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.

Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction

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.

Ballantyne

14835 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 210 Charlotte NC, 28277

704-930-0428 Directions

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Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19

Your health, safety, and wellbeing is our top priority.

Our office is open, and we are excited to be providing you with select services! Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery is leading the way in Charlotte and the South East region with our cutting edge technology, and continued safety measures We appreciate the trust you place in us and wish to assure you we are addressing the COVID-19 outbreak at the highest level to continue to ensure you enjoy an exceptional experience.

Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery is committed to taking proactive precautions, grounded in science, to provide the highest level of quality care to our patients. In addition to our already stringent policies, our office has implemented strict protocols and procedures based on the recommendations of The American Society of Plastic Surgery, the American College of Surgeons, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service Task Force, and the CDC. All staff members and surgical patients have tested negative for COVID-19 meaning our Quad A certified surgical suite is among the safest centers in the region.

We strive to consistently provide you with cutting edge technology for an exceptional patient experience. Our practice offers virtual consultations which you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Our virtual consultation process ensures you have ample time to have your questions answered and spend time getting to know your physician. You can also enjoy full access to your skincare specialist, nurses, and Patient Coordinators through virtual visits.

We know everyone is very busy and your time is valuable. Our in-person visits are designed with you in mind to keep your wait times short, and your in-room time effective and focused on your goals so we can get you back to your life.

We are privileged to serve you at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery and are here to support you during these uncertain times.

Sincerely and with warm regards,

Bryan K. Criswell M.D., F.A.C.S.
Kara K. Criswell M.D., F.A.C.S.

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