Expert Breast Reconstruction Surgery Near You
PAP Flap Procedure
When a woman starts her breast reconstruction journey, choosing the right type of procedure can be overwhelming. Some of the most popular techniques are flap-based, meaning they involve using a woman’s own body tissue to form a new breast mound.
While this flap is most commonly taken from the abdomen, some patients don't have enough excess tissue in this area to form a new breast mound. Luckily, the PAP flap procedure takes tissue from the upper thigh, making it an excellent alternative for many women.
At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, our team is proud to provide a safe, compassionate environment to discuss all of your options, including the PAP flap procedure. Our goal is to ensure that our patients understand their options and can make an informed decision when choosing the best procedure for them.
If you would like to learn more about the PAP flap procedure, schedule an appointment with us today. We look forward to helping you make an informed decision on your breast reconstruction journey!
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What Is PAP Flap Surgery?
PAP (Profound Artery Perforator) flap breast reconstruction utilizes skin and fat from the patient's upper thigh below the buttock. This area provides tissue that is ideal for shaping and excellent blood vessels to connect to the chest. This donor site location can also decrease the likelihood of certain postoperative risks.
Depending on a patient’s preference and body shape, this tissue can be taken in one of two ways:
- Horizontally from the posterior upper thigh. This allows the scarring to be hidden along the buttock crease but may not provide as much tissue.
- Vertically or diagonally from the posterior inner thigh. This provides enough tissue to properly create the new breast mount but is likely to cause more visible scarring.
As our third most commonly performed procedure, PAP flap reconstruction surgery is an alternative to DIEP for women with minimal or inadequate abdominal tissue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a PAP procedure right for me?
This method is often recommended for women who do not have sufficient tissue in the abdomen for use in breast reconstruction or for those who prefer not to use their abdominal tissue.
Our breast reconstruction specialists are experienced in flap-based breast reconstruction and can help you determine which procedure is best for you.
How long does it take to recover from PAP breast reconstruction?
After your procedure, you should plan for a 3-4 day hospital stay, followed by 4-6 weeks of postoperative recovery. Your healing time may depend on whether tissue was taken from one or both thighs.
During this time, it's important to rest and avoid any strenuous activities. Our dedicated medical staff will give you specific postoperative instructions and provide the support you need during your recovery.
Will my insurance cover a PAP flap breast reconstruction?
At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we're proud to accept insurance plans for most major providers in our area. Thanks to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), most group insurance plans that cover mastectomies are also required to cover breast reconstruction surgery. We advise our patients to contact their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment to discuss coverage and costs.
To learn more about what plans we accept, visit our Insurance page or contact us today!
How can I get started with experienced reconstructive breast surgeons near me?
Starting your journey with The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction is as easy as picking up the phone or filling out our easy-to-use online form! Our experienced team is happy to answer any questions and help book your consultation with one of our top breast reconstruction specialists. Contact us to get started!