Medial thigh lift free flap for autologous breast augmentation after bariatric surgery
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026

An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Thomas Schoeller1, Romed Meirer, Angela Otto-Schoeller
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Innsbruck, Leopold-Franzens University, Innsbruck, Austria. thomas.schoeller@uibk.ac.at
Background:
Massive weight loss following bariatric surgery frequently results in body contour deformities like ptotic and hypoplastic breasts, redundant abdominal tissue and loose skin especially in the medial thigh area. This redundant tissue can be used for breast augmentation in the case of hypertrophic ptotic breasts.
Method:
In 3 patients who underwent a vertical banded gastroplasty and consecutively lost more than 60% of their body weight, a breast augmentation with a transverse gracilis myocutaneous free flap was performed.
Results:
Bilateral myocutaneous gracilis free flap breast augmentation resulted in an esthetic, pleasing result, with additional correction of the redundant skin from the medial thigh region.
Conclusion:
Autologous breast augmentation with a simultaneous medial thigh lift can be performed safely, after successful weight loss following bariatric surgery.

