Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap (IGAP Flap)

Surgeons at Houston Methodist have perfected the breast reconstruction technique called the  IGAP flap, or Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator flap (buttocks), which is  an option for patients who do not have enough excess abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy, or have had a previous tummy tuck surgery or liposuction. During IGAP, the surgeon reconstructs the breast using tissue from the lower part of the buttock without injury or sacrifice of the underlying gluteal muscles. A slight buttock lift results in the donor area with a fine-line incision easily hidden within the panty line. The tissue is transplanted to the breast, and  a microscope is used to connect the blood vessels supplying this tissue to those at the mastectomy site in a process called microsurgical reconstruction. It is then sculpted into the new breast mound.

Key Benefits
This procedure offers many benefits to patients: 
  • Soft reconstruction
  • Complete preservation of gluteal muscles
  • Minimally invasive
  • Potential for restoration of sensation
  • Less recovery time
  • Less pain
  • No foreign material
  • Full return to normal activity

LOCATIONS
Texas Medical Center
6560 Fannin Street
Scurlock Tower, Suite 2200
Houston, TX 77030
713.441.6100

Katy
18400 Katy Frwy.
Medical Office Building 1, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77094
832.522.8400
Sugar Land
16605 Southwest Fwy.
Medical Office Building 3, Suite 450
Sugar Land, TX 77479
713.441.0714

The Woodlands
17183 I-45 South
Medical Office Building 1, Suite 390
The Woodlands, TX 77385
936.270.3680
Willowbrook
13300 Hargrave Rd.
Suite 450
Houston, TX 77070
281.737.4560