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Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure that restores shape to your breast after mastectomy — surgery that removes your breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer.


What is Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction?

Breast reconstruction with flap surgery is a type of breast reconstruction that involves taking a section of tissue from one area of your body and relocating it to create a new breast mound.

In a Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction procedure, the surgeon takes tissue from the latissimus dorsi muscle in your back, tunnels it underneath your skin to its new location, and uses it to form a new breast mound.


How Long is Recovery from Latissimus Flap Breast Reconstruction?

You may be tired and sore for a few weeks after your surgery. Your doctor can prescribe medication to control your pain. You may have drainage tubes in place for a short time after your surgery to remove excess fluids that collect in the surgical site.

Wearing an elastic bandage or support bra can help keep swelling down and support your breast while it heals.

You’ll also have stitches (sutures) after your surgery. They’ll probably be absorbable sutures, though, so you won’t need to have them removed. Scarring is permanent, but the scars fade over time.

Getting back to normal activities may take up to six weeks or more. Your doctor will let you know of any restrictions to your activities, such as avoiding overhead lifting or strenuous physical activities.

Don’t be surprised if it seems to take a long time to bounce back from surgery — some women report that it takes as long as a year or two before feeling completely healed and back to normal.

Generally, you’ll follow up with your plastic surgeon on a yearly basis to monitor your reconstructed breast. Make an appointment sooner than that, however, if you have concerns.

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410.346.5246

Dr. Brent Birely is a board-certified plastic surgeon with offices in Lutherville and Bel Air, serving patients from Baltimore, Towson, Columbia, Westminster, and other Maryland cities. He is a very well regarded leader in cosmetic surgery and patient safety, and specializes in procedures including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, facelift, and body lifting procedures after weight loss.

*The content/images on this website are not a guarantee of individual results. Individual results may vary. The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not replace the need for a formal consultation with a plastic and reconstructive surgeon before undergoing a surgical procedure or skin care treatment.

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