| What is a TMG (TUG) flap? Some women who request autologous breast reconstruction (using their own tissue), are too slim and do not have enough fat tissue in the lower abdomen to perform a DIEP flap. Others may have had a surgical procedure in the past to the abdomen, which has led to scarring. These women may be able to have a Transverse Myocutaneous Gracilis flap, known as well as the TMG or TUG flap. In this procedure, excess skin and fat from the inner portion of the upper thigh (just under groin crease) is used to create the new breast. Microsurgical techniques are used to reconnect the blood supply. |
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| Who qualifies for this procedure? The decision to use a TMG flap will depend on the breast shape and the availability of inner thigh tissue. |
| What risks are associated with a TMG flap? Problems at the donor site can include pain and loss of feeling at the back of the thigh. Some women experience widening of the scar. |
| Will there be a significant asymmetry? According to a patient survey, most women do not notice any significant asymmetry (i.e. at a level where it could be seen through clothes). |
Own Tissue Breast Reconstruction Using TMG |
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| Operation time: | Normally between 3 and 5 hours |
| Hospital Stay: | Between 4-5 nights following the operation |
| Type of Anaesthesia: | General anaesthetic |
| Recovery Time: | 4-6 weeks |
| Risks of Surgery include: | Bruising, swelling and discomfort.
In rare cases, patients experience bleeding (haematoma), infection, failure of the flap (approx 2%), partial failure of flap, the need to re-operate (approx 8%), wound breakdown or necrosis of the mastectomy skin flaps. Problems occurring a week after the operation can include reduced sensation of reconstructed breast. Other (rare) problems can include scarring; seroma; and fat necrosis. |
| Further Treatment: | Visit to the Hospital Dressing Clinic (a week after discharge) |
| Nipple reconstruction: | Around 3 months later |
| Nipple Tattooing: | 1 month after reconstruction (by your surgical team) |