EASTERN SUBURBS BREAST SURGERY
Other Autologous (Own-Tissue) Breast Reconstruction
What is Autologous Reconstruction?
Autologous breast reconstruction uses your own tissue — skin, fat, and in some cases muscle — taken from another part of your body to create a new breast. Because the reconstructed breast is made from living tissue, it behaves more like a natural breast — it changes with your body over time, ages naturally, and is generally more resilient to the effects of radiotherapy than an implant.
For many women, autologous reconstruction produces the most natural and long-lasting result. It is a more complex undertaking than implant-based reconstruction, involving a longer operation and recovery, as well as a scar at the donor site. But for the right patient, the outcome can be truly transformative.
Dr van der Rijt and Dr Langbart have extensive experience in microsurgical breast reconstruction and will guide you through which technique is most appropriate for your body and your goals
The DIEP Flap
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator flap - is our preferred and most commonly performed autologous reconstruction technique, and is widely regarded as the gold standard in microsurgical breast reconstruction.
Other Autologous Options
While the DIEP flap is our preferred technique, it is not the only autologous option available. For women who are not suitable DIEP flap candidates — due to insufficient abdominal tissue, previous abdominal surgery, or other anatomical considerations — alternative donor sites can be used to achieve an excellent reconstructive result.
PAP Flap — Profunda Artery Perforator Flap
The PAP flap uses skin and fat from the upper inner thigh as the donor tissue. It is an excellent option for women with insufficient abdominal tissue and produces a well-concealed scar in the inner thigh crease. It is particularly well suited to women of slimmer build.
LAP Flap — Lumbar Artery Perforator Flap
The LAP flap uses tissue from the lower back and hip — the area commonly referred to as the “love handle.” It provides a good volume of soft, natural tissue and can be an excellent option for women who carry tissue in this area, producing a hidden scar at the lower back.
SGAP Flap — Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap
The SGAP flap uses tissue from the upper buttock as the donor site. It is a technically demanding procedure, reserved for cases where other donor sites are not available or suitable, and can provide good volume for reconstruction in the right patient.
All of these techniques are microsurgical free flap procedures, requiring reconnection of blood vessels under the operating microscope. Your surgeon will assess your anatomy and discuss which option is most appropriate for you.
Implant and Autologous — Combined Approaches
In some cases, a combination of implant and autologous techniques offers the best result. For example, a flap may provide excellent skin and soft tissue coverage while a small implant provides additional volume. Your surgeon will discuss whether a combined approach is relevant to your situation.
This page is intended as general patient information only and does not replace individualised medical advice. Please discuss your specific situation with your treating surgeon.
Private Expertise, Coordinated Care
All five of our surgeons hold appointments at two of Sydney’s leading public teaching hospitals. This keeps us at the forefront of evidence-based practice, clinical research, and multidisciplinary care. We bring that same standard of excellence to our private practice, with operating privileges across leading private hospitals throughout the Eastern Suburbs. Whatever your circumstances, you have access to a team working at the highest level.