Latissimus Muscle Flap with a Breast Implant

• Images with Explanations
• Tips from other Patients
• Pre and Post-Operative Exercises

Latissimus Muscle Flap with a Breast Implant:

In this method, a permanent implant is placed and the latissimus muscle and some skin from the back are used to create a breast in one operation. The muscle used is one that is "replaced" by other muscles so that the majority of women report that they, after surgical recovery, adapt comfortably and are able to do the important physical activities that they were able to do before surgery. Again, a permanent implant matched carefully to your other breast is used.

The advantage of this surgery is that it requires one operation and has a much smaller breast scar. A second, very minor surgery is necessary if you would like your nipple reconstructed as well. This procedure may be done for women who have had radiation therapy treatments to the breast.

The disadvantages of this type of surgery include a long back scar. The scar, however, can be designed to be hidden by your bra or a one-piece bathing suit. This surgery is a somewhat more painful than expander surgery. Finally, some women prefer a more natural reconstruction using their own tissues, without an implant, to create a breast.

When the skin-sparing mastectomy is finished, all of the breast skin (except the nipple and areola) is saved. The plastic surgeon then can reconstruct the breast by adding the skin needed to replace the nipple and areola, as well as adding breast volume using tissue or an implant. The latissimus dorsi flap uses skin and muscle from the back to cover a salt water (saline) implant and thereby reconstruct the breast. A full recovery of either abdominal or back/shoulder strength is expected.

Tips for patients undergoing latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction:

• Body pillow, not necessary but helps comfort

• Well stocked library of books, magazines, books on tape and videos

• Telephone by your bed (some women find a portable phone easier)

• Frozen foods and/or easily prepared foods

• Relaxation tapes

• A supportive, non-underwire bra to wear after okay from plastic surgeon

• Have a friend who can wash your hair over the kitchen sink

• No showers for 5-10 days, so consider alternatives like a sponge bath, a favorite spray cologne or scented powder

• An eye pillow for daytime resting

• Loose overshirts or dresses to hide the drains