Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction
View GalleryLatissimus 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.
During this breast reconstruction, an incision is made in the back, often hidden the bra line. The skin and muscle of the latissimus is 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 chose to either have an breast implant placed with the latissimus flap, or possibly undergo a breast reduction on the other breast.
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. Initial recovery will be in the hospital where your condition can be monitored, which is typically for about four days prior to returning home. You will be on pain medication so you are comfortable.
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.
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 are physically able to restore range of motion.
