In this procedure, the breast is reconstructed using tissue from the back along with an implant. An example of this would be the latissimus dorsi muscle flap procedure. There are several variations to the skin paddle shape and size and the location of the final incision on one’s back depending on personal preference and the extent of coverage needed.
The procedure can be done as a unilateral reconstruction or as bilateral breast reconstruction. The reconstruction is based on the robust blood supply to the latissimus muscle and its overlying skin as it can be transposed form the back to the chest area. It is used when the abdomen is not available for a TRAM flap reconstruction, the patient is thin or when a large amount of breast skin is removed due to the cancer being close to the skin or if there is significant radiation burns to the skin. The procedure can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or as a delayed fashion.
