Secondary Flaps: PAP and SGAP

Some patients may not be a candidate for the DIEP flap reconstruction. These patients may have a history of previous abdominal surgery that may have affected the DIEP vasculature. Examples of such procedures could be a prior abdominoplasty (aka tummy tuck) or liposuction. Other patients may have more volume at the other donor sites of the buttocks or thighs when compared to the abdomen. 

In these instances, patients may be candidates for autologous reconstruction from a secondary site.  Our commonly preferred secondary sites include the PAP (inner thigh) and SGAP (upper gluteal region) flaps.  Just as is performed with the DIEP procedure, both the PAP and SGAP flaps involve harvesting the skin and fat from these various regions along with their respective blood supply to reconstruct a more natural-appearing breast.

Various factors can influence a patient’s candidacy for these secondary flaps, which include having an adequate volume from the donor site.  In some instances, you may benefit from a combination implant and autologous reconstruction with a secondary flap.  While the incisions can be hidden in clothing, patient acceptance of scar patterns is important for all autologous reconstructive cases.

At Breast Reconstruction Associates, we would be happy to discuss your reconstructive needs and design the best plan using a secondary flap if the DIEP flap is not an option for you.  Please call your local Forth Worth, Austin, or Oklahoma City office to schedule a consultation today.