Restoring Shape,
Rebuilding Confidence
Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction at Athenaa

What is
Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction

Latissimus Dorsi Flap reconstruction is a reliable and versatile technique used for breast reconstruction. This method uses a portion of the Latissimus Dorsi, a muscle in the upper back, along with skin and fat from the upper back, to reconstruct the breast. It can be performed with or without the use of a breast implant, depending on the desired size and volume.

At Apollo Athenaa, we offer this technique as part of a comprehensive breast reconstructive care plan tailored to the needs of each patient, ensuring both functional safety and natural aesthetic outcomes. This approach is especially well-suited for women looking for a less complex surgery and who are too lean for abdominal flaps like DIEP.

How the Procedure
is Performed

At Apollo Athenaa, every surgical step is carefully planned and performed by experienced surgeons with a focus on safety, precision, and recovery.

A portion of the Latissimus Dorsi muscle, a large muscle covering the middle and lower back, is harvested along with the overlying skin and fat.
The incision is carefully planned, typically along the bra line or under the arm, to minimize visible scarring.
The harvested flap remains attached to its original blood supply and is tunneled beneath the skin to the chest area.
This technique avoids microsurgical vessel attachment and ensures a steady, reliable blood flow to the transferred tissue.
The transferred tissue is shaped into the breasts. In many cases, an implant is placed beneath the muscle to achieve the desired volume and contour.

Recovery

Healing at Apollo Athenaa is supported through structured post-operative care,
counselling, and rehabilitation support.

Hospital Stay

Most patients remain admitted for 3–4 days for pain control, wound care, and close monitoring of flap healing.

Early Healing

The initial recovery phase focuses on rest, wound healing, and gradual mobilization under medical supervision.

Activity Resumption

Light daily activities can resume in 4–5 weeks, while strenuous exercise should be avoided for 6–8 weeks.

Rehabilitation Care

Regular follow-ups and physiotherapy support optimal healing of both the breast and donor site, while improving shoulder mobility and back strength.

Key
Advantages

At Apollo Athenaa, surgery is thoughtfully planned with a personalized approach, ensuring safety, precision, and optimal outcomes.

Versatile Coverage

Provides reliable muscle coverage over implants for a smoother, more natural breast contour.

No Microsurgery

Avoids complex vessel reconnections, simplifying surgery and recovery.

Low Risk

A well-vascularized flap with low complication rates and minimal functional impact.

Proven Results

Consistently delivers stable, predictable reconstructive outcomes.

Continuum of Care

At Apollo Athenaa, our teams remain involved at every stage, ensuring that recovery is not only physical, but also emotional and empowering. Each woman is supported through.

Post-operative care, including flap monitoring, wound care, drain management, and guidance for scar healing.

Structured rehabilitation, with physiotherapy to restore core strength, posture, and shoulder mobility, supported by nutritional guidance.

Emotional support and counselling, addressing body image concerns and emotional adjustment after mastectomy.

Ongoing follow-up and survivorship care, ensuring long-term flap health, functional recovery, and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Latissimus Dorsi flap breast reconstruction?

01

It is a breast reconstruction technique that uses skin, fat, and muscle from the upper back to recreate the breast, often combined with an implant to achieve adequate volume.

Will taking the back muscle affect my movement or strength?

02

Most women regain normal shoulder function with time and physiotherapy. Any initial tightness or weakness is usually temporary and does not affect daily activities long term.

Will I have visible scars?

03

There will be a scar on the upper back, typically placed so it can be hidden under clothing or a bra. Breast scars depend on the reconstruction approach used.

Is an implant always required with an LD flap?

04

In many cases, yes, especially when more breast volume is needed. However, in select patients, the flap alone may be sufficient.

Who is this reconstruction best suited for?

05

It is ideal for women who are not candidates for microsurgical flaps, have had prior radiation, or need reliable tissue coverage over an implant.

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Restoring Shape, Rebuilding Confidence Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction at Athenaa

Restoring Shape,
Rebuilding Confidence
Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction at Athenaa