Latissimus Dorsi Flap

Page Updated: August 4, 2023

The Latissimus Dorsi Flap procedure is an effective breast reconstruction technique to help patients regain their confidence and well-being while recovering from a mastectomy or injury. The procedure involves taking skin and muscle from the back to create a natural-looking breast mound. The Latissimus Dorsi Flap breast reconstruction procedure is known to be less complicated than other procedures, which can reduce recovery time and lessen the overall impact of the entire breast reconstruction process.

Our entire team of surgeons at New York Plastic Surgical Group, a Division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group is dedicated to supporting each patient through this extremely trying time, while providing a breast reconstruction treatment plan focused on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

Latissimus Dorsi Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure

The position of the Latissimus Dorsi (the muscle that runs along the back to the armpit) muscle and surrounding tissue can be ideal in breast reconstruction procedures because the skin retains the natural consistency and feel of normal tissue, while providing ample amounts of tissue to create the new breast mound. The Latissimus Dorsi Flap breast reconstruction procedure involves a “tunneling” technique, which allows the donor tissue to remain connected to its original blood supply. Once skin and muscle have been taken from the upper to mid-back area on the patient’s posterior trunk, the donor tissue is attached to the chest area, while remaining connected to the original blood vessels, which typically limits the need for microsurgery to several blood vessels to ensure the acceptance of the transferred skin.

Known for its effectiveness and natural-looking results, the Latissimus Dorsi Flap technique typically takes two to three hours to complete. Patients can expect a one-to-three day hospital stay, but this will vary depending on the patient. Most patients do not experience any long-term limitations stemming from the relocation of the skin and tissue from the latissimus dorsi area, and patients who have had this procedure typically resume their normal activities once recovery is complete.^1,2

Why NYPS Group?

The surgeons at New York Plastic Surgical Group’s Breast Reconstruction Surgery Center have been educated and specialty-trained at some of the world’s most respected medical institutions and cancer centers, including Memorial Sloan Kettering. At NYPS Group, we make every effort to ensure each patient is well-educated on all aspects of procedures, from the preoperative period through to the last step in recovery. Our surgeons have performed more than 10,000 breast reconstruction surgeries, using every major technique available, including the Latissimus Dorsi Flap procedure.

At NYPS Group, we work with each patient to come up with the treatment plan that will lead to the best possible results, because the focus is ultimately centered on the individual and their particular case. We believe that a collaborative team approach is crucial, which is why we not only work with our patients throughout the entire breast reconstruction process, but their breast surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, primary care physician, and others involved as well, to make certain that the entire process will lead to seamless results with a natural-looking breast reconstruction.

Ready for a Consultation?

The Latissimus Dorsi Flap procedure is an effective method of breast reconstruction that can help our patients rebuild their breast after mastectomy or injury using their own tissue, thereby creating a natural appearance and a beautiful new breast. As experts in the field of breast reconstruction, our surgeons can answer all questions and concerns associated with the overall reconstruction process, while instilling confidence in our patients as they continue to recover from this trying time. For more information on the Latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction technique, please contact New York Plastic Surgical Group to schedule a breast reconstruction consultation.

¹ BreastCancer.org. Latissimus Dorsi Flap. Available: https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/reconstruction/types/autologous/lat-dorsi. Accessed November 11, 2020.
² American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Reconstruction Techniques. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/reconstructive-procedures/breast-reconstruction/techniques. Accessed November 11, 2020.

The Doctors at New York Plastic Surgical Group have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.