Latissimus -Experiences?

Dham1960

I had Stage 4 MBC - Chemo, double masectomy and radiation. 6 months after radiation I'm ready for reconstruction. Doctor suggested taking muscle from the back I think it's Latissimus procedure. What are your experiences and outcomes? Happy with your outcome?

buttonsmachine

Dham, I did not actually have the latissimus flap surgery, but I *almost* had to due to skin metastasis of my original breast cancer. I asked my plastic surgeon to avoid the latissimus dorsi flap, partly due to reading this thread: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/136/topics/788542?page=1

I am not trying to influence you at all! I think sometimes the latissimus flap surgery is helpful and necessary. But I was glad to be aware of the sometimes negative outcomes of this surgery. Best wishes to you whatever you decide.

SuQu31

Hi there, Dham, I had Latissimus flap reconstruction with implants, but no radiation. My PS recommended it and I trusted him. I have had no issues with it, and did not know about these boards until after my surgery (when I started reading, they scared me to death since it was too late!) I do think it is important to have a surgeon who is very experienced and to make sure you understand about possible complications. Your lifestyle, work, exercise, etc. may impact whether it is right for you as well. I will add that I am very pleased with how my new breasts look (all things considered).
I hope others will chime in. Also, I would ask your surgeon if he has a patient who had the surgery who would be willing to talk to you about it.

Best wishes.

Jaybird627

I had lat flap surgery 12/2019. I don't have enough body fat or extra skin for any other surgery. I had healing issues previously after BMX. I recovered just fine from the lat flap surgery. I am a flight attendant and have no mobility issues at all. I had to have the expander removed due to wound healing issues - 3 times on that side. I found a new surgeon who suggested HBOT which I am completing soon. Will have a new expander in a few weeks and hope to have no more wound issues going forward. Good luck!

Jaybird~

Paraprofessional70

I am considering Latissimus Dorsi Reconstruction and need answers quickly. My concerns are:

1. Is there pain or discomfort from the site in the back where the tissue is harvested that continues years down the road? Does it disable you long-range?

2. Is there continual difficulties with your arm in the long-range of your life?

3. Does the breast mound feel soft? If you had a unilateral, is the symmetry of both breast what you expected?

4. If anyone has had this type of surgery, are you pleased with the outcome and why? If dissatisfied with the reconstruction, why?

I guess the main thing I am concerned with is life changing difficulties with the back and arm. Hoping no chronic pain for the rest of your life.

Jaybird627

As you can see on my posting above I've had no issues with my latt flap from 11 months ago. I now have an expander in place (I week ago). So far, so good. I have great range of motion but It's on my R side and I'm R handed. I have less range of motion on my L side. You can search my posts if you need more info. Some have issues after latt flap surgery but I think that is the exception. With just the latt flap it is a slight mound. Should one not choose reconstruction beyond that you are not flat flat you have a slight mound. Or at least I did. Good luck!

LoverofJesus

I am chiming in here because I have questions about latissimus dorsi! I will be having surgery in November. I will have a bilateral mastectomy. On one side they will do an expander and fill it like protocol for the implant. On the cancer side there will be all skin removed sooooo not able to fill an expander. So until after radiation I will be Whop sided for about 4 months with expanders. One filled and one not.

Then in March ish. I will have another surgery on one side they replace expander with implant, on the cancer side they will do a latissimus Dorsi flap to hold the implant. So I will be having two major surgeries. Ugh. Makes me want to cry really.

But my questions are:

• If you had a LD flap with implant what was your recovery time?
• If your LD reconstruction with implant was on one side what did you do while being uneven?
• How long was your Hospital stay?

Anyone who can give me insight on LD I will appreciate. I already know the risks, so please try to refrain from bad stories.

I need positive experiences and encouragement that it's all going to be ok. I hope someone will answer this thread. Actually, I hope several will.