Breast reconstruction using tissue from your buttock(s)
A new breast shape can be made from fat, skin and sometimes muscle taken from your buttock(s).
About breast reconstruction using tissue from your buttock
Breast reconstruction using tissue from the buttock is a free flap operation. It uses fat and skin taken from your buttock. It may be an option if the tummy area (abdomen) or thigh cannot be used.
There are 2 operations that use tissue from the buttock. Not all hospitals offer this type of reconstruction. So you may need to travel if it is an option for you.
Free SGAP flap (superior gluteal artery perforator flap)
This stands for superior gluteal artery perforator flap. This is when tissue is taken from the upper part of the buttock.
Free IGAP flap (inferior gluteal artery perforator flap)
IGAP flap is when tissue is taken from the lower part of the buttock.
Who is it suitable for?
Reconstruction using tissue from the buttock may be suitable if you:
- have breasts of any size
- have scarring on the tummy area
- are slim.
What are the limitations?
- You will have a scar on your breast and on your buttock. A SGAP flap leaves a diagonal scar on the upper buttock. This can usually be hidden by underwear with a higher waistband. An IGAP flap scar may be hidden in the crease between the lower buttock and thigh.
- One buttock may be slightly smaller than the other after surgery.
- Tissue in the buttocks is firmer than tissue in the tummy. This means a breast reconstructed with buttock tissue may feel firmer than one made from tummy tissue. It will usually soften over time.
- There is a limit to the amount of tissue that can be taken and the size of breast that can be reconstructed.
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our breast reconstruction information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
European Journal of Surgical Oncology. Oncoplastic breast surgery: A guide to good practice A. Gilmour et al. Published 5th May 2021. associationofbreastsurgery.org.uk/media/359061/abs-oncoplastic-guidelines-2021.pdf (accessed April 2023)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Early and locally advanced breast cancer: diagnosis and management. Guidelines. July 2018. Last updated: April 2023. Available from: www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng101 (accessed April 2023)
European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Early breast cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow up. Last updated 2019. Annals of Oncology 30: 1194–1220, 2019. Available from: www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(19)31287-6/pdf (accessed April 2023)
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Senior Medical Editor, Professor Mike Dixon, Professor of Surgery and Consultant Breast Surgeon.
Our cancer information has been awarded the PIF TICK. Created by the Patient Information Forum, this quality mark shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information.
The language we use
We want everyone affected by cancer to feel our information is written for them.
We want our information to be as clear as possible. To do this, we try to:
- use plain English
- explain medical words
- use short sentences
- use illustrations to explain text
- structure the information clearly
- make sure important points are clear.
We use gender-inclusive language and talk to our readers as ‘you’ so that everyone feels included. Where clinically necessary we use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’. For example, we do so when talking about parts of the body or mentioning statistics or research about who is affected.
You can read more about how we produce our information here.
Date reviewed
Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.
This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.
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