Latissimus Dorsi Flap

 The Latissimus Dorsi flap uses the muscle from the back  of the shoulder blade which is then brought around to the breast mound to create a new breast. As the muscle itself doesn't provide sufficient volume, an expander implant is inserted at the same time underneath the latissimus dorsi flap. Eventually, the expander is replaced by a permanent implant during the second stage of surgery. The scar is either placed horizontally under the bra straps or, slightly vertically. 

Why is the muscle from the back necessary?

The advantage of combining the LD flap with an implant for an immediate breast reconstruction, is to reduce the risk of complication (e.g. infection, implant extrusion, capsular contracture) and, to achieve a more natural looking breast. 

Who are candidates for this type of reconstruction?

Women who want to avoid scars on their stomach, buttocks or thigh area, might opt for this procedure. It's also often recommended to women with larger breasts, since an implant can achieve similar volume to the original breast, whereas body tissue from the aforementioned sites becomes limited.

What are the disadvantages of this procedure?

A patient may experience weakness in the arm and back muscles and need physical therapy. Women who are very active and enjoy sports need to know that this procedure can reduce their ability to play golf, and tennis, swim or climb.