SGAP and IGAP Flaps

Jandali Plastic Surgery

SGAP and IGAP flaps are breast reconstruction procedures that involve using tissue from the buttocks to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy. This procedure is an option for women who want a natural-looking breast and do not want to use implants. It is usually a third choice option after DIEP flaps and thigh flaps like PAP or TUG flaps.

What are GAP Flaps for Breast Reconstruction?

The SGAP and IGAP flap breast reconstruction surgeries involve taking tissue from the buttocks, including skin, fat, and blood vessels, and transplanting it to the chest area. The SGAP (Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator) flap transfers tissue from the upper buttock. The IGAP (Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator) flap transfers tissue from the mid to lower buttock.

Benefits of SGAP and IGAP Flaps for Breast Reconstruction

SGAP and IGAP flap breast reconstruction offer several benefits compared to other breast reconstruction options. Some of these benefits include:

Natural-Looking Breast: The use of tissue from the buttocks to reconstruct the breast provides a more natural-looking breast than using implants.
Long-Lasting Results: The reconstructed breast is made of living tissue, which means it will age and change naturally with the body, and the results will be long-lasting.
No Implants: The procedure is usually reserved for patients who don’t want implants or can’t have implants due to previous radiation therapy.

SGAP and IGAP Surgeries

SGAP and IGAP flaps are performed under general anesthesia and typically take about 6 hours to complete. During the procedure, Dr. Jandali and his team will make incisions in the donor site (buttock) to remove the tissue and transfer it to the recipient site. The tissue will then be reattached to the blood supply in the breast to keep it alive and healthy.

The Step-by-Step Process

The step-by-step process for SGAP and IGAP flaps at Jandali Plastic Surgery typically includes the following:

Consultation: During the initial consultation, Dr. Jandali will perform a thorough evaluation and discuss the individual’s goals and expectations for the procedure. They will also explain the potential benefits, risks, and limitations of the procedure and determine if the individual is a good candidate for SGAP or IGAP flaps.
Imaging: Before the procedure, Dr. Jandali will order a CT angiogram to assess and map out the perforator (small blood vessels) in the buttock area. This helps determine which vessels are the best to use for the surgery and their location.
Anesthesia: SGAP and IGAP flaps are typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the individual is completely asleep during the procedure. Nerve blocks are also performed in the breast area to help with postoperative pain control.
Surgery: During the procedure, Dr. Jandali and his team will make incisions in the donor site (buttock) to remove the tissue and transfer it to the recipient site. The tissue will then be reattached to a new blood supply in the breast.
Postoperative care: After the procedure, the patient will be taken to the recovery room for observation. They are then usually transferred to the ICU or an intermediate care surgical floor for continued monitoring. They will also receive instructions for caring for the donor and recipient sites, as well as information about postoperative appointments and follow-up care.
Recovery: The patient can expect some swelling, pain, and bruising in both surgical sites, which should subside within a few weeks. Most individuals are able to return to their normal activities within several weeks, although the exact timeline will depend on the individual and how their healing progresses.
Follow-up care: The patient will have follow-up appointments with Dr. Jandali to monitor their progress and ensure that they are healing properly. They will also receive any necessary additional care, such as physical therapy or wound care, during this time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why would someone choose SGAP or IGAP over other reconstruction methods?

These methods might be chosen when a patient lacks sufficient abdominal tissue for other autologous reconstruction methods, prefers not to use abdominal tissue, or wants a natural reconstruction option without implants.

Q: What is the recovery process like for SGAP or IGAP flap breast reconstruction?

After surgery, patients stay in the hospital for close monitoring and then continue recovery at home following the doctor’s instructions. Further procedures may be done to refine the shape of the new breast or create a new nipple.

Q: How can I reduce risks associated with SGAP and IGAP flap reconstruction?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, follow pre- and post-operative instructions from your doctor, and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best outcome.

Q: What is the long-term outlook for SGAP or IGAP flap breast reconstruction?

The reconstructed breasts should age naturally with the rest of your body and most patients find them to feel like a part of their body. Regular check-ups are essential to monitor the health of your reconstructed breasts.

Discuss Your Goals at Our Connecticut Office

SGAP and IGAP flaps are options for breast reconstruction when a DIEP flap or thigh flap can not be performed. These procedures are best for women who want a natural-looking breast without the use of implants. If you’re considering one of these procedures, it’s important to discuss your goals and expectations with Dr. Jandali to determine if it is the best option.

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I recently had a double mastectomy with reconstruction and Dr. Jandali is not only great at what he does, he is an amazing surgeon and perfectionist that is kind and warm with an exceptional staff. Each person I have met in his office is wonderful all across the board his office is a fantastic place that I highly recommend to anyone, you will not be uncomfortable or disappointed. All the girls on his team are truly the BEST he sure knows how to pick his staff, LOVE them!!! I look forward to my visits and am beyond grateful to be in the best care. Thankful to all of you for my experience I can't say enough. :-)

This is a wonderful place. I came to Dr. Jandali’s office after finding out I had breast cancer. It was such a scary time in my life but Dr. Jandali made me feel comfortable and explained my options for reconstruction after mastectomy. I opted for the DIEP flap and am very happy with the results. Dr. Jandali basically performs magic in making things look better. He and his entire staff are so professional and kind. The PAs Jennifer, Brielle, and Shelby are amazing. They spent so much time with me explaining everything along the way and answering any questions I had. Plus, it is obvious that they really care. I am actually going to miss seeing them.

I met Dr. Jandali and his team after making the decision to undergo a double mastectomy with reconstruction. At 32 years old, learning I was BRCA2 positive and having two toddlers at home, I was so scared and didn’t know what to expect. Between Dr. J & Shelby, I was immediately put at ease and walked through the entire process. Shelby, was and is, still my strength when I walk into the office. She has reassured me, talked me through all my emotions, and has been AMAZING on this journey. I can’t thank Shelby enough. And Dr. J and his expertise, made me feel like myself again, it’s like I came out of this better then ever! Thank you all!!

I cannot recommended Dr. Jandali enough for any women who are undergoing DIEP flap reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. Dr. Jandali and his phenomenal staff are so not only knowledgeable and extremely capable but kind and sensitive to the situation that their patients are going through. They take their time to explain every step of the surgery, even taking the time to draw pictures and answer any questions I had. I was very well informed about what would take place and my expectations were well exceeded. Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a challenge but I cannot express my gratitude that I had Dr. Jandali and his team on my side.

I walked into Dr. Jandali’s office for a consultation with so much sadness and fear of what lie ahead for me. I had previously met with a few other plastic surgeons but knew after meeting with Dr. Jandali that he would be my surgeon. He was beyond thorough in his explanation of the whole procedure from start to finish and I could tell he would be overly cautious to prevent infection or any chance of something going wrong. He is a perfectionist in every sense of the word. In addition his staff was always so personal and professional and available to answer any and all questions.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer I was scared. I immediately felt at ease when I had my first visit with Dr. Jandali. He explained everything in detail about the breast reconstruction I would be having and made me feel at ease. On surgery day his amazing PA Brielle made sure I knew she was right there in the operating room with me and held my hand to comfort my anxiety until I was asleep. I’m so happy with my results after only 1 week post op. The entire staff is so friendly.