Latissimus Dorsi Flap

The LD Flap Can Include Saline or Silcone Implants in Austin, TX

A latissimus dorsi myocutaneous or LD flap at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is a breast reconstruction technique using an oval flap of skin, fat, and underlying muscle from your back—specifically below your shoulder and behind your armpit. The main difference between this and other flap techniques is that the blood vessels remain connected. With the LD flap surgery, the flap is rotated from your back to your chest.

img clogo2

Discover whether a latissimus dorsi flap from Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is right for you. Call our team at (512) 815-0123 or send a message online to arrange a consultation.

Good Candidates for LD Flap

A latissimus dorsi flap is an excellent choice for patients who are not good candidates for a DIEP flap, such as those who suffer from a hypercoagulable disorder, do not have enough skin on the chest after cancer surgery, have scarred, have unhealthy chest skin due to radiation, don't have enough abdominal fat, or have had previous flaps or implants that have failed and need an alternative donor site.

Unless your natural breasts are on the small side, you may need a silicone breast implant placed under the latissimus dorsi flap in a secondary surgery. The right type of implant for you is a personal choice, but your surgeon will go through all of the pros and cons of each during your initial consultation.

LD finalonscreen

Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

  • Known for natural-looking aesthetic results in breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.
  • Elected by peers for inclusion in Texas Monthly's Texas Super Doctors®: Rising Stars listing.
  • Reconstructed over 6,000 patients, including more than 2,500 DIEP flap reconstructions.
  • 4.9-star average rating over hundreds of reviews for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
ass logo1
ass logo2
ass logo3
Photo to use for APRS block
img clogo2

Personal Touch Makes a Difference

Better understanding of LD flap and other reconstructive procedure specifics can lead to increased patient satisfaction and improved outcomes. Surgery is very detail-oriented, and our team is committed to ensuring each patient learns as much as she desires about her unique aesthetic journey, starting with an initial consultation to build trust on a solid foundation of honest answers and open communication.

After Your LD Flap Procedure

With the latissimus dorsi flap reconstruction technique, you will have a scar on your back, but it can usually be hidden under your bra strap. There is also some loss of muscle function that may reduce shoulder strength by 15 percent, making the LD flap technique inappropriate for certain patients, such as those who use a wheelchair, rock climb, or play competitive tennis.

Though the skin on the back is slightly different in color and texture than the skin on your chest, the latissimus dorsi flap creates an extremely natural-looking reconstructed breast. If desired, nipple reconstruction and/or nipple-areolar tattooing can be scheduled two to three months after your implant is in place.

nipple reconstruction finalonscr
img clogo2

Download Our Breast Reconstruction Post-Operative Care Guides

We've compiled detailed post-operative care instructions to best equip our breast reconstruction patients throughout their recovery process. To ensure the best and safest recovery, your plan encompasses appropriate prescriptions and clear directions towards maintaining your comfort to get you back to normal life and activity as soon as possible. Individual patients respond uniquely, and the type of procedure may differ, but these basic guidelines will help you along your journey.

img clogo2

Discuss the latissimus dorsi flap with Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Set up a consultation by calling (512) 815-0123 or sending a message online.

Get in Touch with Us

Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Shopping Cart

Accessibility Toolbar

Open House
Close
Scroll to Top