Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction

We’ll continue our featured posts detailing the plastic surgery options available to women who have had a mastectomy, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. We wanted to shine a light on the types of procedures available for women who are interested in using surgery options available to reconstruct one or both breasts with natural and beautiful results. In this post, we’ll focus on the Latissimus Flap breast reconstruction method.

Upon consultation, Dr. O’Neill will walk you through each type of breast reconstruction that he performs and will answer any questions you may have.

What is Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction?

Latissimus flap reconstruction is the method of using muscles and tissue (latissimus dorsi) from a patient’s back to rebuild the breast mound. The latissimus dorsi muscle is located below the should and behind the armpit, as shown in red on the diagram below:

 

In surgery, a flap of tissue and blood vessels is taken from the back and moved under your skin to the chest to rebuild the breast. This type of muscle transfer typically looks natural.

Benefits of Latissimus Flap Reconstruction

  • This method is typically a good option for women who are not good candidates of other types of flap reconstruction as the blood vessels in the back are usually stronger and closer to the chest than other flap areas (like the abdominal tissue or other free flap areas). 
  • The new breast mound will be similar in color to the original breast tissue.
  • The post-surgery scar will be on the back, typically covered by a normal bra strap.

Post Latissimus Flap Surgery

After the latissimus flap surgery, some women may find that they are limited in twisting and lifting motions and their strength when performing those movements. If you’re are having unusual pain, please feel free to reach out to us and see how we can help you.

Other Reconstruction Options

Dr. O’Neill is experienced and qualified in the different types of breast reconstruction. To read more about the other options for reconstruction after mastectomy, visit the following pages:

Contact us today by calling (843) 881-2130 or making an appointment online. We know you have many questions and concerns you have, especially during such an emotional time in your life. We’ll walk you through the entire process to make sure that you are comfortable and we meet all of your body-image goals.

 

A picture of Patrick J. O’Neill, MD wearing his doctor attire.

About the Author

Upon completing medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Dr. O’Neill completed nine years of residency training. These nine years included a full general surgery and a plastic surgery residency, both at the Medical University of South Carolina, and a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery. Dr. O’Neill has extensive certifications, training, skills, and knowledge that make him a successful physician who can carry out your next plastic surgery procedure. His expertise and technique will result in the beautiful and natural look you desire post surgery.

Board Certified:
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Plastic Surgery
Sub-Certification in Hand and Microsurgery

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