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KimH's avatar
KimH
Member
12 years ago

TUG and GAP reconstructions

Reconstruction options?I'm 32, no children, no fat, and had a left mastectomy with axillary clearance, and had chemo and radio.I have seen one PS who I personally did not like. With no stomach, he couldn't do his favourite recon method, nor did I warm to his lat dorsi (back flap) method. I'm not a fan of any flap methods because I am well aware that I need implants. I am also having the right side done prophylactically.I am lucky enough that I was made aware of other types of reconstruction through communicating with other patients - not the surgeon. I am wondering if anyone else has had, or looked into TUG (using upper thigh) flap, or GAP (using the butt) flap reconstruction. Are there any surgeons in Australia that do these procedures?

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  • ElleCE's avatar
    ElleCE
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi

    I'm consulting with a plastic surgeon in Melbourne and am considering a reconstruction using the inner thigh fat too. Has anyone had any expereince with this? 

    I looked at the Dr Horton site but didn't see much.

    Any thoughts would be most welcome.

    Thanks

    Lisa

  • ElleCE's avatar
    ElleCE
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi

    I'm consulting with a plastic surgeon in Melbourne and am considering a reconstruction using the inner thigh fat too. Has anyone had any expereince with this? 

    I looked at the Dr Horton site but didn't see much.

    Any thoughts would be most welcome.

    Thanks

    Lisa

  • Nina's avatar
    Nina
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Kim and all,

    For TUG:  Dr Bailey at Greenlopes Hospital in Brisbane. I have heard that for S-Gap flap the fat is not very stable so you can end up with "unstable" breasts as we tend to lose and gain weight quicker in this area then between the inner thights, I am not sure whether this theory is true but it seems to make sense. With TUG flap there is a very small possibility of lower leg swelling. Lot's of people who are happy with smaller breast seem to be happy with the shape and results.

    For photo's and more information I think Dr Horton in the States has been writing some helpful articles and posted some photos for the results on her website.

    I hope this helps. All the best to you Kim and others who have to make up their mind or support a loved one.

    With greetings, Nina.

  • LouiseTurner's avatar
    LouiseTurner
    Member
    12 years ago
    You're so young to be going through this. But you sound strong and doing the right thing I think by taking control and doing your research. I found reconstruction very difficult and slow to find what was possible, what i was suited to, who could do it and how the system works. I saw 4 plastic surgeons before settling on the 5th on to do my free tram. Unlike you I have 2 kids and had tummy fat/tissue to spare. I found the surgeons specialised in just a couple of procedures, rather than offering all types. I suppose it makes sense so they get really good at their technique. I didn't look into those procedures, TUG and GAP, but read a bit about them on mostly US bc websites. I guess you'll always get a range of experiences. I found searching this site from the search box at the top helpful. I found members posts about methods and hospitals and doctors. I also learned that doctors work public and private so followed leads that way too. I talked to the breast care nurses and the cancer council, I phoned plastic surgeons rooms and asked questions (cheaper than having an appointment to be told they don't so what I was looking for). I read read read and finally found my team. Good luck, I wish I could be more helpful, Xxxlouie