IGAP (Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator) Breast Reconstruction at Mercy

IGAP flap breast reconstruction uses tissue and blood vessels from the lower buttocks to create a new breast following a mastectomy. The tissue flap is removed from the lower buttock and reconnected to the mastectomy site using microsurgery techniques. During IGAP flap breast reconstruction, the gluteal muscle is not cut or shifted.

IGAP flap breast reconstruction is an optimal treatment option for women who are thin and do not have enough abdominal tissue for DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Most all women have enough buttock tissue to enable IGAP flap breast reconstruction to be a treatment option following mastectomy.

When is IGAP flap breast reconstruction not recommended?

For patients who have had previous IGAP or SGAP flap breast reconstruction, a previous buttock lift, or buttock liposuction, IGAP flap breast reconstruction is not a treatment option. IGAP flap also is not an option if the patient smokes since it will take longer to heal or the tissue may not heal effectively.

When is the best treatment time for IGAP flap breast reconstruction?

Depending on the patient’s individual treatment plan, IGAP flap breast reconstruction can be immediate during the breast surgery or delayed until after surgery and chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments are complete.

When the tissue from the lower buttock is removed during IGAP flap reconstruction, the incision is closed with the same technique used for a buttock lift. The single line closure most often is hidden in the buttock’s natural fold.

For women who need a double mastectomy, IGAP flap breast reconstruction is a treatment option. Tissue is removed from both lower buttocks to form two new breasts at the double mastectomy site.

The difference between these two microsurgical breast reconstruction procedures is the IGAP flap uses tissue from the lower buttock and the SGAP flap uses tissue from the upper buttock.

Following IGAP flap breast reconstruction, additional minor surgery to revise the shape and symmetry of the breasts may be needed as well as minor surgery to create the areola and nipple.

Mercy's plastic surgeons work closely with the breast surgeons at The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy, to coordinate breast surgery and reconstruction. Together with each patient, this team of some of the best surgeons for breast care develops the best treatment plan for the breast disease diagnosis.