Recreate a natural breast shape with the latissimus flap in Murrieta and Temecula, a trusted breast reconstruction option that uses muscle, skin, and fat from your back. At Advanced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Dr. Daron Geldwert and Dr. Darren S. Leong draw on over 35 years of combined expertise to deliver natural-looking results through compassionate, individualized care.
Recreate Breast Shape With Back Tissue
The latissimus dorsi flap is a breast reconstruction technique that uses skin, fat, and a portion of the latissimus dorsi muscle from the upper back to recreate a natural breast mound. Because the flap remains attached to its original blood supply, latissimus flap reconstruction in Murrieta and Temecula can be performed without microsurgery and often pairs well with implants or fat grafting.
What Are the Benefits of the Latissimus Flap?
- Provides healthy, well-vascularized tissue for reconstruction after radiation
- Offers a reliable option when other flap or implant techniques are not suitable
- Can be combined with implants or fat grafting to achieve the desired breast size
- Creates a natural breast contour using your own tissue
- Allows for concealment of the donor site scar beneath a bra or dress strap
- Avoids the need for complex microsurgery since the blood supply remains attached
Am I a Suitable Candidate for the Latissimus Flap?
You may be a suitable candidate for the latissimus dorsi flap if you are seeking breast reconstruction but are not eligible for other flap procedures or implants alone. This method can be especially beneficial if you have undergone radiation therapy or need additional soft tissue coverage.Dr. Geldwert and Dr. Leong carefully evaluate your medical history and goals to determine whether a latissimus flap in Murrieta and Temecula is the most effective and reliable reconstruction approach for you.
You may be a candidate for the latissimus flap if:
- You have undergone radiation and require healthy tissue for reconstruction
- You lack donor tissue for free flap procedures such as DIEP or SGAP
- You have adequate tissue overlying the latissimus dorsi muscle
- You prefer reconstruction using your own tissue rather than implants alone
- You have medical conditions, such as clotting disorders, that prevent microsurgery
- You are healthy enough to undergo surgery and recovery safely
What Happens During the Latissimus Flap Procedure?
During a latissimus dorsi flap procedure, Dr. Geldwert and/or Dr. Leong remove a section of skin, fat, and part of the latissimus dorsi muscle from your upper back. This “flap” is then rotated forward through a tunnel beneath the skin and passed under your armpit to reach your chest. Because the flap stays attached to its original artery and vein, blood flow is maintained, which reduces the risk of tissue loss and avoids the need for complex microsurgery.
Once the tissue is positioned on your chest, your surgeons shape it into a breast mound, adjusting the thickness and contour to match your natural form. If additional fullness is needed, a tissue expander or implant can be placed beneath the flap, and fat grafting may be used for fine adjustments. The operation takes three to six hours and sets the stage for future refinements, such as nipple reconstruction.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After a Latissimus Flap?
After your latissimus dorsi flap surgery, you can expect some soreness, swelling, and tightness in your chest and upper back. Most patients stay in the hospital overnight, and initial recovery typically takes about four weeks. During this time, you should avoid strenuous movements, as your body needs to heal before you regain full strength. Visible improvements in breast shape are immediate, though final contour and softness continue to develop over several months.
To support a smooth and safe recovery, you will need to:
- Wear surgical dressings and drains for the first 1 to 2 weeks
- Limit lifting, reaching, and strenuous activity for at least 4 weeks
- Begin light walking within a few days to improve circulation
- Attend follow-up visits within the first 2 weeks to monitor progress
- Start physical therapy after 3 to 4 weeks to restore shoulder mobility
- Avoid swimming, rowing, or sports that use the back for 2 to 3 months
- Protect incision sites and avoid direct pressure for 6 weeks
Why Choose Advanced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center?
Advanced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center is a premier destination for advanced breast reconstruction, backed by more than 35 years of combined expertise and over 10,000 procedures performed. Led by board-certified surgeons Dr. Daron Geldwert and Dr. Darren S. Leong, both fellowship-trained in aesthetic surgery and body contouring, our practice is trusted by patients and even fellow physicians for consistently natural results.
For complex breast reconstructions, such as the latissimus dorsi flap, Dr. Geldwert and Dr. Leong often collaborate as co-surgeons, bringing two expert perspectives to a single procedure to ensure optimal precision and naturalness. Schedule your consultation today for latissimus flap reconstruction in Rancho Cucamonga or Murrieta, CA.
