GAP (Gluteal) Flap

 GAP (Gluteal) Flaps

Patients that are not candidates for abdominal-based flap from prior surgery or inadequate volume available are often candidates for flaps from the buttock area. The GAP (Gluteal Artery Perforator) flap uses excess tissue from the buttock to restore the breast.

Depending on the location of the donor tissue, an IGAP (inferior) or SGAP (superior) will be used. The SGAP will often improve the contour of the gluteal area, similar to a buttock lift and as such is our first choice. It also hides the incision well in the panty line area.

What to expect after a GAP flap:

A hospital stay of 2 nights for unilateral (one breast) and 3 nights for bilateral (two breasts) procedures is the norm. Patients should refrain from strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks. Discomfort is well controlled by the use of long-acting local anesthetic and nerve blocks. Patients can typically resume driving at 2 weeks and return to work at 3 weeks post-operatively.