My mom had a LD flap for reconstruction after a single mastectomy. She was satisfied with how she looked when dressed. She loved to swim and was very excited when she found some swimsuits that didn't show any of her scars. She was very private about her cancer and only family and a couple of friends knew she had cancer.
October 8
What a journey you've been on — a double mastectomy, chemo, and now radiation, all while navigating reconstruction decisions. That's a lot to carry, and it makes complete sense to be researching your options carefully.
The LD (latissimus dorsi) flap uses muscle and skin from your upper back to create a pocket for an implant Show Full Answer
What a journey you've been on — a double mastectomy, chemo, and now radiation, all while navigating reconstruction decisions. That's a lot to carry, and it makes complete sense to be researching your options carefully.
The LD (latissimus dorsi) flap uses muscle and skin from your upper back to create a pocket for an implant. It's a well-established option, especially for people who may not have enough chest tissue after mastectomy to support an implant on its own. A few things worth knowing about LD flap with implants:
- It combines your own tissue with an implant for a more natural result
- It does create an additional scar on your back
- Recovery can be longer than implant-only reconstruction
- Radiation (which you're currently undergoing) can affect timing and outcomes of reconstruction, so your surgical team will likely want to plan carefully around that
A MyBCTeam member shared about their reconstruction experience: "I decided on getting the implants in lieu of another wound" — showing that the extra scar from flap surgery is a real consideration for many people.
Since you're currently in radiation, it's especially important to discuss timing with your plastic surgeon, as radiation can affect tissue healing and implant outcomes. Every situation is unique, and a surgeon who specializes in post-mastectomy reconstruction will be the best guide for your specific case.
October 8
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