TUG Flaps

In cases where a patient does not have sufficient donor tissue for abdominal autologous reconstruction, the TUG flap method is one of several effective alternatives. By utilizing tissues taken from the upper thigh, this procedure creates natural results that will restore your bust after a mastectomy.

Your TUG Flap Breast Reconstruction with Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa

Breast reconstruction often serves as the final stage in the recovery process after breast cancer. Patients who have undergone a mastectomy frequently experience the joy that comes with freedom from their illness, but also wish to regain a bust that feels natural to them. If this sounds like your experience, Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa and the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction are here to help. We offer a full range of autologous reconstruction procedures and can help you find the option that is right for you based on your physical characteristics and ultimate cosmetic goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about what Dr. Srinivasa and her team can do for you, we’re excited to meet you and learn more about how we can help. Simply reach out to us at our Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks offices and set up your in-person consultation today.

When to Consider the TUG Flap Technique

Dr. Srinivasa and her extensively trained colleagues at the Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction are proud to be offering an impressively robust array of autologous reconstruction modalities. We’ll walk you through your various options and help you pick out the procedure that is best suited to your physical characteristics and personal reconstructive goals.

Patients who are not eligible for a TRAM, DIEP, or SIEA flap procedure often wind up choosing the TUG flap technique due to a lack of sufficient subcutaneous fat in the abdominal area. This is often the case for patients who are very thin or lead highly athletic lifestyles.
Some other patients might consider the TUG flap procedure if other flap reconstruction procedures have failed, or if they are looking for an alternative to flap procedures that utilize abdominal tissues.
This procedure is also ideal for women with smaller breasts who don’t wish to increase their bust size with reconstruction.

Reasons to Love the TUG Flap Technique

In addition to offering breast cancer patients a safer, more natural alternative to implant-based reconstruction after radiation therapy, the TUG flap reconstruction technique specifically brings with it a number of benefits that have seen patient satisfaction rates skyrocketing in recent years. Take a look at some of the reasons our patients love what the TUG flap procedure has done for them, and reach out to set up your consultation if you’re interested in learning even more.

The upper and inner thighs are tightened. Since the donor tissue flap is taken from this area, patients often wind up looking and feeling as though they have had a thigh lift, once recovery is complete.
Some of the potential muscle weaknesses that can come from an abominable muscle flap procedure like the TRAM flap can be avoided, due to the muscle-sparing nature of this procedure.
Tissues offered by the donor area in the TUG flap procedure are especially adept for shaping and sculpting, so Dr. Sriniasa can create the most natural breast mound possible.
This procedure comes with an impressively high rate of success.
Immediate nipple reconstruction is possible, and the donor tissues reliably have an excellent blood supply.

Your TUG Flap Reconstruction Procedure

This procedure typically takes between three and four hours to complete and will be performed under general anesthesia. An incision will be made in the upper thigh, near the groin area, from which an oval section of tissues—skin, fat, and blood vessels—will be removed. This tissue flap will then be moved to the chest. Dr. Srinivasa will form it into a breast shape before using highly advanced microsurgery to re-attach the blood vessels.

You will have a scar left on your upper, inner thigh but it will be easily hidden by most clothing options. Dr. Srinivasa will ensure to tuck this scar into the natural fold at the top of the thigh whenever possible, to make it even less noticeable to the casual observer. Before your procedure, Dr. Srinivasa will discuss everything you might need to know, including incision placement and any other questions you may have.

Enjoying Your Restorative Results

You’ll need to spend a few days recovering in the hospital before you’re able to head home, due to the “dual” nature of this procedure. Unlike most surgeries, you will have two surgical sites to consider during your healing process, so it might be a good idea to have a helper stay with you for a short period of time.

Most patients are back to their daily routine within four to five weeks, and Dr. Srinivasa will provide you with a detailed recovery timeline and very thorough aftercare instructions. You’ll also set follow-up appointments, so she can ensure that you are healing up and recovering properly.

The TUG flap breast reconstruction procedure is just one of the many ways we unite our patients with impressively restorative results, and we’re very excited to learn more about how we can help you reclaim your life. To learn more, reach out to us at our Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks locations, and set up your consultation today.