What Is Latissimus Flap Reconstruction?
Lateral flap surgery is a method for breast reconstruction that uses skin, fat, and other tissues from your back to construct a natural-looking breast replacement after mastectomy. Latissimus flap reconstruction gets its name from the latissimus dorsi muscle, which is used for the surgery. During latissimus flap surgery, our providers at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery make an incision in your back under the shoulder blades, cutting an oval-shaped section of donor tissue to move to the chest through a tunnel under your armpit. The donor tissue is usually placed over a tissue expander or implant to create the breast size you desire. This approach allows us to avoid severing blood vessels, ensuring your reconstructed breast gets an adequate supply of blood. Latissimus flap surgery is just one of many approaches to breast reconstruction we perform at our Chicago, IL practice. To learn more about this procedure and which reconstructive technique is right for you, schedule a consultation with our friendly, compassionate plastic surgery team.
How Is Latissimus Flap Surgery Performed?
During your consultation, we'll discuss how breast reconstruction surgery works and recommend an approach based on your figure and health profile. Latissimus dorsi flap surgery is performed with general anesthesia and often takes 2 – 3 hours. First, your surgeon will make an oval-shaped incision in your back. After gaining access to the latissimus muscle and tissues underneath, we'll create a tunnel through the armpit area to your chest to create a natural breast mound. If additional volume is needed, we'll also install a tissue expander, which will allow us to slowly expand the breasts to prepare for future implant surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Latissimus Flap Reconstruction?
Just like every breast reconstruction technique we use at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, latissimus flap surgery comes with a variety of benefits that may make an ideal choice for your breast restoration. Some of the advantages of latissimus flip reconstruction include:
- Offers a more natural look and feel
- May eliminate the need for future surgeries (depending on the timing of your procedure)
- Offers an option for women who have undergone radiation therapy for breast cancer
- Enhanced confidence
Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery Reviews
I had such a wonderful experience with Dr. Schierle and his entire team! I couldn’t be happier with my experience and the results are absolute perfection.I’ve had a longstanding relationship with this office, but this was my first time on the other side as a patient, and it gave me an entirely new appreciation for the level of care they provide. From the initial consultation through post-op follow-up, everyone was incredibly welcoming, attentive, and professional.A special shoutout to Dr. Schierle, Monika and Kendall for being so thorough, patient, and genuinely caring throughout the entire process. They took the time to explain everything, answer all my questions, and make sure I felt comfortable and confident every step of the way.The entire office staff is amazing, and I truly cannot say enough good things about my experience. I would highly recommend Dr. Schierle and his team!
You know the saying, "when you know, you know"? Meet with Dr. Moradian, and you will know he is the only one to trust with your cosmetic needs. From the moment I met the staff at Northwestern Plastic Surgery, I knew I was in good hands. Dr. Moradian is talented, compassionate, and honest. He gave me realistic expectations—which he far exceeded—alongside an incredible bedside manner. He checked in with me multiple times after my procedure and made me feel completely comfortable asking questions every step of the way. I received top-tier care before, during, and after my chin lipo! Bonus: he plays great EDM, which made the in-office procedure such a fun vibe.
I can’t emphasize enough how pleased i am with my breast reduction - it had truly been life changing. From the immediate relief of severe discomfort to use of “bralettes” to better fitting clothing. And Dr. Schierle made it possible with the aide benefit of a great bedside manner. Only regret is that indid not so this sooner!
I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Moradian for my rhinoplasty. From my first consultation, he took the time to listen to my concerns and what I wanted. He was always available to answer my questions before the surgery and after. He checked in on me throughout my recovery. Now I’m 9 months post op, and I’m really happy with my nose and the recovery. Every now and then, I will send Dr. Moradian little life updates with my new nose. He has really helped me a lot throughout this year. He is truly a doctor who will listen and support you throughout the whole process.
Dr. Simon Moradian is amazing! I had been considering chin liposuction for several years, but I am so happy that I finally went in for a consultation. Dr. Moradian and his team made me feel completely at ease, and they very professionally and kindly answered all my questions. I left the consultation ready to book the procedure. The procedure itself was a breeze, it took maybe an hour and half and we talked and listened to music the entire time. I left with minimal bruising and clear results day 1. The results just keep getting better, thank you Dr. Moradian!
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Trust Our Experience
If you are looking for an experienced surgeon to help you regain your old figure after breast loss, the team at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery can help. Specializing in latissimus flap surgery and a variety of other techniques, we have extensive experience helping with breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Start your healing journey by scheduling a consultation at our Chicago, IL plastic surgery office.