Excess inner thigh tissue can also be used as a donor site during breast reconstruction. During TUG flap surgery, skin, fat, muscle, and blood vessels from your upper thigh are used to reconstruct the breast. The resulting scar, typically tucked into the groin crease, is well hidden in shorts and skirts, and the breast shape is very youthful.

The TUG flap may be a good choice for women who are not candidates for the DIEP flap (not enough donor tissue in the belly area) or those with small-sized breasts. As an added benefit of the surgery, patients will end up with tighter thighs, like after an inner thigh lift.