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Flap You Recommend for Breast Reconstruction

asked 2 years ago by Jen G
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 444 times
Tags: breasts

For breast reconstruction, do you recommend a latissimus flap over my implant? Which is best?

14 answers to Flap You Recommend for Breast Reconstruction

Flap for breast reconstrsction

The best flap for you really depends upon your anatomy., the amount of tissue you need, and a thorough discusion of the different choices. Utimately it is your choice.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Many good flaps

I am going ton assume that this patient is going to have irradiation treatment and an implant reconstruction. If this is the case then latissimus flap is a good choice. There are many excellent flaps. Their use depends on the unique requirements and individual desires of breast reconstruction patients. Dr. ES

Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconsrtuction

You have options for breast reconstruction. It will depend on what was the original treatment, any radiation, what is left of tissue and skin. Then you are presented with options in breast reconstruction from breast implants to flaps like latismus dorsi, TRAM , Free TRAM, DEEP flap etc Understand all your options, the pros and cons of each one and then you decide.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Flap for breast reconstruction

You ask an impossible question to personally answer for you. We have NO history, photos, info on you from the medical/surgery point of view. The best way is to see 3 boarded plastic surgeon in your area. Regards from MIAMI

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Several options for breast reconstruction exist

There is no best option for breast reconstruction. Each patient and situation is different and should be treated as such. Factors to be taken into account include the need for radiation therapy, previous surgeries, the body habitus of the patient and the experience of the surgeon. Generally speaking, when a latissimus flap is used, an expander followed by replacement with an implant at a later date, is preferred. This is due to the lack of bulk that exists with the latissimus flap... more

David A. Robinson, MD
Munster Plastic Surgeon

Options for Breast Reconstruction

It is very difficult to answer your question without knowledge of your breast cancer history, your breast cancer treatment(i.e. need for radiation therapy), and of course a physicial exam. For a generic introduction, there are two major categories for breast cancer reconstruction:(1) implant-based and(2) using your own tissue (autologous). There are pro’s and con’s to each reconstructive modality. No one reconstruction is the best. Both implants-based and tissue-only... more

C. Bob Basu, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.basuplasticsurgery.com

Flap for breast reconstruction

The vast majority of breast reconstruction patients do not need a flap, and choose implant reconstruction alone. This of course is a wide and complex topic, and you need to discuss your options with your surgeon. Adding a flap (unless necessary) will make a much bigger operation out of the process.

Darrick E. Antell, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction options and flaps

There are no best solutions that can be singled out on a unversal basis. Different conditions warrant or suggest different flaps acccording to the circumstances at hand. It is wise for you to discuss your options with a plastic surgeon that may be recommended by your general surgeon.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reconstruction with Latissimus over Breast Implant

There are so many breast reconstruction choices. But I must admit I'm a huge fan of the latissimus over an expander followed by placement of an implant later on. I do no think that a one-stage reconstruction, meaning placing a latissimus flap and a permanent implant at the first stage is the best option. The reason is that the tissue will settle. This will need correction later on. So why not do the expander first and the permanent implant later? So while I love the latissimus as a... more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction depends on anatomy, breast size and expectations

There are many options for breast reconstruction. The main thing is that if you want implant reconstruction or your own tissue. There may be some restriction based on history of radiation treatment, amount of the breast tissue and also you expectations for the implant reconsruction. My preferred technique is DIEP flap and you can search for more information under DIEP flap.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

Can use both flaps and implants for breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a big part of my practice. I utilize both flap reconstruction, which is using your own tissue, from your back or stomach (latissumus flap or tram flap). Other patients use implants. It is a long discussion and depends on many factors such as your body and other health issues. Breast reconstruction is a very rewarding part of my field and all of our patients are very happy after they are restored. I would suggest you go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who... more

Andrew T. Cohen, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction options

This is a huge subject that cannot be addressed adequately in summary. Each patient has a host of options for reconstruction. In general, start with the opposite breast. Envision the desired end result. Does the breast warrant lifting, reduction or augmentation? Is there a desire or need for a prophylactic mastectomy of sorts. This breast will be the template for the reconstruction. Ideally, you want a similar situation on either side (i.e. both with implants or both without). Then you... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast reconstruction flap options

There are many excellent flap options for breast reconstruction, some intended to be all you need to make the breast and others like the latissimus which usually requires an implant under it. Make sure you go to as plastic surgeon experienced in all techniques including microsurgery so that the very best choice can be made for you.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reconstruction Options

Entire books were written on Breast Reconstruction. The underlying theme is that there is NO one best flaps but that the each patient's presentation and wishes need to be matched with the appropriate reconstructive option. A Latissimus (back muscle) flap is often combined with an implant in breast reconstruction because the muscle does not provide enough bulk or volume by itself. This is a widely used reconstructive method. The flap is sturdy and reliable. Its only downsides are occasionally... more