T.U.G. – Transverse Upper Gracilis Flap
TUG flap incision drawn on the medial side of this patient’s right thigh
T.U.G. is a a ‘Perforator’ flap which means that the flap (transplanted tissue) depends on a perforator vessel for its vascular supply (blood flow and nutrients).
TUG represents an excellent alternative to DIEP/SIEA abdominal flaps in patients who do not have sufficient abdominal tissue to create a reasonable-sized breast. It is a versatile flap and can be used for other purposes aside from breast reconstruction.
TUG is taken from the inner thigh area, and the incisions and resulting scar looks like a medial thigh lift. However, not all people have sufficient volume of skin and fat on their inner thighs to allow Dr. Jugenburg to use it.
