SGAP Flaps

The Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction is pleased to offer a robust selection of autologous reconstruction techniques, including the muscle-sparing SGAP Flap reconstruction procedure.

The SGAP Flap Reconstruction Procedure with Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa

By utilizing tissue from the buttock area, the SGAP flap breast reconstruction treatment enables Dr. Srinivasa to create a natural breast mound while also slimming down the donor area as an added bonus. The SGAP technique—which stands for “superior gluteal artery perforator”—utilizes a tissue flap and blood vessel from the buttock area, removing skin and fat from the upper buttocks. As an added bonus, you'll also enjoy secondary results that will closely resemble a cosmetic butt lift.

When you’re ready to learn more about how this advanced procedure can benefit you, reach out to the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction at our Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks offices and set up your consultation with a dedicated member of our team today!

Is the SGAP Flap Technique the Right Choice for Me?

During your consultation with Dr. Srinivasa, she’ll get to know your physical characteristics and your personal goals for breast reconstruction. Given that this procedure is highly personal, each patient is approached on an individual basis, and your treatment plan will be selected according to the procedure that will most directly benefit you.

Patients frequently find that the SGAP technique is ideal for the following reasons:

Both breasts are being reconstructed at the same time
The abdominal wall is especially thin and doesn’t offer sufficient tissue
A previous procedure, such as a tummy tuck, has compromised the availability of acceptable tissues in the abdominal region

How the SGAP Flap Procedure Works

The SGAP flap procedure is one of the more difficult flap procedures that can be performed, which is why you’ll be glad to know that Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa brings an extensive amount of experience, along with double board-certification to the table. She’s one of the few surgeons to focus almost exclusively on microsurgical reconstruction, so you can rest assured and look forward to results that will truly restore your body (and your quality of life along with it).

The SGAP procedure typically takes between nine and twelve hours to complete. This will vary based on whether or not Dr. Srinivasa is going to be reconstructing one breast or both at the same time. Sometimes this can be done in a single operation, and Dr. Srinivasa will thoroughly discuss your options with you during your preoperative consultations. This will be your chance to ask any questions you may have about your upcoming procedure, as well.

An incision will be made along the top of the buttocks, enabling Dr. Srinivasa to remove an oval-shaped section of skin and fat, along with the blood vessels needed to keep them alive and healthy. This tissue flap will be moved up to the chest region, where it will be formed into the shape of a natural breast mound. Using advanced microsurgery, Dr. Srinivasa will then match the blood vessels to those located in your chest, completing the procedure.

Our Commitment to Microsurgical Excellence

Few practitioners bring with them the level of surgical excellence offered by Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa and her dedicated team at the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction. Having committed herself long ago to helping women navigate the breast reconstruction process, Dr. Srinivasa is here to help you truly move on and definitively put your illness behind you.

When you’re ready to learn more about how the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction can help you to begin the next chapter of your life, we’re excited to hear from you! Simply reach out to our Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks offices and set up your consultation with a member of our expert team today.

Your Recovery and Postoperative Aftercare

Aftercare Instructions

Before your procedure, Dr. Srinivasa and her team will help you with very thorough information about what you’ll experience after your procedure. You’ll get detailed aftercare instructions, and you’ll schedule follow-up appointments that enable Dr. Srinivasa and her team to ensure that you’re healing properly.

Immediate Recovery

You’ll need to remain in the hospital for a few days after your procedure, before returning home to begin a recovery process that should take between six and eight weeks. We may recommend that you wear a compression girdle as you recover, and will provide you with instructions to keep your incision sites clean and healthy.

Getting Back to Normal

You will experience discomfort sitting for some time since the donor area incision will be located on your upper buttock region. Most patients are able to rejoin their normal routines after seven to eight weeks of rest and recovery.

Creating the Results You Deserve

For many breast cancer survivors, reconstruction marks the true end to their experience with illness. Here at the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction, we’re here to guide you through these final steps and create the results that will truly see you enjoying a restored quality of life. When you’re ready to discover all the ways we can help you as you move through the final stages of your recovery, simply reach out and set up your consultation at our Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks offices.