expertise
An SGAP flap is technically complex because the transferred tissue must maintain an adequate blood supply. After moving the flap to your chest, your plastic surgeon reconnects its small blood vessels using specialized microsurgical techniques.
Choosing a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive breast reconstruction experience is therefore particularly important. Dr. Jacobs has performed hundreds of autologous breast reconstructions and specializes in advanced microsurgical breast reconstruction, including procedures that use tissue from different areas of the body.
A personalized consultation remains crucial
Breast reconstruction should never be a one-size-fits-all decision. During your consultation, Dr. Jacobs evaluates your natural contours, potential donor sites, previous surgeries, breast cancer treatment history, and personal goals.
At New York Group for Plastic Surgery, Vectra XT 3D imaging may also be used to capture detailed anatomical images and simulate potential outcomes. This allows you to better understand your options and participate in developing a reconstruction plan.
Recovery takes time
You should expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort around both the reconstructed breast and donor area during early healing. You will need to limit strenuous activity for several weeks and carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding incision care, positioning, compression garments, and activity.
Full recovery from SGAP flap reconstruction can take six to eight weeks, although many patients may resume normal daily activities after about three to four weeks. Your individual timeline for recovery can vary.
Explore SGAP flap reconstruction in New York
Choosing breast reconstruction after cancer is both a physical and deeply personal decision. At the New York Group for Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs offers advanced microsurgical expertise with compassionate, individualized care. If you are considering SGAP flap surgery in New York City, Tarrytown, or the greater New York region, schedule your consultation with Dr. Jacobs to explore your options.
