The Profunda Artery Perforator Flap (PAP) is another option for breast reconstruction in patients who are not candidates for the use of the abdomen tissue (DIEP). In addition, this procedure tends to work better for women with small- to medium/small-sized breasts.

During PAP flap surgery, your physician will use skin and fat from the back of the upper thigh to recreate your breasts. The harvested tissue is connected microsurgically to the breast area to provide blood flow to the new breast. Since muscle is not taken during surgery, PAP flap is considered a muscle-sparing type of flap.

The resulting scar on the upper thigh is well hidden in shorts and skirts, and the breast shape is very youthful. As a result of the PAP flap the thighs will be tighter—as if you had a thigh lift.