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Gluteal Free Flap

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Gluteal Free Flap / Buttock Crease Transfer

The Gluteal Free Flap autologous breast reconstruction procedure uses tissue from the buttocks, including the gluteal muscle, to create a new breast shape. Like a TRAM Flap reconstruction, the skin, fat, blood vessels and muscle are cut from the buttocks and moved to the chest area. An operating microscope (microsurgery) is needed to connect the blood vessels, and the scar where the new breast tissue has come from is conveniently concealed in the buttock crease.

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Preoperative marking

Gluteal flap and vessels lifted during surgery, become new breast tissue

Postoperative appearance

In addition to the potential advantages and disadvantages listed on the Autologous Breast Reconstruction page, other potential advantages and disadvantages of Gluteal Free Flap are also outlined here.

Potential Advantages | Potential Disadvantages
  • Concealed scar
  • Removes fat and tissue from your buttocks
  • Lengthy procedure (up to 12 hours) because of microsurgery involved
  • Complications associated with microsurgery may result in tissue not surviving when moved to the breast
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