Gluteal Free Flap for Breast Reconstruction

Gluteal Free Flap for Breast Reconstruction

Gluteal free flap for breast reconstruction

Gluteal free flap is a less common type of breast reconstruction surgery. The surgeon cuts a flap of muscle, fat, and skin from the buttocks and moves it to the chest to create a new breast. The blood vessels are also cut. After the flap is in place, the surgeon sews the blood vessels in the flap to blood vessels in the chest area. This requires careful surgery using a microscope.

Gluteal free flap may be a good choice for thin women who don't have enough belly tissue for DIEP or TRAM flap surgery. But the buttocks may be uneven after surgery.

Current as of: April 13, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Douglas A. Stewart MD - Medical Oncology
Laura S. Dominici MD - General Surgery, Breast Surgical Oncology