Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction in Charlotte, NC

Latissimus flap breast reconstruction uses muscle, fat, and skin from the upper back to rebuild the breast with natural tissue. This advanced technique restores both form and confidence, creating results that look and feel beautifully authentic.

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Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction in Charlotte

Latissimus flap breast reconstruction, like the TRAM flap, uses a woman’s own tissue to restore her breast. The latissimus flap breast reconstruction uses the skin and muscle from the upper back and rotates this tissue around to the front of the chest.

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How the Procedure Works

During this breast reconstruction, an incision is made in the back, often hidden by the bra line. The skin and muscle of the latissimus are then rotated forward to the chest wall to recreate the breast.

The latissimus flap is a smaller flap than the TRAM, and it is often not large enough to restore adequate volume to the breast. In these cases, a woman can choose to either have an implant placed with the latissimus flap or possibly undergo a breast reduction on the other breast.

Additional Surgical Stages

As mentioned in the above breast reconstruction options, the nipple and areola are restored during an additional stage.

Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction Recovery

After your surgery is complete, your new breast and incisions will be protected with antibiotic ointment, bandages, and drains. Most patients are able to go home the same day. Occasionally, an overnight stay in the hospital is recommended so your condition can be monitored. You will be prescribed pain medication for the first couple of days, but many patients are comfortable enough to transition to NSAIDs within the first day or two after surgery.

Recovery Timeline and Healing

It requires about four weeks to heal after a latissimus flap breast reconstruction. As you have not only had surgery to remove a breast, but to harvest natural material from your back, you have two areas of the body that need to heal.

You will need help from a family member or close friend to help you with the back incisions and to move to the bathroom or other area during the early stages of recovery.

Restrictions and Physical Therapy

Avoid lifting, strenuous or vigorous motions, or intercourse for four weeks so the incisions can heal as they should. Many patients undergo a short course of physical therapy once they can restore the range of motion.

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