A profound artery perforator (PAP) flap reconstruction at Snyder Plastic Surgery can achieve a natural look and feel for a reconstructed breast. Our board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Ned Snyder IV, implements a cutting-edge surgical technique that spares the muscle in your thigh and leaves a scar just beneath the buttocks in a natural crease on the back of your thigh.
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Surgical Technique
The PAP flap technique spares the muscle in your thigh and leaves a scar just beneath the buttocks in the natural crease on the back of your thigh. A PAP flap usually creates a breast of the same volume or larger than the breast that was removed in a mastectomy. Since a PAP flap breast reconstruction is technically two surgeries combined, we will address both your thigh and breast surgical sites, pain management, hygiene, and incision drains.
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For additional information about our services, procedures, and the patient experience at Snyder Plastic Surgery, please explore our website or contact our office. We are committed to providing comprehensive care and support from the initial consultation through recovery. Schedule a consultation today to begin your journey towards a more confident and beautiful you.
PAP Flap Reconstruction Step-by-Step
Before
A PAP flap is a breast reconstruction technique that uses the blood vessel that runs through the thigh. When you do not have enough tissue on your belly, Dr. Snyder may recommend the next best choice, a PAP flap. This reconstruction is best suited for women who are not a candidate for the harvesting of their abdominal tissue either because of previous surgeries or because they do not have the volume of abdomen tissue to make a breast.
During
A PAP flap breast reconstruction in only your own tissue is performed at an inpatient facility under general anesthesia. The breast is reconstructed by Dr. Snyder using skin, fat, and blood vessels from the back of your upper thigh. The first part of the construction is the harvesting of the tissue via liposuction on the thigh, which is the same technique we use in a thigh lift. Then, the breast can be reconstructed with the tissue relocated layer-by-layer to the breast mound. Blood vessels are also reconnected at the new breast site.
After
After your surgery, our experienced post-operative nurses and medical staff will observe you very closely. Be prepared for an inpatient stay for several days to monitor your progress. Once you are discharged, you will need to have help for a few weeks while you recover. You may not be able to move as easily as before your surgery until your body is ready (usually 1 – 6 weeks). Dr. Snyder will want to see you 7 days after discharge for a follow-up appointment to see your progress, help manage your pain, and to make recommendations on how you can recover quickly and with less stress. You will not be able to do strenuous activities (working out, housework, or physical jobs) for many weeks and should not resume them until released from your doctor.
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It is very important to look for signs of infection or fever within your incision sites. Please give our practice a call if you have excessive bleeding, fever, or any unusual side effects from the medication after the surgical procedure in your breast or thigh. Any questions, concerns, or potential complications can all be discussed in a private consultation in our Austin, TX, office. Snyder Plastic Surgery at The Breast and Body Center wants to help you through this transformative surgery. Patients in Austin, Cedar Park, Waco, Temple, and Georgetown, TX, can call now and schedule a consultation.
