Breast reconstruction by the free transverse gracilis (TUG) flap Z.M Arnež, D Pogorelec, F Planinšek, U Ahčan  British Journal of Plastic Surgery  Volume 57, Issue 1, Pages 20-26 (January 2004) DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2003.10.007

Figure 1 Preoperative markings of the donor. Note: the crescent shape of the TUG flap on the right medial thigh. The point where the perforating vessels from the main vascular pedicle into the skin was demonstrated by a Doppler probe is marked by X. British Journal of Plastic Surgery 2004 57, 20-26DOI: (10.1016/j.bjps.2003.10.007)

Figure 2 Harvesting of the free TUG flap. Note: the two ‘wings’ of the flap are held by forcepses. The vascular pedicle (white vessel loupes) after being dissected free is passing in between the adductor longus (higher) and the adductor magnus (lower). British Journal of Plastic Surgery 2004 57, 20-26DOI: (10.1016/j.bjps.2003.10.007)

Figure 3 The free TUG flap. Note: the dimensions of the flap, the short neuro-vascular pedicle (on the blue background) and its central position. British Journal of Plastic Surgery 2004 57, 20-26DOI: (10.1016/j.bjps.2003.10.007)

Figure 4 Simulation of the potential shaping of the free TUG flap to increase projection. The two ‘wings’ of the flap are approximated by Vicryl sutures. British Journal of Plastic Surgery 2004 57, 20-26DOI: (10.1016/j.bjps.2003.10.007)

Figure 5 Preoperative view of the patient showing the dimensions of the right breast and the design of incisions for the planned skin-sparing mastectomy. British Journal of Plastic Surgery 2004 57, 20-26DOI: (10.1016/j.bjps.2003.10.007)

Figure 6 Postoperative result before nipple–areola reconstruction and revision of the donor scar. (A) Note: the position of the scar on the right medial thigh; (B) reconstructed breast in antero-posterior projection; (C) reconstructed breast in lateral projection. British Journal of Plastic Surgery 2004 57, 20-26DOI: (10.1016/j.bjps.2003.10.007)

Figure 7 Postoperative result 14 days after areola–nipple reconstruction and revision of the scar on the right thigh. (A) Reconstructed breast in antero-posterior projection; (B) donor after scar revision. Note: scar is positioned close to the groin crease. British Journal of Plastic Surgery 2004 57, 20-26DOI: (10.1016/j.bjps.2003.10.007)