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All methods have their potential downsides.

Reconstruction with an implant requires elevating the pectoralis major muscle to put the implant under it, as the skin alone is usually not strong enough to hold the implant. While this is usually well-tolerated, it could potentially affect the function of the muscle.

Flap reconstruction using the body’s own tissue usually involves taking extra fat from the abdomen (DIEP flap) or buttocks (GAP flap). No muscle is removed in either case, but it is still possible for muscle function to be affected. While there is room for debate in this area, my feeling is that some disruption of the buttock muscle is probably better tolerated than disruption of the abdominal muscle (rectus abdominus).

Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D.

All methods have their potential downsides.

Reconstruction with an implant requires elevating the pectoralis major muscle to put the implant under it, as the skin alone is usually not strong enough to hold the implant. While this is usually well-tolerated, it could potentially affect the function of the muscle.

Flap reconstruction using the body’s own tissue usually involves taking extra fat from the abdomen (DIEP flap) or buttocks (GAP flap). No muscle is removed in either case, but it is still possible for muscle function to be affected. While there is room for debate in this area, my feeling is that some disruption of the buttock muscle is probably better tolerated than disruption of the abdominal muscle (rectus abdominus).

Richard M. Kline Jr., M.D.