LATISSIMUS DORSI FLAP + PROSTHESIS/IMPLANTS
WHAT IS BREAST RECONSTRUCTION WITH LATISSIMUS DORSI FLAP?
Flap reconstruction makes use of the patient's own tissue to form a new breast. In the case of a reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi flap, tissue is taken from the muscle in the back, in the area just below the shoulder and behind the armpit.
WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
During a latissimus dorsi flap procedure, Dr September will make an incision in your back, close to the shoulder blade. He will then slide a flap of tissue (which includes skin, muscles, fat and blood vessels) from the back and into the chest area so that a new breast can be reconstructed. The blood vessels within the flap remain attached to the original blood supply in the back.
In many cases, a breast implant is placed under the flap. This helps to achieve a natural-looking size and shape. The procedure is best suited to women who do not have enough donor tissue in the abdomen.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
You will have two incisions to take care of after your procedure — one in the chest, and another in the back. Dr September will advise you on the best way to keep these areas clean and free from infection. Your incisions will be bandaged after surgery, and you will need to wear a compression garment to minimise swelling and support your reconstructed breasts.
You will need to rest as much as possible following surgery, and avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for up to four weeks. Physical therapy is highly recommended to help you regain strength and mobility in your shoulder.
After undergoing a latissimus dorsi flap procedure, you may notice a loss of strength in the upper back muscles, causing some difficulty with actions like lifting and twisting.