TUG flap reconstruction is a form of Autologous breast reconstruction, meaning it uses your own tissues rather than an implant to create a breast mound. It can be used to carry out either immediate (at the time of mastectomy) or delayed (after breast cancer treatment is finished) breast reconstruction.
TUG flap stands for transverse upper gracilis flap and involves taking fat skin and muscle from the upper part of the thigh. For breast reconstruction the TUG flap is used as a ‘free flap’ meaning that its blood supply is disconnected and then reconnected to a blood vessel in your chest area (either near your breast bone or in your armpit). Carrying out free-flap reconstruction surgery is complex and lengthy and this is only done by Plastic surgeons. For our patients free flap surgery is carried out at the Royal Free Hospital by Mr Sojitra.
TUG flap reconstruction can only be done in people who are not smoking or using nicotine products. It will result in a scar in the inner thigh and a dent. It will only provide a small amount of tissue with which to reconstruct a breast so will not be suitable for women who wish to have a large breast reconstructed.