I’ve been offered DIEP flap reconstuction but have been told I’m marginal for this type as I don’t have enough fat on my tummy. I have plenty on my bum though and want to know if anyone has had the IGAP flap reconstruction from the lower buttock and what they think of it.
Have had SGAP if that’s any help to you?
Very very good result and quick recovery times!
Yes it would be a real help to learn about the SGAP. What were your experiences? How long before you could sit/drive? (I do the school run!) Did you get offered because the stomach one was marginal too. I was told it would distort my bum, but I have a feeling it’s because the surgeon doen’t do many SGAPs.
Hi I had a TMG and IGAP procedure in London,(TMG is quite rare I believe) because Im petite, size 8-10 54kgs, and the LD Flap option didnt suit me as I didnt want implants or expanders. where are you??
I drove after 6-7 weeks, I have a scar in my bottom crease, half way around l buttock, and a small scar inner leg same side about 3inches long about 3 inches above my knee- this is where the TMG part was done,The grassalis muscle was removed and used to pack my breast, I had a free flap - small circle of skin removed from the IGAP part(buttock skin).this circle of skin replaced my nipple and is the only graft I have. There is a curved scar to the right of this circle a bit like a dress dart which points towards my right armpit. I had 1 drain here and 1 in my leg at the knee end post op for 5 days.
You can ask about other procedures at other trusts, you are entitled to referral to anywhere else in the NHS, I know this is not always possible practically, but do explore other options. There is an excellent surgeon in Norwich who is often praised here. Good luck with your decision making, if I can help any more please ask.
- Hi Morgaine how are you doing, Im due for 2nd FEC, but a bit poorly at the mo. My boob is fab, Im very pleased its dropping into shape nicely and has softened up well. In bra and tee shirts nobody knows, my buttock wound has healed well , nice clean line, it feels a bit tight sometimes, but thats normal, light stratching is good, and the occaisional swim would be good, perhaps when Im over my cold. Take care.
Julie xxxxx
I was offered the SGAP because I’m too thin for any other type of recon. Seems odd to me cos I can see fat bits but thats what my PS said.
I had originally had an implant immediately after mastectomy but rads made it go hard and it was very painful.
The SGAP took place on 28th August 2006. Tuesday. I was in theatre for more than 11 hours and possibly 14 - not sure how long I was in the recovery room and I have no memory of being there.
I was well out of it for 24 hours but since I wasn’t allowed to move that didn’t matter and I was kept off food in case they needed to take me back down.
BUT by Thursday I was human again and encouraged to sit up (once I had been fitted with a bra) and get out of bed. On Friday I showered and moved to a cooler room. On Sunday I went home. I cooked dinner and walked with the dog that day. I drove at 4 weeks and returned to work after 7 weeks.
There is a difference in my bum cheeks - I notice it quite a lot but no-one else sees it through clothes.
The bum scar is quite large but it has healed well. The breast is a lovely shape and it’s great to be free of the long term low level pain that I had put up with for so long.
There are pictures associated with the other site I use. I’ll be posting some more before I go for my tweaks and nipple too.
Ask anything you want - I’m proud of my op and don’t mind sharing the experience!
Thanks for all the feed back, would really like to know where the photos are, other site?. I’ve suggested to my surgeon the IGAP, he’s OK to do it. He mentioned both SGAP and IGAP give a firmer result, did you find that Morgaine? I’ve breast fed 2 kids so I’m pretty droppy and this is a bit of a concern for me.
Girls, reading your self-description – was quite confused that my ps doesn’t think GAP is the option for me. I’ve tried to push for it twice and both times he told me that I am not suitable. I find it really strange as I am not slim (size 12-14!), why does he thinks that I don’t have enough fat I have no idea. Had to settle for LD with the implant at the end, DIEP wasn’t a good option either due to lack of tummy fat and risk of complications in that area (I want to start a family asap).