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
Had DCF rhinoplasty with Dr. Schierle, Dr. Moradian, and Monica in Dec of 2024. Definitely THE best experience I had ! The consultation was personalized, you could tell they are some of the best surgeons in the game. I never had any surgeries, so I was very nervous. But they made the process so smooth. I loved the results so much. They kept my natural beauty and elevated the new nose to complement my face better. Even some of my close friends wanted to book a consultation with them after seeing my new nose! 100000/10 recommend!
Amazing experience with Robyn for all of my injection and skincare needs! The staff is amazing and highly skilled. The entire staff is super welcoming and warm. I always recommend to my friends and family!
Absolutely elated with my experience at Northwestern Med Spa in River North! Natasha was incredibly professional, attentive, and truly listened to my concerns and goals. She took the time to explain every step of the process, making sure I understood exactly what to expect. The results are amazing—I look refreshed and natural, and the entire process was practically painless. Natasha was extremely patient when it came to answering questions and providing education! I couldn’t be happier with my decision to go to here. Highly recommend if you're looking for a place with someone who is skilled, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about her patients! I’ll definitely be back!
Absolutely incredible experience. Dr. Simon Moradian is one of the kindest and most professional doctors I have ever had the pleasure of working with. 8 weeks ago I underwent a breast reduction and I was of course terrified. I essentially offloaded a small newborn from my chestal region, and he was there every single step of the way. Now that I have been through this process, I cannot imagine having any other doctor. I am so grateful for whatever stars aligned to connect me with Dr. Moradian and his whole entire time. From the guidance over the phone when I first called to the insurance approval, and any time I have needed support or an appointment. He and the whole staff really come through for you. They are kind, patient, and have great bedside manner. They've gone above and beyond for me more than once. They should be the standard for any experience like this. Shout out to the entire team! I am still healing and have a ways to go but I feel so supported and cared for. Any fears I had were always assuaged by the professional and knowledgeable Dr. Moradian. I have a friend who also utilized this clinic for her reduction and she spoke highly of her experience with another doctor there. Grateful every day that my search led me here! Cannot recommend highly enough.
Dr. Moradian was phenomenal before, during, and after my procedure. Before the procedure, Dr.Moradian was able to answer all of my questions and alleviated my concerns. His care and attention to detail during the procedure had me feeling confident about the future of my results. After the surgery, he set me up with a successful post-op regimen as well as followed up with me to make sure everything was healing correctly. I am only 4 months out and I have my ideal stomach. The words I can write to express to joy I feel every time I look at the results in the mirror could fill a book. 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.