Overview
At Northwell Health, we specialize in free perforator flap reconstruction - a less invasive, more advanced option than traditional flap reconstruction. In free perforator flap procedures, tissue is transplanted from another part of the body without cutting the muscle, resulting in less post-op pain, fewer risks and quicker recovery.
We specialize in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, a free flap procedure in which skin and fat, but not muscle, are taken from the lower belly area. This helps avoid lower abdominal weakness and hernia after surgery.
Others free flap procedures we perform include:
- Profunda femoris artery perforator (PAP) flap - tissue is taken from the upper back part of the thigh. This is a good option for patients with too little abdominal tissue for DIEP flap. After healing, the surgical scar is hidden beneath the buttock crease.
- Gluteal artery perforator (GAP) flap - tissue is taken from the buttocks and the scar is hidden under the underwear. This is also a good option for patients with inadequate abdominal tissue for DIEP flap.
- Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TAP) flap - tissue is taken from the back. This technique is often used for breast reconstruction after lumpectomy.
- Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap – tissue is taken from the lower abdomen, like a DIEP flap, without touching the abdominal wall fascia - thus resulting in an even quicker recovery with less pain.
We also perform traditional free flap procedures, which include:
- Muscle sparing TRAM (msTRAM) flap - skin, fat and muscle are taken from the belly, with less muscle taken than in traditional TRAM flap reconstruction.
- Transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap - tissue and muscle are taken from the inner thigh. This is an option for women with small breasts and minimal abdominal tissue.
We also perform the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, in which muscle, skin and fat are taken from the back, with the scar placed under the bra line to make it less visible. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with a breast implant.