Skip to content

Benefits of SGAP Breast Reconstruction

There are several benefits of the SGAP breast reconstructive technique. The recreation of the breast with soft, warm, living fat with buttock tissue is permanent and doesn’t require maintenance imaging or repeat surgeries. For women who have undergone a mastectomy in the past, the SGAP Flap reconstructive surgery allows for the avoidance of tissue expanders.

An important benefit of the SGAP breast reconstruction over the TRAM and TUG Flap is that the muscle of the donor area is protected, and full strength is preserved. The avoidance of injury to the gluteal muscles protects full function and return to normal activities.

Making the incision high on the hip preserves feminine form and provides a buttocks lift as a compliment to the collection of fat to recreate the new breasts. In contrast to the PAP and IGAP procedures, which cut through important sensory nerves (posterior femoral cutaneous nerve), the SGAP Flap procedure is purposely designed to protect from any risk of sciatic or other nerve injuries.

More importantly, the SGAP breast reconstruction procedure doesn’t take fat away from the padded areas in the lower buttock and upper thigh, as occurs in the IGAP and PAP procedures, respectively. This prevents long-term discomfort while sitting and eliminates the risk of tissue breakdown over the bony structures in the weight-bearing pelvis as tissues age.

Your surgeon will work to place the incision so that it is hidden by small undergarments and bikini swimwear to ensure that, once healed, women feel confident and unrestricted in their activities.

SGAP (Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator) surgery is a type of breast reconstruction that uses tissue from the upper buttocks to create a new breast mound. Here are some benefits of SGAP surgery:

Natural Results: The use of the patient’s own tissue creates a more natural look and feel compared to implants.

No Implants Needed: Eliminates the risks and complications associated with breast implants, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture.

Preserves Muscle: Since the procedure uses skin and fat without taking muscle, it reduces donor site morbidity and preserves muscle function. It reduces the risk of long-term weakness or hernias in the donor area.

Dual Benefit: Patients benefit from both breast reconstruction and a buttock lift, as the tissue is taken from the upper buttocks.

Permanent Results: The results are long-lasting, with no need for future surgeries related to implant replacement.

Improved Symmetry: Can help achieve better symmetry, especially if a previous reconstruction was performed using the opposite breast’s tissue.

Reduced Risk of Abdominal Complications: For patients who are not candidates for abdominal flap procedures, SGAP provides an alternative without the risk of abdominal complications.

Minimal Scarring: Scarring is usually minimal and can be concealed under clothing or swimwear.

Suitable for Patients with Abdominal Scarring or Insufficient Abdominal Tissue: Ideal for patients who have had previous abdominal surgeries or lack enough abdominal tissue for reconstruction.

Overall, SGAP surgery offers a reliable and effective option for breast reconstruction, particularly for those who prefer or require autologous tissue reconstruction.

Risks of SGAP Breast Reconstruction

As with any surgery, the risks of SGAP Flap reconstruction surgery can be minimized by carefully following your pre-surgical instructions. If you have other medical problems or factors that increase your risk, your surgeon will work with you to educate you on proper preparation and arrange your clinical care regimen to maximize your safety and ensure a successful recovery. 

Infection: Like any surgery, there is a risk of infection at the donor site (buttocks) or the reconstruction site (breast).

Bleeding: There is a possibility of excessive bleeding during or after the surgery, which may require additional medical intervention.

Blood Clots: There is a risk of developing blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Fat Necrosis: This occurs when some of the transplanted fat does not receive enough blood supply and dies, forming hard lumps.

Partial or Total Flap Loss: There is a risk that the transplanted tissue does not receive enough blood flow and fails to thrive, leading to partial or complete loss of the flap.

Seroma: Fluid accumulation under the skin at the donor site or the reconstruction site, which might need to be drained.

Scarring: Scars will form at both the donor site and the reconstruction site, which can sometimes be prominent or troublesome.

Pain and Discomfort: Pain and discomfort at the donor site and reconstruction site are common, which may persist for weeks or months.

Asymmetry: The reconstructed breast may not perfectly match the natural breast, leading to asymmetry.

Changes in Sensation: There may be changes in sensation in the reconstructed breast or the donor area, ranging from numbness to hypersensitivity.