SGAP (Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator) Flap Reconstruction Offered at Mercy

SGAP flap breast reconstruction uses mid to upper buttock tissue and blood vessels to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy. A flap of tissue is cut from the mid to upper buttock and microsurgically reconnected at the mastectomy site to form a new breast. During SGAP flap breast reconstruction, the gluteus maximus muscle is not cut or shifted when the tissue flap is removed.

Bilateral SGAP flap reconstruction is an option for patients following a double mastectomy. Bilateral SGAP flap reconstruction involves using buttock tissue for reconstruction of both breasts during the same surgery. 

Women who do not have enough abdominal tissue for a DIEP flap are often the best candidates for SGAP flap breast reconstruction. Most all women have enough buttock tissue to enable SGAP flap breast reconstruction to be a treatment option following breast surgery.

When is SGAP flap breast reconstruction not recommended?

SGAP flap breast reconstruction is not a treatment option for patients who have had a previous SGAP flap or IGAP flap breast reconstruction procedure, buttock lift, or buttock liposuction. SGAP flap also is not recommended for patients who smoke as it takes longer to heal and the tissue may not take effectively to the new breast site.

As the tissue flap is removed from the mid to upper buttock area, the incision is closed using the same surgical techniques as used in a buttock lift. The straight line closure cannot be seen since it is often located under the bikini line.

For women having a double mastectomy, SGAP flap breast reconstruction can be a treatment option. Tissue from both upper buttocks can be removed to create two new breasts at the double mastectomy site. This is commonly referred to as bilateral SGAP flap breast reconstruction.

Best Treatment Time for SGAP Flap Breast Reconstruction

SGAP flap breast reconstruction can be completed during breast surgery or delayed until chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment is finished.

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

Following SGAP 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 breast reconstruction surgeons work closely with the breast surgeons at The Hoffberger Breast Center at Mercy, to coordinate breast surgery and reconstruction. Together they work with each patient to determine the best time to have breast reconstruction according the patient’s diagnosis. Breast reconstruction can be immediate, taking place during the breast surgery, or delayed, taking place after surgery and chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments.