Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction
in Middletown, NJ
Dr. John Taylor, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Allure Plastic Surgery Center performs latissimus muscle flap breast reconstruction on patients in Red Bank, NJ, who want a more natural-looking breast, but may not be ideal candidates for other methods of reconstruction.
What Is Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction?
Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction is a surgical procedure that uses the latissimus dorsi muscle. This muscle flap is taken from the back of the body (next to the shoulder blade) and is tunneled to the front mastectomy site. Because there may not be enough “filler” tissue in this area of the back to match the size of the other breast or to achieve the desired size of the breast, this procedure may also require the placement of an implant. Generally, the latissimus dorsi donor site is used in cases where the abdominal tissue is not suitable for reconstruction.
Benefits of Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction
Patients typically receive Latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction because of the following benefits:
- Typically lasts for your lifetime
- Looks and feels like a natural breast
- Less risk of rejection
- No damage to the abdominal wall
Patient Reviews
“I highly recommend this medical office,. Dr. Taylor and his entire staff are are a top-notch group ….. all are knowledgeable, experienced, courteous and friendly. I have received services here for many years with Audrey and I wouldn’t trust anyone else. Today was my first massage with Danielle and it was phenomenal. I look forward to going back. Again, I highly recommend Allure. Great office and excellent services.”
— Grace P.
How Is Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction Performed?
The latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction procedure takes muscle and skin from your upper back to create a new breast mound after a mastectomy. In this procedure, Dr. Taylor takes an ellipse-shaped area of skin and your latissimus dorsi muscle and moves it from your upper back to your breast area to reconstruct your breast. This flap of skin and muscle provides soft tissue that helps create a breast that is more natural looking in shape. This procedure is most often combined with a tissue expander or implant to improve the appearance of the new breast.
It is important to note that your reconstructed breast may not look and feel exactly like your natural breast, but it will be close. Additionally, another surgery will be necessary to make a nipple and areola if your own cannot be spared.
Preparing for Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction
Prior to the procedure, Dr. Taylor will use a skin marker to carefully map out the incisions that will create your skin flap by drawing a pointed ellipse on your back over your latissimus dorsi muscle. This will become the skin flap that eventually closes the incision for your reconstructed breast. Once closed, the incision will be about 10 to 15 cm in length and follow the line of one of your ribs.
Additionally, you may be asked to do the following:
- Get an overall health evaluation
- Get blood work
- Stop taking any over-the-counter medications
- Alter any medications you currently take on a consistent basis
- Arrange for help at home in the days following your discharge from the hospital
Recovery from Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction
Following surgery, bandages are applied to the incisions along with a tube that is inserted into the incision if there is a need to drain any fluid buildup. Most patients stay in the hospital for three to four days following surgery with stitches typically being removed within a couple of weeks. Patients normally return to regular activities within three to six weeks.
Most patients have some discomfort for a few weeks following the procedure which can be controlled with pain medications. A compression garment may be recommended to limit swelling, bruising and movement of the implant.
At Allure Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. John Taylor offers plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures as well as non-invasive advanced skin care treatments to patients in Red Bank, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Contact us to set up your consultation today.
