Restore breast shape using your own natural tissue with the SGAP flap procedure at New York Group for Plastic Surgery. Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs, our board-certified expert in microsurgical breast reconstruction, uses tissue from the upper buttocks to create a natural-looking breast, ideal for patients without adequate abdominal tissue.
Rebuild Your Breast Using the Upper Buttock Tissue
The SGAP (superior gluteal artery perforator) flap is a type of autologous breast reconstruction that uses skin and fat from the upper buttocks to rebuild the breast. Unlike older techniques, it preserves the gluteal muscle and relies on advanced microsurgery to connect the flap’s blood vessels to those in the chest. This option is especially valuable for women who cannot use abdominal tissue due to previous surgeries or a lack of sufficient fat. It offers natural-looking results with incisions hidden beneath the underwear line.
You May Consider SGAP Flap Reconstruction If:
- You have had a mastectomy or plan to undergo one
- You have breast damage from lumpectomy or radiation
- You have insufficient fat or skin in your abdominal area
- You have had previous abdominal surgeries, like a tummy tuck
- You are not receiving radiation on your chest or upper arm
- You prefer a reconstruction that uses your natural tissue
- You want to avoid muscle sacrifice in breast reconstruction
Explore Your Options & Visualize the Results
Your consultation begins with a thorough conversation about your breast cancer journey, any prior treatments, and your goals for reconstruction. Dr. Jacobs will perform a physical exam to evaluate your body’s natural contours and available donor sites, including the upper buttocks. If you’ve had abdominal surgeries or lack sufficient tissue in the abdomen, he may determine the SGAP flap is a suitable option. You’ll also discuss timing—whether reconstruction will be immediate or delayed—and the expected stages of surgery.
To help you visualize the outcome, Dr. Jacobs uses the state-of-the-art Vectra XT 3D imaging system. This high-resolution tool captures your exact anatomy and generates customized simulations of possible results. Together, you’ll explore various reconstruction techniques and collaboratively develop a surgical plan tailored to your body and goals.
Your SGAP Flap Breast Reconstruction Session
During your SGAP flap procedure, Dr. Jacobs will harvest a section of skin, fat, and the perforating branches of the superior gluteal artery from the upper outer buttock region, without removing any underlying muscle. Using microsurgical techniques, he will carefully anastomose (connect) these blood vessels to recipient vessels in your chest, usually the internal mammary or thoracodorsal vessels.
This precise reconnection is critical to ensure the transferred tissue survives and forms a healthy, living breast mound. You’ll be under general anesthesia for the duration of the surgery, which typically lasts 6 to 8 hours. The tissue is shaped to match your natural breast or the opposite breast if reconstruction is one-sided. The incision is placed high along the buttock crease, allowing it to be easily concealed by underwear or swimwear.
The Recovery Process After SGAP Flap
Following your SGAP flap procedure, you will spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring. During this time, Dr. Jacobs and his team will ensure that the blood flow to the newly transferred tissue is stable. You may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in both the breast and donor areas, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
You will need to avoid any strenuous activity for several weeks to allow proper healing. Dr. Jacobs will provide you with specific aftercare guidelines, including wearing a compression garment on the donor site to minimize swelling. Full recovery can take 6-8 weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities after 3-4 weeks. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the best possible outcome.
The Final SGAP Flap Results
The results of your SGAP flap procedure can be life-changing, offering a natural-looking breast with soft, youthful contours. Since the tissue is your own, there’s no risk of rejection, and the outcome typically blends seamlessly with your natural body. The donor area will also experience a subtle lift, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Over time, as the tissue settles, you’ll see permanent results that improve your body image and overall quality of life.
Why Choose Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs?
Setting the Standard in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction in New York
Dr. Jordan M.S. Jacobs is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive expertise in microsurgical breast reconstruction techniques like the SGAP flap. He is known for his compassionate approach to surgery—he takes the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and guide you with clarity. Every surgical plan is thoughtfully tailored to support your recovery, restore your confidence, and help you feel whole again. Schedule a consultation to explore whether SGAP flap reconstruction is right for you.
