Procedures
TUG Flap Breast Reconstruction in Baton Rouge
Inner Thigh Tissue Reconstruction With Natural Results
At ReCenter in Baton Rouge, we use the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap to rebuild the breast with skin, fat, and a small portion of the gracilis muscle from your upper inner thigh. The TUG flap procedure is a natural-tissue option well suited to smaller reconstructions, and it often comes with the added benefit of a thigh lift.
Our skilled surgeons have extensive experience with the TUG flap procedure. They are committed to delivering natural-looking results while prioritizing your safety and well-being throughout the process.
About TUG Flap Breast Reconstruction
The TUG flap breast reconstruction uses your own tissue to create a soft, natural-feeling breast after mastectomy. Because it borrows from a discreet area of the body, many women appreciate how well the scar hides and how naturally the result blends in.
What Is a TUG Flap Procedure?
A TUG flap procedure takes skin, fat, and part of the gracilis muscle from the inner thigh, just below the groin crease. Your surgeon then shapes this tissue into a breast mound and reconnects its tiny blood vessels to vessels in the chest using microsurgery.
Here’s what makes this tissue so useful:
- Ideal contour. The crescent shape of inner-thigh tissue cones naturally, giving a projected, breast-like form.
- Consistent blood supply. The area has reliable circulation, which supports strong surgical outcomes.
- A thigh-lift effect. The removed tissue provides the same fullness addressed in a cosmetic thigh lift.
In short, the TUG flap rebuilds your breast while reshaping your thigh.
Who Qualifies for a TUG Flap Procedure?
You may be a strong candidate if you have small to medium-sized breasts and don’t want to increase your breast size with reconstruction. This approach also suits you well if you lack enough abdominal tissue for a DIEP flap, if you’ve had a previous tummy tuck, or if you’d prefer to keep your abdomen scar-free.
Even a past thigh liposuction doesn’t automatically rule you out. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your thigh tissue and health history to confirm the right fit.
How Does TUG Compare to DIEP, SGAP, IGAP, and PAP?
There are several reconstruction options to choose from. Let’s break down some of the differences between the most common types.
- DIEP flap uses abdominal tissue and removes no muscle. It works best when you have enough lower-belly fat. The TUG flap offers an alternative when you don’t.
- SGAP and IGAP flaps use buttock tissue and preserve muscle entirely. These serve as options when neither the abdomen nor the thighs offer enough tissue.
- PAP flap and TUG flap both draw from the thigh. The PAP flap takes tissue from the back of the upper thigh and spares muscle, while the TUG flap takes tissue from the inner thigh along with part of the gracilis muscle.
That muscle detail matters, so here’s the reassuring part: losing part of the gracilis does not significantly affect your leg function. The larger adductor muscles do the heavy lifting, and unlike the TRAM flap, TUG surgery does not cause hernias or bulging.
What Happens During Surgery?
Your surgeon makes an incision across the upper inner thigh, harvests the tissue, and sculpts it into a breast shape. Then, using microsurgery, they restore blood flow to the chest. In some cases, this tissue even allows nipple and areola shaping without a separate procedure.
A TUG flap procedure generally takes three to four hours. You can have it as an immediate reconstruction during your mastectomy or as a delayed reconstruction later on.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From TUG Flap Surgery?
Most patients stay in the hospital for about three days. From there, recovery takes roughly four weeks, though it may run a little longer if you have surgery on both thighs.
To support healing, keep these expectations in mind:
- Avoid movements that spread your legs apart for the first several days.
- Your surgeon may recommend a compression garment for up to eight weeks.
- Complete scar fading can take a year or more.
The upper inner thigh scar sits in a discreet spot, so clothing and swimwear typically cover it well.
See the Results: TUG Flap Before and After
See what’s possible. Browse our TUG flap before-and-after gallery below to view real results from patients who chose this natural-tissue approach at ReCenter.
Schedule Your Consultation in Baton Rouge
If you’re exploring TUG flap breast reconstruction in Baton Rouge, ReCenter is ready to help you understand whether this procedure fits your needs. We provide top-quality care in a clean, comfortable environment designed around your healing.
Call 225-277-7200 or message us online today to schedule your consultation.