Latissimus Flap Technique

The Latissimus Flap Method – Connecticut Breast Reconstruction

Though many of our patients opt to undergo breast reconstruction with the TRAM flap technique, this method is not ideal for everyone. A popular, effective alternative breast reconstruction method is the latissimus flap technique. At his Connecticut practice, Dr. David Passaretti confidently offers this option to his patients because, as with the TRAM and DIEP flap techniques, living tissue from the patient's body is used.

• The Latissimus Flap Technique
• Benefits of Using Living Tissue during Breast Reconstruction

The Latissimus Flap Technique

The latissimus, or back, flap technique offers an alternative for breast reconstruction patients who may not have enough excess abdominal tissue to undergo TRAM flap surgery. The latissimus flap surgery can be an alternative to other high-risk patients who may not be a candidate for the more invasive TRAM flap technique.

During the latissimus flap breast reconstruction surgery, the length of muscle, fat and skin that runs from under the armpit and diagonally across the back is removed and attached to the chest wall. While for some women the flap alone is sufficient to reconstruct the breasts, the majority of patients will require the addition of breast implants to provide sufficient size. Since the skin and fat from the latissimus flap is used to cover the implant, the breast looks and feels more natural than a breast reconstructed with tissue expanders without the need for postoperative tissue expansion.

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Recovering from Latissimus Flap Surgery

The relocation of a substantial portion of muscle is a common concern among prospective patients. However, following the removal of the latissimus dorsi muscle, the surrounding muscles are able to accommodate for the change; patients who underwent the latissimus flap surgery at our practice have reported that they are able to adapt without much difficulty and are eventually able to resume most normal activity.

Breast reconstruction with the latissimus flap technique results in a much smaller breast scar than other techniques, though it does leave a scar on the patient's back where the muscle was removed.

Benefits of Using Living Tissue during Breast Reconstruction

The latissimus flap method is one of the various types of living tissue breast reconstruction techniques, which include the TRAM flap and the DIEP flap methods. Using the patient's own skin, muscle, and tissue results in reconstructed breasts that look and feel more natural, a benefit that is paramount to many patients considering breast reconstruction surgery.

Learn More about the Latissimus Flap Technique

Dr. Passaretti is dedicated to helping patients regain the natural beauty of the feminine shape lost to a mastectomy. The latissimus flap surgery offered to his Connecticut patients can provide hope of breast reconstruction to those ineligible for the TRAM flap procedure or other types of reconstructive surgery. Contact our practice today to learn more about this technique or other reconstructive breast procedures.

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