Women lacking sufficient flesh in the abdomen for the DIEP flap reconstruction may find that the gluteal artery perforator (GAP flap) is a very good alternative. This is another sophisticated perforator flap performed by our experienced, board-certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Ned Snyder IV that utilizes the skin and fat from the upper portion of the buttocks to reconstruct the breasts.
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Surgical Technique
The GAP flap breast reconstruction may take place at the time of your mastectomy or at a later date. When you consult with Dr. Ned Snyder, you will play a significant role in deciding what type of reconstruction you will receive, when the surgery will take place, and how it will be performed with the guidance of our team. We want you to feel assured that you are in excellent care with Snyder Plastic Surgery at The Breast and Body Center of Austin.
No muscle is utilized in GAP operations. Additionally, we have utilized the GAP flap in situations where the abdominal flap (such as a TRAM flap, DIEP flap, or previous tummy tuck) has already been utilized or scars on the abdomen preclude its use for breast reconstruction. The breast reconstructed with the GAP flap is soft and natural, with very little droop (ptosis).
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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.
GAP Flap Reconstruction Step-by-Step
Before
After your breast reconstruction consultation, we will contact the breast surgeon performing your unilateral or bilateral mastectomy. Together, we will make a plan on how to work together best on the day of your surgery so that you wake up with all of your surgery complete.
During
The GAP flap reconstruction is performed as an in-patient procedure and can take up to 4 – 6 hours under general anesthesia. Dr. Ned Snyder will carefully prepare the chest pocket and harvest the tissue from your upper buttock. Your buttocks will be left slightly flatter, but there is no great depression where the flesh is removed. Most women need a relatively small amount of buttocks removed to make a moderate-sized breast. The tissue will be transferred to the chest, and a breast mound will be formed into a normal-looking and natural-feeling breast.
After
Once the surgery is finished, we will take you to recovery and then to the immediate care unit, where you will stay until discharge. You may be in the hospital for 3 – 4 days while we monitor your progress and give you the excellent care you deserve. While at home, we want you to recover comfortably while still walking around and staying active to avoid blood clots after surgery.
A week after you leave the hospital, we will have a follow-up appointment to check on your progress and release you to do certain activities if you are able. Recovery time is different for each breast reconstruction patient. If you had a more complex surgery to reconstruct your breast, this could mean a longer recovery period.
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Experience the life-changing benefits of GAP flap reconstruction with our dedicated team
At Snyder Plastic Surgery, we recognize the significant psychological and emotional impact of breast reconstruction and are committed to providing you with the highest level of care and support. Patients in Austin, Cedar Park, Waco, Temple, and Georgetown, Texas, can schedule a consultation to discuss their options and personalized treatment plans.
