Her Fight is Our Mission

Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction is a reliable and versatile technique used for breast reconstruction, particularly beneficial for women who are not ideal candidates for abdominal-based flaps like the DIEP. This method uses a portion of the Latissimus Dorsi, a muscle in the upper back, along with skin and fat from the upper back, to reconstruct the breast. It can be performed with or without the use of a breast implant, depending on the desired size and volume.

At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, we offer this technique as part of a comprehensive breast reconstructive care plan tailored to the needs of each patient, ensuring both functional safety and natural aesthetic outcomes.

This approach is especially well-suited for:

• Patients looking for a less complex surgery with predictable outcomes and shorter operative time
• Women who are too lean for abdominal flaps like DIEP may benefit from tissue sourced from the back
• Women with prior abdominal surgeries or scarring
  
   

How the Procedure is Performed

• Tissue Harvesting: A portion of the Latissimus Dorsi muscle, along with the overlying skin and fat, is harvested from the upper back. The incision is carefully planned, typically along the bra line or under the arm, to minimise visible scarring.
• Tunneling the Tissue to the Chest: The harvested flap remains attached to its original blood supply and is tunneled beneath the skin to the chest area. This technique avoids microsurgical vessel attachment and ensures a steady, reliable blood flow to the transferred tissue.
• Breast Reconstruction: The transferred tissue is shaped into the breasts. In many cases, an implant is placed beneath the muscle to achieve the desired volume and contour. The muscle offers soft, vascularised coverage for the implant, improving the final result in both appearance and feel.

Recovery 

• Hospital Stay: Most patients stay for 3–4 days post-surgery. During this time, our team monitors healing, manages pain, and ensures the flap is settling well in its new location.
• Recovery Timeline: Light daily activities can usually resume within 4–5 weeks. Strenuous physical activity should be avoided for 6–8 weeks. Full recovery may take a few months.
• Follow-Up and Rehabilitation: Regular follow-ups ensure optimal healing of both the breast and donor site. Physiotherapy may be advised to support shoulder mobility and back muscle strength during recovery.

Key Advantages  

• Versatility in Reconstruction: This technique is ideal when combined with an implant, especially in women who need additional tissue coverage. The muscle offers a natural envelope over the implant, resulting in a smoother and more natural contour.
• No Need for Microsurgery: Unlike free flap procedures, this method does not require complex microsurgical vessel connections, which simplifies the surgery and may reduce operative time and recovery complexity.
• Lower Risk of Complications: The Latissimus Dorsi muscle is a dependable, well-vascularised flap with a low rate of functional impairment.

Our plastic and breast reconstructive team at Apollo Athenaa brings deep expertise in advanced reconstructive techniques, including Latissimus Dorsi Flap surgery. We prioritise individualised care, balancing form and function with emotional healing. From surgical planning to physiotherapy and post-operative support, we are with you every step of the way.