Abdominal Flaps
SHaEP Flaps
Extending the possibilities of natural abdominal tissue for a beautiful restoration.
A Tailored Solution for Extra Volume
The SHaEP (Stacked Hemi-Abdominal Extended Perforator) flap is an innovative, highly specialized technique that offers an excellent option for slender women who desire natural-tissue reconstruction but may need more volume than the center of their lower abdomen alone can provide. By thoughtfully extending the traditional abdominal flap outward to gently incorporate soft tissue from the upper hip and flank area, this approach allows us to gather the extra volume needed to beautifully reconstruct the breasts. It provides a wonderful, empowering alternative for patients who have previously been told they are too thin for a traditional abdominal flap, allowing them to still enjoy the lifelong benefits of a natural restoration.
Procedure
During a SHaEP flap procedure, our surgeons utilize meticulous, muscle-sparing microsurgery to carefully transfer skin and fat from your lower abdomen and hip region to your chest. To ensure this extended tissue thrives in its new location, she uses advanced techniques to connect a second supporting blood vessel, carefully maintaining a robust blood supply to the new breast mound. Importantly, just like a traditional DIEP flap, no abdominal muscle is ever sacrificed during this process, allowing the tissue to be artfully shaped while your core strength remains completely protected.
Benefits
Choosing the SHaEP flap allows you to achieve a beautifully soft, full, and authentic-feeling breast reconstruction entirely from your own living tissue, without the need for implants. Because the procedure gently utilizes tissue from the hips in addition to the abdomen, it can also create a smoother, flattering contour around your midsection, similar to a tummy tuck. By preserving your abdominal muscles and relying on advanced microsurgical precision, this technique supports a comfortable healing process, empowering you to move forward feeling balanced, strong, and deeply confident in your body.
Enhanced safety & efficiency
The Dual-Microsurgeon Model
We are proud to be the first and only plastic surgery practice in Arkansas designed around a collaborative, dual-microsurgeon team approach.
By working in tandem, we are able to significantly reduce operating and anesthesia times, enhance patient safety, and double the precision applied to every detail of your surgery. Typically found only in large, academic medical institutions, this model allows two fellowship-trained microsurgeons to operate together during complex procedures.
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Procedure Illustrations & Video
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Procedure Illustration
Procedure Video
