Latissimus Flap

Conveniently located to serve St. Louis, Missouri

Candidates for this procedure include patients who are having or have had a lumpectomy or mastectomy. In this procedure, the latissimus muscle is pivoted and transferred from the back onto the chest. A horizontal scar in the bra line will be concealed by a bra. In the case of a lumpectomy, the muscle will fill the space where the breast tissue has been removed, producing a soft, full breast. In the case of a mastectomy, the muscle with a piece of skin from the back is transferred to the breast to fill the defect from the excision of the mass. The skin from the back replaces any missing skin on the breast. If a skin sparing mastectomy has been done and a larger breast is desired, an implant or tissue expander can be placed underneath the muscle at the time of mastectomy.

A breast lift or breast reduction may be needed on the other breast in order to improve symmetry. A new nipple can be made and areolar tattooing can be done if desired in the case of mastectomy.

We believe that patients, their desires, and anatomy are all unique. Dr. Cabbabe believes that the key to a successful surgery is proper planning and discussion with the patient about their goals. Therefore, Dr. Cabbabe evaluates each patient and creates a customized surgical plan for all of his patients to meet their expectations. To schedule a consultation, call us at (314) 842−5885 or complete the contact us form.

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Good candidates for this surgery are women who have depressions or contour irregularities after lumpectomy or mastectomy. Also, women who have had radiation are excellent candidates for this procedure because the complications with an implant alone are high.

Poor candidates for this surgery are women who have had already had a mastectomy some time ago. In these cases, an expander is often needed to stretch the skin in order to achieve a projecting breast. If you have had a mastectomy and radiation, you may need a latissimus flap with tissue expander – implant placed.

Preparing for Surgery

Dr. Cabbabe will ask that you refrain from taking any aspirin, plavix, Coumadin or any other type of blood thinner. If you are taking chemotherapy, this may need to be finished or held prior to surgery.

Recovery

You will be admitted to the hospital for one to two nights. Pain medication and antibiotics will be prescribed. There may be some numbness on the breast and back which improve with time. Most patients are able to shower within 24 hours. A drain will be placed inside the breast and one or two in the back and removed in the office. Recovery is 2 to 4 weeks.

Types of Reconstruction: